Cold Heart (6 page)

Lexi had no answers which was a little unnerving. She hoped she could convince Tucker to come and stay in the house tonight but he was heading for the barn already and when she tried, she couldn’t coax him to come into the house. Well at least she knew he would bark if anyone came. Still she locked everything up tight when she went inside feeling a little jumpy in this big place all by herself. Once she had made a cup of tea she sat with her laptop looking up a few things and when she started nodding off she decided it was time to turn it off and go upstairs.

Once in her room, she decided to unpack her suitcase and the boxes of clothes before going to bed. While doing this she decided on a dress and some shoes for the party on Saturday. That distraction helped her forget her worry about someone having been there earlier. When she finally got into bed, she was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. Tonight there was no pounding on the door to wake her, instead she had sweet dreams.

6

Lexi spent most of the next morning uncovering and then recovering the furniture in the cabins. She took inventory of everything that was out there and made a list of everything she thought she needed to purchase. The furniture in the cabins definitely needed some work. Whoever got the upholstery job was going to be plenty busy she thought. After working all morning, she decided to reward herself with a little exploring of the local area.

She went back up to her room and showered and dressed in something pretty but cool as it was still hot these days. While the area could get fairly cool in the winter months that was a long way off. When she went down stairs she booted up the laptop and made a list of some of the resorts and restaurants and then she grabbed her purse and her keys and headed out. She may as well see what the competition had to offer.

Her first stop was a world renowned resort and spa and Lexi knew right off the bat this would not be the type of experience she would be offering. The place was over the top. The hotel was set among a beautiful forest and it looked more like a massive home than a hotel. The grey shingled exterior and the crisp white trim and railings gave it a really cosy feel. There was a gorgeous pool and something like five or six different restaurants.

The spa offered every sort of treatment known to man at prices that only the ‘one percent’ would have been able to afford. The place looked busy though. Lexi went up to the main desk at the resort and asked if she could see one of the rooms. She said she was planning to surprise her boyfriend with a surprise get away weekend for his birthday and was looking at a few places before she decided. The clerk said she would be happy to arrange that. She made a call and shortly a young man came and took her to a couple of rooms.

The accommodations were some of the best she had ever seen. Both the rooms she saw had rock fireplaces breathtaking views from private balconies. There were beautiful bathrooms that looked more like the ensuite in a mansion than a hotel bathroom. The king beds and the linens were exquisite. She thanked the young man and the clerk when she returned to the lobby. The desk clerk gave her a brochure and a price list. Lexi stifled a gasp when she saw the prices. She would never be staying here.

Next, she went to peek in at the main restaurant. Dining here would be a treat for the palate and the senses. Lexi stuck her head in the door.

“Can I be of help madam?” the maitre de said.

“Hi, I was just looking at the resort and thought I would like to see the restaurant,” she said. “I’m actually a CIA graduate so always interested to see what other chefs are doing.”

“Well you must come in, please,” he said. “We are just finishing up with a lot of the preparations for dinner.”

“I would love to, if I wouldn’t be imposing,” Lexi said.

“Never, let me introduce you to Chef Mason, please come this way Miss ...”

“Lexi Thomas,” she said.

“I am Jean-Paul,” he said.

He led her through the dining room which was just lovely and through to a massive state of the art kitchen.

“Chef Mason,” the maitre de said. “This is Lexi Thomas. She is a CIA graduate and was interested in seeing our restaurant and kitchen.”

“Hello, come in my dear,” the chef said. “I am delighted to meet you.”

“Thank you so much for allowing me into your kitchen, chef,” she said. This is an amazing resort and what a fabulous kitchen.”

“Yes, we are very blessed to be working here,” he said. “Come let me first show you our kitchen gardens and we can talk about our menu as we go.”

“That would be wonderful, if you think you can spare the time,” Lexi said.

“Oh that is not a problem,” he said.” Your timing is just perfect.”

He led Lexi outside and with a few steps she was in a most amazing garden. There were herbs and vegetables of every variety.

“We grow year round although in the winter we have a bit less. But we try to rely on our own surroundings for our produce. The woodlands here also provide a large variety of wild edibles. We strive very much toward Nouvelle Cuisine and that is why our gardens are so important. We have also our own bees and of course honey. We have many fruit trees and we have a pond that is regularly stocked with trout.”

“My goodness, it must be such a pleasure to create the meals here,” Lexi said.

“It is. I especially like doing the holidays as well,” Chef Mason said. “What are your plans?” Are you working somewhere now?”

