Killer Christmas Cozies Page 11

  “No thanks,” Gretchen said. “I found the tree I’m looking for.” She turned to Bert. “Remember what I said.”

  Not waiting on his reply, Gretchen stalked over to the nearest tree. Bending low she grabbed hold of the base and lifted it with one hand.

  Impressive.

  “What about you?” I asked Bert. “Can I help you and Lillian find a tree?”

  Bert glanced over at Lillian. “Do you know what you want?”

  Lillian shook her head, her eyes big and bright.

  “Well, our pre-cut trees are all in this area,” I said. “Let me know if I can help you.”

  I rang up Gretchen’s purchase, and it took every effort I had not to get nosy and ask her about the argument. But the truth was, I was pretty intimidated by the imposing woman. I figured I made the right choice to keep my mouth shut when Gretchen picked up her tree and stomped off toward her car.

  “Hi Gracie.”

  I smiled as Danica Bowers stopped in front of the checkout counter. She was a tiny woman, barely standing over five feet. She was naturally slender, and today her long blonde hair cascaded beautifully down her delicate shoulders and back. She was nervously twisting a button on her worn and tattered coat. Her six-year-old son, Dawson, stared wide-eyed at all the Christmas trees.

  “Hi Danica,” I said. “Are you looking for a tree?”

  Danica wiggled her son’s hand. “We are. I had the early shift at the café today. So when Dawson reminded me it was only three or four more days until Christmas and we still didn’t have a tree, I thought we’d come out to your place and see what you have left.”

  Danica had moved to Springdale last year and taken a job with the café. I see her every now and again when I stop in for coffee like I did today. All I really knew about her was that she was a struggling single mother, and she was always sweet and polite when I ran into her.

  “Well, do you know what kind of tree you are looking for?” I asked Dawson.

  He grinned up at me and pointed to a huge Fraser Fir about ten feet away. A person would have to be blind not to see the joy on the boy’s face as he stared at the massive tree.

  Danica gasped softly. “Oh, baby. We can’t get that tree this year.” She blinked rapidly to dash away the tears that filled her eyes. “Maybe next year.”

  “Darn right you can’t afford it this year,” Bert Candace’s voice boomed for everyone around to hear. “Is this why you’re so far behind on your rent? You’re too busy buying stuff you can’t afford for that kid of yours?”

  Danica balled her tiny fists in anger, but before she could say anything, Dawson ran over to Bert and stood in front of him. His little chest heaved up and down. “You don’t yell at my mommy.”

  Bert barely glanced at Dawson before sliding his smarmy gaze back over to Danica. “You might want to keep every penny you have, honey. You’re gonna need it when you find yourself out on the streets in two weeks.”

  “Dawson, come here,” Danica said firmly.

  Dawson looked back and forth between his mom and Bert before hurrying back over to her side.

  “What’s going on?” Zane asked, his eyes taking in the scene before him.

  I hadn’t even noticed he’d walked up from the tree line down below.

  “Nothing that concerns you, Kellerman,” Bert said. “Been a few years since you showed your face around here, so maybe you don’t know how things are now.”

  “And how’s that?” Zane asked lightly.

  Only I wasn’t fooled by Zane’s easy demeanor. I’ve known him too long…he was braced for confrontation.

  “I’m kind of the big man on campus around here now,” Bert said. “I own several properties around town, I’m the president of the bank, and I can pretty much decide when a note gets called in.” Bert scowled and his eyes turned hard. “You might want to remember that before you do something here you might regret. See, your little sister had to take a loan out with the bank last year, so right now I own this piece of property.”

  I groaned. I’d planned on telling Zane about the loan when I had the chance. This was so not the way I wanted him to find out.

  “What’s he talking about, Gracie?” Zane asked.

  But Zane never once glanced in my direction…he continued to stare at Bert.

  I looked around and frowned. A small group of customers has stopped to watch the interaction. I needed to get control fast.

  “I’ll explain later,” I said, forcing my voice to be loud and cheerful. “It’s Christmas. Let’s buy some trees and have a great time.”

