style="font-size:15px;"> Ellie looked out the floor-to-ceiling window across the back at the stand of pine trees. “Yes, but what if she does?”
She’d never liked the fact that Mrs. Winfield didn’t know about the threats and the danger her life was in. The former assistant had given Mr. Jefferson each threatening letter. They had become more serious over the past month, and one also included a photo of Mrs. Winfield out power walking. That was when he had contacted Guardians, Inc. He was hoping nothing would come of the letters, but he knew he had to put some kind of protection in place. That was when Ellie had entered as the new assistant to replace Christy Boland, who was going to be the spokesperson for Glamour Sensations’ Endless Youth line.
“On second thought, we probably shouldn’t tell Colt. I don’t want anyone else to know if possible. He might let something slip to his grandmother. It’s probably better that he returns to the research ship.” Mr. Jefferson snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it. I’ll get you a gun to use. I can come back out here this afternoon with whatever you want. Maybe a smaller gun that you can keep concealed.”
“Fine, unless I think there’s a direct threat.”
“I’m hoping I can catch the person behind the letters before then. The Bakersville police chief is working on the case personally, as well as a P.I. I hired. Winnie received another letter at headquarters yesterday.”
“Another picture in it?”
“No, just threats of what the person is going to do to her.”
Ellie thought of the sweet lady she’d spent the past week with—a woman who toiled long hours because she knew a lot of people who worked for her counted on her. “What in the world has she done to anger someone?”
“We’re looking into disgruntled employees, but she was never directly responsible for firing anyone. If she had her way, everyone would still be working for her no matter if they didn’t do their job. Thankfully I run that part of the business.”
Ellie sighed. “I’ll need you to bring me a Glock G27. It’s smaller and easily concealed. It will have to do, even though I prefer my own weapon. At least you were able to get Winnie to stay and work from home this month. That will help the situation, but this home isn’t secure.”
“Is any place?”
“No, but there are some things we can do.”
“Like what? I’m working on a better security system.”
“That’s good because the one she has is at least ten years old.” Ellie paced the large room with bookcases full of books. “We could use bulletproof windows. Security guards to patrol the grounds and posted at the gate. Also cameras all over the house and the property being monitored 24/7.”
“She won’t go for anything else. She didn’t even understand why I wanted to upgrade her security system. Told me the Lord was looking out for her and that’s all she needs.”
Ellie believed in the power of God, but Winnie was being naive. “What if someone gets to her? I’ve convinced her that I enjoy power walking, and she has graciously asked me to come with her, but she likes her independence. I’m running out of reasons to tag along with her when she leaves this house.”
“It’s only for a couple of more weeks at best. The P.I. on the case is tracking down some promising leads. If nothing changes after she has completed the last product for this new line, I’ll tell her. She’s fragile when she’s in her creative mode. Easily distracted. Even Colt’s visit will strain her schedule.”
“And Christmas won’t? I get the impression she enjoys the holiday.” The wide-open space outside the window made her tense. Someone could be out there right now watching their every move.
“That’s just a few days.” Mr. Jefferson checked his watch. “I’d better find Winnie. She starts to worry when people are late.”
“I’ve noticed that.”
“Five years ago next week, Thomas was on the way home from work and lost control of his car. It went off the cliff. The sheriff thought he’d fallen asleep at the wheel from reports by witnesses. So anytime someone is late she begins to think the worst.” He covered the distance to the door. “I’ll meet with Winnie in the lab then come back later with your gun.”
“So let me get this straight. You don’t want to tell Colt?” Another secret she would have to keep.
Looking back at her, Mr. Jefferson opened the door. “No, not right now.”
“Not right now what?” Colt stepped into the entrance of the library.
TWO
Mr. Jefferson waved his hand and passed Colt quickly in the hall. “I’ll let Miss St. James tell you.”
Ellie balled her hands at her sides. What was she supposed to tell Colt? Even worse, had he overheard anything they had been talking about? She started forward. “I’d better go and change for work.”
He gripped her arm, halting her escape. “What aren’t you telling me? Why were you and Harold talking in here?”
She schooled her expression into one of innocence. She would love to get her hands on Mr. Jefferson for putting her in this situation. “He wanted to know how my first week went with Winnie. Is there a reason we shouldn’t talk? After all, he hired me.”
“And how are you doing?” He stepped nearer until Ellie got a whiff of his coffee-laced breath. “Does he know about the gun?”
“Yes. I saw no reason not to tell him.” Her heartbeat kicked up a notch. She moved back a few inches until her back encountered the wall behind her. “Your grandmother and I are getting along well. She’s a special lady. Very talented. She’s easy to talk to. To work for.”
“Winnie?”
Hating the trapped feeling, she sidled away. “Who else are we talking about?”
“My grandmother is a private woman. She doesn’t share much with anyone.”
“I haven’t found her that way. Maybe something has changed, since you’ve been gone for so long.” There, she hoped that would keep Colt quiet and less curious about her relationship with Winnie. In some of her past jobs, she’d had to play a role, but it never was her favorite way to operate.
“Then maybe you can fill me in on what’s going on with my grandmother.”
“What we’ve talked about is private. If you want to know, go ask her.” Before he could stop her again, she pivoted away and hurried down the hall to the foyer.
As she mounted the stairs to the second floor, she felt his eyes on her. It was so cold it reminded her of the icy mountain stream they’d passed on their walk today. Unable to shake loose of his frosty blue gaze, she felt the chill down to her bones.
* * *
After dinner that evening Ellie followed the small group to the den, a room with a roaring fire going in the fireplace and the dark rich wood of the mantel polished to a gleaming luster that reflected the lights. She sat on the plush,
