by Krista Davis
At midnight, the church bells in the bell tower rang out, just like I remembered from my childhood. It was Christmas Day.
The procession of candles and darting stars as people and their furry friends walked home was almost as special as the children singing.
Rupert introduced me to his four children and whispered, “This is my first Christmas with them in three years.”
One of his daughters boasted, “My daddy has a Grinch!”
I hadn’t given much thought to Rupert’s holiday, but it all made sense now. Five stockings, four smaller Christmas trees, the baking, and the giant Grinch—Rupert had gone all out for his children. He might be a little rough around the edges, but he clearly loved those kids.
It was a charming and lovely end to the evening. Oma and I had both brought golf carts, so we gave our guests rides back to the inn.
In the main lobby, there was some kind of fuss going on.
The Kedrowski clan stood in the middle of the lobby. Tim tossed his sport coat over a chair and loosened his tie.
I heard Austin say, “No wonder you looked familiar! You’re the Blakester!”
“I knew it,” Tiffany boasted. “I knew he couldn’t possibly arrive before us from medical school when he had to change planes three times from the islands.”
“Blake! Darling, you can’t drop out of med school,” Linda said in a totally matter-of-fact tone, as if it wasn’t even a possibility. “You’re the smart one in the family.”
Tiffany stared at her mom. Her jaw dropped before she said, “Thank you, Mother,” and turned away.
“Now don’t throw a snit, Tiffie. You know perfectly well that Blake was an A student. He was valedictorian of his class, for heaven’s sake. You have other strengths, sweetheart.” Linda rubbed the side of her face. “Good grief, say something, Tim!”
Tim slowly raised a glass to his mouth and took a gulp of bourbon. “What exactly is it that you’ve been doing?”
“I dress in all the latest designers’ fashions.”
“Do they pay you to do that?” asked Tim.
“Well, no. But I get into the trendy nightclubs.”
“Do you get free drinks?” asked Tim.
“No.”
Tiffany burst into laughter.
“That’s not a job,” Linda blurted.
“Then you’re not making a living doing this?” asked Tim.
“I will be.”
Linda held her hands on the top of her head like she was afraid it might explode. “I’m afraid to ask how you’ve been paying your expenses.”
“Mom!” Tiffany shook her head incredulously. “Don’t you see? He’s been living off the money Grampy sends him for med school tuition.”
Blake’s parents gasped simultaneously.
Speaking calmly, Tim said, “That must provide you a comfortable life in the islands.”
Tiffany crossed her arms over her chest. “Tell them, Blake, or I will.”
Blake gazed around like he was looking for an escape. Apparently resigned to his fate, he muttered, “I live in New York most of the time.”
“Most of the time?” His mother’s eyes widened.
“Sometimes I just feel like going to the beach.”
Linda narrowed her eyes. “I don’t understand. You’re a model?”
“I’m a trendsetter, like the Kardashians. People send me things to wear and invite me to fancy events.”
“Like those ridiculous trousers and the absurd dress? Honestly, I was embarrassed to admit you were my son tonight.”
“Mom, this retails for a couple thousand dollars.”
Tim spewed bourbon.
Linda glanced in his direction. “Listen to me, Blake. You will not always be young and cute. One day you will look like your father.”
They all gazed at Tim. He raised his glass in recognition but showed no sign of irritation.
Linda continued, “And then you’ll wish you were a doctor.”
“Mother! You just don’t have an eye for high fashion.”
Linda tried to hide her amusement by placing one hand over her mouth. She pointed to his bizarre getup with her other hand. “Is this supposed to be high fashion? Honey, argyle trousers are what clowns wear, and the pants that jut out at the hips are jodhpurs for riding horses. There’s nothing new or fashionable about either one. And honestly, rags have never been in fashion.”
Blake looked shocked, as though he had just realized the truth in what she had said.
“Your father will pull every string he has and get you back into that medical school.”
Blake sagged. “How am I going to pay for med school?”
“Oh, honey! Don’t worry,” said Linda. “We’ll find a way. Don’t they give loans to med students? You’ll get one, and we’ll help you out.”
Blake tented his fingers in front of his nose, his eyes wide. “A loan? I can’t deal with loans. I shouldn’t have to. I’m a Thackleberry heir.”
After that, they settled quickly for the night. Given the death of Dale and the fact that the Thackleberry family hadn’t slept much the previous night, maybe it wasn’t so surprising that they all headed up to bed.
I changed into my elf costume for the final time this season. Trixie didn’t mind when I dressed her. No sign of itching or allergies from her Thackleberry outfit. “We have some very big deliveries to make tonight. Are you psyched?”
She kissed my nose. I figured that meant yes.
I fed Twinkletoes something called Smitten Kitten that smelled of tuna, and the three of us walked down the hidden staircase to the private kitchen.
Holmes sat in front of the fire.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. He was already dressed as an elf.
“I thought I would pick you up. Rose wanted me to bring some gifts to put under the tree for tomorrow.
“I’m surprised she remembered with the party. It was lovely.”
He nodded. But he made no move to leave.
I sat down on the hearth and faced him. “What’s going on?”
