Chapter Four #3
Liam took a position by the door, arms folded across his chest. Connor nodded at him, then began the meeting. Nina let the familiar instructions and updates wash over her. This was the world where she was comfortable and safe. She was part of a team where no one was out to harm her.
“Just one more thing,” Connor said, and set aside his clipboard to focus his attention on the men and women gathered around him. “While you’re patrolling today, keep an eye out for anyone who’s paying too much attention to Nina.”
“There’s this photographer who’s following her around,” Raz said, and grinned at Liam.
Some of them laughed, but Connor’s expression remained sober.
“I’m serious. There’s a guy who’s been harassing her.
A stalker. If you see anyone watching her while trying not to make it obvious, or anyone following her around the resort, report it and we’ll get security or law enforcement in to deal with them. ”
The others exchanged looks, then stared at Nina. She shifted in her chair but kept her head up. Raz leaned toward her. “Are you okay?” she asked.
“I am,” she said. “But I want to put a stop to this before it goes too far.”
“We’re on it,” Brian said, and the others murmured agreement.
“That’s all I’ve got for you this morning,” Connor said. “Let’s get to work.”
Liam waited with Nina until the others had left, then he followed her out the door. “You told Connor about what’s going on,” he said. “That’s good.”
“I had to tell him,” she said. “There was another note taped to my mailbox this morning, and I was still pretty upset when I got here.”
“Your mailbox? I didn’t see anything like that when I pulled in last night.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t there last night. Which means Nicholson came back after you and the deputy left.”
Liam was normally so mild mannered, but right now he looked fierce. “What did the note say?”
“That the letter writer hoped I had a good night and he’d been thinking of me. And he called me darling. It’s exactly the kind of thing Nicholson said in his notes before.” She met his gaze, anger smoldering. “It sounds so innocent, but it’s not.”
“No, it’s not.” He touched her shoulder, lightly, then let his hand drop. “Are you going to talk to the sheriff again?”
“First, I want to talk to Doug and Marlena. I need to make them see how serious this is. Doug knows a lot of people in town. Maybe he can put pressure on the sheriff’s department to take this seriously.
And I want them to put this publicity campaign on hold until Nicholson is back behind bars.
All this—” She gestured toward one of the banners that featured her image.
“My face everywhere and video on social media—that just feeds this man’s mania. ”
“Do you think Doug and Marlena will agree to that?”
“They’ll resist, but I’m going to impress upon them the possible liability if I’m hurt while doing publicity for the resort.”
“That should make their corporate hearts tremble in fear.”
Not half as much as her own heart was fearful, she thought. But she was determined not to show it. She took out her phone. “I’m calling Doug’s office now.”
The phone rang six times before someone answered. “Um, good morning, Doug Elam’s office,” Kristie answered.
“This is Nina Rose. I need to speak with Doug.”
“Mr. Elam isn’t in at the moment. I can take a message.”
“This is urgent,” Nina said. “It’s very important that I speak to him as soon as possible.”
“Um. I don’t know when he’ll be back. I can put you through to Marlena Jarvis, in marketing. Maybe she can help you?”
“I need to talk to Doug.”
A click, a span of silence, then Marlena spoke. “Nina! Lovely to hear from you. How are the photo sessions going? Frankly, I’m jealous of you, getting to be out on the slopes in this beautiful weather.”
“I’m not calling about the photo sessions,” Nina said. “I need to get hold of Doug. It’s very important that I talk with him.”
“I don’t think Doug is in the office today,” Marlena said. “What’s going on that’s so urgent?”
“My stalker left a note at my house yesterday afternoon, and another one this morning.”
Silence.
“Marlena? Did you hear what I said?”
“Yes. But this sounds like a matter for the sheriff’s office, not resort administration.”
“I’ve spoken with the sheriff. Now I need to speak to Doug. Or would you rather my attorney contact you?”
“There’s no need to get nasty about this.” Marlena’s voice hardened.
“Tell Doug I’ll meet him at his office,” Nina said. “Now.”
“I have no idea how to reach him.”
“Marlena.” Nina’s voice was firm. “I know the two of you are involved. I’m sure you know how to reach Doug.”
“Who told you that? My personal affairs are none of your business.”
“You two are together all over town,” Nina said. “Do you really think no one noticed?”
“We’re both single. We have every right to see each other.”
“I’m not saying you don’t. I’m just saying I know you know how to reach Doug and tell him I want him to meet me in his office. I’m headed there now. Goodbye.”
She ended the call and pocketed her phone.
“Doug and Marlena are dating?” Liam asked.
“Worst kept secret at SkyCrest,” she said. “Anyway, let’s get over there. I’ll sit in Doug’s office all morning if I have to, but I’m not leaving until I’ve impressed upon him that he has a big problem on his hands.”