by Jill Sanders
When he felt her tense, he refocused and then heard Blue’s low growl. He knew too well that that sound meant that his dog was uneasy about someone approaching.
Glancing around, he scanned the darkness beyond the ring of stringed lights overhead.
“It’s probably one of my staff,” Raven said easily. “They’re no doubt waiting to clear up this mess so they can go home.” She sighed. “Thank you for coming tonight.” She knelt down to pet Blue and comfort him. His dog settled down immediately and exposed his belly in a shameless attempt to get more attention. Raven chuckled and gave his dog everything he wanted, making him a very jealous man once more.
“We’d better head out.” He snapped his finger for Blue, who immediately stood up, gave Raven a sloppy kiss, and moved to his side. “Thanks for the dinner.” He glanced down to Blue. “Tell Raven thank you for the steak.”
Raven laughed when Blue let out a few happy sounding barks.
A dark shadow watched the couple dance and flirt with one another from a few floors above them. Cast in darkness, filled with rage as the two lovers kissed.
Memories blinded, split off, and caused fury so deep, so pure, that the blackness consumed. Someone would pay for it later. Someone would be the unwitting victim and suffer as pure delight would replace the rage.
Chapter Fifteen
Figure out what lights your fire then chase the match.
The following day, Raven had a meeting with Rachelle bright and early. She wanted to make sure the manager knew all about her plans to turn the courtyard into more space for fine dining options.
And she wanted to start the process of adding a dance area and speakers for music.
She liked Rachelle. It was strange, but the woman was the only person in the resort, other than Cemal and Tom, who was friendly towards her.
Raven assumed it was because the woman wasn’t a fool and had known all along who the boss was.
Something told her that Rachelle had been biding her time until Colin and Roslyn sunk themselves too far down the hole before striking out and taking over everything herself.
When she’d finished telling Rachelle about her plans for the courtyard, she’d suggested adding live music, maybe even rolling out the grand piano and hiring an orchestra for bigger events.
“Something tells me,” Raven started to say as she poured more hot tea for Rachelle, “that if my aunt and uncle hadn’t been in your way, this place would have been in a much better state when I returned.” Raven smiled as she handed Rachelle a cup of hot tea.
The older woman chuckled. “Something tells me you’re right.” She took a sip.
Raven sat back down and took a drink of her own tea.
“Are there any local bands or orchestras that we can hire?” Raven asked.
“There might be.” Rachelle frowned slightly and tilted her head. “I’ll look into it.” She set her mug down and pulled out her phone to take a note.
Since Raven had returned, Rachelle had been instrumental in helping Raven organize and plan future changes. There was no doubt in Raven’s mind that her statement was true. If the woman hadn’t been held back by her family, the resort would have flourished under the manager’s guidance.
Raven only wished she could say the same for Liam Montford, whom her uncle had called his business manager. The man hadn’t shown his face once in her office since she’d taken over. She knew it was only a matter of time, since she’d stopped paying his paychecks after determining that he’d managed her uncle instead of the business.
Since she’d let her uncle go, she no longer needed someone to manage him.
Then there was Eddie Mimms. Eddie’s official title was Ski and Snow Resort Manager. Which meant that the man should have worked during the season only. However, according to her uncle’s accounting, he was receiving a paycheck year-round.
When she’d had a brief meeting with the men, she’d found him proficient and confusing at the same time. He dressed professional, but she could tell that he was an outdoorsman through and through. She figured he’d dressed up for their meeting, which meant that he was serious about keeping his job.
Eddie was unclear about why the accounting showed that he’d received paychecks year-round. But the salary seemed to match that of what he claimed on his taxes, so he hadn’t looked into it further.
Eddie oversaw all of the seasonal employees, such as the ski lift crew, the ski and snowboard instructors, and the employees in the rental facilities and guest shops.
It was a vital role, but it was only necessary when the snow started falling.
In her meeting with him, she mentioned opening the slopes in a few months for downhill summer sports. The man seemed eager and excited and even mentioned renting bikes or selling bike accessories.
Since he seemed capable and was excited to finally be given free rein, Raven allowed him to proceed with the new plans.
Which brought her back to Rachelle. The woman was easily one of her greatest alliances in town. When someone didn’t want to work for the villainous Firestarter who was responsible for everyone’s past pain, Rachelle stepped in and somehow convinced them that working for the resort only assured the town’s full recovery.
It was how they’d gained more than half a dozen new employees already, including a few of Raven’s old classmates.
“I heard last night’s dinner was a huge success,” Rachelle mentioned.
“It was.” Raven smiled. “I plan to tell Tim later today that he’s earned his position as sous chef. For now.”
“That’s wonderful. I know he’s worked hard on moving up. I can remember when he first came to us.” Rachelle chuckled. “I caught him making grilled cheese sandwiches.” She leaned forward slightly. “I still have dreams about them even though I’m lactose intolerant.”
Raven smiled as her office phone rang. “Sorry, give me a moment.”
“That’s okay, I’ve got a million things to do.” Rachelle stood and set her teacup down. “Thanks for the break.”