  “Hard to have a great time with Bert here,” someone called out.

  “Yeah,” Merle Hartford growled next to me. “Someone needs to put a stop to Bert soon.”

  I blinked in surprise at the menacing tone coming from Merle. I’d heard recently that his farm was having problems. Had Bert threatened to call in Merle’s loan note, too?

  “You heard my sister,” Zane said. “Let’s buy some trees and spread Christmas cheer.”

  “Can I still have that one?” Dawson asked, his voice barely audible.

  Danica’s gaze traveled from a smirking Bert to her son. “I’m sorry, Dawson. I can’t this year. Maybe next year.”

  The boy’s head fell but he nodded. “Okay. We don’t even have to have a tree this year. It’s okay, Mommy. I understand.”

  My heart broke for the small boy who was trying to be strong and brave for his mom.

  Bert snorted. “Your mom needs to worry about where she’s moving you two in a couple weeks, not buying you a tree. It’s a tough break, kid, but your mom can’t seem to pay her bills.”

  “That’s enough!”

  “Get out of here!”

  Zane and I spoke at once. No way were we going to let Bert terrorize a small child.

  “Punch him,” Merle hollered. “In fact, I’ll hold him down if you want.”

  That brought chuckles to the few customers who were still hanging around.

  “I know who you all are,” Bert said stiffly. “Don’t think I won’t remember this when the time comes to collect on debts.”

  That declaration sent the small group scurrying in all directions.

  “Let’s go, Bert,” Lillian Candace said meekly. “You’ve done enough damage here today.”

  I hadn’t even noticed Lillian hiding among the trees. Poor girl. She couldn’t go anywhere without her step-brother causing her grief.

  “I thought you wanted a tree,” Bert said. “You’re my responsibility now that our parents are dead. If you want a tree, I’ll buy you a tree.”

  Lillian said nothing for a few seconds. “Thank you, Bert. I’ll take this one over here.”

  I quickly rang up the tree Lillian pointed out and handed Bert his change.

  “Ya know,” Bert said as he shoved his money in his wallet. “Maybe what this area needs is some wholesome competition. Maybe I need to see about opening a Christmas tree farm up the road.”

  I inhaled sharply. Competition was the last thing I needed. I could barely make ends meet as it was.

  “You’re done here,” Zane said to Bert. “Get your tree and go.”

  Bert and Zane stared at each other for a few more seconds before Bert picked up his tree and carried it over to his car. We all watched as he struggled to throw it in the back of his BMW. Usually helping a customer lift a tree was a service we provided, but no one was in the mood to help Bert out.

  “You okay?” Zane asked Danica.

  Danica’s face turned red. “Yeah. I’m used to Bert’s meanness. He’s been my landlord for about a year now.”

  “Do you two know each other?” I asked Zane, preparing to do introductions.

  Zane nodded. “I stop in sometimes at the café when I’m in town. Danica usually works the morning shift.”

  Danica’s face flamed even brighter. “Your brother is a nice guy. He leaves me good tips even though he usually just sits and drinks coffee.”

  Well, isn’t that interesting.
/>
  “Is Bert really kicking you out?” I asked.

  Danica nodded. “Looks that way. But it’s okay. My best friend, Mae, said we could stay with her until I could save up enough for another place.”

  Zane clapped his hands together and looked down at Dawson. “Well, buddy, whaddya say we get this tree over to your car?”

  “What tree?” Danica asked.

  Zane pointed to the massive Fraser the boy had previously asked for. “That one right there.” He looked down at Dawson and grinned. “You did come for a tree didn’t you?”

  Dawson’s face lit up. “We sure did!”

  Danica shook her head. “We can’t—”

  Zane walked over to the tree and lifted it over his shoulder before winking at Danica. “Santa is making a special delivery today.”

  Danica tried to hide her smile behind her hands, but I could see she was pleased. I didn’t bother hiding the smile that crossed my face. This was the first time since Zane had been home that he seemed like his old self again.