“I have recently inherited a Lodge in the area,” Lexi said. “It will be a very different venue than this and offer a very different experience but I hope to make it special in its own way,” she said.

“Oh how exciting for you,” the chef said.

“I want my own kitchen garden also and to use as many local products as I can. I will be catering more to the family experience though,” she said.

“Well that is wonderful,” he said. “If I can be of any help, please come and see me again. Let’s go in and I can show you our journal. We have some wonderful photographs of our dishes.”

Thank you, that would be terrific,” Lexi said.

He led her back inside and introduced her to the staff in the restaurant kitchen and then showed her a book of truly beautiful dishes that had been prepared in the restaurant. The artistry was amazing and if they tasted half as good as they looked it would have been a gastronomic experience of a life time to eat here.

“This is unlike anything I have ever seen,” Lexi said, “Truly inspirational chef.”

“Thank you Lexi, please come and see us again and let us know how you are doing?” he said.

“I will thank you so much,” she said.

Lexi headed back to her car. What nice people she thought. Seeing their kitchen garden had been helpful and while the accommodations were far beyond anything she would be offering, it had been interesting and there had been some small touches that she would like to incorporate. It had been a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon so far.

Lexi had a couple more places on her list so she put the next address into her GPS and headed off. It was a beautiful day and she felt so happy. Things were really working out and all the apprehension of that first day had completely disappeared. The next place and the one following were hardly resorts and she didn’t bother to stop and go inside. They were nothing more than your basic hotel with rooms, and indoor pool and some franchise restaurant serving generic food. These would not be her competition.

The final spot, a ranch was definitely a five star resort like the first. Set in a beautiful landscape of alders and scrub oak with views of surrounding pasture land surrounding. The ambiance of the place was stunning. There were individual Lodges of one and two bedrooms and there were also residences to be purchased that had access to all the amenities of the resort. The main restaurant was stunning and the menu looked to be on a par with the first one she had visited.

Lexi asked if she could walk around and see a room and again they were more than accommodating. She didn’t go into the restaurant, as it was very close to the dinner hour and she knew that they would be much too busy to give any tours. It had been helpful though. She had a look at the menu and the decor of it just the same. She would need to amp up the level of luxury at Wildwood if she were going to meet the expectations of the clientele she would serve. It had been productive and enjoyable. As she drove back to Wildwood she realized that, if nothing else it had made her realize that she needed professional help to get this thing going. She was going to need to search out the local resources that were available.

As she drove through town on her way back to Wildwood, she passed an open air market. She pulled in and hopped out to take a look. They were just shutting down for the day but most booths still had lots of items on display. She picked up a few fresh vegetables and then strolled through the booths with crafts and jewelry. It was fun. She asked about the normal hours of operation and made a mental note to come back when she had more time.

Lexi continued on her way and when she got back to Wildwood Tucker came out of the barn to greet her.

“Hi boy,” she said. “Sorry I’m late. Are you hungry?”

Tucker was still wagging his tail and she wasn’t sure if that was yes or that he was still just glad to see her. It didn’t matter. That kind of warm greeting just couldn’t be beaten. She carried her purchases inside and took them through to the kitchen and put them in the fridge. Then she went and got Tucker’s bowls and fed him. She poured herself a glass of wine and wandered around the property trying to visualize what she would put where.

A pool was going to be a must she decided, especially if she wanted the place to appeal to families with children. That would be expensive. The company doing the feasibility study would consider that. After a half hour or so of surfing, she found the perfect company and made a note of their numbers. It was too late to call now and being Friday, it would have to wait until Monday now.

Lexi felt good. These people would be able to give her some great advice and guidance she was sure and should she need capital this would be essential before any investor was going to even talk to her. She decided that food was the next most important thing that needed to be on her agenda, so she went into the kitchen and had a look in the fridge. Nothing looked too inspiring. She hated cooking for one and after seeing the offerings at those two spectacular resorts it all looked pretty boring here.

She finally decided on the lone chicken breast she had purchased and some of the vegetables from the market this afternoon and got to work creating something appetizing. When she was done she was pretty pleased with herself and it was quite delicious. Now that dinner was out of the way Lexi was at loose ends. It was getting late and she was tired but she wasn’t sleepy. She wandered around the place aimlessly just looking at stuff and finally found herself up in Uncle Max’s room.

She looked at the photos for a while and wondered about the fight between her parents and Uncle Max and then with no answers she finally decided to go to bed. She checked all the doors and windows and let Tucker out as he was at the door. At least he would be on guard duty outside. She went up to bed. Tomorrow was the party. She had to admit she was excited to be going somewhere different. Lexi liked it here, but she was lonely. She started thinking about Carter, and then told herself to stop. It wouldn’t do to get attached to the first man who came along. Wasn’t that what she had done with Michael?

