The eight-bedroom chalet was plush. The bedrooms had a romantic ambiance. Every one of them had a gas fireplace and plasma TVs. The living room was vast. The couches and chairs were brown leather. There was a fully stocked bar with expensive liquors. They had a large chef's kitchen with white marble countertops. There was also a game room with a poker table, a pool table, black leather furniture, and another fully stocked bar. There was a hot tub on the back deck. There was a gym with showers and a sauna on the basement level.Patty had entered a different world. For seven days she was going to live the champagne wishes and caviar dreams lifestyle.They had arrived in Aspen on Tuesday afternoon. Once they got settled, the fabulous four ate dinner in the chalet and went out to a club. They danced and partied until midnight.Wednesday, Billy, Gabriella, and Jackie had hit the slopes while Patty rented a snowmobile and explored the area. She had met several friendly people. Two of them w
Jackie was speechless. What was Nick doing here? What was Goldman doing here? She closed her mouth as she took him in. The tight white turtleneck flattered Nick’s ripped cut muscles in his chest and arms. His blue jeans were dark and he wore tan snow boots. His facial features were still sharp and angled.“Nick,” Gabriella smiled and went to him. They hugged.Goldman stood up.Gabriella turned her attention to Goldman. “Jeff,” she said and hugged him. “You look great.”“Thanks,” Goldman said with a wry smile. He wore a black turtleneck. His didn't stick to him like Nick's, but it looked good on him. He wore jeans and black boots.After Gabriella released him, Goldman slowly sat back down, letting his backrest on the couch. He looked at Patty.Jackie looked at Patty. She was slowly rounding the edges of the room. She looked nervous.That's right. Patty didn't tell Goldman that she was put on leave. When Patty talked to Carter on the phone, he said Goldman demanded to know what was goin
It was 2:15 p.m., and everything was going smoothly. After Jackie got over the initial shock of seeing Nick in Aspen, she had smiled at him several times during afternoon drinks.Nick had to be careful. He didn’t want to push too fast. Nick’s flight had landed at 10:15. Goldman’s had landed at 10:45. Billy picked them both up at the airport.Gabriella had thought it would be a good idea to surprise Jackie by having Nick show up at the chalet wearing a tux, ready to take her to the gala. Nick had rejected the idea because he was anxious to see Jackie. He didn’t want to wait.Billy didn’t have much to report. Nick’s heart sunk when Billy had said Jackie hadn't mentioned him once, but Billy had been encouraging. What was also encouraging was Jackie’s warm, inviting smile during afternoon drinks.The chalet had two staircases that split the bedrooms; four bedrooms on one side and four bedrooms on the other. Billy and Gabriella strategically placed Jackie and Patty on one side and the happ
It was 2:15 p.m. Patty paced in her room. She was too wired and nervous to take a bath. This was a setup. It had to be. It was too much of a coincidence. Patty didn't think Jackie was in on it. Jackie was just as shocked as she was.What the hell is going on? Unless . . . of course. Billy and Gabriella want to get Dalton and Jackie back together. This is about them. Dalton must have brought Goldman for moral support. This has nothing to do with me. Billy and Gabriella don’t know. If they did, they would have said something to me, she thought. Jackie kept her word.Patty slowed her pacing, but she still paced. She still had more to figure out. Why in the hell did they exaggerate about guys approaching me? That’s what I can’t figure out.There was a knock on her door.“Come in,” she yelled and stopped pacing.Billy and Gabriella entered her room. They were wearing black robes. Billy was carrying a black velvet box.“Hi,” Gabriella said with a gentle smile.Billy closed the door.“Ah, th
Gabriella and Billy had helped Patty out of her clothes. Gabriella and Billy disrobed. They went to the bed. Patty pulled down the covers. Gabriella and Patty lay down together. Billy sat on the edge of the bed – watching them. Patty gently kissed Gabriella’s neck. Gabriella’s hand slid down Patty’s chocolate body. Patty let her hand roam, too. They rubbed each other’s large breasts as they softly moaned together. “Get on top of Gabriella, Patty,” Billy said gently. Patty slowly got on top of Gabriella. She glided her hand down her breast. “Nice,” Billy said. “Why don’t you . . . rub Gaby’s clit? She likes that.” Patty’s hand trembled as she reached down into Gabriella’s heat. She found her clit. Patty slowly rubbed it from side to side. Gabriella looked at Billy. “She’s so gentle,” she moaned softly. Patty felt her cheeks warm. Billy smiled and climbed on the bed with them. He
It was 3:20. Goldman had just finished stretching in the gym. He got on the treadmill and started walking. He wanted to work off some steam and clear his head. He glanced at the clock. Dalton was late. He was supposed to meet him in the gym at 3:15. Humph. Maybe he got lost in this big ass cabin.Goldman thought about the conversation he had overheard two hours ago. The girls hadn’t known they arrived, yet. They were making a big fuss over this guy Patty met at lunch. Apparently, a lot of guys had approached her during the past few days. Goldman didn't usually mind competition, but this was different. It would be an uphill battle to compete with fancy diplomats, lawyers, and plain out luxury lifestyle guys. He didn’t roll like that. He was a country boy who loved riding his Harley and eating a home-cooked meal. He was surprised that he cared so much that Patty had met other men. He didn’t like it. Goldman felt angry and discarded. I have
