Page 30 of Sleigh My Heart

“Did you know Jonny Staniski?”

He shook his head. “Should I?”

“He worked for you for two years, leaving the company three months ago.”

“Officer Swenson, I have hundreds of employees. And while I like to be on site as much as possible, that doesn’t mean I know all my employees by name.”

She changed tactics. “Did you watch the news this week?”

“Some.”

“Then you may know that Mr. Staniski was found dead in a stolen sleigh. The mall’s sleigh.” She watched his reaction carefully.

“I heard something about it, but I had no idea that the man was a former employee.” He pushed a button on the phone. “Elaine, can you please send our condolences to Mr. Jonny Staniski’s family?”

“Right away, sir.” Her voice rang clear in the room before he disconnected.

“Is there anything else I can help you with? Sorry, but my next appointment will be here any minute.”

“Just one more question. Who would have been his direct supervisor? I’d like to ask him a few questions. I need to talk to someone who would know who he hung out with.”

“I couldn’t say, but Elaine could get you his supervisor’s information.” He stood, crossed the floor in three long strides, then opened the door. “Elaine, could you look up Jonny Staniski for Officer Swenson, please? Give her anything she requests on him.”

“Thank you, Mr. Towers.”

“Evan. Anytime.” He took her hand. A warm, firm shake, but it was his smile that had her thoughts shifting back to Nick. This guy was a looker, but his touch sparked nothing in her.

“Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me.” A ping sounded. She pulled her hand free and turned to watch the elevator door open. A young woman in jeans and a Carhartt work coat stepped out.

“Mara. Perfect timing.” Towers ushered her into his office and closed the door.

Michelle turned to Elaine. “Who was that?”

The assistant’s eyes narrowed at her boss’s closed door. “Ms. Tate. She’s one of the project managers.”

It looked to Michelle like Elaine didn’t like the competition that Ms. Tate gave. Interesting. “I appreciate your help. I’m looking for Jonny Staniski’s supervisor.”

“Yes. One moment.” Her long nails clattered on the keys as she pulled up files. “Here it is.” A few more taps and the printer spooled to life behind her. She pulled the pages from the machine and handed them to Michelle.

“Is it true Jonny was murdered?” Elaine’s voice was barely above a whisper.

“I’m afraid so.”

She shook her head. “I can’t believe it. He was a nice man.”

Michelle’s head snapped up from the papers. “You knew him?”

“Well, only in passing. At the holiday party or when he came into the office.”

“Did he come into the office often?”

“No. I saw him last summer one day. I had forgotten my phone and passed him coming out of the elevator. Well, I just can’t believe it. I’ve never known anyone who was murdered. It’s terrible.”

Michelle handed her a card. “If you remember anything about Jonny, even the smallest detail that you think wouldn’t matter. Please let me know.”

She took the card between two fingers and nodded.

As Michelle made her way down the elevator, she looked at the controls. This elevator stopped on all the floors. Jonny could have been at any one of them. So why did her gut scream to look deeper into Evan Towers?