Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past

by Traci Wilton

  Charlene opened her purse and offered the brown envelope. “Some folks have given twice—Sharon Turnberry mentioned that she’d gifted a thousand last week at the auction, but she was happy to give again.”

  “She did?” Alice tucked her hand in the front pocket of her jeans. “So kind—I will have the kids send thank-you cards to each person. They’ll want to show their appreciation.”

  “I hope this helps. I’ll have my mom on the phones today to rattle the trees. You never know.”

  “I do thank you—Pamela is our genius at getting donations, but this thing with Tori has really set her back. I’ve never seen her so upset—she normally has the strength and fortitude of a dozen women.” Alice paused. “Her husband has medical issues, bless her—and him. MS. And her teenagers are driving her through the roof!” With a side glance, as if she wasn’t quite sure she wanted to know the answer, Alice asked, “How’s Avery?”

  “I get to be your Christmas angel today,” Charlene laughed. “Avery is doing very well, and I hope that she agrees to work weekends after the holiday is over.”

  Alice closed her eyes and exhaled. “Thank you, thank you. I just knew we needed to find her the right place.”

  “Speaking of Avery, I better get going so I’m not late picking her up. You’ve done amazing things for the kids in Salem.”

  Alice emanated happiness. “Well, it takes a village.”

  Charlene left with a wave and drove over to pick up Avery, who was waiting outside the teen house, talking to Pamela through the rolled down window of a car. Janet fluttered her fingers, then gave a thumbs-up from the open door before closing it.

  Pamela, who probably didn’t even own an ugly sweater, sat in the passenger seat of a newer-model black Nissan rather than her Lexus SUV.

  “Thanks again, Avery,” Pamela said, then rolled up the window.

  A cute teenage boy was behind the wheel and he barely missed Charlene’s Pilot as he peeled out of the driveway.

  Avery hopped in. “Hi, Charlene.”

  “Morning. Who was that?”

  “Mrs. Avita’s dumb son.”

  “Hey. That’s not nice.”

  “Sorry. He just makes me so mad. He’s so rude—snapping at his mom because he wants a car for Christmas—can you believe that? They’re test-driving this one to see if he likes it.” She fiddled with her earbuds. “Grr. They had to stop by so that he could basically copy my extra credit. He’s too cool to actually follow the rules.”

  “You let him copy?” Charlene puffed up in Avery’s defense—what was Pamela thinking?

  “Not the answers,” Avery grinned. “But he didn’t even know what work to do. You should see your face, Charlene. If I was ever in a throwdown, I want you on my side.”

  She wasn’t sure exactly what that meant, and rather than reveal her ignorance she let it go.

  “I’ve got something new to show you today, on how to set up a room.”

  Avery twirled the hot-pink wires of her headphones around her finger. “I like being busy, and you might think this is work, but being at your place is actually fun.”

  “Today is payday too,” Charlene decided. “Do you have a bank account?”

  “Nooo.”

  “Next week I can help you get an account set up, if you want, and give you cash today?” She’d ask Janet later what the protocol was but for now, to make sure that Avery had some spending money, she’d act, then beg for forgiveness later.

  Avery grinned, very much a teenager. “Cash? That means I can buy my friend Jenna something for Christmas—there’s this really cool bracelet shop at the Pedestrian Mall, with ceramic beads?” She gave the earbud another twirl. “Having my own banking account would rock.”

  Charlene arrived back at her house before ten. Jack waited for her on the front porch, teasing Silva with a branch. The cat chased it and leapt for Jack, who wasn’t actually there, which confused Silva no matter how many times Jack played his trick.

  “Your mom is in fine form this morning,” he accused. “Insisting on warming the butter before putting it on the pumpkin bread.” He squeezed his finger and thumb together. “I was this close to hiding her slippers.”

  Charlene glanced at Avery, who was oblivious as she bent down to pick up Silva and bring the silver cat inside. “Can I give her a treat?” Avery asked.

  “Sure.” She waved at Jack and followed Avery. The teen hung her coat on the coat tree in the foyer—changing hands so she didn’t have to set Silva down.

  “I’ve always wanted a cat,” Avery said. “But that wasn’t happening. We moved too much, or stayed at places that didn’t allow pets.”