7

By mid afternoon on Saturday Lexi simply couldn’t focus anymore. She was excited to be going out that evening. She was more than a little tired of her own company and anxious to see what Montgomery Winery looked like in person. It would be nice to meet some of the locals, after all they would be important contacts if she was going to get this business up and running. Be honest Lexi you are excited to be going with Carter.

Lexi decided a good soak in the tub would be nice and thought it wonderful that Uncle Max had thought to include tubs in the bathrooms, at least here in the main Lodge. After her soak, she spend ages fussing with her hair, curling it, then straightening it, then curling it again. She was being ridiculous but she couldn’t help it. She wanted to look better than she had every other time Carter had seen her. Again she reminded herself they were just friends, well becoming friends. It had been scarcely a week since she’d arrived.

She put some make up on and then wore a robe downstairs since it was time to feed Tucker. Once he had eaten she let him out and he lay down on the porch. He would probably bark when Carter arrived which would be helpful. At about quarter to seven she finally slipped in to her dress and shoes. She got a sweater out of the closet as the evenings were getting cooler now that summer was waning. She was ready. The pale blue dress brought out the blue of her eyes and flattered her slim build. She felt good.

Carter arrived right at seven and Tucker let out a big woof at his arrival as expected. Lexi hurried to the door and opened it just as he was stepping onto the porch.

“Wow,” they both said in unison.

“You’re not wearing your uniform,” Lexi said smiling. Carter had shunned the jeans and jean jacket in favour of a pair of khakis, a golf shirt and a sports jacket. He had also shaved.

“And you are not in pj’s or sweats,” Carter said, not missing a beat.”

“Touché,” Lexi said laughing.

“You look beautiful Lexi,” he said.

“Thank you,” she said, as her heart skipped a beat. “You look pretty good yourself.”

“Shall we go?” he asked.

“Yes, please,” she said. “I’ll just lock the door and ... wow, we are going in style tonight.” She noticed a very sporty looking car.

They walked down off the porch and Carter opened the door. As she climbed in Tucker headed off to the barn. Neither of them said anything at first on the ride over to the winery and then finally Lexi spoke up.

“I warned you I wasn’t very good at small talk,”

“Well normally I can keep up a witty repartee but I’ve just been wondering what kind of reception I would get from Montgomery,” Carter said.

“You’ve had some run-ins in the past?” Lexi asked.

“You could say that.” He’s been trying to buy my land for years and I basically told him to get off my property and never come back.”

“Hmm, well you are my guest so if you are not welcome we will just leave,” Lexi said.

It was about twenty past seven when they arrived at the Montgomery Winery and there were already a lot of cars parked in the lot adjacent to the main house. It was clear this was where the party was being held. Carter parked and came around and opened the door for Lexi, taking her hand as she got out of the car. The two walked up to the entry of the house where several people were still making their way in. Geoff Montgomery and a woman that Lexi thought might be his wife were greeting people as they came in.

“So much for sneaking in,” Lexi whispered to Carter.

“Be brave,” he said. “You’ll be fine.”

“Well good evening,” Montgomery said as the pair approached. “I wasn’t sure that you would come, Lexi.” Then to the woman on his right, “Dear, this is Lexi Thomas, Max’s niece and Carter Munroe. Good to see you Carter.”

“Thank you,” Carter said.

“It’s nice to meet you Lexi, I’d have known you anywhere by those dimples,” the woman said, she was tall and slender with auburn hair that skimmed her shoulders. “I am Grace Cummings Montgomery. I knew your mother.”

“Really,” Lexi said.

“Yes, she and I were school chums but sadly I hadn’t seen her in years. I was very sorry to hear about the accident.”

“Did you know my father also?”

“Not really. He was older and years ahead in school.”

“Please come in and enjoy yourselves,” Montgomery said, interrupting.

“Of course,” Then to Mrs. Montgomery she said. “I would love to get together with you and hear about my mother. Would that be possible?”

“Yes, of course dear,” she said. “You must come for tea one day. In the meantime, please go on in and enjoy yourselves and please eat. We have enough food for a small country.”

The two walked through the large foyer and into a massive great room. There was a quite a crowd. Waiters were moving through the room with glasses of wine on trays and there was quite a line forming at a large buffet table in the dining room area. Lexi and Carter each took a glass of wine as a waiter passed by and he was followed closely by another waiter with hors d’oeuvres.

