Threads of Love

by Frances Devine

  He looked into Eve’s eyes. “You were in your room when it was stolen?” She could see a twinge of genuine concern register in his eyes.

  “Yes,” she said.

  “So it’s robbery, not burglary.”

  Eve bit her lip as a chill ran across her neck.

  The detective pressed his arm kindly against Eve’s shoulder and leaned toward her. “This kind of thief is only after the money, nothing else. You’re safe, we’ll see to that.”

  “Yes, safe.” The strength of his presence reassured her.

  “Am I interrupting?” a smoky female voice asked.

  Eve raised her eyes to see a tall woman with cropped blond hair and voluminous satin lips. The deep blue sheath dress she wore accentuated the best of her slim figure.

  “Priscilla,” Detective Gregory spouted as he stood to his feet. “No, we’re—I’m—just working a case.”

  The woman smiled and dipped her chin. “You won’t be too long, I hope.”

  He glanced at his watch. “No, not long.”

  As Eve leaned back in her chair, Priscilla moved to the detective’s side.

  “My client will be gone in another hour,” the lovely woman said. She placed her well-manicured hands on the detective’s tie and scooted the knot upward to its proper position. “Remember, my sister’s joining us for dinner tonight.”

  “Right.” He cleared his throat. “Priscilla, this is Eve Kirkwood, a guest of the hotel.” He swung his gaze to Eve. “Priscilla is the Broadmoor’s wedding planner.”

  I’d say she’s a bit more than that.

  The beautiful blond twined her fingers into the detective’s.

  “Well I won’t keep you from your work.” Her smile was coy. “Don’t be late.”

  He nodded. “See you then.”

  Priscilla gave a parting glance toward Eve that was less than warm and left the room.

  Detective Gregory turned back to Eve and ran his hand down his tie. “I think it best if we relocate you to a different room. Just as an extra precaution.” He smiled.

  “Yes, I agree.” Eve returned the smile.

  “Well, we’ve found something we both agree on. Good. I’ll see to your move personally. We’ll have you resettled in less than an hour’s time.”

  “Thank you.” Eve came to her feet. “I want my squares, and I want the thief.”

  “We’ll begin the investigation right away.” He zipped his windbreaker back up, his eyes soft. “Don’t worry.”

  True to his word, in an hour’s time, Eve was settled in her new room just up the hall from her old one.

  Jason made a call. “Hey Jimmy, you’re on overnights, right?”

  “I’m your man.” Jimmy’s voice always sounded like gravel in a cement mixer.

  “Keep an eye on 144 East. Single woman, a robbery victim.”

  “Expecting a repeat?”

  “No, but keep an eye.”

  “Extra protective. Attractive, is she?”

  “Hey, I’m meeting Priscilla’s sister at dinner tonight, actually in twenty minutes.”

  “The sister. Good luck. Sounds tedious.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Sunshine. You have a great night, too.”

  Unpacked and her room service meal eaten, Eve pondered her day as she snuggled into bed. It had gone much differently than planned. Know that I am God, she recalled. She felt a surge of confidence. “Don’t worry, Gran, I’m going to get the squares back. The question is, will Jason Gregory be up to the challenge of helping me?”

  Chapter 4

  The autumn sun announced the dawn with a beautiful pink and lavender sunrise. Eve thanked God for its beauty. After a restful night, the hope of finding Gran’s squares blazed in her. Despite the difficulties so far, and the arrogance of Jason Gregory, she had a sense of good winning out over the bad.

  And then it struck her. She had worked on her own square on the plane yesterday. She had put one of Gran’s squares in as a sample to inspire her own pattern. She’d jammed it all in her purse when landing. She grabbed her handbag. There were the squares, stuffed in a corner.

  “Yes.” She pulled out a baggie that held her almost completed square, Gran’s square, a needle, and thread. Her shoulders relaxed. She held the treasure bag to her chest. “One down, and the rest to go.”

  A few laps at one of the specialized single-lane pools would be the perfect way to celebrate her find and energize her thoughts.

