Copyright © 2013 by Sara Robbins
All rights reserved. Except for the use in review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to the actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Books by Sara Robbins:
Death Checks Inn (Aspen Valley Inn Series: #1)
Innto the Darkness (Aspen Valley Inn Series: #2)
Innvitation to Murder (Aspen Valley Inn Series: #3)
The Aspen Valley Inn Series Collection - Volumes 1-3
The Sinister Seminar (Events To Die For Series #1)
The Poisonous Pageant (Events To Die For Series #2)
The Fatal Fundraiser (Events To Die For Series #3)
Events to Die For Series Collection (Books 1-3)
Snowed Inn (Aspen Valley Holidays #1)
Stalked to Death (Aspen Valley Sisters Series Book 1)
Condemn to Death (Aspen Valley Sisters Series Book 2)
Driven to Death (Aspen Valley Sisters Series Book 3)
Aspen Valley Sisters Series Collection (Book 1-3)
To my dear Uncle Harold and Sherri, thank you for making this sound so easy. If I had known how difficult it would be, I never would have tried. Your help made this possible.
And to all my family members who encouraged me and told me I could do this. Asking me what chapter I was on kept me writing.
You will find yourselves represented by the (only good people) characters in my books.
DEATH CHECKS INN
SARA ROBBINS
Chapter 1
“What do you mean, there’s a problem?” Lacey Washburn asked. She didn’t even try to hide her exasperation.
She was standing outside in the walled patio area of her soon to be opened Inn. At least she hoped her Inn would be opening soon, but in order for that to happen this problem had to be resolved.
She had hired Dan Smith, a local handyman to enclose and lay a stone patio with brick pathways in what she would call the “Sanctuary”. Here in this peaceful area, her guests could watch either the sunrise or sunset since this location had an unobstructed view of Pikes Peak. There was also a hot tub spa and spacious outdoor dining area. This area would accommodate either large gatherings or quiet romantic dinners for two.
However, right now, Dan was explaining some issue with the stonework that would delay the completion of the sanctuary for another week. Another week she did not have to spare. She had sunk every dime from her severance package into this endeavor and really needed to get the Inn opened and making money.
She ran her hands through her hair and said, “Dan, just tell me what we can do to get this done.”
Dan mumbled, “Well, I’ll have to order the grout and that will take a couple of days and then a couple more days to let it set, I’d say probably in ten days it’ll be ready.”
“That won’t work; our grand opening is exactly one week from today!” Sara reminded him.
“Well, I could do it faster but I’d have to hire help and that will cost you,” he added.
Frustrated and stressed Lacey advised him, “Please do whatever is necessary to finish it in time.”
Aspen Valley Inn was an adobe style building that sat on top of a knoll surrounded by beautiful scenery. Officially, this area was considered high desert prairie land. But the wide sweeping flatlands gave a dramatically unobstructed view of several mountain ranges. It was located very near the small town of Elkville. Rural but only twenty-five miles from the large city of Colorado Springs and forty-seven miles from the gambling town of Cripple Creek. Its location was practical, and that was important. In addition to the practicality of the location, she hoped that the gorgeous views of America’s mountain, Pike’s Peak, and the pampering she planned to bestow on every guest would ensure its success. It was also advantageous that this was really the only Bed & Breakfast type business in this area.
She was also working with her younger sister, Charlotte, to get the Inn opened. As soon as they could get this business established, they would launch an event center. Charlotte would be the event coordinator and continue to help with the Inn. They would start this phase as soon as funds and interested customers allowed.
She needed to focus on first things first; she had to get this place ready for her grand opening next week. So far, she had only booked two of the four available suites at the Inn. She reminded herself that she had only gotten those by steeply discounting what she had thought were reasonable rates. Oh well, she told herself, sometimes you have to lose money to make money.
She went inside and plopped herself into one of the huge chairs in the reception lounge. She looked around with a critical eye. There were comfortable chairs and sofas positioned cozily by the huge stone fireplace.
She planned to use a beautiful, antique table to lay out wine and appetizers. She hoped that these occasional refreshments would encourage her guests to linger and mingle with each other.
She had arranged pamphlets of local attractions in a display on the opposite wall. The display looked very inviting. The Broadmoor Hotel, Molly Kathleen Mine and bike tours up to Pike’s Peak and many other attractions made one want to explore.
Of course, for the historians, antiquing opportunities were plentiful. For the gambling aficionados there was always Cripple Creek. She hoped she had thought of everything to make this endeavor a success.
Only ten short years ago, she had been a newly graduated finance/business major from the University of Colorado. The world had been her oyster and she could hardly wait to pry it open and find the pearl. She was excited to be engaged to the love of her life, Bryan Thompson. Every major company in the Colorado Springs business arena was recruiting her for their team. She had been on top of the world. That world stopped spinning when she found out that Bryan had been unfaithful with more than one attractive woman. He had even been with a few of her so-called friends.
Just weeks before their wedding he pleaded, “But you are the only one I love, doesn’t that matter?”
