Alice Branch
WindSwept Narrows
Book Four
Karen A. Nichols
Copyright 2011 by Karen A. Nichols
Smashwords Edition
Published by Karen Nichols. Copyright, Karen Nichols. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.
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Chapter One
Emily looked at Chloe and then at Alice Branch. The temporary very pale blond wash was a great success. It went amazingly well with her coloring, the very pale grey eyes, high cheeks and slender neck.
“You will make an amazing fairy queen, Alice,” Emily lifted the opal colored gown from the box and held it out against her.
“Wings and glitter,” Alice said softly.
“And glass slippers,” Emily said, thinking of the wedding dress at her parents home where she had taken the crystal colored heels from.
Chloe stood behind her, brushing through the long hair, arranging the narrow braids on the side.
“And…” Emily held up the artfully decorated mask.
“You’ll go with us,” Chloe said firmly, nodding to the wide eyes peering at them in the mirror.
“Simon and Jack will join us there. This is only the first of the season and a lot of people won’t be in costume. We’re going in simple formals for this one, so it’ll be almost like a ball. With good food and music,” Emily explained cheerfully.
“I’ll be by at five-thirty,” Chloe told the two with a wave from the back door, getting into the car and heading home to prepare.
“It’s very nice of you to let me have the apartment upstairs, Emily. Trying to locate another position and a quiet place to live…” Alice shook her head, smiling at the effect of the long almost silver waves. “I’ve never been a blonde before…I think I like it.”
“I think Jack is getting used to the darker me,” Emily commented with a smile into the mirror at the dark brown rinse she had applied a week ago. “And it will actually go really well with the dress I have…guys in formal wear are incredibly sexy.”
Jack Garrett straightened the black bow tie and glared into the car mirror, first at his reflection and then at the man striding from the house.
“You want to explain to me exactly why I’m going to this charity thing with you instead of Emily?”
“Because we have scheming females in our lives and it’s something you will learn to get used to,” Simon Oliver answered simply. “As long as the redhead goes home with me, I adjust. They’re picking up Alice at the apartment and going to meet us there.”
Jack started the SUV and turned around in the driveway. “What are they up to?”
“I’ve been with Chloe for almost one year, Jack…and I ain’t got a clue,” Simon ran one hand through the longish dark brown hair. “If I had to guess…someone is going to be set up tonight. Relax…Chloe knows about the Demming guy and she’s nothing if not protective. I don’t…it’s not something I like, but the woman can take care of herself. And her friends.”
“At least Emily is wearing shoes tonight,” Jack said with a chuckle.
“You might know the female with them…she used to be an accountant with Tri-Seas,” Simon said casually, one eye closing at the sudden tensing in his friend. “Something I should know about?”
“I didn’t know she was at Tri-Seas,” Jack said quietly. “What else does your source tell you?”
“Chatter from Chloe is she left because of sexual harassment from a VP who seemed to control a lot of the human resources people. So nothing was done. Alice filed a complaint and it’s pending,” Simon outlined what he knew. “Problem is, the offender has vanished.”
“Alex Demming.” He stated coldly.
“Yeah…coincidence, as my sweet wife would say,” Simon shook his head.
“Any clue on the guy involved?”
“Let me just say…never play poker with any of the females in this circle of friends,” Simon told him dryly. “Ever. You’ll find yourself striped to your shorts faster than if you’d done it on purpose.”
Alice Branch couldn’t stop her eyes from being wide and drinking in every dress and decoration in the huge ball room. The soft buzz of chatter, music playing in rooms off the main ballroom and a generous buffet served in another of the alcoves.
She had sent Chloe and Emily off with their guys, insisting they enjoy the ball while she wandered and watched and listened. She assured them that she had money in her little bag for a taxi home and her phone. A tall fluted glass of sparkling champagne was lifted off a passing tray and sipped thoughtfully.
Alice was unaware of the regal image she projected so effortlessly. She had opted out of the wings for tonight, believing she could simply blend in with the others. The opal colored gown fell in soft lines from her hips to the floor. The center on each side was cut out and edged with pearls and lace; the bodice low and narrow with thin straps on each shoulder and sleeves fell in open ovals down her long arms. She wore the open toed round three inch heels, pearl colored toes peeking out each time she walked. It had all been quite an extravagance for a woman recently unemployed.
Long pale blond hair fell in waves down her back, a slender braid at each temple and pulled into a small clip at the back of her head. She set the fluted glass on a passing tray and wandered into the dimly lit alcove, soft music playing and several couples moving to the sounds on the hardwood floor.
Pale lashes blinked behind the sequined mask, her heart suddenly pounding in her chest and her breath hard to catch. Alice turned and turned again, frantic eyes landing on a man standing alone. She went boldly up to him, taking both his hands in hers.
