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She took one of the ham and cheese croissants, biting into it and moaning. “These are so good. They taste just like the ones Hutch used to make in the shop. He told me once that he used to bake the hams himself instead of using deli meat. It always tasted to me like there was some honey Dijon mustard in them.”
Colby’s focus sharpened, and he regarded the woman sitting before him. What did they really know about her? “It might sound a bit maudlin, but we had some of his croissants and other pastries in the freezer. We were all very fond of Hutch. It seemed fitting to thaw some out and serve them at breakfast—kind of an homage to him.”
Trudy regarded him coolly. “I guess I can see that. He did enjoy feeding people.”
“Yes, he did. The whole thing is so unfortunate for the community. I know you and several other businesses and estates used his bread and rolls exclusively. Would you like me to find Hamish for you?”
“Oh, heaven’s no. He doesn’t need to worry about me. Just let me know what you think I should do with her things. I really don’t like having them at The Refuge.”
“Why don’t you get them packed, and Hamish can bring them up tomorrow?”
She stood up. “I suppose that would be fine. Thank you, Colby, and thank you for the croissant.”
“Why don’t you take one of the chocolate ones for the road?”
“I probably shouldn’t, but I don’t mind if I do.”
She wrapped the treat up in a napkin and slipped it into her purse. Colby walked outside with her to her vehicle, helped her in, and waved as she drove away. He smiled, waving as she made her way down the driveway. She’d said nothing specific that had set his alarm bells off, but they were ringing anyway. His hackles raised, Colby headed back into the house and up the stairs. He wanted Hutch to start digging into Trudy’s life.
CHAPTER16
NORA
Nora knew she needed to get word to Colby, and they needed to come up with a new plan. Not only was the Master wanting to kill Colby, Trudy was the mole—or at least one of them. That was part of the problem. She had no idea if there were others. Given the Master’s normal level of paranoia, she doubted very much Trudy was the only one.
And what had been behind the flash of pain Nora had seen in Trudy’s eyes?
If somebody was watching, she needed to make it appear as though she was still inside. She thought about using the communication device, but worried about it being out-of-range or intercepted in some way. Nora had never been overly fond of or trusted electronic communications. Besides this was a conversation best had in person. She would be able to move more quickly and safely if she shifted and ran cross country to Windsong. She didn’t see a need to take clothes with her, as there should be something she could borrow from someone up at Windsong.
She called forth her clouded leopard and slipped out of the cabin through the same small door she’d used to enter it. As she galloped through the woodland, she realized how nice it would be to live somewhere she didn’t have to drive out of town, find a remote, unpopulated spot and go for a run. Mystic River offered her not only her fated mate, but a home where she could be herself and shift anytime she wanted.
Nora ran at her full capacity, circling back every so often to ensure that no one was following her. As far as she could tell, she had eluded anyone who might have been watching. She approached Windsong from the far side and leaped up onto and then down from the wall that surrounded it.
She kept to the shadows and shrubbery until she spotted the balcony to the room she shared with Hutch. Gathering her strength, she rushed across the open ground and leapt up, only barely managing to catch the flooring of the deck.
“Nora? What the hell?” She heard Hutch rushing to her. He just managed to catch her before she fell. He hauled her over the balustrade by wrapping his arms under her front legs and falling backwards so that he cradled her fall with his body.
Nora scrambled off of him and bounded into the room. She bade her clouded leopard to relinquish control and was immediately enveloped in the swirling mist of color, light, and sound. As it dissipated, Hutch reached her, scooping her off of the floor and moving to a large wingback chair in front of the fire. Once he was seated with Nora in his lap, he wrapped a soft blanket around her.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“I am. We need to find me some clothes, and we need to speak to Colby. Now, Hutch, it’s urgent.”
“All right. Hang on. I think there are some things in the closet that will work.”
He came back out with a pair of leggings and one of his sweaters. She pulled both on quickly, took him by the hand and led him out into the hall, down the stairs and to Colby’s office. She didn’t bother to knock as she opened the door, pulling Hutch in behind her.
“Nora,” Colby said standing.
She eyed Hamish who also got to his feet and Nora said pointedly. “I need the room—just Colby, Hutch and I.”
“Hamish is my second-in-command…”
“Fine, but it changes nothing. I need to speak with you and Hutch alone.”
“Is it about Trudy?” asked Colby from behind her.
Nora spun around. “You knew?”
