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“The town is going to be all over this,” Levi grumbles.
“No, they’re not,” Chase snaps.
“What do you mean, they’re not. It’s one million dollars. That’s nothing to you, but it’s a lot of money for a lot of people here,” Aiden reminds his son.
I glance at Noah, whose wheels are turning, but the way he’s watching Chase makes me think he’s curious about his plan.
Chase points at the television. “The woman they’re on the lookout for—is Penelope Walker. This is Pepper Woods. She’s never been to New York, never even went to college. When she left town, she went west—not east. They’ll be looking for a blonde. After this evening, Pepper will be her old redheaded self.”
I hold my questions, processing.
“Besides, she couldn’t possibly be engaged to Troy Mayfield.” He pins me with his eyes. “She’s been engaged to me for the last year and a half.”
“What?” I shriek.
“That’ll do it,” Levi agrees.
Noah nods. “Why not just get married?”
“Someone want to fill me in here?” Dad asks.
“Because it’s too obvious. Pepper needs a backstory. She can’t have just shown up and be my wife. This needs to be something the entire town believes. Including the media.”
“Why the media?” Levi asks.
Noah wiggles a finger, catching on. “It’s risky, but if Troy does find out and comes after her, he’ll be known for stealing the Denver Kings’ MVPs’ fiancée.”
“Which is worse than a runaway bride,” Chase finishes. “My fans are louder. He won’t risk hurting his campaign.”
I shrug. “Can’t be that loud. I’ve never heard of you.”
Chase rolls his eyes. “You guys in?”
“One more question.” Noah narrows his eyes. “What does she do for work?”
Chase smiles and motions to me. “You’re looking at the newest Denver Kings Ice Queen.”
“What?” I repeat.
“Starting this evening.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I agree,” Aiden objects. “Why can’t we just have her work here at the bar?”
“Because if Troy’s people track her back here, the Inn is the first place they’ll look. And believe me, they’re not sending someone that Pepper would recognize.”
My hands shake. “So being on camera is better?”
Chase turns to me, his tone slightly softer. “Ice Girls are shot from afar and with your new look, no one will question it. The people coming to see Denver Kings play aren’t looking for a lookalike of a runaway bride. They’re there to see a game.”
“What about everyone here?” I ask, my voice smaller than I’d like to sound.
He steps up to me and grips my shoulders. “You’re hiding in plain sight. If you keep walking around with a hoodie and sunglasses, you’re making yourself a target. Just act like you belong and no one will question it.”
Noah nods. “It’s a stretch but…” His eyes shift between Chase and me. “Works for me. I’ll keep tabs on Troy’s people.”
“And I’ll keep a lookout for anyone suspicious walking in here and…asking questions,” Aiden offers.