  “Change of plans,” Zane said as he and Dawson sauntered back over to us. “This tree isn’t going to fit in your tiny car. I’ll bring it by tonight when I make evening deliveries.”

  Tears filled Danica’s eyes. “That’s so kind of you. And maybe I can repay you by buying you a piece of pie the next time you’re at the café?”

  One side of Zane’s mouth lifted in a smile. “I’d like that.”

  At eight o’clock, Nic, Evie, and I closed down the lot while Zane loaded down the Chevy for deliveries in town. I was still worried about what Bert had said to me about calling in the note on the farm. Last year I had to take out a loan because I needed new seedlings and the barn needed some repairs. I was doing my best to pay back the loan, but I still had about six months of payments left.

  “What was all that hoopla about earlier?” Evie asked. “Nic and I could hear voices, but we couldn’t make out what was going on.”

  I filled them both in on what had happened.

  “But,” I said, “it was nice to see Zane back to his old self again when he offered the tree to Danica and Dawson.”

  Nic chuckled as he picked up Miss Claws. “It’s the season. It has a way of softening even the most hardened of hearts.” Nic turned to me and winked. “It’s also the season for new love.”

  “I have all the love I need right here.” I wrapped my arms through Evie’s and smiled at her.

  “Yep,” Evie agreed. “Although I wouldn’t mind Santa sending me a little hunky something-something in my stocking this year.”

  Nic laughed. “I’ll see what I can do, Miss Evie.”

  “Thanks, Santa,” Evie said.

  Nic and Miss Claws suddenly looked up at the night sky. “We better head home, Miss Claws. A storm is rolling in. I can feel changes in the air.”

  Chapter 3

  I frowned as the wrought-iron gate flapped back and forth in the wind. The snow had stopped about half an hour ago, right before the sun rose over the horizon. There was probably a good half an inch of fresh snow on the ground.

  “Zane,” I yelled into the house. “Did you forget to close the gate last night when you came back from your deliveries?”

  Zane leaned against the door jamb, hands wrapped around his hot cup of coffee. “No. I specifically remember closing it. Why?”

  “It’s open now.”

  Zane shrugged. “Maybe the wind caught it last night during the storm.”

  “Want to get some sparing in before we open?” I asked.

  Zane grinned. “You think you can finally take me after all these years?”

  No.

  “You bet I do!” I said. “I’ve been practicing since you’ve been gone.”

  Zane set down his mug and motioned me inside the house. “Let’s see what you got, little sis.”

  Twenty minutes later I was sweating and cursing up a storm. I was no closer to taking my big brother down than I was when we were kids and we’d sparred back and forth like this.

  “You’ve picked up some good moves while I’ve been away,” Zane acknowledged. “I especially like the roundhouse kick. Nice touch.”

  I laughed. “I’ve watched a lot of Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris movies while you’ve been gone.”

  “I can tell.” Zane tousled my hair and grinned. “Too bad they didn’t do you any good.”

  “So, how was your date last night?” I asked.

  I knew the question would get a rise out of him. If I couldn’t beat him physically, I was going to beat him mentally.

  Zane scowled. “It wasn’t a date, brat. I was simply dropping off a tree to a family in need. That’s all.”

  “Uh huh. That’s totally what I meant.”

  ***

  I pushed the swinging gate back against the fence and smiled when I heard the unmistakable sound of a revved engine. I spotted Nic and Miss Claws on a snowmobile popping over the hills. When he caught sight of me, Nic raised his hand in greeting.

  It wasn’t every day Santa came riding in on a snowmobile to save the day. Nic rode up beside me and shut off the engine.

  “Ho ho ho. Good morning, Miss Gracie.” He gently removed the tiny red helmet and goggles from Miss Claws’ head and set her down on the ground.

  “Good morning, Santa. Nice ride over?”

  I wasn’t exactly sure where Santa was staying. Close enough he could ride a snowmobile to work. He was always vague when I asked him his address.

  “Zane didn’t open the gate this morning?” Nic asked.

  I frowned. “No. It was already opened. The snow storm we had last night must have blown it open.”

