Page 78 of Abdominal Snowman

“Everything except Soren’s property and my SnowBnB,” Brian answered with a sigh. “You know, the SnowBnB was actually my last chance. The store wasn’t bringing in enough money for me to afford it, and I figured… hey, it’s a small retreat instead of a huge ski villa. It still brings in tourists, but not enough to overwhelm the town.” His tone turned sour as he murmured, “But of course Tobin wouldn’t let us have that either.”

Sage’s eyes narrowed. What did Tobin have to do with Brian’s SnowBnB?

“Brian, this isn’t a television show. I don’t have the phones tapped. Tell me what’s up.”

Brian harrumphed. Sorry to burst your bubble, bud. “Okay fine, all I’m saying is the man isn’t the most… honest, trustworthy, law-abiding citizen around. I’m sure with a little… you know, reporting or whatever, that you could find something.”

Sage cocked her head to the side. “Why hasn’t anyone done anything so far, if it’s so easy to track down this information?”

“He’s scared everyone half to death in the process of his big takeover. In Tobin’s world, there’s no room for the small businesses we have here, and everyone knows it. Only big name brands are good enough for the premier ski lodge, and everyone is trying to keep their head down. No one wants to be Tobin’s next target.”

Sage typed some notes into a blank document as Brian spoke. Once he’d shared more than enough information for her to start with, she asked her last question. “How did you know I was a reporter?”

Brian was quiet. “Okay, listen, it was an accident. Just a simple search because I was curious about who was coming to town. I searched your name on Facebook, but I never found a profile, just a bunch of articles written by you instead.”

Sage barked out a laugh. She didn’t have a Facebook. “Brian, you need a job?”

“Are you making fun of me, young lady?” Brian scolded.

Sage shook her head as she laughed.

“In all sincerity,” Brian said, “thanks for taking me seriously.”

Sage’s eyes drifted closed. She couldn’t count how many times she’d heard that phrase in her career. It reminded her why she loved it. “I’m happy to help however I can. But… I’m just one person. I can’t promise anything.”

“You’ve already done enough to earn my thanks.” She heard a faint voice on the other end and Brian’s returning shout. “Hey, I have to go. Like I said, the town celebration is coming up. You and Soren should come. It would be great to see him for once, and maybe we can finally meet face-to-face.”

“I’ll be sure to tell Soren. Thanks, Brian.” They said their goodbyes, and Sage dropped her phone on the bed.

“That sounded like a fun phone call,” Soren commented, and she jerked her head to the side. He was at the top of the stairs with two mugs in hand, piled to the top with whipped cream.

“We’re invited to the anniversary festival,” she announced.

Soren crossed the room and sat her mug down. “I know. But that’s not what I was referring to.” He nodded to her open laptop, screen split between her notes and a google search. “What’d Brian tell you?”

“You mean you weren’t listening?” Sage challenged with a sly grin.

Soren rolled his eyes before looking at her. “I know a little bit about privacy.”

“Hm. Could’ve fooled me,” she teased.

Soren sat at the end of the bed and sipped his coffee, waiting patiently. When he was left with a whipped cream mustache, she melted at how adorable he was and sighed.

“Fine, fine. Brian was telling me in not so many words that Tobin was a slimy asshole and that with the right information, he could be taken care of.”

Soren’s expression tightened at just the mention of the man, and she didn’t blame him.

“You shouldn’t get involved with Tobin,” Soren advised.

“I’m not getting involved in anything. Just educating myself,” she retorted with a shrug.

Soren frowned. “Taking care of him doesn’t sound like not getting involved.”

Sage paused her fingers above the keyboard and gave Soren her full attention as she grabbed the mug. What wasn’t he saying? And why couldn’t she get involved? Tobin didn’t deserve this town, and if she could help, why wouldn’t she?

“Right now, I just want to see what I can learn.”

Soren sighed, and she watched his fingers fidget on the mug. “What if you find something?”