  “You’re welcome to lavish all of that attention on Silva—I can hear her purring from here.” Silva’s loud rumble sounded like a toy motorboat engine.

  Charlene led the way to the kitchen and showed Avery where the cat treats were kept.

  “She warmed the butter herself,” Jack added. “So it wasn’t like she put Minnie out or anything. But still . . .”

  Charlene bit her tongue about her mother’s foibles.

  Minnie washed the last dish and turned to greet their new hire. “Morning, Avery.”

  “Hi, Minnie. How’s your family?”

  “Better, thank you, hon.” Minnie looked at Charlene. “Your parents are chatting with Gary in the living room, and the Garcias are out all day in Boston. Oh, we might have another single rented—I’m waiting for a call back.”

  Avery set Silva down with a tuna treat and then washed her hands, the spider tattoo on the back of her neck visible beneath her short hair. Done in thin dark blue strokes, the design was actually very feminine.

  “Minnie, do you mind showing Avery how to prepare a room for guests? I’d like to get my mom started on the phone. Alice, Mrs. Winters, was saying that the kids still need so much more.”

  Minnie wiped her hands on a dish towel. “I’d be happy to.”

  “Last night at teen house, we helped wrap some of the toys for the little ones, which was really fun.” Avery brought her headphones from her pocket. “I remember believing in Santa—wishin’ I’d get something cool.”

  “What did you want?” Charlene asked.

  “Well, I found out that Santa wasn’t real when I was, like, five, so it was dumb—a doll.” She shrugged. “My mom thought it would be better if I didn’t get my hopes up.”

  Her eyes burned for the little girl Avery must have been—before the makeup or wild hair or tattoos. “That sounds very practical.” It was the nicest thing she could think to say. It was a good thing that Avery had found Alice and Felicity House.

  “And here I thought Brenda Woodbridge would win Worst Mother award—I think Avery’s mom has yours beat. I’m glad she’s here with us,” Jack said. “I’ll be watching TV.” He disappeared in an instant.

  “Follow me, Avery,” Minnie drawled, “and I’ll show you how the magic happens.”

  Charlene quickly got her mom set up on the phone in the dining room—with the precise wording of what to say.

  “Don’t ad-lib, okay, Mom? We can really help here, but we don’t want people feeling pressured. Everybody has their own things going on for the holiday.”

  Her mom rubbed her hands together as if warming up for a telethon. “I bet I can get a thousand dollars by two.”

  “She’s good,” her dad said. “Go get ’em, Brenda. I might challenge Gary to a game of chess.”

  “He’s still in the living room, I think,” Charlene said.

  Gary and her dad listened to Christmas music—Elvis—and talked art. The new guest would be going to his sister’s later, but he seemed to enjoy hanging out at her bed-and-breakfast. He claimed it was homey, which made her very happy. Charlene had just checked to make sure that everyone had tea or coffee, when a knock sounded on the front door. She checked her watch. Quarter past eleven. It had to be the Chilsons, who’d left a message that they would be here before noon.

  She opened the door to see a red-cheeked Jessica on th
e front porch, her Kia parked askew. “Jessica? What’s wrong?”

  “I think I’m in shock—Vincent is closing Bella’s for good on New Year’s Eve. I’m on my way to Dr. Matt’s before heading to Philly and my parents’ for the holiday, but I thought you should know.” Jessica sniffed and pulled a tissue from her coat pocket.

  Closing Bella’s? “Do you want some coffee?”

  “No, I can’t stay.”

  Charlene gave Jessica a hug—she was obviously on her emotional last straw. “Did Vincent say why?”

  “Only that he can’t put any more money into it—he has his other restaurant in Boston to think about.”

  Jack materialized behind Jessica in jeans, boots, and a blue plaid shirt, dressed for the cold that he didn’t feel. His dark hair fell over one turquoise eye. “Is she all right?”

  Charlene couldn’t answer.

  Jessica’s eyes welled. “Charlene, he said that David was stealing money from the till.”

  After what Charlene had just learned from Freddy, she wasn’t sure what to think about David anymore.

  “Is it possible?” Jack asked.