Raven answered the phone as the woman stepped out of her office.
“Miss Brooks? This is Ruth Downing. Joseph Ramsey’s business partner.” The line was a little choppy, and Raven had to strain to hear the other woman.
“Yes, Mrs. Downing. I was hoping to have a moment to sit down with you,” Raven said, pulling out her notepad.
“I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to contact you before now. As you can imagine, Joe’s death has got all of us in the office working in overdrive.”
“I understand.” Raven pressed the phone up against her ear to hear the woman.
“I’ve emailed you the information we talked about that day in your office. I know Joe wanted you to be able to start the process with the police.”
“Thank you,” Raven said, eagerly booting up her laptop.
“I hope that, even after Joe’s passing, you’ll consider keeping me on as your CPA. There’s going to be some restructuring, but I plan on continuing with the business.”
“I’d be happy to keep you on,” Raven said. There wasn’t another CPA she trusted within a hundred miles. If Joe had trusted Ruth Downing, that was good enough for her.
“Wonderful. If there’s anything else you need, please feel free to contact me. I think we have you all set up on the new software,” Ruth said.
“Yes, I’m getting the hang of it. Thank you.” Raven opened her email and smiled when she noticed the email from Ruth. Then she frowned when she noticed the email below it. The subject line read, “His blood is on your hands.”
The rest of Ruth’s conversation fell away, and Raven made some quick excuse before hanging up.
With shaky fingers, she clicked on the email and read the rest of the message.
“You should have never returned. Joseph Ramsey’s death is your fault. Just like all the others died because of you all those years ago.”
The email address was a long string of numbers and symbols.
Leaning back, she took a cou
ple of deep breaths before deleting the message and moving on to print out every ounce of proof Joe and Ruth had found on her uncle and Morgan Roche.
With a folder full of proof, she stepped outside her office door, determined to head down to the police station and file an official report.
She hadn’t expected to see her aunt standing just outside her office door, her hand raised as if ready to knock.
“Oh.” Raven almost fell over. “I didn’t see you.” She caught her breath and steadied herself.
Her aunt took a deep breath and then raised her chin slightly. “Raven, dear, I was wondering if you had a moment.”
Raven glanced down at the folder and then back at her aunt. Her aunt’s normally disheveled look was gone, replaced by a carefully tidy and professional appearance. The burgundy blouse looked new and expensive, as did the dark grey dress pants. Even the low heels she wore were suited for any boardroom. She had even tied her short messy blonde hair back in a modest bun.
Raven nodded and unlocked her office door before motioned for her aunt to step inside. Setting the folder down on her desk, she motioned for her aunt to sit. “Please.” She waited for her aunt to sit then decided against sitting down herself and opted to stand at the corner of her desk instead. “What can I do for you?”
“I’m here to ask for your forgiveness,” her aunt said, surprising her. Raven decided it would be better to remain quiet and let her aunt continue. “Colin has had a few days to come to terms with what has happened. We’re willing to testify. Both of us.”
Raven shook her head slightly. “I’m sorry, testify?”
“Yes,” Roslyn said, scooting forward in the seat. “Your uncle and I realized after talking with the police what really happened. How we were both duped into believing it was within our legal rights, as guardians over this place, to withdraw extra funds for its care. We didn’t know the legality of it all.” Roslyn waved her hands around as if searching for the words. “We left that up to Morgan Roche, whom we hired to take care of all of that.” She tilted her head and smiled slightly. “We’re willing to testify that Miss Roche misguided us. She’s the reason money was misplaced from the resort’s accounts.”
Raven sat on the edge of the desk and swallowed. “You’re telling me…” She wanted to laugh but took a deep breath instead. “That Morgan Roche convinced you that it was okay to steal money?”
“We never stole,” her aunt jumped in, sounding shocked. “We were informed we could withdraw funds and use them as we saw fit for the business.”
“Right,” Raven said slowly, “and do you have receipts for these… business transactions?”
Her aunt took a deep breath. “I’m sure I could find some… if you’ll tell me how much we’re talking about.”
“Three million dollars.” Raven crossed her arms over her chest.
“What?” Her aunt stood up. “That’s a lie!”
It was strange watching her aunt go from a docile mouse to a roaring lioness in a heartbeat. Roslyn’s pale skin turned a bright shade of purplish red, almost the color of a ripe beet.
Raven stood up and prepared to stand her ground.
“There has to be some sort of mistake,” her aunt said after taking a few deep breaths. “I can assure you, the amount of money your uncle and I know about is nowhere near that.”
“Numbers don’t lie,” she said, motioning to the folder.
Her aunt looked between her and the folder. “Give me a month.”
“For?” Raven asked.
“To prove to you that we had nothing to do with the missing money,” her aunt answered.
It was laughable. Really. Raven was positive that once she turned over the proof to the police, they’d get a warrant to gain access to her aunt and uncle’s finances and find the corroboration.
“I’m sorry,” she started to say, shaking her head.
