When the Snow Falls Read online

  “Ah, you do know how to get to a man’s heart. All right. I am yours. For two weeks. If I haven’t located the source, then I’ll have had a free ski vacation, and you, my friend, will be shit out of luck.”

  They talked more, laughed about old times, then Liam wrote down the date when he would need to fly to Colorado. After they finished their call, he had a strong suspicion his old ski buddy had something more than a job waiting for him.

  Liam shook his head and reached for his iPad. Plans were made to be changed. While he disliked the idea of spending Christmas at a ski resort where hundreds of people would be filled with holiday cheer, he supposed it could be worse. In all honesty, he’d truly been looking forward to spending a few weeks at his home on Sanibel Island, but Max was a good friend. Liam counted his few close friends as priceless. If forgoing a bit of fishing meant helping his friend out, he consoled himself with the thought that he could fish any time. With that in mind, he called Pierce, his pilot, and made arrangements to have his Learjet available for a trip to Colorado.

  Liam wasn’t much for holidays. Any of them. Too much money spent on silly things, in his not-so-humble opinion. He remembered a woman he’d been dating last year. She’d spent a small fortune on a fountain pen for him. He’d wanted to take it back to the store where she’d purchased it and insist she use the money for something meaningful. like a charitable organization. He had more expensive fountain pens than he could count. And to be honest, he liked BIC pens much better. The woman—he couldn’t recall her name—had been deleted from his list of female contacts. The list was getting slimmer and slimmer. The women who knew him knew that he was fairly well-off. Indeed, that seemed to be the major attraction he held for them. Unfortunately, for him it was an instant turnoff.

  Whatever happened to women with respect? Brains? Goals other than marrying a rich man to take care of them, to provide them with meaningless baubles and fancy cars? He was sure he’d remain a bachelor because there didn’t seem to be that one special woman who couldn’t get past his wealth. Or, if there was, he hadn’t met her yet.

  Chapter 3

  December 17, 2014

  Hannah was in a foul mood when her plane finally touched down at Denver International Airport. The flight had been turbulent, the man seated next to her had snored throughout the flight, and she had not been one bit happy at having to leave Leanne and her domestic situation behind. Camden had promised to keep a watch over her, but she knew that they could only do so much. Leanne had to realize that there was nothing she could do that would salvage her marriage; she had to want to make the necessary changes in her life herself. Sadly, Hannah feared that she might not be able to force herself to make those changes before it was too late.

  As soon as Hannah exited the plane, she found the ladies’ room, repaired her makeup, and began her search for the area where Max had a limo waiting. She liked the thought of riding through the Colorado mountains in the back of a limo. Though she disliked the cold, she had to admit that the snowcapped mountains were breathtaking.

  The drive would give her a couple of hours to rest and prepare herself for the work ahead. She hoped to find Max’s hackers, do what was needed, and still have time to enjoy her planned staycation at the beach. She did not like snow. She did not like to be cold. And more than anything, the thought of being at an upscale ski resort during their busiest time of year made her wish for the comfort and quiet of her beachfront condo.

  “Suck it up, girl. It ain’t happening, Hannah,” she muttered to herself as she made her way through the crowds. She wound her way through the travelers, some loaded with tons of luggage, others with sets of skis, snowboards, and all the heavy-duty gear required to freeze in luxury. She did not understand why people would willingly place themselves in freezing temperatures and actually call it fun. But again, she was a Florida girl through and through. After a tram ride and a trip up an escalator, she spied the exit, where her limo waited. Just as Max had said.

  “You must be Miss Ray?” a handsome young man with caramel-colored skin dressed in a navy blue uniform asked as he saw her approach the limousine.

  She wanted to correct him. It was Ms. Ray, but there was no use starting out on the wrong foot when she already had one strike—the presence of cold air and gobs of snow rather than warm sunshine and a sandy beach—against her. She’d let it pass. After all, it was true. She was a Miss. Ms. just sounded better to her.

  “I’ll take that,” the limo driver said, reaching for her carry-on and opening the door for her. “Miss,” he said, indicating that she should get inside.