“She wasn’t kidding about the food,” Carter said. But let’s explore first.”

The pair made their way across the room and out one of the three sets of French doors onto a terrace. There was a magnificent view of the valley and the vineyards and they could see that many of the rooms in the house opened onto this same terrace. Down a few steps was a large swimming pool surrounded by lounges and tables with umbrellas. They walked a little farther along the terrace pretending to enjoy the view while trying to get close enough to see in the rooms.

“Can’t really see much,” Lexi said.

“Let’s go and get some food,” Carter said.

“Good idea,” she said. “I’m starved.”

They got in the line for the buffet table. There was something for everyone. Salad upon salad and vegetables lined the centre of the table then roasted chickens and a massive roast beef and ham were being carved at the other end. The two filled their plates and then tried to find a place to sit. They ended up going out onto the terrace again and sat at one of the tables by the pool. Several people must have thought that a good idea because it wasn’t long before they had company. Lexi excused herself to go and find a washroom.

She went through the great room and out into the foyer where she passed a waiter whom she asked for directions. The powder room was at the end of the hall she was told. As she walked down the hall she passed a couple of closed doors but the one just before the washroom was open and it clearly was Montgomery’s office. Lexi peeked inside. She could see some kind of model on a table and her curiosity got the better of her and she crept inside to have a look. There was no mistaking what it was. She was outraged. It was the Lodge in miniature plus the cabins and an additional building where the barn now stood, plus a parking lot, a big circular driveway and a swimming pool at the back.

“Do you like it?”

Lexi jumped, turning around quickly to face Montgomery. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her cheeks felt hot.

“I told you your Uncle and I had a deal pending. I had plans drawn up and was ready to go on this the moment we had signed the papers,” Montgomery said.

“Well that is unfortunate for you because I’m not selling,” Lexi said, “Now if you will excuse me I was just heading to the ladies room.”

“I realise you have just arrived and have come to get to know us better, so perhaps we should postpone this conversation for a later date,” Montgomery said and stepped aside.

Lexi rushed from the room and ducked into the washroom at the end of the hall. When she looked in the mirror above the sink her cheeks were flushed and she wasn’t sure if it was from the embarrassment of being caught snooping or her anger at the arrogance of that man having a model made of Uncle Max’s property when he clearly wasn’t interested in selling it.

Lexi poked her head out of the washroom hoping she would not run into Montgomery. She didn’t see him anywhere so she made a beeline for the great room and back out to the terrace to join Carter.

“You are not going to believe what I saw,” she said to Carter as she sat down.

“You were gone a long time I was beginning to worry,” Carter said.

“He’s made a model of Wildwood, a model can you believe it and had plans drawn up for an expansion and he is still claiming that Uncle Max was going to sell,” Lexi blurted out.

“That is such bullshit,” Carter said. “I had a conversation with Max not two days before he died and he said he’d rather give the property away, than sell it to that man.”

“Really, you never said that before,” Lexi said.

“Didn’t I?” Carter asked. “Well he wasn’t going to sell.”

“Let’s get out of here,” Lexi said. Her appetite was gone and she wanted to put as much distance between her and this place as she could.”

“Sure,” said Carter

They left the terrace and walked through the great room towards the front door. Unfortunately Montgomery was standing near the entrance to the foyer and standing alongside him was his wife.

“Leaving so soon?” Montgomery asked. “I was hoping to give you a tour of the winery later.”

“Yes, please stay. I hoped to introduce you to a few people,” Grace said.

“Thank you, but I’m not feeling well,” Lexi said. “Goodbye. It was nice meeting you Mrs. Montgomery.”

“Please, it’s just Grace. Call me and we will have that cup of tea.”

“Okay, yes I will,” Lexi said.

Lexi and Carter hurried to the car and she heaved a big sigh once they were inside.

“That man is the most self centred and arrogant person I have ever met,” Lexi said.

“Tell us how you really feel,” Carter laughed.

She laughed also, letting go of her anger a little.

“Please take me home and I will make us something to eat and a cup of coffee or maybe something a little stronger.”

“Sounds good,” Carter said.

Lexi rolled her window down. It must be a warm night or maybe she was just steamed. A truck passed them going the opposite direction and she thought she recognized the driver.

“That was Mitch,” Carter said. “Surprised Montgomery gave him the night off with his shindig happening and all.”

There’s another jerk,” Lexi said. Carter has reached her driveway and turned in. Almost immediately Lexi said,

“Carter, I smell smoke.”

He looked at her and their eyes grew wide. He gunned the engine. “I smell it too,” he said.