Page 5 of Sight of Fate

Teague Lochlan,

CEO, Granite Securities

555-542-9347

There. Once the snow starts, the pass will be blocked until spring. Does that mean nobody can get in? I stare at it for a few minutes. What if I’m the one who’s trapped? Worse, what if I’m jumping from one bad situation into another? I close my eyes and silently beg my mother for advice. What do I do? Take a chance or not? There’s no answer, of course. Hasn’t been for seven years. But I know what she would say. Hands shaking with nerves, I dial the number.

The voice that answers is low with a hint of an accent I can’t quite place. “Teague.”

Something about the sound of his voice…calms me. I take a deep breath. “Hi, I’m Charli. I’m calling about the PA position. Is it still available?”

“Charli? PA position?”

Did I dial the wrong number? “Yes, the one posted this morning.”

He inhales sharply, and I bite my lip, wondering what’s wrong. But then his voice returns, full of assurance. “Yes, sorry. It’s available. The snow is supposed to arrive this weekend. When can you be here?”

Wait. Does that mean… “Aren’t you going to interview me?” And where is here?

He pauses, then chuckles. “Sorry, long day. Are you proficient with a computer?”

Maybe this isn’t a good idea. “Yes,” I reply hesitantly. “I’ve mostly done design work—websites, brochures, logos, and stuff—but I’m sure I can learn whatever else you need.” I bite my lip as my anxiety rises.

He’s silent for a second, then exhales heavily. “Look. Let’s start over. I need help. I’ve got more work than I can handle, and I really need someone to take some of the load off me. Someone who’s independent and willing to jump in wherever I need them. Organize the office, manage my calendar, attend meetings, field my calls, you name it.” He stops for a second, then continues. “And to be fair, I’m impatient and a bit demanding. I work a lot. Probably too much. And I’m blowing this, aren’t I? I just…need…you.”

When he pauses, I jump in. “All that sounds doable.” For the kind of money he’s offering, I’ll figure it out. “The salary is a hundred thousand for a six-month trial, correct?”

He mutters something unintelligible, then replies clearly. “Yes, that’s correct.”

Relieved, I try to think of what else. “Your message said the pass will close once it snows? What does that mean?”

It’s his turn to hesitate. “Unfortunately, there’s only one road in or out of our Vale. Once it snows, it won’t clear until spring. April, if we’re lucky. Sometimes as late as May. That’s why I put the six months in there. But we won’t be alone. Last count, Greystone has over a hundred thousand…people in it.” He stops, then continues. “So, what do you say?”

The line is quiet as if he’s holding his breath. This will either be the best or worst decision I’ve ever made, but I need somewhere to hide. At least until the news stops playing that damn video. And the money will change my life.

“I accept.”

I hear him blow out a breath. “Great. I promise, you won’t regret it.” Papers shuffle in the background. “Give me your number, and I’ll drop you a pin with my location. Where are you now?”

“Texas,” I reply, not wanting to give him too much information. I recite my number.

“Got it. Don’t forget. Snow will be here Friday.” He pauses. “Be careful and call me when you arrive. I’ll help you get settled. I look forward to meeting you, Charli.”

“Thanks, me too. Bye,” I reply softly, hanging up.

I stare at the phone for a minute. Am I really doing this? My gaze moves to the darkening circle around my wrist from where the guy at the gas station grabbed me. Yes, I am. Hank really left me no choice.

Chapter Four

CHARLI

His pin comes through a second later. Greystone Vale is in Colorado, a few hours outside of Denver, close to the Rocky Mountains. I map the location on my phone and realize if I drive all night, I can be there tomorrow afternoon. Might as well. It’s not safe to stay here. Besides, if I get in early, that will give me two days to check things out, make sure it’s the right decision before the snow hits.

After a quick stop to use the bathroom, I grab a coffee and settle in for the long drive. Now that I’m on the road and headed to a brand new place, I can’t help but think about the things I forgot to ask. Teague wasn’t very informative. He owns a company called Granite Securities. Or maybe he doesn’t own it. Maybe he’s just the CEO? I frown. Damn it. I was so desperate, I didn’t look up the company. What if it’s involved in something illegal or a start-up with a cash flow problem? The salary seems really high for a PA. Maybe too high?

My brain worries incessantly until I finally get off another exit and pull into a brightly lit gas station to do a little research. Granite Securities. Teague…I open up his message again. Teague Lochlan. Armed with the information, I dive in. Privately owned company. He’s the CEO. Family-owned. Been in business for over a hundred years. The tension in my shoulders eases. Now, what does this company do?

Several articles mentioning Granite Securities pop up. Apparently, they develop high-end security systems and software for corporations, museums, governments…the list goes on and on. Net worth…I whistle… six hundred million. I drop my head back. Phew. It’s legit. Excited now, I grin as I think about what this could mean for me, although I don’t dare say it out loud.