  “Yes, of course.” She slid across the plush seat and inhaled the unmistakable scent of real leather. A rich man’s scent, she thought as she tucked her pocketbook and briefcase on the floor next to her boot-clad feet.

  Cut the attitude, Hannah. This is what it is. Work for a friend. Get over it. Do your job, then go home and enjoy the rest of your time off!

  “Mr. Jorgenson said you wouldn’t mind?” the driver said again.

  “What? I’m sorry,” she said. “Must be jet lag.”

  “I have another passenger to pick up. Mr. Jorgenson said you wouldn’t mind sharing the limo. He has more than one client to pick up today. It’s the busy season, you know?”

  Hannah wanted to say, “No shit,” but kept it to herself. And who was this other passenger? Another ski bum taking advantage of Max’s good nature? She decided to ask. “So who are we picking up?” She tried to sound cheerful, as though she were truly grateful to have a companion for the ride.

  The young man slid into the driver’s seat, then hit the button that opened the window that separated the driver from the passengers. “He’s a business associate, miss.”

  “Of course,” she replied. What had she expected other than a ski bum? Max Jorgenson was a big-time resort owner, a former Olympic gold-medal winner. It only made sense that he would have associates visiting him year-round. And if they got in a few days on the slopes, all the better. If you liked that sort of thing, which she didn’t.

  “We just have to drive to the general aviation side of the airport; it won’t take long,” the driver informed her as he pulled out into a long line of traffic preparing to exit the airport.

  “That’s fine. I’m in no hurry at all,” she lied in the sweetest voice. She was starting not to like herself very much. Maybe I should refer to myself as Ms. Scrooge. She smiled at the unbidden thought.

  “Thanks, because we’re going to be in some heavy traffic. Tomorrow evening is the beginning of Hanukkah, so we’ve got plenty of travelers who want to be settled in at the resort before the holiday begins at sunset. Mr. Jorgenson says this is going to be a record-breaking year.”

  “That’s wonderful,” she replied, trying hard to keep the sarcasm out of her voice. For him.

  “I know. I’m just thrilled to be a part of it all. My kid sister, she’s twelve, hopes to make it to the Olympics one day, so I’m hoping I can make a connection for her.” He stopped speaking, as though he’d revealed too much. “I mean, I don’t know Mr. Jorgenson well enough to ask him if he’d coach my sister or anything like that, it’s just that she’s very talented and needs all the breaks she can get.”

  Hannah wanted to add that she could almost guarantee the breaks, but they might not be the kind he was hoping for. She didn’t, though. “Have you talked to Max about your sister?” she asked, trying to show some form of sincere interest.

  “No! I wouldn’t dream of it. At least not yet. I . . . well, I plan to play it by ear.”

  “Well, if you’d like, I can put in a good word for you. I’m sure Max would be more than willing to coach your sister, especially if she’s as talented as you say. If not, I’m quite sure he could put you in contact with another coach.” She didn’t know that at all, but the poor kid seemed so excited when he talked about his sister that Hannah suddenly felt sorry for him. Trying to make it in a tough world. It was hard these days. Even more so if you didn’t have the luxury of
wealth and family to support you. She had no clue if that was the case now, but it was probably close enough. The kid wouldn’t be driving a limo just for the fun of it. At least she didn’t think so.

  “You’d do that for me? I’m practically a stranger.”

  True, but she could tell he was decent. In her profession, the ability to size people up was absolutely necessary. And this young guy was legit. And she would make sure his sister got the training she needed, even if it meant paying for it herself. Anonymously, of course.

  “Just write your name and number down, and don’t forget to give it to me.”

  He reached inside his shirt pocket and whipped out a shiny gold business card. “This has all of Tasha’s info, and mine. I’m kind of like her agent since our mom died two years ago. She used to drive her to practice every day, but I can do that now with this job. And by the way, I’m Terrence.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Terrence. I’m Hannah Ray.” She was sorry she’d been the slightest bit snotty. This kid was trying to make something of his and his sister’s lives. She’d help him and his sister. She made a mental promise to herself to arrange for Max or someone else to coach the Olympic hopeful.