“Would it be awful of me to break off my engagement to Norma Jeanne on Christmas Day?”
I nearly fell over. But part of me wanted to stand up and dance with joy. I tried to compose myself. “It’s not the best choice of days.”
“Everyone has gone to so much trouble on my behalf.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that too much.”
“No one likes her, do they?”
I figured he would feel better if he knew the truth. “Not really.”
“Seems kind of mean to do it on Christmas, you know? And on top of Dale being murdered. How much can one person take? Maybe it would be best to wait until we get back to Chicago.”
It might never happen if he did that. But I understood and appreciated his concern and kindness toward Norma Jeanne. I opted not to say anything more. What I wanted him to do wasn’t relevant.
Casey poked his nose in the kitchen. “Looks like a quiet night.”
“Casey,” I said, “the night of Dale’s murder, you said a lot of the family members were out late. Do you remember who?”
“Sure. Dave already asked me the same thing. That mean Vivienne woman, EmmyLou, and Linda and Tim. Oh! And Blake. He asked me where there was a nightclub.”
Holmes’s eyes opened wide. “That’s a lot of restless people. What time do you lock the door?”
“The sliding doors in reception are locked at midnight. But anyone can leave. That’s a fire safety thing. They just can’t get back in.”
“You mean you can’t lock those doors?” asked Holmes.
“There’s an override button we can push to open or lock them in an emergency. But after midnight, they have to walk around to the main lobby. I usually lock that door around two thirty or three. That gives people time
to get back here after last call at the bars.”
“So it could have been any one of them,” I said. I poured hot chocolate in a large thermos and grabbed a few disposable cups to take along in the mock sleigh.
“Are you ready to go, Holmes?” No sooner had I asked than a scream rose upstairs.
Twenty-two
Holmes, Casey, Trixie, Twinkletoes, and I bounded up the back stairs to the second floor. Doors opened and people stepped out to see what was going on.
The screaming stopped the moment Holmes arrived on the scene.
A bare-chested Austin struggled into jeans in the hallway. Norma Jeanne was wrapped in a sheet, which she clutched to her chest.
Tiffany, wearing bright pink pajamas with a colorful cat print, pointed her hand at Norma Jeanne. “My own cousin! How could you do this to me?”
“It’s not what it looks like,” said Norma Jeanne.
“Really?” Tiffany crossed her arms over her chest. “This should be priceless.”
Norma Jeanne cast a desperate look at Austin.
Austin had turned the color of beets, right up to the tops of his ears. “She was, uh, helping me, um, wrap your Christmas gift, Tiffany.”
From the back of the crowd, Norma Jeanne’s father said in a dry tone, “Norma Jeanne, put some clothes on. Austin, zip your pants.” He walked away.
“Norma Jeanne!” Linda glanced at her daughter, Tiffany. “How could you? I mean, it’s bad enough to cheat on Holmes, but with your own cousin’s boyfriend?”
I looked at Holmes. His head tilted like a puppy who was trying to understand what was happening.
Norma Jeanne said, “Holmes, I was so depressed. I had to seek comfort somewhere.”
“Gee, thanks, Norma Jeanne.” Austin’s expression suggested he’d been blindsided.
“Please, Holmes.” Norma Jeanne nearly lost control of the sheet she wore when she reached out to touch his arm. “We have to talk. Everyone here hates me. It’s all because of them. You know that. Holly, especially, has been simply awful to me. She’s the one who has driven this wedge between us. She didn’t even get me the Mistletoe Cactus Dew that I need. Don’t you remember all the good times we had in Chicago? Let’s go home and put this nightmare behind us.”
Holmes’s eyebrows drove downward, and his mouth twisted to the side. “It’s far too late for that, Norma Jeanne.”
“Please,” she wailed. “At least give me a chance. Let’s talk this out.”
“I don’t think so. There’s not really anything to talk about.”
Holmes walked away. Norma Jeanne started to chase after him but stepped on her sheet and fell flat on her face.
Austin helped her up. He ran his hand through his hair. “I apologize to everyone. I’m pretty embarrassed at the moment.”
“As you should be!” Linda scolded. “And on Christmas. Really? The two of you couldn’t have at least waited until you were back in Chicago?”
“Aunt Linda,” said Norma Jeanne, “you’ve forgotten what it’s like to be young and in love.”
I couldn’t help myself. “You’re in love with Austin but you want Holmes to give you another chance?”
“It’s all your fault, Holly,” she spat.
“Norma Jeanne! That’s enough.” Her mother, EmmyLou, scowled. “You were engaged to Holmes. I presumed that meant you were in love with him. And Austin is dating your cousin! Of all the despicable things to do. I have been brokenhearted about my father being murdered, and worried sick about Maggie, and now you have to shame the whole family with this kind of behavior? Go to your own room.”
Norma Jeanne’s jaw tightened, but she did as her mother said.
I probably would have done the same just to avoid any further unpleasantry. Christmas morning was going to be very interesting.
Linda and Tim walked downstairs with Tiffany.
I followed them. “How about some spiked hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows?”
“That’s so nice of you, Holly.” Tiffany looked like she was on the verge of crying. “Do you think there are any doughnuts or cupcakes?”
