She wanted to tell Gage it was his brother who was out of sorts, that, other than complaining to her about his early Monday morning weigh-in, he was practically monosyllabic. “I suppose I’m still a little tired,” she said instead.
“You can’t spend more than twelve hours catering a party and then get up early the next morning to begin cooking again.”
“I didn’t have a choice, Gage.”
“Yes, you did. I could’ve asked one of the assistants at Jazzes if they wanted to earn some extra money, and I’m certain they wouldn’t have turned it down.”
She smiled. “Maybe next year.”
“Next year you’ll be open for business.”
“Never on a Sunday.” Signaling, she turned off onto the street leading to DuPont House.
“I remember you mentioning that you plan to close Sundays and Mondays.”
Tonya slowed as she approached the centuries-old mansion and suddenly hit the brake when she saw the gates open. When she’d left, the contractors were still working in the main house. They always left promptly at five, and it was now minutes before six.
“Gage.”
“What is it?”
“Someone left the gate open.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The gate to the house is wide open and—”
“Are the workmen still there?”
“I don’t think so. They usually park their trucks where I can see them from the road.”
“Don’t go in! Stay where you are, and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Where are you, Gage?”
“Home. Hang up. I’m on my way.”
Tonya disconnected the call and turned off the engine. The foreman of the construction company had been given a remote device to open and close the gate, yet it was apparent he had forgotten to activate it. The Garden District, having set up its own neighborhood watch, was relatively safe, but since Paige and LeAnn had moved to Marigny, Tonya had become very vigilant when leaving or returning to the property.
* * *
Gage knew he was speeding and prayed he wouldn’t be stopped by the police before arriving at DuPont House. As soon as he hung up, he called St. John to tell him to alert Hannah that the workmen had left her property unprotected. St. John said he would handle it and that by the time Gage got to the house someone from a private security company would meet him.
He managed to make it to the Garden District without being pulled over; he spotted Tonya’s Honda parked in front of the house. There was another dark vehicle idling in back of hers, and as soon as he turned off the engine and got out, the driver in the other car also emerged. Gage smiled when he recognized the man who’d been a guest at his cousin’s Super Bowl party.
Mark Fitzsimmons, still sporting a military haircut, had attended the same high school as Hannah and St. John. He came from a military family, having serving thirty years in the Marine Corps as a drill instructor, and now operated his own security company.
Gage exchanged a handshake with Mark. The former marine was still in incredible shape for a man approaching sixty. “I didn’t think I’d see you again this soon.”
“Same here,” Mark replied. “St. John wants me to check out the house and property before anyone goes in.”
Gage nodded. “The gates are usually left open during the day when the work crew is here, but it appears as if they’re gone now.”
“I called a couple of my men, and as soon as they get here we’ll make certain the place is secure. Do you have keys to the house?”
“No. But I’ll get them from Tonya.” He approached her vehicle and tapped on the driver’s-side window. She opened the door and he extended his hand to help her out. His arms circled her waist, pulling her close to his body. “How are you?”
Tilting her chin, Tonya smiled up at him. “I’m okay. I didn’t expect you to get here so quickly.”
