Frosty the Dead Man (A Snow Globe Shop Mystery)

by Christine Husom

  I answered their questions and wrote out a narrative statement of every detail I could think of regarding the three bears snow globes, Nicoline, and the man named Omar. And that Van Norden Distributing had contacted Curio Finds in November informing us they were a supplier of snow globes. I’d passed the information on to my parents and they’d placed an order. An order that was delivered in three separate shipments. I signed a release form for the items they were taking.

  Before they left I needed to ask them a question “What will happen to Nicoline?”

  Special Agent Omann studied me like she was weighing her words. “I can tell you this much. She has cooperated fully with the FBI, and that will play out very favorably for her.” I desperately wanted her to assure me Nicoline was not being implicated in Frosty’s murder, but knew she couldn’t tell me that.

  When they left, I reclaimed the Marilyn Monroe snow globe from the shelf the agent had set it on. When he’d picked it up off the floor, I was amazed to see it was still in one piece. I placed it in its special spot on the checkout counter. Then I sank down on the stool behind it in stunned silence, not knowing what to think or how to feel. Three FBI agents had arrested a diamond smuggler who’d used my parents’ shop as a front. And spent over an hour in Curio Finds getting my oral and written story. What was our little world coming to?

  Surprisingly no one had seemed to notice the activity when the FBI had stormed in with weapons drawn, or when they led Omar Brams outside and put him in one of their vehicles after his arrest. True, the streets were pretty quiet by then and the two dark SUVs the special agents drove wouldn’t have alerted anyone. SUVs were common in Brooks Landing. Certainly no one would suspect they belonged to the FBI. But still.

  Where had they taken Nicoline, and what were the charges against her? Would I ever see her again?

  I thought of Clint and Mark, and other officers who may have been there when the FBI paid them a visit and filled them in on the smuggling operation with a Brooks Landing connection. I wished I could have seen their reactions, the looks on their faces. “Where is everybody, and who should I call first?” I said out loud.

  The lights flickered, but didn’t go out completely. Maybe the lights, or whoever was controlling them, liked hearing my voice. Ha. So I kept talking. “Okay, I need to tell my parents first off, and Pinky and Erin will kill me if I wait any longer to tell them. It’s anyone’s guess what Clint and Mark are up to, and why they haven’t called me.”

  I picked up the shop phone and called my parents to be sure they were home, and then I phoned Pinky and Erin and asked them to meet me at the Vanellis’ house as soon as they could get there. And when I wouldn’t answer any of their probing questions, they didn’t even argue.

  • • • • • • • •

  “Cami, tell us again. Everything,” Dad said.

  Mom, Dad, Erin, Pinky, and I were huddled in my parents’ living room. My parents were shaken by the small role they had played in the international crimes. We all shared in the disbelief that the whole thing had really happened. And maybe if I repeated the story enough times, it would sink into our brains.

  “Cami, I’m impressed you had the presence of mind to Mace that guy,” Erin said.

  “We’re going to have to get that electrician back in to see what’s going on with the lights,” Dad said.

  “I think Molly turned off the lights at just the right time to help you,” Pinky said.

  Mom and Dad and Erin all gave her skeptical looks.

  When my cell phone rang, I looked at the display. “It’s Clint,” I said, then answered.

  “Camryn, where are you?”

  “My parents’ house.”

  “Good. I wanted to make sure you were all right. And I need to fill you in on some things.”

  “Why don’t you stop over? Pinky and Erin are here, too.”

  “Mark’s with me.”

  “Of course he’s welcome. too.”

  I’d made it through the retelling of getting the snow globe’s base open when Clint and Mark arrived.

  Mark looked around, smiled, and nodded. “Feels like old times, hanging out at the Vanellis’ house.”

  My dad shook their hands. “You know our assistant police chief,” I said. I hadn’t told my parents about my relationship with Clint because I didn’t exactly know how to describe it.

  “Why. sure. Come in, Mark, Clint. We’re all trying to digest what’s been going on right under our own noses.”

