CHRISTMAS PAST
Debra Webb
To the loyal fans of the Colby
Agency: Enjoy!
CHAPTER ONE
Colby Agency, Chicago Four Days before Christmas
VICTORIA COLBY-CAMP
STOOD at her window and admired the snow drifting to the city streets below.
She hoped it would stay for Christmas. Her granddaughter was so excited about
the coming holiday. A lovely blanket of white for Christmas morning would be perfect.
“Victoria.”
Turning at the sound of
her personal assistant’s voice, Victoria shifted her thoughts from her
granddaughter to the business of running her agency. “Yes, Mildred?”
“Mr. Harris is here.”
“Thank you. Send him
in.” Victoria moved to her desk and waited for the famed NASCAR team owner to
make his entrance. She had met Alonzo Harris for the first time two weeks ago
when he came to Chicago looking for her agency’s help with a somewhat personal
matter for which he needed the utmost discretion. With a strategy in place, the
news that he would visit again this morning had come as somewhat of a surprise.
Texas born and raised,
Alonzo Harris swaggered into Victoria’s office. The corners of his eyes creased
as a broad smile stretched across his face. “I don’t know how you folks survive
in this cold.” He’d already removed his coat and hat and left both with
Mildred.
“The cold winters forge
character, Mr. Harris, much like those scorching West
Texas summers give a gentleman grit.” He was every bit the charismatic man he
was purported to be by the media. His love of racing ran deep in his bones.
Harris chuckled. “Touché, ma’am.” He thrust his broad hand across her desk.
“I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to see me this morning. I realize
my visit was a bit impromptu.”
Victoria gave his hand a firm shake . “When a man flies all the way from Texas on a
snowy winter day, I can always make time. Please, have a seat, Mr. Harris.”
Being the Southern
gentleman he was, he waited until Victoria had settled into her chair before
lowering his tall frame into one of the wingback chairs flanking her wide,
mahogany desk.
“As you’re aware—”
Victoria cut right to the chase “—I have assigned Molly Clark to your case.
She’s an experienced climber and grew up in Colorado. She’ll be right at home
in Aspen.”
Harris nodded. “I’m
pleased for the most part with your choice. I read her dossier and she seems
quite capable.”
Something else Victoria
liked about the man, he also preferred to get straight to the point. “She is
very capable.”
“My concern,” he said,
relaxing into his chair, “I suppose, is more her lack of experience with your
agency. She’s new, isn’t she?”
Victoria smiled. “Brand-new. However, rest assured, no one is brought on board at the Colby Agency without undergoing rigorous
reviews. Our hiring guidelines are unmatched in the business of private
investigations. Molly Clark met every stringent requirement. And though she has
no field experience per se, she has years of experience in mountain rescue and
recovery. That makes her an invaluable asset under the circumstances.”
Harris gave due
consideration to her reasoning, then went on with his. “You understand that
Jason isn’t your typical celebrity. He closes himself off, particularly since
the accident. I fear that Ms. Clark will have a difficult time getting close
Similar Books