  “I don’t believe it,” Jessica insisted, her tissue in her clenched fist.

  “I’m so sorry.” Charlene opened the door wider. “Are you sure you won’t come in? I hate for you to drive when you’re so upset.”

  “My parents will give me some much-needed TLC. I won’t be back until after the first. This was my last shift—isn’t that crazy?” She shuffled her boots on the porch.

  Charlene had the door open and from behind her Avery said, “Jessica?” She turned to see Avery take the stairs down two at a time. Minnie followed more sedately but joined them all on the front porch.

  “Hey, Avery,” Jessica said, breathing in to regain her composure.

  “This is the best job ever.” Avery, like Jack, didn’t seem to notice the cold.

  “I’m glad you have it—and you’re better off. Now I’m the one out of a job.”

  “Oh no!” Avery said.

  “I was going to quit anyway, because Vincent is no David, and I hope to get more hours with Dr. Matt. It’s just, well, David hasn’t even been gone a week.”

  “She’s been through a lot,” Jack said. “Poor girl. She’s always been on David’s side, not once blaming him for this mess.”

  “I agree,” Charlene said.

  “With what?” Avery asked.

  Dang it, Jack. “Uh, that it’s very sad—and that it all seems so sudden.” She turned so that Jack was behind her.

  With the resilience of youth, Jessica rolled her eyes and laughed. “Look at me, being such a drama queen. I’m ready for a break, and some of my mom’s Christmas turkey. Merry Christmas, everyone—I can’t wait for the New Year—this one sucked eggs.” She darted down the porch steps. “Bye!”

  Avery laughed nervously and they watched Jessica drive off with a two-honk salute.

  “Is she going to be okay?” Minnie asked as they all gathered in the foyer, even Jack.

  “I think so. Jessica is a tough cookie. She’ll find something better.” Charlene thought of the worthless check from David, thanks to Tori, and prayed for a real Christmas miracle.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Charlene hesitated in the foyer to gather her thoughts after Jessica left. Was David this terrible man whom Vincent and Freddy accused him of being? She’d always prided herself on being a good judge of character, and she couldn’t see it. He’d come across as a nice guy, a charmer for sure, but someone with a good heart. Had she been wrong?

  She followed Minnie slowly into the kitchen and hitched her butt on the bar stool.

  “I can’t believe it,” said her housekeeper. “David stealing money? Why?”

  Avery shrugged. “Didn’t really know him, but he wasn’t very nice to me after I broke that plate. Like I did it on purpose.” She huffed and helped herself to a smidgen of the banana loaf on the counter.

  “No, he wasn’t nice to you. It’s no excuse, but I think he had a lot on his mind.” Charlene frowned. “More than we’ll ever know, that’s for sure.”

  Minnie wiped her hands on her apron and clicked her tongue. “Me and Will enjoyed eating at Bella’s a few times. David seemed very proud of his restaurant, so I just don’t believe he’d steal from his own till. That wouldn’t make sense. Course, hooking up with that Tori woman when he had a nice lady at home doesn’t make sense either.”

  “I didn’t like David, and I think Vincent’s a wacko,” Avery declared. “Did you see how mad he was at the auction? The veins in his neck got huge—he looked like The Hulk. Did you ever see that movie?”

  Minnie tapped her lower lip and gazed at the ceiling. “No. Wasn’t he a wrestler?” she asked. “Dwayne something?”

  Avery rolled her eyes. “No, that’s The Rock. Sheesh!”

  Vincent had a temper, something to remember. Charlene brushed her hands together. “Okay, let’s get to work. The Chilsons will be here before we know it. Their daughter is Nikki, from the veterinarian’s office.”

  “Don’t know her.” Avery plugged in her earbuds and sang about workin’ for a livin’ all the way to the staircase.

  Minnie shared an amused look with Charlene. “She’s a kick.”

  “Sure is.” Charlene sliced a few pieces of the loaf and arranged them on a serving plate with napkins to take to Gary and her dad. They were seated at a small table, the chessboard between them.

  “Who’s winning?” she asked, placing the plate next to them. Her father grunted in response.

