Page 19 of Storm Warning
“Any chance you might put your enhanced perception to work and play detective while you’re here?”
The moment the words left his mouth, Nick’s expression shifted—a barely perceptible tightening around his eyes. He turned toward Zach with a glare sharp enough to cut glass.
Zach’s face remained impassive, but Kate caught the barest lift of one eyebrow.
“Did I miss something?”
“Just Zach being Zach,” Nick said, turning back to her with a smile that seemed forced at the edges. “He has a talent for putting things... more bluntly than I might.”
Kate studied them both, her curiosity sharpening, but let it go. “Enhanced perception. Is that what you call it? Makes me sound like a superhero or something.”
“Isn’t that what authors are?” Nick’s smile turned more genuine. “People who see what others miss and weave it into truth?”
She couldn’t argue with that, but the deflection didn’t escape her notice.
Nick continued. “Right now, all we know is that an offshore LLC paid Victoria, and possibly others, to undermine our reputation.” His jaw tightened—the first true sign of anger she’d seen from him. “According to Victoria, ‘they’ are planning to build a resort on the island, whoever ‘they’ are. Perhaps theythink it isn’t big enough for both of us, so they’re trying to drive us out.”
He shook his head. “Anyway, one of our core competencies is anticipating guests’ needs and desires and delivering them before they know they want it. They paid Victoria to undermine us right at the first impression, at check-in.”
When he sipped his coffee, Kate raised her hand like a student in class. “Before you go any further, I have a few questions. First, is that what you guys were doing all night, researching this LLC?”
Zach spoke, surprising her. “Partly. David, who you met last night—our Chief Technology Officer—scoured the computer system for unusual activity from Victoria’s ID and the fake Lena ID as well as checking for other employees with more than one ID.Thatwon’t happen again.”
He continued, methodical. “I turned over rocks on Victoria to see what slithered out, and Nick combed land transactions for the island to find a location they might be planning on. And we investigated Lena’s background and Emma’s hiring record.”
“Busy night. Though I’m starting to think you three have some kind of hive mind.”
She’d meant it as a joke, but Nick’s coffee cup paused halfway to his lips.
“Good organizational systems,” Nick said after a beat too long. “Shared databases, project management software. Very boring, very corporate. Anyway, our strength is in anticipating guest needs. Victoria was attempting to undermine that right at first impression—check in.”
“Uh-huh.” Kate didn’t believe that for a second. “If I were an unscrupulous competitor, it would make perfect sense to attack your strengths and turn them into weaknesses. But here’s my real question: Why? This doesn’t sound like normal, healthy competition.”
“That is a very good question. We have no idea.” Nick admitted. “Without knowing who is behind it, we can’t determine motive. That’s where you may be able to help us.”
A ping of curiosity zipped through her, electric and thrilling. “What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing more than you would anyway—all we need is your perspective,” Nick replied, emerald eyes sparkling. “As you go about your business, pay attention to staff, to their interactions. You’re more observant than most, and if anyone catches you watching, it’s likely they’ll dismiss it as the natural curiosity of an author. You might detect what others would miss.”
A spark of conspiracy ignited in her, warming her from the inside. Wouldn’t this mean she’d see Nick again? She tried to squash the thought down, even as her heart picked up tempo.
Nick continued, eyes steady on hers. “What we’re looking for is twofold. One: who among our staff is still loyal and working hard. Two: who might be questionable and trying to subvert us. That will give us a starting point for Zach to search for evidence.”
He paused for a sip of coffee. “Since this may reduce your enjoyment of the resort, we’ll pick up the charges for your food and beverage. The spa too. Just sign them to your suite. Consider it hazard pay for putting up with us. Plus, I have a selfish motive—if you’re well-fed and relaxed, you’re more likely to have lunch or dinner with me when I need to debrief you.”
He delivered the last line with a sexy smile that caused her stomach to do a slow, lazy flip. Was he asking her out? Or just being practical?
Kate let the possibilities roll through her mind. Adding an investigation to her retreat might be inspiring—it appealed to the part of her that created mysteries. She planned on tryingthe restaurants and spa regardless, so it shouldn’t affect her writing. As long as she didn’t go overboard and allow it—or her interest in Nick—to interfere, she should be fine.
Saving money was a great incentive too. This stay would stretch her finances even with her publisher kicking in half of the room bill.
“Alright. I’ll do it. However, don’t you think after Victoria was fired, any other moles will hide? Especially since you’re here?”
“Yes, we do. That’s why we’re leaving this afternoon.”
Her heart raced, a panicked flutter against her ribs that she desperately tried to ignore.
He was leaving?