Christmas Carol
Page 1
Table of Contents
Prologue
Safety First
Shady at Best
Looking for a Home
Thug Life
Isn’t That Sweet
Not What You Think
Who Do You Trust
Any Day Now
Priorities
Ring the Bells
Dead of Winter
Twists and Turns
No excuses
Eve Advice
Come and Go
Came and Went
About the Author
Christmas Carol
A Sweet Christmas Volume 3
Samantha Jacobey
Lavish Publishing, LLC ~ Midland
Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
CHRISTMAS CAROL. Copyright 2017 ©
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Lavish Publishing, LLC.
First Edition
A Sweet Christmas Series book 3
2017 Lavish Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved
Published in the United States by Lavish Publishing, LLC, Midland, TX
Cover Design by: WYCKED INK
Cover Images: ADOBE STOCK
Ebook Edition
ISBN-13:978-1-944985-41-7
ISBN-10:1-944985-41-7
www.LavishPublishing.com
Table of Contents
Prologue
Safety First
Shady at Best
Looking for a Home
Thug Life
Isn’t That Sweet
Not What You Think
Who Do You Trust
Any Day Now
Priorities
Ring the Bells
Dead of Winter
Twists and Turns
No excuses
Eve Advice
Come and Go
Came and Went
About the Author
Prologue
Gary glared at his computer screen, anxiously chewing the inside of his cheek. Fidgeting with his fingers, he left the device and stood, ambling over to the window to stare at the world outside for several minutes.
“Mr. Ford?” his phone speaker crackled.
“Yes, Agnus,” he replied, straightening his tie.
“They’re waiting for you in the conference room.”
“Oh!” he leapt into action. “I wish you would give me a two-minute warning on these things.”
“Yes, sir,” she replied, ending the connection.
Collecting his stack of materials, Gary dashed out of his office and raced down the hall. “Sorry I’m late,” he mumbled as he took his seat. Glancing around at the others, he tried to clear his head, but lately he had found being in the office, sitting behind a desk, difficult. Paying attention through endless meetings and discussions wore on his nerves in a way he had never imagined anything could.
Two hours later, he made it back from the boardroom in time to bid his secretary a pleasant evening. “Are you doing anything tonight?” he asked as she prepared to leave.
“No,” she chuckled, “my boys are grown, and there are no grandbabies yet. We’ll leave the light on and pass out a few treats, but that’s about it.”
“Ah, well,” he grinned, waving her off, “enjoy the trick-or-treaters then.”
Watching her go, he felt forlorn. He had taken the job as the junior VP in charge of sales when Omar retired in January, to his mother’s relief. She had done all that she could to bring him into the family business since he was twenty, and she had finally gotten her wish. He had worked hard and had even enjoyed it on some level through the spring and summer. But as fall set in and the days grew short, he knew he really couldn’t hack it.
Oh, he could do the job. He was a good leader, and had good people who worked under him; that wasn’t the problem. He hated it; that was the problem. The suit, the desk, the stuffy office and the constant come and go of people. I can’t take it anymore, he sighed to himself as he packed his briefcase. I wish I could bring myself to tell Candy I want to go back to the fire department.
But he couldn’t, and not just because of his bride. His mother would be devastated if he were to leave after finally agreeing to take the job. Clicking the latches shut, he knew he would have to tough it out. Maybe things will look better in the new year, he placated to himself. Maybe then I’ll start to feel… useful.
Arriving at the house after a stop at the market, Gary pulled into the garage and gathered his briefcase and a couple of blue plastic bags containing a few items for that evening’s dinner. Carrying them in, he paused and hit the button mounted on the wall that would close the wide door, hiding his SUV behind it. Turning to the fridge, he stacked his purchases inside, and then called, “Honey, I’m home!” as he placed his black case on the counter.
Bounding down the stairs, his wife of almost a year paused, looking him up and down before she smiled.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, giving himself a quick inspection.
“No,” she breathed. “You look so nice, I’m not sure I should wrinkle your suit.”
“Don’t be silly,” he laughed, stepping forward and sweeping her five-foot frame into his arms. “Oh, Candy,” he breathed into the top of her hair, the scent of her pushing his worries out of his mind.
“Daddy!” Daks squealed, squeezing in next to his mother to get a grip on one of Gary’s legs.
