Page 24 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
That was typical. I’d infiltrated luxury hotels, celebrity parties, private resorts, and exclusive events. I knew how to blend in among the rich and powerful—attract notice when it suited me and fly under the radar when it didn’t.
But after only half a day in the small mountain town, I was at a bit of a loss.
“Do you want my advice?” Maple asked.
“Only if it’s good.”
“You need a local. Someone who knows the town well and can give you insight.”
I was about to remind her that I worked alone—on the ground, at least—when the door to the main house opened, and Natalie emerged.
My lips turned up in a grin. “Natalie.”
“Who’s Natalie? You make me nervous when you use that tone.”
“She’s my local.”
“Don’t go causing trouble.”
My smile widened. “I would never.”
“You would always.” She sighed. “Be careful, Jensen. I have an odd feeling about this job.”
On any other occasion, the concern in Maple’s voice would have caught my attention. Trusting her instincts, I would havepressed her on what was bothering her. But Natalie was about to get in her car, and I wanted to catch her before she left.
“I’ll check in later,” I said, ending the call.
My eyes locked on Natalie as I exited my vehicle. She was hunkered down in a thick winter coat, and her long hair spilled out from a knit hat as she paused to take a phone call.
“I really don’t know,” she said, and I didn’t miss the impatience in her voice. This wasn’t a call she wanted to continue. “That isn’t my business.”
She caught sight of me walking toward her, and I paused, waiting for her to finish her call.
“No, I’m not asking him that,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “Yes, I have, but only in a professional capacity. I have to go, okay? I’ll see you around.”
With a sharp exhale, she jabbed her finger onto her phone screen to end the call. It took her a few tries before she managed it.
I couldn’t help but smile. She was so feisty. I liked it.
“Hi, Mr. Lakes,” she said. “Do you need something?”
“It’s Jensen, darling,” I said. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes, fine. It’s just Tilikum being Tilikum.” She hesitated. “You kind of set the gossip line on fire.”
“How did I manage that?”
“Somebody saw you in town this morning and told someone else—I’m not really sure how it started—and then word got around that you’re staying here. I’ve had three neighbors justhappen,” she said, using air quotes, “to stop by with Christmas cookies.”
My brow furrowed. “They brought dessert? What does that have to do with me?”
“It’s an excuse to come over. Mostly so they could get a look at you or ask me what I know about you—or both. And Mrs.Dallas just called, insisting I tell her everything I know. But at least she was straightforward about it.”
“Isn’t there tourism in this town? You must have visitors.”
“We do. But this time of year, it’s mostly people into winter sports or families coming for sleigh rides and Christmas Village. Not men traveling alone who look like… you. You don’t look like a typical tourist.”
Perhaps Maple’s idea was a good one, and not simply as an excuse to get to know Natalie. I did work alone, but there was something to be said for getting help from a local who understood the town's ins and outs.
