“Kade Logan. I own the Diamond Bar Ranch. Your company leases acreage from the ranch to operate the Red Hawk Mine.” He tipped his head toward Ellie. “This is Eleanor Bowman, a private investigator. We’d like to speak to Richard Egan in regard to some trouble at the mine. We think it may be connected to problems we’ve been having at the ranch.”

One of Jane’s perfectly shaped black eyebrows arched up. “I see.”

“Actually, we’re looking for anyone in the company who might know a man named Frank Keller,” Ellie said. “He was an explosives expert who worked for Mountain Ore.”

Jane shook her head. “I’m sorry, I don’t know him.”

“What about your husband or your father?” Kade asked.

“It would be unusual for those of us in upper management to interact with an employee at that level. There’s a chance my husband, as Chief Operating Officer, may have had contact with Mr. Keller through one of the Regional VPs.”

She turned to the incredibly handsome man beside her and ran a manicured nail down his arm, drawing his attention. “I’m sorry to bother you, darling, but this is Kade Logan. He owns the land we lease to operate the Red Hawk Mine. Kade is looking for information on a man named Frank Keller.”

Smithson’s dark gaze lingered for a moment on Kade, but his features remained bland. “Sorry, I don’t know anyone by that name.” His glance flicked to Ellie, skimming over her in a subtle appraisal most people would have missed.

“Ellie Bowman,” she said. “I’m a private investigator working for Kade.” She extended her hand, and Phillip took it warmly in his.

“Nice to meet you,” he said, his gaze lingering for a moment too long before his attention swung back to his wife. “I’ve got to go. I’ve got work to do in my office, then meetings the rest of the day and into the evening. Now it seems your father wants to see my weekly report a day early. He’s expecting it on his desk first thing in the morning so don’t wait up.”

Smithson’s gaze met Ellie’s for an instant, then he turned, strode toward the elevator, and disappeared inside.

As the elevator doors slid closed, Jane’s attention went to Kade, and the frown on her face slipped away. “As you can see, my husband is a busy man.” And not happy at the moment, Ellie thought.

“My brother, Rick, is Senior VP of the Southwest Region,” Jane continued, “so there’s a chance he might know something about your Mr. Keller. Why don’t I escort you up to his office? That way he’ll be sure to make time for you.”

Kade nodded. “Appreciate that.”