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Chapter one, the north wind on top of Aspen Mountain was biting like a rabid dog with 12 inch fangs. Many skiers had already called In an early day. Baron Bradford, an experienced skier, agreed and started his last run down. He was alone today. His wife, Jill, who usually skied with him, had said no to the 25 degree below temperature on the summit. The fracture of lightly crusted snow on the trail shattered against his skis as he made the final turn and headed for the lodge at the base of the slopes. The fresh snow was perfect for the morning run and made the sprint down bear paw, a double black diamond trail. Very exhilarating. Despite the icy wind, the warmth of the morning sun felt good on his unshaven face. He'd been up since dawn when he crawled out of bed and threw on his ski clothes, determined to make the first run down the mountain. It was a good morning workout. He felt peaceful and happy As he skied over to the ST Regis Resort. He unbuckled his bindings and handed his keys to the valet, who would clean and waxed them so they'd be perfect for the next day. He knew Jill would be up by now, and he looked forward to her sweet smile, a good morning kiss and the warmth of opinion would fire. As he clumped across the snowy deck and his ski boots, he could see a light on through the window. His thoughts wandered as he made his way up the steps. How both their lives had changed since last year for the better. He thought both divorces had been emotionally devastating, but not nearly as much as the superficial and suffocating relationships of their former marriages. Changes had to be made. He slipped the key card into the door and could hear water running. Jill was in the shower. A moment later. She stepped out with her dark, wet hair, perfectly framing her beautiful face. His body was still warm and sweaty from the exercise on the mountain. It felt even warmer when she spoke. How was your run? She asked, while lightly telling her hair very exhilarating. I think you would have enjoyed it. Except for the Arctic cold. He noticed the fire had burned down, so he reached over and tossed on another log. Maybe I'll go with you tomorrow. If the weather improves, I'll finish up and make some coffee. Jill wrapped a towel around her body and padded barefoot to the kitchen. He watched her with a playful smile. Baron Bradford had done very well in life, a self made billionaire with more than 300 companies, most of them high tech and energy, ranging from computer chip designed to advanced medical equipment. Bradford Energy, his favorite, also did very well with a healthy geothermal drilling business. He and Jill were happy in their life with a beautiful home in Los Altos Hills, California, and his office in nearby Palo Alto. Strong and healthy at 55 years old, standing six ft one inch tall and a trim £180 he looked good for his age. Bradford made his first million in 1985 only to lose it in the savings and loan crisis of 1987. He had kicked himself many times for his stupid financial mistakes, but it didn't stop him emerging wiser and more tenacious than ever. By 1990 he was worth more than 10 million, and I just kept rolling from there. Jill was his second wife. A gorgeous brunette with green eyes and a stunning figure, Jill was a former dentist from San Jose who had also done some modelling in her younger days. They had met during their senior year at Stanford, but lost touch after graduation. By chance, they ran into each other again at a medical equipment convention. 20 years later, their relationship reignited, and they married the following year with no Children from either of their marriages, they had more time for each other. Bradford walked over to the window and looked up at the mountain. Clouds were now covering the summit, and the wind had picked up in the last hour. Looks like a storm is coming. Does it look bad? I wouldn't want to be up there right now. Walking across the room, he switched on the TV and flop down on the sofa. The Aspen ski conditions forecast was always on the local cable system, and the report was not good. A winter storm warning for the whole area expected the last three days. Whiteout conditions, high winds and extreme cold skiers advised to stay off all mountains until the storm passes lifts, closing today at noon. Let's go home. If we leave now, we'll beat the worst of it. If we wait, we might get stuck here for days. Chill nodded in agreement and headed to the bedroom to pack. Bradford called his pilot to get the plane ready.