  Hannah might do lots of crazy things, but one thing she never did was break a promise. Even one she had made only to herself.

  Chapter 4

  “I’m not sure how long I’ll be remaining here,” Liam told Pierce. “You can stay if you want, or not. Up to you.”

  “Then I’d just as soon go home. I hate this cold weather, and you’ll need someone to keep an eye on your place, right?” Pierce teased, knowing full well that he had the use of the beach house on Sanibel Island while Liam was out of town.

  “Of course, and I trust you to make sure that my boat, the Ferretti 690, catches a few fish while she’s out and about.”

  Liam’s Ferretti 690 was a yacht, but Pierce wasn’t going to remind him, just in case he decided to dry-dock her while he was away.

  “I think I can manage. Just give me at least a three-to-four-hour heads-up when you’re ready for your return flight. I’ll need to file a flight plan and prepare the Learjet.”

  Learjets and Ferretti 690s. One might be excused if one thought that Liam McConnell had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but that was not the case at all. Hard work and a few wise investments in his younger years had assured him that his financial future was secure. Not to mention that his security fees were right up there with the likes of Gavin de Becker, a world-renowned security specialist.

  “I’ll make sure to do that. Now, where is this limousine that’s picking me up?” The two men waited on the tarmac next to the plane. Pierce wore the traditional dark slacks and crisp white shirt with gold wings on the sleeves of a pilot. Liam was dressed in faded jeans and a white Columbia Sportswear fishing shirt. Worn-out Sperrys, minus socks, completed his outfit. He casually held a denim jacket across his shoulder. It was cold but dry, and the sun was out. He knew the temperatures could change at the drop of a hat, but he was comfortable and didn’t want to suffocate on the drive to Telluride. People out West seemed to crank the heaters in their cars up to full blast at the drop of a snowflake. It always made him a bit sick, but he’d keep that tidbit of information to himself. All the more reason to like Florida. Though the temperature and the humidity were horrendous in the summer, air-conditioning was everywhere. In fact, most places kept the air-conditioning cranked up all the way in the summer months. Liam would take that over the cold any day of the week.

  He slapped Pierce on the back. “Have a safe flight home. You need me, you know where to find me.”

  “Will do, my friend.” Pierce spied the approaching limo and motioned for it to pull up alongside the jet so he could transfer Liam’s suitcase from the underbelly of the aircraft. The limo’s trunk popped open, Pierce tossed the small piece of luggage inside, then shook hands with Liam. “Later.”

  Liam waved, then directed his attention to the limousine driver. “Mr. McConnell? I’m Terrence. Mr. Jorgenson sent me.”

  “Hey, I appreciate the lift. Nice to meet you.” Liam shook Terrence’s hand.

  “Just so you know, I have another passenger. She’s a business associate of Mr. Jorgenson’s. She’s nice.” He opened the door, then closed it quickly before the cold air could slip inside.

  Liam slid into the seat and saw the attractive blonde seated across from him.

  Max Jorgenson, you sly devil. Let the games begin.

  Chapter 5

  Ever the gentleman, Liam introduced himself using only his given name. He was a bit on the paranoid side when it came to women these days.

  “Nice meeting you, Liam. I’m Hannah Ray,” she replied in a professional voice, emphasizing Ray.

  A subtle dig of sorts. He liked that.

  He scrutinized her as she sat across from him. Shapely legs covered in black tights and black suede boots indicated she had taste. She wore a burgundy trench coat that covered the upper half of her body. Honey-blond hair and eyes the color of a good whiskey with tiny green flecks dotted around her pupils. His vision certainly hadn’t been affected by aging. Not that forty was old. Hadn’t someone recently told him forty was the new thirty?

  After a few awkward seconds, he acknowledged her introduction by holding his hand out to her. “It’s my pleasure.”