  She put a hand on his shoulder and studied the chess pieces. “Gary, my dad’s a master. He might be toying with you . . . letting you think you have a chance before he goes in for the kill.”

  Gary sat back and regarded Michael with interest. “That true?” Crossing his arms, he stared at the board for a few seconds. “Son of a gun.” He rubbed his chin. “Dang it. I thought I had you.”

  Her father chuckled. “They all do.”

  Charlene patted Gary’s arm. “He tortured me for years until I learned better. Now I only play backgammon with him. He doesn’t like to take chances, so he’s easier to beat.” She headed toward the door. “Either of you want coffee?”

  “How about some of that hot cocoa?” her father asked.

  “Coming right up. Gary?” She felt a chill behind her and knew Jack was there. She ignored him. For now.

  “Thanks, but no. I’m having lunch with my family. Michael, good game, but I think I’ve learned my lesson too. I’ll stick to crossword puzzles.”

  Charlene returned to the kitchen to make her dad’s cocoa and one for her mother. Jack had followed her, so she kept her voice low. “Can you believe that Vincent is going to close Bella’s? And he’s telling people that David stole money.”

  “I don’t blame Jessica for being upset. It seems rash for Vincent to shut it down now, with the investigation into David’s death still on.”

  “I agree.” When the cocoa was ready, she poured it into two mugs and added three tiny marshmallows in each. She nodded toward her room. Jack knew what she meant and disappeared. Charlene took the cocoa to her dad and brought the other to her mom, but first, she’d spy on her. She listened outside the door and couldn’t believe how cheery and well-spoken her mother was to perfect strangers.

  “Just a small donation, a few dollars, whatever you won’t miss.” Her mother drew in a breath. “Twenty dollars, oh my! That is very generous. Yes, send it to ‘Charlene’s’ or to Felicity House. Here’s the address on Crown Point Road. It was such a pleasure speaking with you. Yes, and Happy Holidays to you as well.”

  Her mother wore a pleased smile as she ended the call. Charlene cleared her throat and entered the office space. “Mom, I brought you some cocoa. Someone is gifting a twenty? That’s great news.”

  “Oh, that was peanuts. Most people are sending a check for fifty or more.”

  Ah. “Nice work. How much are we at now?”

  “Four hundred and
twenty-five.”

  “You’re halfway there, Mom. I’m so proud of you.” She dropped a kiss on her mother’s head. “You are good at this. Better than me, that’s for sure.”

  Her mother actually blushed. “That’s a real fine compliment, my dear. You are so competent at everything you do, well, I’m just an old housewife, that’s all.”

  “You’re way more than that, Mom. You’ve made a beautiful home for the two of you, and Dad is real happy. That’s no easy thing.”

  “Why, that’s a lovely thing to say. You and Michael mean the world to me.”

  “I know, Mom. I know.” Charlene was already on overload. With Sam’s kiss, Jack in the sitting area waiting for her, the restaurant closing, Jessica’s fears—and David’s killer still on the loose—she couldn’t deal with more emotions.

  “We have the Chilsons coming this morning. I’ve got to make sure everything is ready.”

  “Go. I’ll be fine. I have a long list of names to still call. Wish me luck!”

  “Luck.” Charlene closed the door softly behind her and went into her suite.

  Jack stood near the window looking out at the old oak tree, the limbs once again bare of snow. Would she get a white Christmas? He was dressed in jeans and a light-knit sweater, handsome as always.

  “How’s Brenda doing?”

  “Much better than I expected. She’s raised nearly five hundred dollars and it’s only been a couple of hours. She’s genuinely happy. Maybe this is her calling. A fund-raiser?”

  “Maybe it is.” Jack gave her a warm look. “I’m glad she’s busy and not on your back.”

  “Me too. So what do you think about David? Is it possible that he was stealing from Bella’s? Why would he? I know Tori was high-maintenance, but still.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that, and David might be a fool when it comes to women, but the restaurant seemed to be well managed, at least when I saw it. Is it run-down, or kept up?”

  “Clean, like new, with Italian ambience.”

  “Bella’s has a good reputation.” Jack walked around the room as he talked. “Showing a profit to his business partner and possibly giving them each a raise would seem more likely.”