  Clint shook his head. “Not something you’d ever expect in small town USA. Camryn, we got delayed locating the party we were looking for. Otherwise we would have been standing by when the FBI arrested Omar Brams. Sorry.”

  “I understand. So you found her okay?”

  “We did, and it seems Loretta Proctor was in her brother’s house, not to take anything, but to return the pendant she claimed to have borrowed,” Clint said.

  “What?” I said.

  Mark lifted his hands. “Her story is she wanted to have a picture taken of herself with it on, and didn’t think her brother would let her borrow it. She’d kept it for a while, and after her brother died she figured she’d better get it back before Jason discovered it was missing. Whether we believe her or not, Jason decided not to press charges.”

  “Since Mayor Frost had given his sister the code to his house, technically she had inherent permission to access it,” Clint said.

  Clint and Mark asked me about Omar Brams’s arrest, and when I got to the part about using the Mace, Mark raised his hand for a high five and as I slapped my palm against his, he said, “That’s my girl.”

  “Your temperamental lights worked in your favor at least,” Clint said.

  Considering the looks she’d gotten the last time, Pinky kept her mouth shut about Molly.

  “Beth, I think we could all use a drink,” Dad said.

  20

  The next few days were far less eventful. And then Friday afternoon Nicoline paid me a surprise visit. She was free, at least for the time being. I took her in my arms and held her for a while.

  “I am here to ask your forgiveness,” she said.

  “Let’s go sit in the coffee shop. I’ll ask Emmy to listen for customers.” Pinky was out running errands.

  Emmy had seen Nicoline in Curio Finds once, but they hadn’t been formally introduced. After I took care of that detail I said, “We’ll be talking in Pinky’s if you need me, Emmy.”

  “That’s fine, dearie,” Emmy said.

  “Would you like a hot chocolate?” I asked Nicoline.

  “No, thank you.”

  We sat down and Nicoline studied her hands for a moment then launched into her story. “I am from the Netherlands. I have been in the United States on a work visa. My uncle—”

  “Omar Brams?”

  “Yes. He has been on the wrong side of the law for a long time. I did not know all that he was involved with, but he insisted I come here, to Brooks Landing, Minnesota, to help him. I was afraid I would be doing something illegal, but I was more afraid of not helping him.”

  It would take three Nicolines to equal Omar’s size. I’d be afraid of him, too. “Did he threaten you if you didn’t?”

  She nodded. “He said my mother would be in danger.”

  “That must have been terrifying for you.”

  “It was. My uncle did not tell me all of the details, but it was my job to purchase the snow globes. The first one was with the three bears and the man by the cabin. I feel responsible for your mayor’s death because I told my uncle he had bought it first. I had no idea he would hurt him.” I was as unwittingly responsible as she was.

  “Nicoline, it is not your fault.”

  She shrugged slightly.

  “Do you know what happened that day, to Mayor Frost?”

  Nicoline shook her head. “Just that Oma
r went to the mayor’s office and was taking the snow globe when the mayor walked in. There was a struggle and the mayor fell and hit his head on his desk. My uncle somehow escaped without being seen.”

  “Did he tell you there were diamonds in the base?”

  “Yes. After that tragedy, I knew I should go to the authorities, but I was afraid, and I did what my uncle had commanded. I stole the second snow globe so there would be no risk of anyone seeing it.”

  “And then when I put the third snow globe away, you were in a pickle.”

  She frowned at my choice of words then nodded. “I did not want to continue helping my uncle. You were so kind to me, and I was deceiving you. I told my uncle I was too sick to go to work at Curio Finds that day and could not look for the snow globe. He was angry, but let it go, and told me he would take care of it. He did not tell me how he planned to do that. I feared for you and was ready to go to the police.