It was 7:50 p.m. Goldman, Dalton, and Billy stood in the living room waiting on the girls. They were dressed in black tie. Goldman pulled at his collar as he looked in the wall mirror. It finally loosened up around his neck without the bow becoming completely undone. Dalton and Billy were enjoying a brandy while they chatted.Gabriella came down the stairs. She wore a long, slimming green gown with wide straps. She wore long green gloves that covered her elbows. Diamonds and emeralds hung from her neck and ears. Billy beamed. “You are a vision, my honey. Like always.” Gabriella giggled. “Thank you.” The couple gave each other a smooch. Nick smiled. Goldman smiled and turned back around to check himself in the mirror again. His dark hair was parted on the side and slicked back. He was nervous. He didn’t mind wearing a suit, but black tie affairs weren’t his thing. Billy let out a low whistle
Patty lightly rested her hands on Gerard’s shoulders. His hands gently held her waist. They swayed to the band’s tune.“This afternoon you said you were in telecommunications, correct?” he asked.Patty glanced down. “Actually, Jackie said that. I’m afraid she made my job sound more . . . professional than what it really is.”“Oh,” he said as his eyebrow rose.Oh god, he’s going to think I’m a loser who’s desperate for a man.“I’m . . . a switchboard operator. I’m the lead switchboard operator, but a switchboard operator just the same,”He smiled. “Don’t be ashamed of having an honest job, my dear.”“I’m not ashamed . . . it’s just that . . . I thought you might not . . . approve,” she said bashfully.He tilted his head. “You think I’m that much of a snob?”Shit!“Oh no,” Patty said quickly. “It’s just that . . . you’re a diplomat and a businessman . . . and I’m sure you usually spend time with people who. . . have more to offer.”“It appears you have plenty to offer,” Gerard said as
After Juan had left, Cindy had asked Mindy to grab items to put on her Nicolette persona before they left for Phoenix. Cindy wouldn’t tell her why. She had said they were going somewhere that she needed to see and it was a surprise. Five miles outside of Phoenix, Cindy stopped the SUV at a rest area, grabbed a bag out the back, and told Mindy she had to go to the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, Cindy returned, but she didn’t look the same. Cindy had on a pile of make-up and a red-wig, and it wasn’t the red wig Mindy had given her. When Cindy got back in the car, Mindy asked what was going on and where were they going. Cindy begged her patience and assured her that everything would become clear. They were in the downtown area of Phoenix. They parked on the street. Cindy walked Mindy to a building that looked like it had glass for walls. They got on the elevator and went to the twelfth floor. There were two businesses on the floor; Grass
It was late Tuesday morning. Mindy was packing a gift basket. She was going to drop it off as she and Cindy rode out of town. Cindy wanted to go shopping in Phoenix. Of course, Mindy couldn’t afford to buy anything but she didn’t mind keeping Cindy company on her shopping trips. Cindy walked in. “Whoa,” she said as she took in the basket on the kitchen table. “That’s a big thank you.” “Well, it is from both us. Can’t have it skimpy,” Mindy said. Cindy shrugged and opened the refrigerator to retrieve a can soda. There was a knock on the back door. “Who in the world could that be?” Mindy asked. Cindy walked to the door and opened it. The man raised his head so they could see his face from under the wide brim baseball hat. “Hey, girls,” Juan greeted. “Juan, come in,” Mindy said with a smile. He darted inside and closed the door. “I parked my car two blocks away and walk
By the time Matt had found out what was going on, it was over. He and Jodi were having a hot romp in the kitchen when Patty tried to call him. He had left his cell in the living room.Two ambulances, the forensics van, two cruisers, and Williamson’s truck were outside. Matt and Jodi walked into Garvey’s bar. “Son of a bitch,” Matt sneered as he put his hands on his hips, taking it all in.Otto was taking pictures of the body on the floor. Goldman stood tall as he was taking notes while Mindy and Cindy Pandock sat at a table talking to him. Juan was sitting at the bar looking like he had never been more relieved in his life as Carter took his statement.“Oh my god,” Jodi said with a shocked look. “I’m going to check on Juan.”“All right, just don’t interfere with the questioning. I’m heading for the lobby to see what else is going on,” Matt said seriously.Jodi nodded and walked away.Matt strode to the lobby doors which were propped open. There was a body on a gurney covered by a shee
