Deep Freeze Christmas by Marian P. Merritt

Un
     
    Leona Buquet peered out from the backseat of the Sikorsky helicopter and watched in awe as the snow-covered Rocky Mountains zoomed beneath her. As a child, she'd dreamed of one day seeing the snow-capped mountains. Today, at twenty-eight, her dream had come true. Barely able to contain her excitement, she squealed into the headset to her boss and mentor, Chef Julian Mayeux. "This is so cool."
    "You a long way from N'awlins, Toto." He flashed her one of his cheeky smiles.
    The pilot's voice came through her headphones. "We'll be landing in five minutes."
    Once they landed, Leona helped Julian unload their luggage and gear. The squeaky crunch of her footsteps on the snow heightened her senses and filled her heart. She seized every sound, smell, feeling, and sight she could. This was a major check off her bucket list.
    She placed the bags on the porch of the lodge and then went back down the steps, gathered a large ball of snow, packed it tightly, and hurled it toward Julian. The snowball smacked him on the head. She couldn't distinguish between the snow or the gray in his hair and goatee.
    "Why you little…" He dropped the bag he carried, bent down and gathered his own ammunition. He sailed the snowball toward her. She dodged the assault and taunted him. "Missed me."
    Before she could move, he threw another ball and hit her directly in the forehead. "Not dat time." He laughed and his large belly shook from the effort.
    Leona gasped as she wiped the snow from her face and hair. With every breath, the crisp air bit her lungs.
    "Ready to cook some good Cajun food for some wealthy people?" Chef Julian's thick Cajun accent sailed through the thin air while he tried to catch his breath.
    "I'm always ready to cook good Cajun food." Leona gasped for air as well. They weren't accustomed to the thin air at these high elevations. After all, in New Orleans, they lived below sea level. She hefted her bag onto her shoulder and entered the lodge.
    The commanding entryway loomed above with massive log beams and a large chandelier of intertwined elk horns.
    "Julian, I see you made it." A silver-haired man greeted them. Julian's friend, she suspected. His blue eyes sparkled in the natural light streaming through the twenty-foot wall of windows.
    "CG." Julian extended his hand. "It's good to see you again." He turned toward Leona. "This is my Sous Chef, Leona Buquet."
    "It's nice to meet you Miss? Mrs? Buquet."
    "Miss."
    "Miss Buquet. CG Fleming." He extended his hand for Leona to shake. "Welcome to my mountain home." He pointed down a long corridor. "The kitchen is down here." He guided them down the hallway where watercolor paintings of elk, deer, rainbow trout, and bear covered the walls.
    The gourmet kitchen sported the finest stainless steel appliances and more than adequate counter space. Granite countertops covered a small bar with leather stools circling the opposite side. "Wow, it will be a joy to work in this kitchen," Leona said.
    Julian looked around and snickered. "It'll do."
    "I see you haven't changed much. Mr. Grinch." CG smiled.
    Julian grinned. "Wouldn't want to disappoint." He plopped the bag holding their kitchen gear onto the counter. "Is our food shipment here?"
    "Yes, it's been placed in the freezer room and the fresher items will be delivered later today. If you follow me, I'll show you to your rooms."
    "Is Carletta here?" Julian asked.
    "No she can't come this year." CG's smile faded and a flash of sorrow crossed his eyes. "Her best friend from college is ill, so she's flown to be by her side for Christmas." He turned to Leona. "Carletta is my wife and the person who has kept me on the straight and narrow for almost forty years."
    "Yeah, his better half." Julian stared at CG. "Everyt'ing OK between you two?"
    CG nodded. "Yes, never better."
    "Well, give her my love and tell her I'm sorry I missed her."
    CG led them out of the kitchen and to the massive stairs in the living room. They climbed to the second floor.