  “Then, as an answer to my prayers, Special Agent Omann paid me a visit. It was after you had been there, and after my uncle had gone out again. The agents were watching him, and watching your shop. I told her everything. She asked if my uncle had a gun, and I said no. She said that was good and they would keep you safe. I only hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

  I reached over and took her hand. “I already have. I don’t blame you one bit. And it’s a great relief to me your uncle is in federal custody, mostly because that means he can no longer hurt you.” We sat quietly for a moment. “So what’s next for you?”

  “I am not certain. My work visa expires in a few months, and I must testify if my uncle goes on trial. I understand he gave the FBI the name of the man who is his boss. The one he was getting the diamonds for. So they are looking for him. In the meantime, I am staying in what they call a ‘safe house.’” She stood up. “And now I must go, because my driver is waiting for me. They were kind enough to let me visit you.” Nicoline gave me a tight hug. “I hope to see you again.”

  “I hope so, too. You are welcome here anytime.”

  She smiled in her shy way and left for parts unknown. I sent up a prayer that she would be kept from further harm.

  • • • • • • • •

  Pinky and I had wrestled with how we’d both be able to attend Mayor Frost’s funeral on Saturday afternoon. My parents planned to go, too, so we couldn’t ask them to man the shops. Erin saved us once again by offering to work with Emmy so we could keep the doors open.

  The funeral was the largest I’d ever been at. The church was crowded, and the service was a fine tribute to the man, Lewis Frost, and to Frosty, the mayor. It was upbeat, focusing on his life and accomplishments, instead of his tragic end.

  There was a lunch served in the church basement after the funeral, and Pinky and I joined my parents at their table for a ham sandwich and some scalloped potatoes. Clint and Mark were sitting with other city employees. I watched the interactions between Jason, his wife and children, cousin and aunt. If there were hard feelings or differences, it wasn’t publicly evident. I think Frosty would have appreciated that, being the natural peacekeeper that he was.

  I nudged Pinky. “We didn’t get the chance to meet the rest of Jason’s family. I’d like to do that before we leave.”

  We excused ourselves, then Pinky and I went over and Jason introduced us to his wife and children. And to his aunt, Loretta Proctor. We gave them our sympathies and talked for a few minutes before Anne pulled me aside. “Camryn, I wanted you to know that after all that’s happened, I’ve decided to withdraw my proposal to build Wonder Kids Clothes in Brooks Landing. It wouldn’t feel right.”

  “I respect your decision. I’d probably feel the same way.”

  “There are other venues out there and we’ll find a good spot.”

  Jason joined us and gave me a hug. “We really appreciate you coming today, and for your help with . . . everything.” He bent his head in his aunt’s direction.

  Anne nodded. “Some lessons in life come late. But as they say, ‘better late than never.’”

  • • • • • • • •

  I’d understandably felt deep sadness at times since discovering Frosty’s body. And learning about all Nicoline had gone through added to it. I needed to believe she’d move on to a happier life out from under her uncle’s control. My friends encouraged me to focus on something positive and offered to help deck out my house for the holidays.

  On my way home from the shop that afternoon, I stopped at the lot where a Boy Scout Troop was selling Christmas trees and more. I bought a Frasier fir tree, two wreaths, and many feet of pine bough garlands. One of the dads tied the tree to the top of my Subaru, and another put the wreaths and garlands in large plastic bags and loaded them in the back of the car.

  When I pulled up in back of my house to unload my cache, Pinky and Erin came out to assist me. It was a mild evening with no wind and neither had bothered to put their coats on. Pinky went to work untying the tree, and Erin carried in one bag of greens. I carried in the other then went back to help Pinky with the tree. We brought it into the house and propped it up in the corner of the kitchen. My parents had dropped off an extra tree stand, a box of lights, and a container of decorations they’d been storing.

  “Where do you want to set up the tree?” Erin said.

  “How about in the front window?” I said.

  “Good choice,” Pinky agreed.

  We set to work, making sure the tree was straight when we screwed it into the stand. The lights went on next, and it was great having Pinky there so I didn’t have to stand on a step stool to reach to the top. “Holy moly, your folks must have a lot of decorations, if these are the leftovers,” she said.

