But tonight, I’d just be doing a little reconnaissance. I was just a nameless man attending a charity masquerade. I had my tuxedo packed and my assistant, Robbie, had booked a room for me under an alias. I’d get to see firsthand how Ms. Ashford and her team ran a big event. I’d also check out the guest suite I was staying in.
Soon, I saw the sign for Windward. I slowed and took the exit.
It was a cute town, with a great location. A gondola running up the hillside caught my eye. No doubt it was carrying hikers and sightseers to the top. But winter would be when the place would really shine. I knew the town was one of the largest skiing destinations in the country, with excellent runs of all skill levels, amazing backcountry skiing, several terrain parks, and a world-class, adaptive-skiing program. Shame I wouldn’t be here by the time winter rolled around.
I followed the directions on my phone and then the resort came into view.
Nice. It was all creamy, brown stone, wood, and glass in a solid, lodge style. It gave the impression of strength, like it could weather anything. It suited the place. Strong and solid with good bones.
We’d still evaluate knocking it down and rebuilding, but that required a lot of capital. The existing resort, though…we could work with this.
I pulled in under the portico.
“Good afternoon, sir.” The young valet smiled at me, but his gaze was on the long lines of the car. “It would be my pleasure to park this beauty for you.”
I opened the door, leaving my sunglasses on. The last thing I needed was for someone to recognize me. “Take good care of her.” I handed over the keys and a healthy tip. “The name is Williams.” The name my assistant had used to reserve the room.
He nodded. “I’ll take very good care of her, and ensure your bags get to your room, Mr. Williams.” He glanced in the backseat at the leather duffel and matching suit bag. “Are you here for the Mountain Masquerade?”
“I am.”
“I hope you have a mask. It’s a requirement.”
I frowned.Crap. “I don’t.”
“Don’t worry.” The young man flashed another smile. “The gift shop in the lobby has some available.”
“Thanks.”
In the lobby, I kept to the edges and absorbed the atmosphere. The high ceiling got major points, but the wall of glass showing off the mountain view was the high point. I pulled on a baseball cap that Caden had given me. He’d handed it over with a great deal of amusement since the last time I’d worn one, I’d been at college.
No one would be expecting Ambrose Langston to show up wearing a baseball cap.
He wasn’t wrong. Pulling the bill down lower, I looked around. The place was busy and had a nice vibe.
As I crossed the wooden floor, I saw a large, framed painting hanging on one wall. Chester Clarence. Amos Clarence’s grandfather who’d founded the resort. The portly man stood posed in front of a mountain backdrop. From everything I’d read, he’d been a gambler and scoundrel.
I headed to the reception desk.
“Welcome to the Windward Mountain Resort.” A young man smiled at me.
“I’ve been pre-checked in. Douglas Williams.”
“Of course, sir. Here’s the key to your suite, Mr. Williams. The elevators are over there.” The man pointed. “I see you’re attending the Mountain Masquerade. Enjoy.”
“Thank you.” Apparently, the masquerade’s sit-down dinner had already been sold out, but Robbie had snagged me a ticket for the silent auction and after-party. I spotted the gift shop. As I entered, an elegant, middle-aged woman was helping a couple who were looking at some jewelry. She smiled my way. “I’ll be with you in a moment.”
The staff all appeared to be well-trained and attentive. That was a good sign.
I spotted several masks available in a cabinet. Most were black or silver, while a few had a distinct mountain theme, decorated with fur or leaves.
Then my gaze fell on a beaten metal mask resting on a mannequin head sitting on top of the case. It just covered the top half of the face and had a masculine vibe. It made me think of kings and fairytales. I shook my head. I wasn’t one for fanciful thoughts.
“Can I help you?”
The woman had finished with the other customers and stood behind the counter.
“I need a mask for tonight.”
