Page 10 of Cold and Bitter Snow

She just kept herself from groaning out loud.

“I took an early lift up. The lift operator, Joseph, let me up with some restaurant goods. I wanted to get in a bit of early morning skiing before coming into the office.”

She suddenly remembered her rented skis and poles, probably lying under tons of snow. She wondered if her insurance would cover it. “I didn’t know Conor was up there, but I’m glad he was—he saved my life.”

Conor shifted towards her.

“And you claim you saw something before—”

“What’s with all this claiming,” she exploded.

Montgomery smiled widely, looking pleased with himself. “I’m sorry, Miss Blake, it must be my English. I meant to say you saw something.”

Your English, my ass.

“Yes, just before the shots. There was a crate, flying low on a small parachute.”

“Ridiculous.” Montgomery stood up, addressing his colleagues as if she and Conor weren’t there. “I told you and the Board we shouldn’t have invited her here. She’s meant to help us tighten our security, and instead the ski patrol is spending their time rescuing her instead. She needs to go back home and leave us to our job.”

Siena clenched her jaw so hard she knew she’d feel it later that day. She turned to the Operations Director instead. “I know what I saw, Laurent.”

The man coughed mildly, clearly unwilling to enter into an argument with his colleague. “Mademoiselle … Miss Blake. You’ve had a shock. Go back to the hotel. Rest a bit. We can speak tomorrow.”

Siena knew when she’d lost a battle. “Quite honestly, I think you’re the ones who need to rest, if you can’t find it in you to do your jobs.”

She turned around and left, hearing Conor’s throaty chuckle behind her.

Once out on the street she realized it was too cold to walk all the way to town wearing just a sweatshirt. Her black hair was already freezing in clumps along her back.

Shit. I should have asked those idiots for a ride.

She was going to have to find a taxi and convince the driver she’d pay as soon as they got to her hotel.

A voice sounded behind her. “I can drive you to your hotel,” Conor offered. “My car’s parked right there. I park in the same spot every night, before my shift.”

“You seem to be here every time I need saving,” she mused.

He laughed. “I don’t think you need saving. You just need a ride.”

“I needed saving up there,” she said in a quiet voice.

He shrugged then winced. “We all need help once in a while.” A small shadow creased his forehead. She wondered what he was thinking about, knew it was none of her business.

“Maybe we should get you to the hospital instead,” she said. “I’m a good driver.”

“You think I’d let an English person drive my car?” he joked. He sobered up when he noticed she wasn’t laughing. “No, I’m fine, I think I just bruised my shoulder. I’ll ice it when I get home.”

“I am grateful you were there, you know. Montgomery just brings out the worst in me.”

“You’re not the only one. He’s set in his ways. Give Laurent and Jonatan some time to speak with him.”

“You don’t think I’m crazy?”

“Why would I think you’re crazy?” he asked. “You haven’t behaved like a crazy person. In fact, you’re dealing with this particularly well.”

“For a civilian, you mean.”

“I’m a civilian too, now.”