Page 12 of Mountain Man's Naughty Elf
"What do you want?" I deliberately kept my tone unwelcoming.
"We're checking on residents in the outlying areas. Making sure everyone's safe in the storm."
A blatant lie. "I'm fine."
He nodded, trying to peer past me into the cabin. "Good, good. Say, we're also looking for someone who might be lost in the storm. A young woman, about this tall—" he held his hand to shoulder height, "—auburn hair. She's an employee of mine who went missing last night in concerning circumstances."
"Haven't seen anyone."
One of his security goons stepped forward. "Mind if we take a look inside, just to be sure? She might have sought shelter without you knowing. Cabin this size, lots of rooms..."
"One room," I corrected coldly. "Open floor plan. And no, you can't come in without a warrant."
The mayor's smile tightened. "Mr. Forrester, this is a matter of public safety. Pepper—Ms. Prescott—may be in danger, or delirious from the cold. She took something valuable of mine before disappearing."
"Not my problem."
The second security man shifted, his jacket falling open enough to reveal a holstered gun. A deliberate intimidation tactic.
"Let me be clearer," Wickett said, dropping the friendly act. "Ms. Prescott has stolen sensitive data that could damage the town's reputation. If you're harboring her—"
"I'm not," I interrupted. "But if I were, you still wouldn't be coming inside without a warrant." I straightened to my full height, shoulders squared, adopting the same stance that had faced down Taliban fighters—feet at shoulder width, weight centered, hands relaxed but ready. The mayor might not recognize the specific threat posture, but his body would register it instinctively.
The mayor's politician smile faltered as he reassessed the six-foot-four former Marine blocking his doorway. His jaw twitched once—a tell I catalogued automatically. "No threats.Just concern for a missing woman." His eyes darted past me again, searching the home’s interior.
A soft thump came from upstairs—barely audible over the wind, but I saw Wickett's eyes flicker toward the sound. I needed to end this, now.
"Your concern is noted," I said flatly. "Now get off my property. The roads are only getting worse."
For a moment, I thought he might push the issue, but then he nodded tightly. "Of course. If you do see Ms. Prescott, please call the town office immediately."
"Sure."
He turned to go, then paused. "One more thing, Mr. Forrester. We don't know each other, but I'd hate for you to get caught up in something messy. Pepper can be...convincing when she wants to be. Whatever she's told you about me or the town, I'd take it with a grain of salt."
I met his gaze steadily. "I form my own opinions."
"I'm sure you do." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Stay safe."
I watched as they trudged back to their vehicles, waiting until they'd turned around and started back down the driveway before closing the door.
"Are they gone?" Pepper squeaked from the top of the stairs.
"Almost." I stalked back to the window, watching until the SUVs' taillights disappeared into the swirling snow. "Clear."
She descended the stairs, her face pale. "He knows I'm here. That's why he came all the way out in this storm."
"He suspects," I corrected. "But he doesn't know."
"I heard him mention something I stole. The USB drive?"
I pulled it from my pocket. "Safe. But I had to burn your hat."
"Small price to pay." She took the drive, clutching it tightly. "Thank you. For not turning me in."
"I don't like politicians." I knelt to stoke the fire, needing something to do with my hands. "Especially ones who show up at my door with armed men trying to intimidate me."
She sank onto the couch. "Those were probably just his gym buddies who like playing tough guy."