  Eve donned her emerald-blue swimsuit. Some might call it retro, but the sweetheart neckline and the tie at the nape of her neck made her feel glamorous.

  Five minutes later, she was gliding on her back, lifting her arms to push her body along, the coolness of the wet splashes vitalizing. Her flutter kick gurgled. Water caressed her head,

  and she closed her eyes.

  Who took Gran’s squares? Eve’s thoughts moved with her body. The thief: dressed in a hotel uniform, comfortable as a bellman, knew the lay of the land, impeccable timing. In her relaxed glide through the water, she put it together. He’s a former employee.

  Jason exited the weight room, moist with heavy lifting, and endorphins dancing. He cut through the pool area to head for the employee showers and spied Eve in the swim lane. The confident movement of her hands and her silhouette framed in blue drew him to her. Lord, she’s beautiful. He took a deep inhale. Hands off, he reminded himself. This is purely professional. The security regime was very strict about fraternization with clients.

  “Good morning, Miss Kirkwood.”

  The words pulled Eve from her thoughts and broke her rhythm. She opened her eyes and went into a stationary dog paddle, her brows elevated and breathing quickened.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you.” Detective Gregory stood at the edge of the lane, almost over her head.

  “You didn’t,” Eve lied, continuing to tread water.

  He crouched down. His workout gear clung to him.

  “I was in the weight room.” He nodded to the area just past the dive pool. “I’m glad to have seen you—I need more input on the case. Can you meet me at reception in an hour?”

  “What if I told you I have plans at that time?” Eve asked,

  even though she didn’t. Did this guy think she was at his command?

  “I’m afraid I’d have to advise you to change them. It’s important.”

  “Oh.” Eve blew a light breath out. “Well, if it’s that important, then.”

  “Thanks.” He smiled, stretched to his full height, and took steps away while Eve continued to paddle.

  “You’re welcome.” She watched him go, and her obstinacy turned to an eagerness rising inside. What had he discovered that so urgently needed her attention?

  Jason grinned and shook his head as he walked away. He was amazed at how apparently stubborn this otherwise attractive woman appeared to be. He thought she wanted his help, but at the same time it seemed she didn’t. She was a puzzle. And wasn’t it amazing that his job was to put puzzle pieces together to solve crimes. Perhaps, just like the crime, she would become a puzzle to solve. A very lovely puzzle.

  Eve was at the front desk just before the hour passed—dry, casually dressed, but in her best colors and ready to get on with the job.

  “I’m meeting Jason Gregory.” She smiled and looked at the employee badge on the young man at the desk. “Binjani.”

  “Yes, miss. Your name?” He lifted the phone receiver.

  “Eve Kirkwood.”

  “Ah, Eve Kirkwood.” Binjani pulled a sealed envelope out from under the counter. “Someone left this for you.”

  Eve took the letter and smiled. “Isabel.”

  As the young man spoke Eve’s name into the phone, she opened the envelope. The note inside was obviously computer printed.

  If you want valuable information concerning your recent theft, meet me on the back terrace of the piano lounge on the mezzanine, midnight tonight.

  Eve stuffed the note back into the envelope. This was not from Isabel. “Who left this for me?
” She clenched the envelope in her fist.

  “It was here when I came on duty this morning.” Binjani returned the phone to the cradle. “Mr. Gregory is coming.”

  “I need the night desk manager,” Eve demanded, ferocity elevating her voice.

  “He’s gone home.”

  Eve thrust the envelope forward. “I need to know who wrote this.”

  “Is there a problem?”

  “What problem?” Jason Gregory’s voice boomed across the marble floors.

  Eve crammed the envelope into her jeans pocket.

  Binjani spoke up. “This lady received …”

  “No, no problem,” Eve interrupted.

  The detective eyed her pants pocket where a corner of the envelope peeked out.

  “Thank you, Binjani.” He nodded. “This way, Miss Kirkwood.”

  In the guest services office, Detective Gregory directed Eve to a chair then seated himself across from her.

  “Enjoy your swim?” he asked.

  Eve nodded.

