Free Gold Fire by Starr Ambrose Page B

unexpected news. “What did she want?”
    “She didn’t say.”
    He didn’t want to ask the rest. “When was that?”
    “Not long before I discovered the fire. I talked to her when she pulled into the parking lot, then I went inside.” She slid a meaningful glance at him.
    He looked away, irritated by the sudden ominous prickle along his scalp. If there was anything to it, he’d find out, but he couldn’t prejudge Zoe based on Jennifer’s statement alone. He had a feeling she didn’t care much for Zoe. “How about you, Billy?”
    The kid tore his eyes from the fire with a dazed look. “Huh?”
    “Did you see anyone else here earlier today?”
    He thought about it, brow furrowed. “No, why?”
    “Just wondering.” Wondering how the arsonist had approached. He had no doubt it had been deliberate. The saloon had one security camera near the front door, focused on the front lot. He’d check it later, especially to see when Zoe had been there, but he knew it was probably futile. Zoe wasn’t stupid. There wereother ways to approach the shed if someone wanted to be sneaky.
    The fire was nearly out. The fire hose moved over it like a hungry predator, chasing down spurts of flame as soon as they popped up, soaking the charred skeleton that had been the Rusty Wire’s back hallway and office. It could have been far worse.
    A light breeze came up, blowing a fine mist of water from the hose. It filled the air, catching a rainbow that arched above the smoldering debris. An optimistic person might see it as a sign and take hope from it.
    Jase was currently sour on hope.
    •  •  •
    Zoe saw David change course as he crossed the lobby, going out of his way to intersect her path. She could tell from looking at the nasty sneer he already wore that she wasn’t going to like the conversation.
    “Putting in extra time these days, I see,” he said.
    Damn his lousy spies. They must have seen her car when she’d driven to the Rusty Wire earlier that afternoon. She didn’t care to explain to David what she’d been doing. As she scrambled for a plausible lie, he added, “Your shift doesn’t start for half an hour yet. Couldn’t wait to suck up to Matt, eh?”
    She frowned. “What are you talking about?”
    “Your new attitude. Playing the eager employee and throwing yourself at him in hopes of getting ahead.”
    The only thing that helped her keep her temper was knowing he’d like her to lose it. “I came in early so I could talk with the head of housekeeping before she leaves. I’m not throwing myself at Matt Flemming.”
    “No? What do you call going out for drinks with your boss?”
    “A business dinner. I hear you had one with him, too.” Although she was pretty sure they didn’t slow dance.
    “Right, I’m sure it was the same thing.” His lip turned up on one side. “Did he take you out to discuss your new position in the company?”
    “What new position?”
    “I didn’t think so. So it wasn’t exactly the same. Well, let me save you the effort—you’re already in line for the job.”
    “I don’t understand; did Matt say you weren’t going to be the manager of the Alpine Sky?” She tried not to look too pleased about it.
    “He needs one of us to manage the golf course. He calls it a promotion.”
    “That’s a lateral move.” With less authority, leaving the manager’s job wide open if David got the new position. Her hopes could be realized . . . but only if Jase would sell and let them build the damn golf course. She was beginning to believe that wasn’t going to happen.
    “It’s a demotion, no matter how he spins it,” David said. “I’m not surprised that someone like you would sleep her way into the top spot in the company. It may even be working. I think he’s already on your side.”
    If they weren’t in the lobby, in full view of the front desk and concierge, she’d be tempted to push him into the rock pool. Stepping closer and speaking between gritted teeth, she