Her aunt moved closer to her until she was a breath away. Her hand jerked up and gripped Raven’s arm like a tight vice. Her longer fingernails dug into her skin, causing Raven to hiss with pain and try to jerk free.
“You’ll give me a month. If you don’t, I’ll tell everyone what you were really doing out there in the woods that night,” her aunt hissed.
Raven’s eyebrow shot up. “What was I really doing?” Forgotten was the pain in her arm as curiosity peaked.
“I know who you were meeting. I found the notes.”
Raven was able to jerk free. “You’re out of your mind.” She moved to stand behind her desk, hoping to put some space between them.
“You think this is a joke? Meeting with a man twice your age? Is that the reason you killed him? Because he threatened to tell everyone about your… liaison?”
“What?” Raven gaped. “Joe? You think Joe and I…” Raven did laugh this time.
“I’ll go to the police. I kept the notes hidden.” Roslyn smiled. “They’re proof enough that you started the fire to cover up your affair. That you killed him.”
“You need to leave.” Raven walked over to the office door and held it open. “You’re just as crazy as I remember you being.”
Her aunt glared at her as she passed by. “One month. Give us the decency of one month. If not for me, then for your uncle and cousins.” When Raven wouldn’t agree, she jerked around and left quickly.
She wanted to take a moment to compose herself but as she was walking out, she saw her cousin Liza storm across the lobby towards her.
Holding in a groan, she held the folder tight against her chest and waited as her cousin stopped directly in front of her.
“Don’t do this,” Liza hissed in a low tone.
“What?” Raven asked.
Her cousin glared at her, much like her mother had just done. “Word is going around that you have…”—she tapped the folder— “something you’re taking to the police that will send my parents up the river.”
Raven wanted to laugh at her cousin’s analogy but instead braced herself for the next onslaught.
“I think it’s terrible what you’re doing,” Liza said.
“Your mother just paid me a visit,” she countered. “If she couldn’t persuade me, then none of your threats can.”
Liza swayed back slightly then shrugged. Her cousin’s eyes ran over her. “You’d be surprised at the things I hear around here.”
“Like?” Raven said with a sigh.
“Like rumors about you having a fight with your boyfriend the night the fire started.” Liza crossed her arms over her chest.
“Is blackmail your family’s go-to move?” Raven shook her head. “That’s old news. You’re ten years too late.” She moved to walk around her.
“I also know who he cheated on you with and why,” Liza said, causing Raven to stop walking. She wanted to fall for the bait, really, she did. But why Reggie cheated on a sixteen-year-old naive Raven no longer mattered to her.
Instead, she walked out the front door of the resort, climbed in her car, and set the folder on the seat next to her, even more determined than she had been before.
When she walked into the police station, she never expected to be as nervous as she was. Her palms were sweaty, and her voice even shook when she asked to talk to Sheriff Sean Stone.
She was taken to a small waiting room and had to sit on her hands to keep them from shaking as she waited for Cade’s uncle to come into the room.
“Miss Brooks.” Sean smiled at her as he walked into the room. “I was going to be heading your way later today. This saves me a trip.”
“Oh?” she asked, slightly worried about something new now.
“I received a very interesting email earlier today.” Sean sat down across from her and pushed a piece of paper in front of her.
She looked down and reread the email she’d received and deleted herself earlier.
“You should have never returned. Joseph Ramsey’s death is your fault. Just like all the others died because of you all those years ago.”
“How did you… Where did y
ou get this?” she asked, looking up at him.
“It was in my inbox when I arrived this morning.” Sean leaned forward. “I take it you received a copy as well?”
“Yes, and I deleted it.” She pushed the paper back towards him. “Do you know how many times over the years I’ve received messages like this?”
She watched Sean’s eyes and could tell the moment he realized the truth of her words.
“Okay, if you’re not here for this…” He set the paper aside.
It was her turn to push paper in front of him. “The proof you’ll need to open an official investigation against my aunt and uncle along with Morgan Roche for embezzling.” She held her breath as Sean looked through the paperwork.
When his eyes turned up to hers, she relaxed slightly. Cade’s uncle looked so much like Cade, somehow it had a calming effect on her.
“You’re willing to drag your family through the mud? You know the chance of recovering any of the money is slim,” Sean said.
Raven raised her chin slightly. “It’s not about the money. It’s about morals.”
His eyes ran over her for a moment. “Do you remember that I was the one who found you after the fire?”
She swallowed and nodded slowly. Most of her memories from that night and her seventeenth birthday were fuzzy, with the exception of that small detail.
“I never got to thank you,” she said softly.
“When everyone else in town was spreading rumors, I remembered finding you, tucked into a small ball, covered in mud, soot, and ash. Seeing your tears, hearing your anguish when you found out what you’d lost.” He watched her closely.
“You lost Reggie,” she pointed out.
“We both did. Did you ever know that he was found less than a quarter of a mile away from the cave? My guess is, he was trying to make it there.”
“No.” She shook her head as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I never knew.”
Sean sighed and shook his head. “This”—he motioned to the file— “might open a lot of old wounds in this town. Wounds that have started to heal.”