  “Now, I know you believe your thief is a hotel employee.”

  Eve elevated her brows. She could sense a but coming.

  “But we’d really like you to take a look at some local police mug shots. They are of known thieves believed to be active in the area.” He gave her a coaxing look. “It won’t take long.”

  Eve crossed her arms. “My thief’s not going to be there.”

  “Don’t be hasty. Study the photos.” He turned the monitor so she could see.

  Eve pursed her lips then leaned toward the screen.

  One by one, she looked at the photos and, one by one, rejected them with a shake of her head.

  “Are you sure he’s not there?” The detective tapped the desk with a pen.

  “No, he’s not there.”

  “Absolutely no possibility?”

  Eve rose and glared across the desk. “Listen, Mr. Gregory, not to put too fine a point on it, but this has been a complete waste of time.”

  The detective took to his feet as well and leaned across the desk into Eve’s space. “I’m really sorry you think so, Miss Kirkwood, because if indeed he’s not here, we’ve just eliminated the known criminal element of Colorado Springs. That’s hardly a waste of time.”

  Eve dropped her chin. “All right, not a waste.”

  “Now.” His eyes were intense, and he straightened. “That envelope in your pocket. It’s related to the theft, isn’t it?”

  Eve ran her hand across the top of her hip. She felt the offending corner of paper and pushed it deeper.

  “Miss Kirkwood, I’ll go to the desk and speak with Binjani to get as much information from him as possible.” His voice became stern. “And then I will track you down. So you can tell me now, or you can tell me later about that problem.”

  Eve acquiesced. “I was trying to find out who had left the note when you came.”

  “Anonymous is it?” He tipped his head and stuck his hand out toward Eve, palm up. “Please.” He nodded toward her pocket.

  Eve reluctantly pulled the crumpled envelope out of its hiding place and smacked it into his waiting palm.

  He took the note from the envelope and read it. His brows knit, which only built Eve’s resolve. “I don’t like this; it’s not safe.”

  “I’m going to meet them, whoever they are.”

  “I highly advise against it.”

  “Thank you for the advice. I want my property back, and I’ve only got five days to get it.”

  “There’s nothing I can do to dissuade you?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Fine.” He crossed his arms. “I’ll meet you at eleven thirty tonight on the back terrace.”

  “What? No. They asked for me. They certainly didn’t invite you.”

  “Dress warmly, Miss Kirkwood. It’s supposed to be quite cool tonight.”

  Chapter 5

  The night sky was littered with sparkling stars that danced above the rugged mountain horizon. Cool air pricked at Eve’s cheeks, and the smell of wood smoke drifted across the tiled terrace. Several couples occupied the hardy outdoor furniture sprinkled across the area. Eve sat in front of the twenty-foot stone fireplace, where the rustic chairs snuggled together to catch the heat of the blaze.

  She dug her hands into the pockets of her down-filled jacket. It, as well as her wool scarf, provided much-appreciated warmth.

  And yet, despite the chill, the beauty was almost palpable. How could anyone not take joy in this place where everything but God’s splendor was stripped away?

  If Eve were true to herself, in her heart of hearts, she had to admit she looked forward to Detective Gregory’s company, not just for the sake of the case, but to share all this beauty with him.

  “Oh dear,” she said aloud. She knew the signs of that Mars-Venus attraction, which wasn’t bad in itself, but she also knew she had to be careful. She recognized that starlit nights could so easily lure her away from business and into a moment’s fancy. How could she be attracted to someone who didn’t take her seriously and already had a girlfriend? “And inefficient”—Eve turned to look at the clock through the window of the piano lounge—“and unprofessional. He’s ten minutes late.”

  “Miss Kirkwood.” Detective Gregory suddenly stood next to her. “I apologize for being late. It couldn’t be helped. I just dropped Priscilla at her apartment and looked in on Lucy.”

  Lucy? How many women does he have in his life?

  He seated himself in the chair next to Eve and leaned back.

  She noticed the black turtleneck under his washed-out jean jacket, and the well-fitted relaxed Levi’s. Not in his security gear.