“I’ll apologize later if this causes a problem for you…but would you please dance with me?” Alice looked quickly over her shoulder, unaware of the tiny gasp when she saw the familiar figure moving through the crowd again. “Please?”
Nick Hunter looked in the direction of whatever had frightened her, his hands on her waist and guiding her onto the dance floor. He wrapped his palm around one of hers, easing them into the other couples and the soft music around them.
“I don’t know who scared you…” He tried peering around the large winged mask, over the pale blond hair and into the wide grey eyes. “Old boyfriend? Ex-husband?”
“No! I should never…” But her body moved unconsciously closer when she caught sight of him again, turning them slightly. “It’s not a terribly original tale…”
“You’re British,” Nick felt like an idiot the minute the words were out of his mouth. “I’m sorry…that really sounded lame.”
“Must explain why mummy and daddy live in Oxford,” she returned with a smile and a wink. “I was a vacation baby, born here. And…” She sighed.
“Until recently, had a very nice position here.”
“And the guy you’re hiding from?”
“A dance is a great deal different than burdening you with a drama.”
“Hmm…if we had dinner, you might feel obligated to share the story,” Nick announced firmly, decisively guiding them toward the dinner room. “If you would join me for dinner, of course…”
Alice nodded slowly, his palm was warm on her waist, a nice feeling. “I think I should enjoy that, thank you.”
“I feel honored to have the most beautiful woman at the ball on my arm,” he complimented as they strolled among the people chatting and enjoying the music.
“You are quite charming, sir. I’m not…but I thank you.”
“I believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” he saw an empty table and led her to it, holding the chair for her. “Nick Hunter.”
She slid her palm into his, gazing into dark, sparkling eyes bending over her. “Alice Branch.”
“I’ll bring us some food,” he told her. “You can request wine when the wait person arrives.”
Alice watched him go, tall and strong. Almost aristocratic, she mused, with very dark hair and eyes and a strong jaw with high cheeks. The room was covered in filtered, muted light, small candles on each table. The tables were spread out, so there wasn’t crowding or an intrusive feeling. By the time he returned, she had two wine glasses waiting.
Nick felt his grin grow. A glass of each, red and white, sat on the table, along with two glasses of ice water. He watched her move the glasses to the outer edge of the table, the two plates he filled with a variety of finger food places in the center, along with two napkins.
“I know we can’t possibly be the only two people without companions here tonight,” he said, lifting the red and sipping with a nod. “But I for one am grateful not to have to eat alone.”
She reached for one of the pieces of crusty bread topped with what looked like salmon. “I hadn’t really planned to eat…I think I was having too grand a time watching people.”
“I have to confess…you do have one of the sexiest and innocent looking dresses here tonight,” Nick leaned back in his chair, his smile bemused. He brought one palm up slowly, touching the edge of her mask. “Does it come off?”
Alice lifted both hands, carefully removing the thin elastic that held the mask in place. She set it in her lap and offered a smile. “The dress is amazing,” she agreed. “It was made for a friend…who can’t wear it this year, so I was fortunate enough to be the right size.”
“And glass slippers…”
“You are extremely observant,” she said in surprise. “Why are you here alone, Nick?”
“I escorted my sister, Delia. She was meeting some friends and they’ll get her to her apartment later,” He began eating, watching her select another morsel. “And you?”
“I came with two friends, their husbands met them here, but I told them I would take a taxi home. They’re so kind…but one feels a bit out of place. I wanted to see the art and the gowns…”
“And the story? Are you feeling obligated yet?” He asked with a teasing smile.
“A clever ploy…” She lifted a glass of white wine and sipped slowly. “Suffice it to say I ran afoul of a vice-president with a lot more power than he should have been granted, extending even over the human resources department. I suppose it’s rather naïve to believe in this day and age men would…would not attempt to exert pressure…” Alice closed her eyes, her head shaking. “I’m sorry.”
“No…it’s alright. I didn’t want to bring back a bad memory, Alice. Evidently this guy is seriously bad news,” Nick Hunter bit into a piece of shrimp on a little stick.
“I don’t know how to…perhaps men experience the same thing at the hands of an unscrupulous female,” she said quietly. “But…the sense of fear and…and helplessness when you’re told that to succeed in this company, you must grace my bed…I sometimes believe I should have taken a very serious self defense class in college,” she said with a weak smile.
“I can only apologize for the bad apples in my half of the species,” Nick put his palm over hers. “No one should fear going to work, or anywhere else for that matter.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Alice looked up to see Emily and Jack approaching, her smile welcoming. “Hello…Emily and Jack, this is Nick Hunter.”
“Nice to see you again, Nick,” Jack accepted the palm with a grin and a nod. “I actually wanted to talk to Alice for a minute. About the position at Tri-Seas.”