Tyrone told Juan how they had tracked Chip down in Chicago. It wasn’t hard. Chip had left a rowdy drunk trail so anyone who wanted to find him could. Tyrone described how they worked Chip over for thirty-six hours. After being beaten for that long anyone would tell what they knew. Chip had given Juan, Sam, and Zeke up. He had even told them where he hid his cut of the money. During the conversation, Tyrone had given the girls more change to play more tunes on the box. Just like before, Chavez had walked with them. When they returned, Ginger got back in the booth and Nicolette remained standing next to a table. She didn’t look as petrified as before. Tucker James had taken a seat at the table with Juan with the gun still on him. Juan guessed he got tired of standing just as much as Nicolette got tired of sitting. It wasn’t hard for Tyrone to track down Zeke either. At least Zeke didn’t lose his mind with the money. He was enjoying a comf
Juan had gotten Tyrone to chat a little. He got detailed about how Sam suffered before he died to Juan, Nicolette, and Ginger’s horror. Tucker even had the nerve to say that at least Sam wasn’t a rat - if it was any consolation to Juan. Now, he was talking to the girls as Nod Ya Head by Will Smith played on the jukebox. Chavez was bobbing his head to the song. “Are you two sisters?” Tyrone asked. “You look like you’re related.” “Cousins,” Nicolette choked out. “Ah,” Tyrone said with understanding. “It’s shame we didn’t meet under different circumstances. You two are cute. Oh, well, back to our friend Juan. So, Juan, where the hell is my twenty million dollars?” Mindy and Cindy’s eyes bugled. “I’ll tell you, but I have to know something first,” Juan said. “Yeah, what’s that?” Tucker said and put the barrel of the gun to Juan’s temple. “How’d you figure out it was us?” Juan asked ask he foug
Tucker had Juan sit down in a chair out on the bar floor. The silence made the situation more terrifying. Tucker pointed his pistol at his chest. How the hell did they figure out it was us? “Ladies, do you want to listen to some music,” Tyrone asked. “Huh?” Ginger said. “Music,” Tyrone repeated. “No reason for the situation to be unpleasant for you because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. What kind of music do you girls like?” Nicolette shrugged stiffly. “Some country and . . . I just started to listen to some hip hop lately.” “Okay,” Tyrone said as he nodded his approval. “What about you, babe?” he asked Ginger. “Same including R&B,” she answered. Tyrone dug into his pocket and pulled out some change. He took Ginger’s hand and placed the change in it. “Play some hip hop. I don’t like country music – oh, and no Eminem, Justin Bieber, or Justin Timberlake. I hate t
It was Sunday morning, and Juan was feeling pretty good despite what had happened last Sunday. No one in town or the surrounding areas knew about Sam being found dead at the hotel, which surprised Juan because he was sure the EMTs would have talked, but it didn’t seem like they had. Juan just thanked his lucky stars.Matt and his team were still working on Sam’s case. Forensics believed Sam’s death was an accident per cloth fibers that were found on his body and the ice bucket bag. Matt tended to agree based on the staff statements and security camera footage from the lobby and exit doors down stairs. He did have Juan come in to look at some of the footage that Matt found suspicious. Juan identified the two blondes Sam had been with. They had appeared to be in a hurry and they went out the side door exit. Juan only knew their first names. Matt had put in the Arizona state police database that they were wanted for questioning, but he didn’t suspect them of foul play. Sam’s valuables ha
Monday afternoon, Juan prepared himself for the verbal assault as he settled in the office with Jodi and Jackie. He had asked Matt not tell the twins about Sam Ellis. Matt had said that it should come from Juan since they still own a part of the business, so they had a right to know. Juan didn’t want them to know because he knew they would blame him somehow. Sam was Juan’s friend not some random guest off the highway. In the end, Juan had refused to call them about it and told Matt to do what he felt was right in regards to informing the twins. “What’s up?” Juan asked. “I think you know what’s up,” Jackie said. “Jackie, what happened yesterday couldn’t be avoided. I don’t know how you think I could have prevented -” Juan began. “Of course, you couldn’t stop it,” Jackie interrupted. “We came here to see how you were and how we can help.” “Yeah. You can’t stop someone who really wants to kill themselves – or partici
The forensics team combed the room over while Matt and Juan waited in a room across the hall, so Matt could take Juan’s official statement. Both room doors were propped open. Otto was able to just walk a few feet to give Matt immediate need to know information.Matt noted Sam’s license information on a pad so his license could stay in an evidence bag. Sam had one suitcase filled with clothes, normal toiletries in the bathroom, a bottle of aspirin, a hundred and fifty dollars in his wallet, a paper bag with eight thousand four and thirty dollars in it, no credit cards, a cell phone, a photo of a woman, a man, and three girls, a key chain with a car key, two regular keys, and a lock key, and a few business cards.“Do you know why he had so much cash on him?” Matt asked.“Sam still lived the life of a drifter,” Juan said. “Plus, he liked casinos. He stopped at a couple in Arizona before he came here. Probably had a good run.” “Hmm,” Matt mused. “Yeah, but to keep that much cash in your