Hired security lined both entry points to the road that led to Theodore Magnus’ cabin. Mac knew a hiking trail that would get him there, but he wouldn’t risk it in this weather. The payoff wasn’t great enough to warrant that effort. He’d swing by Deena’s rental, and if she wasn’t there, he’d leave a message with his number and ask her to call him.
The sky transitioned from overcast gray to coal black. With no moon or stars to assist in illumination, Mac turned on his high beams and navigated the back mountain roads. The snow fell in thicker sheets but didn’t stick to the roads. Most of the students and half the teachers hoped for a snow day tomorrow, but his gut said no, and he wouldn’t bank on school closing. When he got home, he’d finish grading papers and go to bed at a normal hour.
A deer jumped in front of him on the road. He slammed the brakes and fishtailed. His heart beat erratically as he fought to regain control of his vehicle. The deer made it safely to the other side, oblivious he’d almost been a goner.Thank You, Lord, for protecting me from the deer. He’d hit one in college, and his poor first car had been totaled.
He swallowed the adrenaline that surged through him. A voice in his conscience told him to head straight home, but he didn’t listen—wouldn’t rest until this issue with Deena was addressed. He doubted she’d be at the cabin since the set had so much security, but that scenario worked better for him.
With each passing minute, he doubted his instinct about the storm. Contrary to the norm, the lower he came down the mountain, the more snow stuck to the ground. He’d make a brief stop by Deena’s, drop a note, and hurry home to bunker down in his warm home. When he’d left that morning, Mom had a large pot of chili simmering, and it called his name. He could see the bowl now, loaded with corn chips and a heaping pile of shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese.
Dim yellow light broke through the snow. He put his turn signal on and came to a slow stop before steering carefully onto the driveway. Not planning to be there long, he pulled into the closest spot to the luxury cabin. Several lights brightened the home from inside, and the exterior lamps burned bright, but that didn’t mean Deena was there. She had her assistant, bodyguard, and a personal maid and chef who’d arrived Sunday, all of whom could be there now.
Gathering his wits, he tugged up the lapels of his coat to cover his neck and jumped out of his truck. The wind didn’t blow as fierce as it had on the road, likely due to the large pines blocking its path. Thanks to the security system, the door opened before Mac had a chance to knock.
Gage, Deena’s bodyguard whom he’d met at singles’ event, answered the door. “She’s expecting you.”
She was?“My students showed me the article on TEW. I wanted her to know I had nothing to do with it.”
For the first time, Gage broke a smile. “She knows. We all do.”
“How?”
“That’s life in showbiz.” Gage’s steely eyes let amusement slip through.
Another emotion hid in the shadows, but Mac couldn’t read it. “Is she here?”
Gage nodded. “Come in.”
He darted a glance behind him at the snow falling. He’d have to make to it quick.
This was the first time he’d made it past the entryway of this cabin, though one could hardly call it a cabin—its massive size put it in the league of a mansion. His fingers itched to rub a hand over the exposed stone and admire its beauty.
Deena glided down the staircase, trailing a hand along the rail. Dressed in a black cold-shoulder top and a pair of high-end denim black jeans, she looked ready for a night out, not settling in for the night. Good luck getting anywhere. Most places in town closed by eight, earlier since the weather was bad.
Lynz met her at the bottom of the steps. “Stanley called, and he wants to shoot that farewell scene tonight. He said the atmosphere is perfect.”
“We filmed for fourteen hours today.” Deena’s forced pleasantness pushed through her clenched teeth. “I’ve been up since two a.m. Tell him it can wait.”
“He won’t like that answer.” Lynz’s exasperated sigh said it hadn’t been a good day.
Deena shrugged. “Tell him to find another actress and see what he says.”
Mac watched the scene unfold, shocked to witness Deena’s prima donna attitude. Then he saw the dark shadows under her eyes that makeup couldn’t hide, and his judgment softened. He’d always assumed acting was an easy job, but he’d never stopped to think of the long hours that went into creating a movie. Even the kindest soul was known to get snippy when they were exhausted.
She turned her head and spotted him. “I’m sorry for that. There’s no reason the scene can’t shoot tomorrow.”
“No apologies needed.” Not knowing where else to put them, he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Is Stanley the director?”
“Yes, and he settles for nothing less than the best.” She moved forward and stood in front of him. “He’s amazing though. His movies always succeed because of his dedication to perfection.”
“A true master.”
“He is.” She leaned forward and gave him a conspiratorial wink. “Don’t tell Lynz, but if Stanley continues to insist I return to shoot the scene, then I’ll go. I don’t always agree with him, but I’ve learned to trust his judgment.”
He jerked his thumb toward one of the massive windows. “I doubt you’ll go anywhere tonight. The snow’s coming down harder. In fact, I can’t stay too long.”
“Then let’s talk.” She gestured toward the white leather sofa.
Not gawking took immense effort as he walked toward the living room. Strange how this cabin had been here for years in his hometown, but it was so far out of his league that he couldn’t even dream of renting a place like it, let alone own one.
