Chapter 2
"Isn't this view gorgeous?"
They were all excited, standing on the balcony and looking over the valley below. Pristine white snow and tall fir trees were the only signs of life for miles around them. There was only one road down to the valley and the ski resort, and a four-wheel drive was required to navigate it.
Ron had approved this because of the remoteness of the location and the isolation of the chalet. It was a huge stone chalet, with four bedrooms and a living area with a huge fireplace. The kitchen was fully stocked when they arrived. Agents Thomas and Bright were the only two non-family members present in the cabin. More agents were headquartered in town.
Everybody ran to claim their own bedrooms. Ellie and Zoey would share one bedroom, while Liz and Annie would have the second, and Abbey would take the third, obviously designed to be a master bedroom. The fourth bedroom, with two twin beds, would house the two agents. One would always be on duty, around the clock. Agent Thomas skied so she would be present on the ski slope during the day and Agent Bright would cover the nighttime shift.
After starting a fire, the adults opened the wine and proceeded to catch up on the gossip. But soon Abbey retreated to her bedroom to make a call.
"Jed, we're here. How are things there?"
"Everything is fine. Gus is with the sitter in the Residence and I think I will be able to leave here shortly. I'm really looking forward to spending some time with him. It's just so rare. I have no clue what we are going to do, but I'll do whatever it takes. What does the house look like?"
"It's called a chalet and it's gorgeous. Just so much room. The master bedroom has a king-sized bed and a two-person Jacuzzi. Sound like fun?"
"Yeah. You'll have to save the information so we can go back together. I'm so looking forward to having time to spend with you. Just with you."
"I know Jed. Me too. Love ya."
"I love you too, Abbey. See you Monday afternoon."
"Yeah. Bye."
"Bye."