And she wanted to start the process of adding a dance area and speakers for music.
She liked Rachelle. It was strange, but the woman was the only person in the resort, other than Cemal and Tom, who was friendly towards her.
Raven assumed it was because the woman wasn’t a fool and had known all along who the boss was.
Something told her that Rachelle had been biding her time until Colin and Roslyn sunk themselves too far down the hole before striking out and taking over everything herself.
When she’d finished telling Rachelle about her plans for the courtyard, she’d suggested adding live music, maybe even rolling out the grand piano and hiring an orchestra for bigger events.
“Something tells me,” Raven started to say as she poured more hot tea for Rachelle, “that if my aunt and uncle hadn’t been in your way, this place would have been in a much better state when I returned.” Raven smiled as she handed Rachelle a cup of hot tea.
The older woman chuckled. “Something tells me you’re right.” She took a sip.
Raven sat back down and took a drink of her own tea.
“Are there any local bands or orchestras that we can hire?” Raven asked.
“There might be.” Rachelle frowned slightly and tilted her head. “I’ll look into it.” She set her mug down and pulled out her phone to take a note.
Since Raven had returned, Rachelle had been instrumental in helping Raven organize and plan future changes. There was no doubt in Raven’s mind that her statement was true. If the woman hadn’t been held back by her family, the resort would have flourished under the manager’s guidance.
Raven only wished she could say the same for Liam Montford, whom her uncle had called his business manager. The man hadn’t shown his face once in her office since she’d taken over. She knew it was only a matter of time, since she’d stopped paying his paychecks after determining that he’d managed her uncle instead of the business.
Since she’d let her uncle go, she no longer needed someone to manage him.
Then there was Eddie Mimms. Eddie’s official title was Ski and Snow Resort Manager. Which meant that the man should have worked during the season only. However, according to her uncle’s accounting, he was receiving a paycheck year-round.
When she’d had a brief meeting with the men, she’d found him proficient and confusing at the same time. He dressed professional, but she could tell that he was an outdoorsman through and through. She figured he’d dressed up for their meeting, which meant that he was serious about keeping his job.
Eddie was unclear about why the accounting showed that he’d received paychecks year-round. But the salary seemed to match that of what he claimed on his taxes, so he hadn’t looked into it further.
Eddie oversaw all of the seasonal employees, such as the ski lift crew, the ski and snowboard instructors, and the employees in the rental facilities and guest shops.
It was a vital role, but it was only necessary when the snow started falling.
In her meeting with him, she mentioned opening the slopes in a few months for downhill summer sports. The man seemed eager and excited and even mentioned renting bikes or selling bike accessories.
Since he seemed capable and was excited to finally be given free rein, Raven allowed him to proceed with the new plans.
Which brought her back to Rachelle. The woman was easily one of her greatest alliances in town. When someone didn’t want to work for the villainous Firestarter who was responsible for everyone’s past pain, Rachelle stepped in and somehow convinced them that working for the resort only assured the town’s full recovery.
It was how they’d gained more than half a dozen new employees already, including a few of Raven’s old classmates.
“I heard last night’s dinner was a huge success,” Rachelle mentioned.
“It was.” Raven smiled. “I plan to tell Tim later today that he’s earned his position as sous chef. For now.”
“That’s wonderful. I know he’s worked hard on moving up. I can remember when he first came to us.” Rachelle chuckled. “I caught him making grilled cheese sandwiches.” She leaned forward slightly. “I still have dreams about them even though I’m lactose intolerant.”
Raven smiled as her office phone rang. “Sorry, give me a moment.”
“That’s okay, I’ve got a million things to do.” Rachelle stood and set her teacup down. “Thanks for the break.”
Raven answered the phone as the woman stepped out of her office.
“Miss Brooks? This is Ruth Downing. Joseph Ramsey’s business partner.” The line was a little choppy, and Raven had to strain to hear the other woman.
“Yes, Mrs. Downing. I was hoping to have a moment to sit down with you,” Raven said, pulling out her notepad.
“I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to contact you before now. As you can imagine, Joe’s death has got all of us in the office working in overdrive.”
“I understand.” Raven pressed the phone up against her ear to hear the woman.
“I’ve emailed you the information we talked about that day in your office. I know Joe wanted you to be able to start the process with the police.”
“Thank you,” Raven said, eagerly booting up her laptop.
“I hope that, even after Joe’s passing, you’ll consider keeping me on as your CPA. There’s going to be some restructuring, but I plan on continuing with the business.”
“I’d be happy to keep you on,” Raven said. There wasn’t another CPA she trusted within a hundred miles. If Joe had trusted Ruth Downing, that was good enough for her.
“Wonderful. If there’s anything else you need, please feel free to contact me. I think we have you all set up on the new software,” Ruth said.
“Yes, I’m getting the hang of it. Thank you.” Raven opened her email and smiled when she noticed the email from Ruth. Then she frowned when she noticed the email below it. The subject line read, “His blood is on your hands.”
The rest of Ruth’s conversation fell away, and Raven made some quick excuse before hanging up.
With shaky fingers, she clicked on the email and read the rest of the message.
“You should have never returned. Joseph Ramsey’s death is your fault. Just like all the others died because of you all those years ago.”
The email address was a long string of numbers and symbols.
Leaning back, she took a couple of deep breaths before deleting the message and moving on to print out every ounce of proof Joe and Ruth had found on her uncle and Morgan Roche.
With a folder full of proof, she stepped outside her office door, determined to head down to the police station and file an official report.
She hadn’t expected to see her aunt standing just outside her office door, her hand raised as if ready to knock.
“Oh.” Raven almost fell over. “I didn’t see you.” She caught her breath and steadied herself.
Her aunt took a deep breath and then raised her chin slightly. “Raven, dear, I was wondering if you had a moment.”
Raven glanced down at the folder and then back at her aunt. Her aunt’s normally disheveled look was gone, replaced by a carefully tidy and professional appearance. The burgundy blouse looked new and expensive, as did the dark grey dress pants. Even the low heels she wore were suited for any boardroom. She had even tied her short messy blonde hair back in a modest bun.