  “Well, Miss Gracie, shall we go make the wishes of boys and girls in Springdale come true?”

  I loved this guy. It was like he never stepped out of character.

  “You bet. Let me go make sure Zane doesn’t need me for anything and then I’ll come over and make sure you’re all ready to go.”

  Santa winked at me and walked toward his chair, talking with Miss Claws the whole way. Smiling, I jogged over to where Zane was setting out Christmas tree stands for customers to buy.

  “I’m going to check out the rows of live trees real quick,” I said. “Make sure the wind didn’t do any damage.”

  “Sounds good,” Zane said.

  I headed out of the pre-cut tree lot and down the lane to where the live trees were waiting to be cut. The trees were planted in rows so trucks could move in and out easily. I ran my hand down the first row of Scotch Pines. I took great pride in weeding and pruning the trees during the off season. I was about to round the corner to the Blue Spruces when I tripped and went sprawling.

  Pain radiated up my arm but I did my best to ignore it. Brushing snow off my gloves and coat, I sat back on my knees and looked behind me to see what I had tripped over. The scream that ripped from my throat was probably heard clear into town.

  Seconds later I could hear footsteps pounding my way.

  “Gracie!” Zane hollered. “Where are you?”

  I sucked in a deep breath, the cold air stinging my lungs. “In the back by the Blue Spruces.”

  I bit back a smile when I heard bells jingling. Nic must be running to me, too. Not many girls could say they’ve been rescued by their big brother and Santa. I tried to focus on that crazy thought and not on the dead body sprawled out behind me.

  “What the—” Zane stopped short when he saw the body.

  I got shakily to my feet and gave a silly wave to Nic as he also rounded the corner, Miss Claws right on his heels.

  “Oh my,” Nic said. “This can’t be good.”

  I gave a short bark of laughter. “No, Santa, this definitely isn’t good.”

  “I’ll call the Sheriff,” Zane said. He paused, brow furrowed. “Who is the Sheriff around here now?”

  My heart pitched again…but this time it wasn’t from fright. I gave Zane a small smile. “Jake Matthews.”

  Zane gave me a surprised look before digging out his phone fro
m his pocket. “I didn’t see that one coming. It’s been years since I last spoke with Jake.”

  Jake and Zane were best friends in high school. They played football together, were on the wrestling team, hung out at each other’s homes, and teased me unmercifully.

  And I loved every minute of it. I’d had such a maddening crush on Jake. When he and Zane both left to join the military, I had just finished my freshman year.

  The night before he left, I admitted to Jake I had feelings for him. He never said anything, just turned and walked away. I wrote to him faithfully, but only a few letters were returned in kind. When he came home on leave, he never looked me up. Crushed, I stopped writing by the time I graduated high school. Then two years ago he shows up back in town and running for the office of Sheriff.

  Now when we run into each other in town, I just avoid eye contact and move on. He’s tried speaking to me numerous times, but I just can’t get over the embarrassment of knowing my feelings were never reciprocated all those years ago.

  “That would be great, Jake. Thank you.”

  I pulled myself back from the memories and listened as Zane ended his call.

  “Jake said he’d be here in about ten minutes. We are to step away from the body and try not to disturb the area and contaminate the crime scene any more than we already have.”

  I rolled my eyes. “It’s not like I did it on purpose.”

  Zane chuckled. “Standard procedure, little sis.”

  “Here,” Nic said as he held out his hand. “You come with me, Gracie, and we’ll let Zane stay here.”

  “Okay, that sounds—”

  “Hey,” Evie yelled out. “Where is everyone?”

  “Don’t let her come back here,” Zane said to me.

  I nodded and raised my voice. “Evie, we’re out by the Blue Spruces. We’ll come to you. Don’t walk back here.”

  “Okaaay.”

  I could hear the confusion in Evie’s voice. I let go of Nic’s gloved hand and he and I slowly plodded our way around the corner and down the row of Scotch Pines. Evie was standing at the top of the path looking adorable and confused in her elf suit.

  “There’s been an accident.” I wrapped my arms around her and rested my head against her shoulder.