Page 8 of Mountain Man's Naughty Elf
The satellite phone on my desk chimed, drawing my attention. Only two people had that number, and one was my former commanding officer who never called unless it was an emergency.
"I need to take that," I said, crossing to the desk.
Pepper nodded, turning back to clean up the kitchen mess.
I picked up the phone, checking the ID. My brother. "Rudy."
"Hey, big brother. Just checking you haven't been buried alive in that hermit cave of yours. The blizzard's all over the news."
"I'm fine." I glanced at Pepper, who was very obviously pretending not to listen while washing dishes. "Actually, I need some information."
"From me? The journalist? This is unprecedented."
I lowered my voice. "What do you know about Mayor Wickett? Nolan Wickett."
Rudy's tone changed immediately. "Why are you asking about that snake?"
"Answer the question."
"Well, officially he's Evergreen Falls' golden boy. Chamber of Commerce darling. Unofficially? There are rumors. Nothing I can print yet, but I've been looking into some financial discrepancies around town development projects."
I watched Pepper, who had slowed her dish washing to a glacial pace. "What about the North Pole Village charity? The toy drive?"
A pause. "How do you know about that? I just started pulling those threads last week."
"Let's say I have a source."
"A source?" Rudy's voice rose in disbelief. "You, who hasn't spoken to another human being voluntarily in three years?"
"Are the rumors credible?" I pressed, ignoring his comment.
"Very. I've got documentation showing questionable transfers, but nothing definitive linking Wickett directly. He's careful." Rudy paused again. "Pax, what's going on? This isn't like you."
I debated how much to tell him, then decided on a partial truth. "Someone came to my cabin last night. Got caught in the storm. They had some interesting things to say our good ol’ mayor."
"Someone? Who?"
"Pepper Prescott. She runs the North Pole Village."
Rudy let out a low whistle. "Wickett’s ex-fiancée? This is huge. She's been tight-lipped since their split, even when rumors were flying about his cheating."
"She's not tight-lipped now." I glanced at her again. She'd abandoned all pretense of not listening. "Says she has evidence of him diverting charity funds."
"If that's true, it's the final nail I need. Is she willing to go on record?"
"She's right here. Ask her yourself." I held the phone out to Pepper, who wiped her hands hastily and took it.
"Hello?" Her voice was uncertain.
I stepped away, giving her space for the conversation, but not before I heard Rudy introduce himself and launch into rapid-fire questions. I busied myself checking the generator's fuel levels and firewood supply. If we really were going to be stuck here for a few days, I needed to ensure we had necessities covered.
When I returned, Pepper was still talking animatedly with my brother.
"...and he had the whole spreadsheet open on his laptop. It was labeled 'Reallocation,' can you believe that? Not even tryingto hide it." She paused, listening. "Yes, exactly. That's what I thought too."
I cleared my throat. She startled, then nodded.
"I should go. But yes, I'll send everything when I can. Thanks, Rudy." She handed the phone back to me.