“My position?” Surprised filled her eyes.
“I can…” Nick stood up, stopping when Alice put her hand on his. Her head shook slightly.
“Nick just heard the lamentable tale, Jack. I thought…” She swallowed and hated the sense of fear inside her. “I saw him here, Emily.”
“Demming? Here?” Emily straightened and looked around, the shimmering autumn colors of her off shoulder dress straightening considerably. Pale lashes narrowed and scanned the room. “In here?”
“In the ballroom,” Nick looked at her. “You’ve run into him, too?”
“Demming is on the run, period,” Jack said coldly, his hand tightening on Emily’s waist. “I did some checking and made some calls while I was waiting for Emily, Alice. You have your position back, or one of the others available. The board meeting was yesterday, I now control things there. Human resources has been replaced with my people and one of the first things they’ll do on Monday morning, is issue a reinstatement for you as well as back pay. You’ll be relocated to Pier 38 where my offices are and where the whole of Tri-Seas will be within the next month. You should get an email about it all tonight or tomorrow.” He extended his palm. “I’m sorry for what they put you through.”
“Jack…” Alice whispered his name, her hand shaking slightly inside his. “I…I don’t know how…what…thank you. Thank you so much.”
“I have my human resources person investigating things, Alice. Any documentation you have or names of who you spoke with who did nothing, please, get with Amelia and we’ll get this cleared. I won’t have people working for Northstar that ignore policy or make the workplace…somewhere to be afraid of,” Jack exhaled and pulled a smile back to his face. “Enough business…gotta dance with my girl. See you around, Nick.”
“Alice?” Nick lifted her hand and placed it around the frosted glass of water.
Thick lashes blinked repeatedly before closing. She tipped her head back.
“I can’t believe it’s over,” came the ragged little whisper.
“No lawsuit?” He asked casually, watching her face.
“I don’t want a lawsuit,” she said clearly. “I enjoy my job. I love numbers and…and spreadsheets…and I sound like…like an accountant,” she carefully dabbed at her eye.
“How about a dance?” Nick stood up and took her palm, waiting while she put the ornate mask back in place.
“I would like that,” she answered softly, her fingers wrapped around his. “I never knew how wonderful it would feel to have that…” Alice laid her head on his shoulder with a long sigh. “Thank you for listening, Nick. I haven’t been a very good companion,” she lifted her head and met the smiling dark eyes. “You’ve been most sympathetic and kind. How do you know Jack?”
“We’ve crossed paths through the military,” Nick answered quietly, a sweet scent of perfume weaving its way into his senses. He leaned a little closer. It was on her hair.
“I met Emily at her costume shop…Jack has a jewelry shop next door but I had no idea he was involved with Northstar and Tri-Seas. What did you do in the military? Did you enjoy your job?”
“I was in the Coast Guard for five years and yeah…I did like it,” Nick looked at her. Few people ever asked if he enjoyed his work. “I went in right out of college and learned a lot about people and command.”
“What do you do now?”
“I work for a management consultant firm. Trying to help businesses learn
from their mistakes and get on the right track,” he answered easily.
“Do you enjoy it? I can’t imagine people…not wanting their business to succeed,” she said, looking up into his eyes.
“You’d be amazed how stubborn some owners and CEO’s can be,” he shook is head, talking for several minutes before realizing what he was doing. And all she did was smile and listen.
“You do enjoy it,” Alice laughed lightly, the sudden realization on his face that he had told her all about his latest project. “I can hear it in your words. It’s like a vast puzzle to you, Nick. Humans can be quite frustrating, though.”
“I didn’t mean to…”
“Nick, you listened to me. I think digging into the guts of a company and finding all the problems would be quite a challenge…and then to fashion a solution,” her head shook slowly. “That requires a great deal of diplomacy and skill."
“How about an art tour? I’m not so interested in the auction, but I like to look,” Nick accepted her nod and guided her carefully from the room and into the main ballroom. Huge panels were set up in a maze like pattern, each holding various paintings. Sculptures rested on various pedestals around the walls.
Alice couldn’t believe how light she felt.
“I think you’re sparkling,” Nick whispered against the edge of her mask, her face turning slowly from the painting she was looking at to beam a brilliant smile at him.
“I have my job back!” She whispered excitedly, giving into the urge and throwing her arms around his neck with a tight hug.
Never one to miss an opportunity, Nick straightened up, his arms easily circling and holding her against him.
“I wish I could take credit for it…” he laughed when she eased to the floor, a tint of pink on her cheeks.
“I’m sorry…” She straightened her gown and tried to clear her throat. “I don’t…”
“Nothing to apologize for…we’ve just spent over three hours walking and talking and it’s felt like five minutes,” Nick guided her into the large covered garden.
WindSwept Narrows: #4 Alice Branch Page 1
