Up In Flames by Rhonda Russell

Author:Rhonda Russell [Russell, Rhonda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Firefly Press
Published: 2019-01-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

“There’s been a development” Aggie said when Charlie and Jay practically skidded into the room. Jay was gentleman enough to let her enter first, a gesture of courtesy too many women these days didn’t appreciate.

While Aggie was well aware that women had earned their spots in the work force, she’d never understood the I’ll-get-my-own-door mentality some of them subscribed to. Opening a door, pulling out a chair, standing when a woman rose from the table. These were things her parents had taught their sons, lessons she’d passed on to her boys.

Evidently Jay’s mother and father had taken the time to teach him, as well. It was heartening to see that, to know that some people still remembered and appreciated old-school deportment.

He nodded in her direction. “Good morning, Ms. Aggie.”

She smiled at him. “Morning, dear. I trust you slept well.”

He flashed a grin. Goodness, what a handsome devil. “Like a baby, thank you.”

The telltale smudges beneath Charlie’s eyes told her that the younger woman hadn’t fared as well, but she asked all the same. “And you, Charlie?”

Her gaze darted fleetingly to Jay, then a smile that was just a little wan and too hesitant shaped her lips. “Fine, ma’am. You said there was a development. What’s happened?”

Aggie released a nervous breath. “The ransom instructions were delivered sometime during the night. Smokey found them this morning when he arrived.”

Jay’s gaze sharpened. “Found them where?”

“On the gatehouse. They were taped to the window.”

For whatever reason, that made Charlie blush. “Burt didn’t find them?”

“No,” Aggie said. “Burt arrives at seven.” She hesitated. “Smokey typically gets here a little earlier.” Because Aggie was an early riser and liked to prepare her own breakfast, it had become their habit to share the meal together without Jasmine or any of the other staff. She absolutely cherished that time. It was her favorite part of the day, watching him duck into the kitchen, then smile when he saw her, the light reaching his wise eyes.

“What time did he get here this morning?” Jay asked.

“Five-thirty.” He liked to watch her cook, had said seeing a woman move around the kitchen was the second-best way to start a morning. She’d never mustered the courage to ask what he thought the best way to start the morning was. She expected his answer would make her blush.

“Could we see it?” Jay asked.

Aggie noted the we with pleasure. A quick glance at Charlie confirmed that she’d caught the use of the plural, as well. She looked almost startled, for lack of a better description. As though she wasn’t used to a man who wasn’t trying to put his own interests first.

“Of course.” Aggie retreated to the library table to retrieve the missive and then handed it to Charlie. She’d hired her, after all. It only seemed right. Furthermore, she wanted to see what Charlie would do, to see if she’d willingly share the information that had just been put into her hands.

“I wish I had some gloves,” Charlie muttered as she carefully withdrew the note.

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