  “Are you undercover?” she joked.

  He grinned. “I’m off work, technically.”

  “Well, no sign of the grass yet.”

  “Grass?”

  “Informant,” Eve clarified.

  “Yes, I know what a grass is.” He smiled. “You’ve been watching too many crime shows.”

  Eve stared hard at him. “I don’t watch much TV. I work in a large metropolitan police department.”

  “You never said that.” He returned the stare.

  “Oh, but I did.” Eve held her eyes steady.

  “What do you do there?”

  “I’m the assistant police commissioner’s personal assistant.”

  “Oh, a PA. You keep the big boys playing fair and on time.”

  “Well, I keep them playing anyway,” Eve corrected.

  He laughed and she joined him.

  She pulled her hands out of her pockets and rubbed them vigorously together. Then lifted them to her mouth and blew on them.

  “Forget your gloves?” he asked. He pulled one of his own off and wrapped warm masculine fingers around Eve’s frosty hand. “Your fingers are frozen.”

  The warmth of his hand brought momentary relief and comfort.

  He took off the other glove. “Here.” He handed the large suede gloves to her. “Not a fashion statement, but they’re warm.”

  “I’m fine,” Eve claimed between chattering teeth.

  “Take them, Miss Kirkwood.”

  Eve relented. She flashed a smile in his direction. “Since we’re sharing outerwear, you can call me Eve.”

  “Only if you call me Jason.”

  Eve put the gloves on, and the heat left from Jason’s hands felt like a campfire. She gave a little shiver, but it wasn’t from the cold.

  Jason stood and stepped to the massive fireplace, grabbed a log, and added it to the blaze. His back was to Eve, and she took in the full length of him: his broad shoulders, long legs, and a stirring confidence. Then she spotted them and smiled. He wore cowboy boots.

  Jason turned to face her. “Do you like working in criminal justice?”

  “Quite frankly, it’s not this.” She waved her gloved hand across the sky. “Completely the opposite,” she confessed. “Work’s a pressure cooker, always with a lid about to blow.”

  “Been there,” Jason said
as he looked into the fire. “I used to be on an urban SWAT team.”

  “Really?” Eve tried not to sound startled. She looked at Jason, so calm, so forthright, his features soft in the light. “How did you end up here?”

  “Life’s too short to live in a pressure cooker. Enforcement is my career, but I needed to reset my compass, slow down, listen.”

  “Listen to what?”

  Jason pushed a pebble aside with his boot. “Little things. Rain hitting dried soil, a hawk’s cry across the pines, snow falling in the darkness. And in here”—he pointed to his chest—“to the One who created it all.”

  Eve cocked her head and blinked. Who would have thought this was the same man who had no interest in her—in her case that is—yesterday afternoon?

  “I try to go riding after work as often as possible,” he added.

  “Riding?”

  “Horseback.”

  “I use to ride when I was a girl, here in the Springs, when I came to visit my grandmother.” Eve grinned. “Sounds wonderful.”

  “Does it?” A look of surprise played across Jason’s face. “Some of us are riding tomorrow afternoon. Interested?”

  His enthusiastic smile caught her in its disarming warmth.

  “Why not?” She grinned in return.

  “Eve Kirkwood?” A soft female voice interrupted.

  Eve was ripped from her unguarded attitude and she jumped up. “You’re early,” she said tersely to the petite young woman in housekeeping gear.

  The young lady looked puzzled. “I have an envelope for you.”

  “Jenny?” Jason eyed the young girl.

  “Jason.” She smiled. “Hi. Good to see you. Is Priscilla around?”

  “No Priscilla. What’s going on?” Jason’s expression intensified as he fired the words at Jenny.

  “I’m delivering this. That’s all.” Eyes wide, she extended the envelope to Eve, who grabbed it and tore it open.

  “Who gave you that?” Jason asked the hotel worker.

  “I don’t know,” Jenny said. “I found it in my employee mailbox. There were directions to deliver it here to Eve Kirkwood after I finished my shift. Is something wrong?”