Page 29 of Sleigh My Heart

“I’d like to speak with Evan Towers.” A quick search in the car gave her the names of not only Evan, the CEO, but the other board members.

“Do you have an appointment with Mr. Towers?”

“No. But it will only take a few minutes. I’m sure he would be willing to squeeze in time for an officer of the law.”

The guy glanced at his computer before picking up the phone. With one hand, he covered the receiver then whispered. When he ended the call, he said, “You may have a seat and someone will be right down to get you.”

“Thank you.” Michelle opted to stand versus sit in the leather chairs to her left. She scanned the names and suite numbers on the board by the elevator. As she reached the bottom of the list, her brows shot up.

Wow, this was a large company. This may be the headquarters of HighTower Development, but it wasn’t where the workers and materials were housed.

Did they use subcontractors or in-house crews?

The elevator dinged, and a tall woman in a gray suit stepped out. “Officer. I’m Elaine. Mr. Towers’ assistant. Follow me, please.”

Michelle stepped into the elevator with her. She touched her badge to the controls, then pushed the button for the top floor. “Mr. Towers has back-to-back meetings today, but he will work you in.”

“Thank you. This shouldn’t take long.” The doors opened to a wall of windows. The view of the city with the river beyond was breathtaking.

“Can I interest you in a cup of coffee? He will be a few more minutes.” She gestured to the chair outside the wooden double doors, her boss’s office, Michelle assumed.

“No, thank you. I’m good.”

The woman tipped her head then slipped behind the desk and sat in one smooth motion. A moment later, the clack of nails on the keyboard sounded in the cavernous room.

“Elaine.” Michelle waited until she looked up to continue. “How long have you worked for HighTower?”

“Thirteen years next month.”

Michelle stepped to the window and took in the view. “It’s a good job then?”

“I’d say so.” Her brows furrowed.

“Have you worked for Mr. Towers the whole time? As his assistant?”

Elaine hesitated this time. Her face deepened in color. “Yes. I’m sorry, but I have some work to do.”

“Oh sure, I get it. Sorry.” Michelle leaned against the window, looking way down to the parking lot in the back of the building. No vans. “I always wondered with how big of an operation it was. Does HighTower use subcontractors for their work or do they have full-time crews?”

Michelle watched Elaine through the reflection. She didn’t look up from her computer. A moment later, she said, “It depends.”

The assistant may not have thought she said much, but from her facial expressions and tone, Michelle learned a lot.

Of course, she didn’t expect Towers’ assistant to gossip like a church lady. But now Michelle had a baseline for how his employees viewed him. Elaine wasn’t overly complimentary, nor did she lay on the praise for the company or boss too thick. She answered the questions with an easy rapport. She didn’t have to think too long, nor did she rush her answers. That boded well for Evan Towers.

Just then, the door to the office opened and an older gentleman stepped out. “I’ll see you next week at the party.”

“You know it.” A tall, broad man in jeans and work boots ushered the man out. Towers.

“Officer?” He held the door for her.

“Swenson.” She entered his office, and he closed the door behind her.

“Officer Swenson, what can I do for you?” Evan Towers looked more like a foreman on a site than the CEO of a multimillion-dollar company.

“Thank you for finding time to see me. I understand you are looking to acquire the Ashwood Mall.”

“Me and every other developer in the state. It’s a beautiful piece of property.” He sat behind his desk.