She had thought about it, really thought about it, and yes, it did matter, damn it. She canceled the wedding and accepted a job with a family owned bank that she thought would provide the camaraderie and distraction she needed to move past the hurt and betrayal.
She soon discovered that there was no security or permanence in that world either. The financial crisis hit the country. She had lost her job eighteen months ago. She was devastated; she had poured all of her energy and passion into her work. Her co-workers and clients had felt like family.
Yes, she dated occasionally, but as the song said, she kept a close watch on that heart of hers. She even wore an amulet around her neck that stated those very lyrics from the old Johnny Cash ballad.
She felt lost without the structure and purpose she had relied on. She took a good hard look at her choices and her life. The generous severance package she had received made starting her own business feasible. That, and her younger sister, Charlotte’s, promise to build and grow the business with her helped her decide to make the leap.
She loved meeting and taking care of people. Getting into the hospitality industry seemed a good fit. First, they w
ould open a charming Inn. Later, they had big plans to include an event center. This expansion would provide enough profit and challenge for both of them.
She had paid close attention to even the tiniest detail during the massive renovation of the Inn. Everything was just as she dreamed it. She hoped that all of this would turn out to be a good decision and not a colossal mistake.
Chapter 2
With only three days until the grand opening of Aspen Valley Inn, Lacey was nervous. She now had three reservations for the Inn and fifty RSVPs to the grand opening reception.
Handyman Dan was almost finished with the sanctuary. Although there had been extra expense that she had not budgeted for, the sanctuary was Lacey’s favorite amenity. It was worth every penny. She had spent more than a few evenings ensconced on one of the comfortable chaise lounges near the fire pit watching Mother Nature’s dramatic end of day curtain call. Pink, gold and deep rose vied with each other to color the sky. The sun completed its leisurely dance before dropping out of sight behind the mountain peak. This, she thought, is what people will pay for.
The excited voice of her sister, Charlotte, interrupted her musings.
“Only three more days, can you believe it?” she exclaimed.
Lacey hurried to give her sister a welcoming hug. She and Charlotte were very close. Charlotte had listened while she cried and talked about the loss of her dreams. First, she lost her vision of a wonderful married life with Bryan, and then later, losing her career. Lacey had allowed herself a period of mourning and then she squared her shoulders and prepared to move forward. Charlotte had encouraged her to dream up a new future.
They had another sister; their older sister, Veronika (Vernie) lived in Georgia. Vernie was a true success, a bestselling author who had “made it”. She traveled the world promoting one book after another. She slowed down only long enough to tap out another bodice- ripping passion infused romance novel. Both sisters admired Vernie and really enjoyed the brief amounts of time she could spend with them. Unfortunately, Vernie could not attend the grand opening of the Inn. She would send her best wishes along with a huge, expensive bouquet of flowers to mark the occasion. Vernie had offered to invest and even finance the Inn because she loved and believed in her sister’s dream, but Lacey had declined. She wanted this to be her “baby” and was willing to work as hard as she needed to do it on her own.
Later, Charlotte and Lacey hoped to add to their success with the event business, Enchanted Events, but that was down the road. Lacey had to get the Inn opened and making a profit before she could even think about that.
Charlotte strolled slowly through the rooms and outdoor areas. She declared confidently, “Wow, I would definitely stay here. I especially love the little gifts you are putting under each of the guests’ pillows on their first night.”
These were small tokens, hand lotion or lip balm and a couple of pretty postcards already stamped that they could send to their friends, but Lacey was pleased that Charlotte had approved of her idea.
“What can I do?” Charlotte asked.
“Can you get me another reservation to completely book the Inn on our first week?” Lacey shot back.
“Oh, pooh, that will happen as soon as people stay here. They will go back and tell everyone they know about how wonderful it was,” Charlotte said reassuringly.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. Can you help me figure out what to serve with the grand opening appetizers? I've chosen a couple of great red and white wines from "The Wines of Colorado" on Ute Pass but I need something terrific to serve with them,” Lacey explained.
“That’s easy,” said Charlotte, “your world famous guacamole and chips.”
“I need something besides that,” lamented Lacey. “How about crab puffs and a beef cheese ball?” she suggested.
“That’s perfect,” said Charlotte.
A loud knock from the double front doors interrupted their discussion. Lacey hurried to answer. She was startled for a moment as she looked at the very handsome man standing there.
“Hi,” he said taking off his hat. “I’m Wyatt Graves. I am the new sheriff for Peak County. I wanted to come by and check the place out. I know you have applied for a liquor license, and I like to visit each site before approval.” He was very good looking and the sharpness of his uniform made him a formidable figure.
Lacey took a moment to look him over and then stammered, “Yes, of course, please come in. I’m Lacey Washburn and this is my sister Charlotte. Please take a look around and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.”
Charlotte muttered under her breath, “I bet you will,” but smiled and shook his hand pleasantly. She moved aside to let him step into the entryway.
