Bells and Chains (Operation Reindeer Retrieval Book 7) by Viola Grace

 
     
Bells and Chains
     
     
    “Doni, can you come in here, please?”
    Doni looked up at her co-worker and winced. “Uh-oh, he said please.”
    Lisa nodded. “It bodes ill.”
    “Very ill.”
    Doni got up and took her notepad and files with her. “Yes, Jake?”
    Jake Lerot had a blush on his cheeks. “I have a tremendous favour to ask of you.”
    Doni took a seat and smiled brightly. “What do you need and what kind of bonus is in it for me?”
    He wrinkled his nose. “Won’t you just help me because it is the holidays?”
    “Nope.”
    He grinned. “That is what I thought you would say. This job pays double, has a non-disclosure agreement and successful completion has a thousand-dollar bonus. You have to start this afternoon.”
    “Non-disclosure?”
    “Yup. All I know about them is that this is extremely sensitive and there is some urgency. They are planning a Christmas party and can’t find a decorator to come in and work with them. We are their last resort.” Jake looked a little miffed at that.
    Doni snorted. “Give me the address, oh, and slide over the contract.”
    Jake slumped with relief. “Thanks for agreeing to this. As far as I know, it is a private club and no cameras are allowed. You will have to leave your phone in your car.”
    “I will ask them to check it in when I get there. I am not going anywhere without it.”
    “I am sure if they have an issue, they will let you know.”
    She read the contract for the High Bern Social Club and signed the bottom. The budget was huge, the bonus would make a local charity very happy and so, Doni was content to do her utmost for the sake of the company.
    “Can I get a contact number?”
    Jake slid the card over and that is when Doni knew something was up.
    “Jake, you said that you didn’t know these folks.”
    “That’s right.”
    “And yet, you not only had the non-disclosure contract on thick vellum, but you have the business card of Bern McVee, proprietor of the social club?”
    Jake blushed again. “I might have been there once or twice.”
    “Well, whatever I see is going to be under client privilege. I will call this guy and be on my way. I will bring a notepad and my measuring tape. My laptop will remain here.”
    “I knew I could count on you.”
    Doni grinned. “And I knew I could make you pay. See you later.”
    She got up and went to her desk, dialling the number and waiting for the response.
    “Hello.”
    “Hello, is this Bern McVee?”
    “It is.” The voice was a dark, slow rumble.
    “This is Doni Derger at Cross Decorating. I have been assigned to your contract and would like to meet with you so that we can go from planning to execution with all possible speed.”
    “It sounds like a plan. When can you be here?”
    “I can be on my way as soon as I get an address.”
    He laughed. “I suppose that would help. Sixty-four Artemis Drive. You can’t miss it. The gate will be notified of your arrival.”
    “Thank you; see you soon.”
    Jake gave her the original contract after assuring her that he had a copy, and she took it with her to the client’s business.
    She assumed it was a business, but after driving for half an hour, humming along with Christmas carols on the radio, she pulled into the drive of a gated property.
    The guard at the gate raised his brows as she lowered her window. “Miss Derger?”
    She smiled. “Doni, please.”
    He gave her an amused smile. “Miss Derger, you are expected. Take the main drive and continue to the rotunda near the main entrance. Mr. McVee will meet you there.”
    The gate opened, and she drove through. Her window hummed as it closed, but she needn’t have rushed it. The drive to the main house took five minutes.
    She followed the directions and parked near the large doors of the long manor house. It was an impressive structure. Stables, a pool and other amenities had been visible during her drive, so this was a fairly extensive home.
    As she emerged from her car and approached