“They’ve done an excellent job. Even though it’s a new build, it blends well with the surroundings,” Matto said. “I’ve heard about their designs but haven’t seen one before in person.”
“Sax told us Fiona Swenson does graphic design,” Calian said. “He told me she’s excellent, and that they’ve already started an advertising campaign. He also suggested we make a bid for the big warehouse on the outskirts of town. Most of his team is still here, and he thought the warehouse would convert into a hotel, and if the weather held and we could get building supplies up, they could work on the conversion during the colder months.”
“Is that what you intend to do?” Renee asked.
“Not sure,” Calian said. “This is the first chance I’ve had to tell the others. We’ll discuss it and check out the building when we get back. Sax knows the owners and has a key.”
Renee took her helicopter down and settled on the landing pad the Hallsten brothers had made for this purpose.
The first thing she heard when she powered down was the rumble of her stomach.
“Woman, why haven’t you eaten?” Calian demanded, his tone exasperated.
“I’ve been too busy, but I have food with me. I intend to grab something right now as soon as you guys are checking the place out. Watch for bears, eh? There are usually a few out here.”
Matto clambered from the back of the chopper, and Renee stared as he lifted his head and sniffed.
“What is he doing?” she asked Calian.
The edges of Calian’s eyes crinkled with humor. “I don’t ask. Eat, and then you can come with us. I doubt anyone will steal your helicopter.”
Without further urging, Renee practically inhaled the ham and cheese sandwiches and the date scone she found in the bags of food Calian had bought earlier in the day. More alert after the food and a bottle of water, she followed Calian and Matto to the lodge. Dakota and Kansas walked behind her.
Renee counted ten bedrooms, all with small en suites. Each room bore the name of a jewel and the color of that jewel dominated the bedroom. The passage needed completing and all but one bedroom was ready for guests. There was a separate dining room, connected to the kitchen by an archway. She imagined the chef would pass plated food through the arch for the waitress to transport to the table. A peek through the area showed a compact but well-designed kitchen. The lounge overlooked the tundra and the area where Sax had told her the polar bear mothers had dens. The big windows were high enough off the ground to avoid a polar bear leaping up and forcing his or her way inside, yet gave the guests incredible views. A polished bar filled a back corner.
The Hallstens had chosen warm, rich ruby as the dominant color, using contrasting greens as accents. The cream walls and carpet provided the perfect backdrop for the jewel theme.
“It’s gorgeous.” The use of space impressed Renee. A high fence would surround the lodge, only partially completed at present, yet the finished barrier wasn’t noticeable from the lounge or dining room.
“We need to speak with their decorator,” Matto said. “Whoever chose the color palate has done a stellar job.”
“I agree,” Calian said. “The interior design complements the outdoors.”
After going through the inside of the lodge, Renee followed the men outside and they explored the exterior. She’d thought the fence would make the place seem like a jail, but it didn’t.
Something moved, and when Renee focused on the spot, she froze. “Bear.”
“It’s all right,” Matto said. “We knew he was there. He won’t come any closer.”
“But we’re outside the fence,” Renee protested.
“It’s fine. We’re not in danger,” Dakota murmured.
“You don’t understand. They move fast. We don’t have weapons or anything to scare him away.”
“He’s curious. That’s all,” Calian said.
A wash of fear prickled down Renee’s spine. The men closed ranks around her, seeming to sense her unease.
“I think we’ve seen enough. Let’s head back.” Calian glanced at his watch. “Do we have time to fly along the coast?”
“Sure.” Renee frowned at the polar bear. It had wandered closer and was clearly following them. “If we make it to the helicopter in one piece.”
“He’s old,” Kansas said.
“He’s skinny and hungry. I don’t want to be a faux seal,” Renee snapped.
“You’re safe with us,” Matto promised.