He was tall; at least six feet and had brown hair with golden highlights from the sun and bright blue eyes. He glanced around with an interested gaze. Lacey proceeded to take him on a tour through the downstairs common areas. He asked a few questions but overall seemed pleased with what he saw. He was explaining that her application for the liquor license would be approved in time for the grand opening, when the radio on his shoulder came to life. Speaking briefly to the person on the other end he made his excuses and hurried out to the cruiser parked in the circular driveway.
After he left, Charlotte looked at Lacey with a twinkle in her eyes, “So….” she drawled.
Lacey, looked irritated and said, “So…what? You more than anyone know that it would take a lot more than brilliant blue eyes to distract me from focusing on my plans for this business.”
“I know,” said Charlotte, “but he was extremely handsome and not just his eyes.”
“Oh, please,” said Lacey, “don’t even start with me.”
Chapter 3
The day she had waited for was finally here. Lacey Washburn as proud proprietress was happy to be hosting The Aspen Valley Inn’s official grand opening. She was so excited she couldn’t stand to sit still. She wandered around checking all the last minute details. She was so nervous she began to question every decision. Maybe she should have hired some extra help. No, she and Charlotte needed to handle everything themselves. They would be mostly unpaid and overworked until business and profits allowed for additional employees. They needed to keep the overhead as low as possible. Besides, she knew Charlotte would work as hard as she did to make this venture successful.
She also had the assistance of the handyman, Dan. As he entered the reception area, she couldn’t help noticing that Dan had cleaned up nicely for the grand opening. As she looked him over speculatively, she nodded her approval of the effort he had made to spruce himself up. She told him how pleased she was that he had finished the sanctuary in time.
Nerves jangling she straightened the carved aspen wooden bowl on the hall table for the tenth time.
Two of her guests had already checked in. Lacey had already settled a sweet young honeymoon couple, Miranda and John Braverman, into the Peacock Suite. Lacey had hoped they would be impressed with the brilliant jewel tones she had used throughout the suite. She didn’t think they had even noticed their surroundings. They only had eyes for each other. With blushing faces, they said they might not make it downstairs for the cocktail and mingle portion of the evening. Lacey smiled to herself remembering the warm love and passion for each other that was evident on their faces as she showed them around. She wondered if she had ever been that much in love.
A short time later, her next reservation arrived. This guest was a middle-aged woman named Heather Mason. She was a widow. Lacey remembered their conversation when Heather had called to make her reservation. Heather told her that she and her husband had always dreamed of sitting at the top of Pike’s Peak. They had wanted to drink in the beauty that had inspired Katharine Bates to write “America the Beautiful” in 1883.
Wistfully, Heather had said, “My husband, Adam died a few years ago and I promised myself that I would do it for both of us. I retired
this year from Rasmussen College in Topeka. I was an admissions clerk. Now, I am trying to do all the things Adam and I didn’t have the chance to do. ”
As Lacey led her upstairs to her suite, Lacey mentioned the party tonight. Heather said she would definitely come downstairs and join the festivities once she was settled into the “Miner’s Suite”. This suite was rustic in design but with all the modern comforts. After the brief tour, Heather asked if she could get an early morning wake- up call in order to hike up to the peak before noon. Knowing how strenuous that climb was, Lacey looked closer at the woman. She was a hardy Midwesterner who looked in shape for the effort required in this altitude.
The third reservation, for two college students had not arrived yet. They had mentioned in their online check in that they may be very late. Lacey sighed and thought, waiting for arrivals is part of an innkeeper’s role. Besides, she had a celebration to host and the time would fly.
The first guests were beginning to arrive. She hurried downstairs, her long summer maxi dress swirling around her ankles. Halfway down the stairs, she came to a complete stop. Charlotte was welcoming none other than Wyatt Graves. She had thought he was dashing in his uniform but now seeing him dressed casually, in his button- down shirt and khakis, he looked even more handsome. She felt her face flush as he looked up at her and she realized that she had been staring and probably open-mouthed too. She did her best to descend the stairs gracefully and then held out her hand in greeting. Rather than shake her hand in a businesslike manner he held on a little too long so that it felt more like a caress.
They smiled at each other and Wyatt spoke first, “Congratulations on both your liquor license approval and your grand opening,” he said.
She stammered a little and then finally came up with something, “Could I get you a glass of wine or some cider?” her voice came out with a very unattractive squeak.
Charlotte was enjoying her sisters’ discomfort way more than she should be. She could not remember the last time she had seen her sister awestruck over a mere man. Then again, he was impressively handsome. He also carried himself with an air of power and control. Surreptitiously she glanced at his left hand searching for a wedding ring. Damn, there was a thin gold band on his finger. She sighed and thought to herself that she would have to find someone else that could put that sparkle back into Lacey’s eyes. As she looked over at her sister, it occurred to her that Lacey had noticed the same no trespassing sign that she had seen. There was a bit of disappointment lingering on Lacey’s face, but neither of them had time to dwell on this discovery because the celebration had really moved into full swing. They both hurried into the reception hall to begin their duties as proud owner and host of the Aspen Valley Inn.