The walkfrom the private lodge to the main resort is longer than it would be on a regular day.
Snow crunches under my boots. The cold bites at my exposed skin despite my heavy coat. Christmas lights twinkle across every building, cheerful and bright, mocking the dread that sits like lead in my stomach.
I told Grant I needed to check on something at the main resort. A work call I couldn’t take in the private wing. He believed me because he has no reason not to.
The lie came easily. Too easily.
That should bother me more than it does.
The main resort is busy despite the holiday. Guests fill the lobby, laughing, drinking, and celebrating. I weave through them toward the Lakeside Restaurant, keeping my head down.
Robert is already there when I arrive.
He’s sitting in a corner booth, partially hidden from the main dining area by a decorative partition. He looks exactlylike he always does. Mid-fifties, graying hair carefully styled, wearing an expensive suit that makes him look successful and respectable. Warm brown eyes that crinkle when he smiles. The kind of face that makes you trust him immediately.
That’s always been his gift. Looking trustworthy when he’s anything but.
When he sees me, his face lights up. He stands and opens his arms.
I walk into his hug, letting him pull me close. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“You too, sweetheart.” He squeezes me tight before pulling back to look at my face. “You look good. Happy, even.”
“I am happy.” The words slip out before I can stop them.
Something flickers in his expression. “That’s wonderful. Sit, sit. We have a lot to catch up on.”
I slide into the booth across from him, and a waiter appears immediately. Robert orders wine for both of us. I don’t correct him, even though I shouldn’t be drinking.
“So.” He leans back, studying me. “Tell me everything. How are things progressing with the Hales?”
“They’re going well. I’ve been working on legitimate projects for their business. Building trust.” I keep my voice steady. “It takes time to get close enough for real information.”
“It’s been over a month, Samantha.” His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes anymore. “Surely you’ve learned something useful by now.”
“I’ve learned about their business operations. The acquisitions they’re planning. Their investment strategies.”
“I can get that information from public filings.” His voice sharpens slightly. “I need details they’re not sharing publicly. Names of their criminal associates. Evidence of money laundering I can actually use.”
My stomach tightens. “That’s not easy information to access. They’re careful about who sees what.”
“Then get closer. You’re sleeping with all three of them, aren’t you?”
The question hits like a slap. “How did you?—”
“I’m not an idiot. You’ve been living in their private wing for weeks. You quit your job to work for them. You think I don’t know what that means?” He leans forward. “Use it. Pillow talk is how most intelligence gets gathered.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“It is exactly that simple. You seduce them. You make them trust you. You get the information.” His eyes narrow. “Unless you’re forgetting why you’re there.”
“I haven’t forgotten anything.”
“Then why don’t you have anything to show for it?” His voice is rising now, drawing glances from nearby tables. He forces it back down to a harsh whisper. “What have you been doing all this time, Samantha?”
“I’ve been building relationships. Establishing credibility. You can’t just walk in and demand access to someone’s illegal operations.” The words come out defensive. Weak.
“You’ve been playing house.” He says it like an accusation. “You’re forgetting the mission.”