  “They used to put up two trees, and they went all out with their decorating.”

  Erin nodded. “I remember that.”

  We kept busy until Clint, Mark, and Jake got there to string lights on the roofline of the house and the bushes on either side of the front steps. Mark had a pole and lifted the string of lights to the nails that served as hangers. They’d been pounded in by the McClarity family sometime in the last forty years. I hung one wreath on the front door and the other on the back door.

  When everything was ready, Mark plugged the outside lights into the electrical box on the house. And Jake plugged in the ones on the tree. We were oohing over it when Erin pointed out the window and said, “Look.”

  Clint had set an angel figurine in the yard and was plugging it into the extension cord. I smiled at the added touch and went out on the front steps to admire it. “I thought you might like this,” he said.

  I shook my head. “No, I love it. Thank you.”

  When I got back in the house, Erin and Mark were in the kitchen pouring champagne into glasses. They waited until Clint joined us then handed each of us a glass. “What’s this for?” I said.

  Everyone raised a glass and Pinky said, “We are celebrating tonight because you helped break up a smuggling ring and didn’t die in the process.”

  “Thank you. But I didn’t do much of anything. The FBI did that.”

  “How many guardian angels do you suppose you have, Cami?” Erin said.

  I raised my eyebrows, took in a breath, and shrugged. “That reminds me, we still need to add the angel to the top of the tree.”

  Pinky chimed in, “I didn’t see an angel.”

  It was lying in a box on the counter. I took it out and held it up for everyone to see. “I’ve had it since I moved away after high school. Mom and Dad sent it with me. It belonged to my birth parents, and the last time it was on a tree was when I was five years old.”

  The angel had a sweet cherub face and gold wings. She was sitting in a cloud made of white spun glass and was surrounded by five gold stars. Pinky and Erin had tears in their eyes as they moved in for a closer look.

  I handed the angel to Clint. “Will
you do the honors?”

  He set down his glass and when he took the angel he cradled it in both of his hands. The five of us followed him into the living room. Mark picked up Clint’s glass and brought it with him. I found myself holding my breath in anticipation of what it would be like seeing the angel on a treetop for the first time in over thirty years. Clint set her on the top branch then straightened her into place. Mark handed Clint his champagne and we all clapped as best we could with a glass in hand.

  The angel looked more magical to me than ever. I raised my glass. “Thank you, my friends for all your help. Here’s to you.” We clinked glasses then Clint and I locked eyes as we each took a sip of our champagne. I lifted my glass to the angel on the tree and smiled. Clint nodded. It warmed my heart and lifted my spirits having a house full of friends and an angel watching over us.

  SNOW GLOBES WITH STYROFOAM SNOW

  SUPPLIES

  A clean jar with a lid, any size or shape

  Waterproof glue

  A dense foam block

  Distilled water

  Small figures or laminated photos

  Directions: Choose a jar. Create a scene to your liking then attach the pieces to the inside of a dry jar lid, using waterproof glue. Hot glue works well, too. Take care to keep the scene pieces inside the seal. Fill the jar with distilled water to the neck. Using a cheese grater, run the Styrofoam back and forth to create flakes of “snow.” Drop them in the water. Attach the lid to the jar. Add, or pour off water, as needed, then reattach lid. If your jar doesn’t have a tight seal, put a bead of glue around the edge of the lid before sealing. Screw on the lid, give the jar a shake, and watch the little flakes settle over your scene.

  Christine Husom is the national bestselling author of Snow Way Out and The Iced Princess in the Snow Globe Shop Mysteries, as well as the Winnebago County Mysteries, also set in central Minnesota. She served with the Wright County Sheriff’s Department and trained with the St. Paul Police Department, where she gained firsthand knowledge of law enforcement procedures. She was nominated for the Minnesota Book Award in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2015, and the Independent Publisher Book Award in 2009 and 2012. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the National Sisters in Crime, and is active with the Twin Cities Sisters in Crime. Visit christinehusom.webs.com and twitter.com/christinehusom.