Page 2 of Why You?: Part One, Monday

“Kinsley Butler.”

“Kinsley, it’s Charles.” It’s the boss.

“Hey, Charles. I was just about to call you. I just checked in, and I have to say, the place is amazing.”

“I was hoping you’d say that. Did you get a chance to inspect anything yet?” he asks.

“Not yet. It’s a little colder than I expected, so I‘m going to grab some warmer clothes and head out. Is there anything specific you want me to look for?” I ask.

“There is.”

“Okay, let’s hear it.”

“I just got a call that an inspector from Tobyn International is also visiting the resort.”

“Ugh,” I groan and roll my eyes. “Don’t tell me it’s Anson Mallard.”

Anson Mallard. Although I haven’t personally met him, I’ve heard many things about him. While he’s very good at what he does, saying all the right things at all the right times, he’s a manipulative bastard who thinks the sun shines out of his ass and that he’s God’s gift to women. Such a self-righteous asshole, if there ever was one.

“The one and only.”

“I hate that guy,” I say and loosen my hair.

“I know, we all do. He’s arrogant, obnoxious, and knows exactly what to say to manipulate people. If you’re not up for it, I can send the chopper-”

“That won’t be necessary,” I scoff and walk up to the window, looking down at the snow-covered mountains in the distance. The clear skies aren’t so clear anymore and have turned into a dull blue-gray hue. I’m almost lost in my thoughts when Charles’s voice whirls me back to the present moment.

“Are you sure? I know you and him have never seen eye to eye in the past.”

“Technically, we’ve never met in person, but you’re right.”

“If you want to leave, I won’t hold it against you.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I can handle him,” I say with confidence.

“Okay, Kinsley. Good luck.”

“Thanks, but I don’t need luck,” I smile at the view in front of me. “I’ve got this.”

TWO

~ Anson ~

I’m not easily impressed in general, and I tend to point out the slightest flaw in everything I see. I’m rarely satisfied, and it takes a lot to sway me.

That’s probably why I’m so good at my job as a corporate property inspector. I don’t back down, and I don’t settle for anything less than perfection. This is precisely why my boss, Frank Tobyn from Tobyn International, sent me on this expedition into the mountains. Lockwood Ski Resort is on the market, and Tobyn is very interested in purchasing the property. It stretches across five thousand acres and is a highly profitable business. Billionaires and business people frequent the resort throughout peak season, and it’s been known as the most sought-after ski destination among celebrities. The resort has been in the media as their vacation destination of choice, and now I can see why.

Even though a part of the hotel is closed for renovations, I like what I see. Especially the suite I specifically picked out on the first floor. I don’t care much for stairs or elevators, so a room on the ground floor is perfect for me. And what a room it is. It’s nearly as large as my apartment in New York, with a rustic feel to it that’s surprisingly appealing. It lets me know I’m in the mountains, plus it has the added luxuries I can find in my apartment. The spacious bedroom area has a king-size bed that looks incredibly comfortable and modern lighting that can dim your specific need or mood. The sitting area has two comfortable couches, with a stunning view of the slopes and the mountains in the distance, far away from civilization.

There’s a small town nearby, in case of emergencies. But other than that, it’s pretty remote in the middle of nowhere, which is perfect for a celebrity who wants to get away.

I stare out of the window for a few minutes, gathering my thoughts or perhaps just surveying the area. By the looks of it, I have a lot of ground to cover if I want to inspect the whole hotel in two days. Of course, skiing is out of the question. But I can still take a walk along the grounds to add to my report. From what I’ve seen, Frank should make an offer on this place. It’s a hot piece of real estate that’s not going to last long.

Rumor has it that our biggest rival company, Zephyr Enterprises, also has its eye on the resort. And I’m not going to allow them to steal this from Frank. They’ve been our biggest rival ever since they purchased that luxury mall in Dallas a decade ago. And since then, we’ve been on opposite sides of the same table, fighting over the same businesses for years.

Frank has lost quite a few deals to Zephyr, but I’m not going to allow him to lose this one. This resort is a goldmine, and I have to do something to deter the other inspector.

After unpacking my overnight bag, I leave my room to have a look around the hotel, eager to see what there is. As I approach the lobby, I notice a woman standing in front of the large Christmas tree. I hadn’t even noticed it when I entered. But then again, I was on a call to my boss and wasn’t entirely focused on my surroundings, which is strange. HowdidI not notice it?

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