  She reached across the expanse that separated them and took his hand in hers, almost yanking it back when she felt a jolt of desire so sudden that it frightened her. Taking a deep breath, she quickly shook his hand, then pulled away. “Nice.” And was he ever, she thought, as she raked her gaze over him. He had to be well over six feet tall because his long, denim-clad legs almost touched hers. Jet-black hair sprinkled with gray at the temples, and clear blue eyes; this man was a bona fide hunk. What the heck? She hadn’t reacted to a member of the male persuasion like this since . . . ever!

  A couple of more seconds of silence, then they both began talking at once.

  “—So what brings you here?” Hannah asked.

  “—I take it this isn’t a vacation for you?” Liam said.

  “Let’s start over. Ladies first,” Liam said, his wide grin revealing strikingly white teeth against a tanned face.

  Hannah decided he was a ski bum. She saw that he went sockless, and this confirmed it even more. Who lives in Colorado and went without socks in the winter? But she told herself not to judge. He was very handsome, and he appeared to be very self-assured. Maybe he was arrogant and condescending like Richard Marchand, an asshole pharmacist she had once dated. No, she thought to herself, there just couldn’t be another man like dear old Richard. Realizing that he was waiting for her to start their conversation again, she smiled. “Sorry, I was woolgathering. Long flight, and it’s cold here.”

  He laughed. “Colorado is usually cold this time of year, no doubt about it.”

  “Excuse me,” Terrence said, as they exited the airport. “Would either of you like something to eat before we hit I-70? I have drinks but no food, and it’s a long drive: about six hours, and that’s in good weather, without a lot of traffic.”

  “Six hours! Please tell me you’re joking?” Hannah said, not caring that she sounded like a whiny brat. She had just spent almost four and a half hours on a plane, and now she had a six-hour limo ride? And apparently that was if she was lucky!

  Liam removed his phone from his shirt pocket and punched in a number. “Pierce, you still at the airport? Good. Don’t leave. I’m coming back. I’ll explain when I get there.”

  “Maybe I should call Mr. Jorgenson,” Terrence said as they waited at a traffic light. “He’ll be upset if I arrive without his guests.”

  “I’m calling him now,” Liam said, and scrolled through his phone until he located Max’s cell number.

  “Max, I’m in Denver and just realized I’m still six hours away. Pierce is still at the airport with the Learjet. Can you arrange for someone to be there in say”—he looked at his watch—“two hours tops? Good. I
’ll tell him. Later,” he said, then clicked off.

  He turned in the seat so that he was facing the front of the limo. “Terrence, Max says you can have the night off. Said for you to spend the evening having fun and to stay at the Hilton in Denver tonight. Wants you to take your time driving back tomorrow. He also said he would make sure Tasha knows you’re okay.”

  “Well, if that’s what Mr. Jorgenson wants, then his wish is totally my command.” Terrence grinned. “Yours too, Mr. McConnell, Miss Ray. I hope to see you both at all the Christmas festivities. They’re going to light up the mountain this year. It’s gonna be a sight to behold.”

  Hannah knew that she must’ve heard Terrence correctly; she wasn’t hard of hearing. Yes, she’d heard all about the holiday events, but what she’d really heard and took in was the name. McConnell. Liam McConnell.

  Anyone and everyone in the private sector of the law-enforcement business knew of his reputation. He was the best in electronic-security assessments. Meaning hackers could not hide from this man. And if they did, he would find them. His success rate was 100 percent.

  “If you’ll get us back to the general aviation side ASAP, I’ll be forever in your debt,” Liam said to Terrence.

  Terrence made an illegal U-turn, then headed back to the airport. “Right away, Mr. McConnell.”

  “Do you mind filling me in on the change of plans?” Hannah singsonged. “Or did you forget there is someone else to consider?” Maybe he was an asshole like Richard Marchand.

  “I apologize. I don’t see any reason to ride in this limo for six-plus hours when I have a perfectly good Learjet with an awesome pilot who, as luck would have it, hasn’t left the airport yet. I think Pierce can get us to Telluride in a little over an hour.” He paused, then continued, “If you’d rather not fly with me, I’ll understand. I am a total stranger.”