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I glanced up at the voice, surprised. Usually, Alice did everything in her power to prevent people from interrupting my work. “What is it?”
“There’s a guy at the door who’s insisting he talk to you personally.”
Adrenaline shot through me. I couldn’t think of anyone who’d need to speak to me in person about anything important, and Alice would have recognized someone who was part of my life. I didn’t like surprise visits with people who insisted on seeing me. They reminded me of what had happened with Darrel Weich in Auckland, earlier on in my career. The man had been a fan of my writing, and he’d somehow tracked me down to the home I shared with Ryan—although he’d watched me for weeks before he made himself known. But when he had…. Well, he definitely hadn’t been subtle.
“Did he say what he wants?” I asked, twisting my fingers anxiously.
“I think he’d like to rent one of the cottages,” Alice said. “That was the impression he gave.” She lowered her voice. “But he’s a bit strange. Do you want me to come with you?”
I considered her offer. “I’m sure he’s harmless, but perhaps you could stay close, just in case?”
“Whatever you need.” She gave me a small smile and touched my shoulder.
I soaked in her quiet support. “Thanks.”
Duke bounced at our heels, and Alice scooped him into her arms, giggling when he tried to lick her face.
“Impressive,” I remarked. “He’s heavy.”
She booped him on the nose. “I’m stronger than I look.”
I rose slowly to my feet and walked out of the office. Alice hung back, walking a few steps behind me. Present, but not intrusive. As we neared the front door, I summoned my courage and pushed it open, half expecting to see Darrel Weich on the other side, but it was a stranger. He looked up, his dark eyes sweeping me from head to toe, but not in a creepy way. More like he was taking stock of me and working something out in his head.
“Grace?” he asked.
“Yes. You wanted to see me?”
He nodded, then took a step backward and dragged his fingers through shaggy chocolate-brown hair. He made a sound of frustration in the back of his throat and squared his jaw, which was covered with scruffy facial hair.
“I’m Ezra.” He squinted as though that was supposed to mean something to me. I studied him. He was decent looking, perhaps a couple of years older than I, but I was certain I hadn’t seen him before. “Ezra Mendel.”
I smiled politely. “It’s nice to meet you, Ezra.”
“You’re Grace Smith?” he clarified.
“Yes.” I wondered if he might be a bit slow. I thought we’d already covered that part. “Can I help you?”
“Oh.” His eyes widened, and he glanced around as if noticing his surroundings for the first time. “Oh. Ah. Yes. I’d like to rent a room.”
I put my hand on my hip. “A cottage, you mean? I don’t have any rooms available inside the house.” I’d decided to stop renting those out once I’d moved back from Auckland.
“That’s right.” He nodded decisively. “A cottage.”
Behind me, Duke barked, and Alice shushed him.
“For how long?” I asked.
“Uh….” He looked like he was thinking quickly. “I’m not sure. A couple of weeks, at least. Can I confirm with you later?”
I sighed, already knowing this guy was going to be more hassle than he was worth. Although it would be nice to have someone in the cottages. The place felt too silent when they were empty. “Okay, but if I get any other booking requests, I’m going to need you to firm up your plans.”
“I can do that.” A muscle jumped in the side of his face, and a thread of anxiety wove through me. Whatever his deal was, Ezra was strange. Perhaps I’d be better off telling him to leave. But he didn’t seem dangerous. Just unusual. And I wasn’t one to rush into judgment about someone.
“What brings you to town?” During winter, we usually only had guests who were interested in skiing or snowboarding.
He shrugged. “I needed to get away from my life for a while, and this seemed as good a place as any.”
Warning bells chimed in my head at the vague response. I’d have to keep a close eye on Ezra. He might seem harmless, but I didn’t trust him. Perhaps I’d ask Nate to look into him. But then I winced, remembering how protective Nate could get when he thought I was taking an unwarranted risk. Maybe I wouldn’t mention it after all.