“Honey,” said Linda, “you don’t need to put on weight because of this.”
“For Pete’s sake, Linda. Will you leave her alone?” Tim blasted his wife. “You eat all the cupcakes you want, Tiffie.” He shot Linda a dirty look. “And I’ll have some with you.”
“Mom! Why are you always so mean to me? Do you really think I haven’t noticed that you call Norma Jeanne the pretty one and Blake the smart one?”
“Oh, Tiffie. Don’t you see? I understand you better than anyone. You’re just like me. I was never the brainy one, or the athletic one. I was just there. Plain Linda. Where do you think you got that nose of yours? It’s just like mine. All I want is for you to be happy, sweetie.”
“I’ll have Casey check on goodies,” I said. “He’ll bring them right in to you.”
They settled in front of the fireplace in the Dogwood Room.
I popped into the private kitchen and told Casey what the Kedrowskis needed. There was no sign of Holmes.
Trixie ran to the front door and gazed back at me impatiently. On a hunch, I looked outside.
Holmes stood on the porch, looking at the Christmas lights of Wagtail.
I joined him and asked softly, “Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine. Life in Chicago will be a little awkward and weird, since I work for NJ’s dad. But I’ll manage.”
“Better to know before the wedding. Right?” I asked.
“There wouldn’t have been a wedding. I was waiting until after the holidays to break off the engagement because I didn’t want to be a jerk.” He flashed a sad look at me. “I figured this trip would be a make-or-break deal. I couldn’t quite figure out what was wrong with our relationship.” He rubbed his face with both of his hands. “This trip has been very revealing. I was desperate to have the relationship end, which is why I was asking about doing it tomorrow.”
“They say you learn a lot about people when you travel with them.”
“I’ll say! I saw sides of Norma Jeanne that I didn’t know she had.” He looked down at the porch floor. “It was usually fun when we were together, and then we went our separate ways, which I guess was the breather we needed from each other. My mom says I would never survive Norma Jeanne’s regimented scheduling.”
“That could get old.”
“It never bothered me in small doses. I just saw it as one of her quirks. There’s nothing wrong with being on time and having a schedule, but when we were out with some of my old buddies, it was like she had set a timer on fun. I’m sure she wanted to leave because she wasn’t enjoying herself, but she didn’t understand that she was being rude. And she just couldn’t imagine being an elf.”
Holmes looked at me. “She wouldn’t go sledding with me. She didn’t want to spend time with my parents or Grandma Rose or my friends. Maybe those aren’t reasons to call off a marriage, but everything added up, I guess. You set me straight last night. I realized that she was more in love with the idea of a wedding than she was with the reality of marriage. It would have been a disaster as soon as the wedding spotlight was off her.”
“I’m sorry, Holmes.” I wasn’t sorry that the engagement was off, but I was sorry that he had been hurt. “If you don’t want to come with us tonight, we would understand.”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’s exactly what I need to take my mind off NJ.”
We walked to his grandmother’s house, collected the sleigh, which was loaded with items for delivery, and picked up Zelda and Shelley.
First stop—Marie Carr’s house. Holmes and I lifted the BadBoyz 8000 blue and green Monster bike out of the sleigh and carried it up to the porch. Zelda and Shelley followed with gifts for Ethan’s sister.
While Wagtail slept
, we drove around town delivering presents. It was about the closest a person could ever come to feeling like Santa Claus. In spite of his terrible experience, Holmes was cheerful and seemed fine. I didn’t tell Zelda or Shelley what had happened with Norma Jeanne, and neither did he. It would get around fast enough, and I figured it was up to Holmes to tell them if he felt like it. Apparently, he didn’t.
At five in the morning, Holmes walked me back to the inn.
“Thanks for letting me play elf with you, Holly. It was the bright spot in my Christmas. You know what bothers me more than breaking off the engagement—Dale’s murder. I’ve been so self-absorbed that I haven’t followed up on it like I should have. Dale was a great guy. I feel like I owe it to him.”
Fat snowflakes began to float lazily from the dark sky.
“You know the Thackleberry family better than anyone else around here. Who do you suspect?”
Holmes looked up at the falling snow. “My money would be on Vivienne. I don’t have any evidence, but do you recall seeing her at the Wagtail Springs Hotel in the middle of the night? I can’t help wondering if it was a murder for hire. I’d be very interested in what she was doing there.”
“I wonder what time Dale died. We saw her around one in the morning, right? And then the next day, she didn’t bother reporting him missing, which sounds like evidence of guilt to me. You might be onto something.”
“What do you say we take a little walk over to the Wagtail Springs Hotel later today and ask some questions?”
“Sounds good to me. Let me know when you’re free. Are you okay walking home alone?” I asked.
“I love to walk in falling snow, and it would do me good to walk in the cold air. I have a lot to sort out. Lesson number one—never date your boss’s daughter.”
“Barry seems like a nice guy. If anything, he’s the one who will be ashamed and find it awkward. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Awkward at work every day?” Holmes screwed his mouth to the side. “Less than ideal circumstances, don’t you think?”
“It’s the kind of thing people get over. It’s not like Norma Jeanne works there.”