“Hey, buddy!” he patted Dakota on the back, releasing the boy’s mother at the same time. “How were things today? Did you have a party at school?” Slipping off his jacket, he followed the younger male into the living room, where his toys were scattered about. Dropping the garment over the back of a chair, he sat on the rug next to the coffee table. “What shall we play?”
“Woo-woos,” Daks replied, dragging over the large fire engine Gary had given him two Christmases ago. “Woo-woos, daddy.”
“Woo-woos,” Gary repeated, gathering a few items they would need for his step-son’s favorite game. “Ok, this is the fire…” he began.
Watching them from the doorway, Candy sighed. Gary had become an excellent father, just as she knew he would. For ten months, their lives had been as close to perfect as anything she had ever known. Her eyes growing misty, she turned her back and dabbed at them, opting for the back porch.
Dammit, she sobbed as she stared at the orange and red painted trees that swayed gently before her.
Everything’s going to be fine, she mentally debated. But Candy didn’t feel fine. The cooler weather meant that Christmas was coming, and over the years that holiday had been anything but kind to her.
Her son’s special needs and her mother’s frailty never far from her thoughts, the young woman wrapped herself tightly with her arms and gave herself a firm squeeze. Everyone’s going to be fine this year, she repeated her mantra.
Her husband’s family would be arriving soon for their traditional Halloween meal, and she needed to finish preparing before they arrived.
Slipping back into the kitchen, she set to work, focusing on the task at hand. But her mind continued to churn.
Safety First
Six quiet weeks had passed since the Halloween gathering. On his way to work on a Monday morning, Gary’s thoughts drifted back to the event, with all of the cousins gathered in the large ancestral dwelling that he and his new family occupied. And, according to tradition, his parents had packed and left for Florida over the following weekend, with him taking them to the airport and bidding them farewell at their departure.
Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, he gave himself a pep-talk, focusing on the positives in his life. Accustomed to their being out of town over the winter, he at least had a family of his own now; a family that brought joy into his once lonely life.
Arriving at the office, his thoughts turned to the holiday season that lay ahead. There was still some debate as to whether his mother and father would return home for Christmas, since it normally would be Gary who traveled to see them. However, having Candy, Dakota and Lanelle to worry about, he had informed them that they would have to make the trip if they wanted to see him. His mother had taken the news fairly calmly, and he hoped that her seeming to understand was genuine.
Inside the building, Gary pushed the personal issues aside and mentally prepared for his busy day. With a smile, he greeted his secretary warmly; “Good morning, Agnus.”
“Good morning, sir,” she replied crisply, handing him a few slips of paper containing messages. “Caroline is here to see you,” she informed him, indicated the girl seated in the waiting area.
His eyes darting over, he stared at the young woman, surprise flittering across his features. He had been to their attorney’s office the previous week, and Ben had introduced him to his new secretary, Diane; the one who had taken Caroline’s place when she had mysteriously up and quit her job.
“Good morning,” he received the tall blonde politely. “What can I do for you?”
“Hello,” Caroline smiled, holding up a manila envelope. “Mr. Monroe needs these documents signed right away, if you don’t mind.”
Gary’s eyebrows shot up at her request, but before he could question her, she continued, “It’ll only take a moment, I promise; please.” Her lips twitching, he could see the fear in her eyes.
“Sure,” he opened the door for her reluctantly, “come on in.” Placing his briefcase on his desk, he turned to face her, then moved to close the portal behind her. “Mind explaining what you’re doing here?” he asked in a gruff tone. “Ben told me himself only a few days ago that you had quit.”
“I know,” she stammered, licking her bright pink lipstick and looking around anxiously, “but I didn’t know where else to turn. Gary, I know we have had our hardships, and our relationship didn’t last that long, but I have always thought of you as a friend.”
Pulling off his jacket, he hung it on the coatrack and faced her, arms across his broad chest as he glared at her. “Well, spit it out; I have work to do.”
“I can’t,” her voice squeaked, “not here. Would you meet me for lunch? Over at Barnaby’s.”
He squinted at the mention of the bar where they had shared more than a few lunches. Scowling, he couldn’t imagine why she would be standing in his office. She was right, she had put him through one of the toughest times of his life, and he considered that even the word friend might be stretching the truth a bit. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” he growled, moving past her to sit behind his desk.
Catching his arm, tears formed in her eyes. “Please, Gary. It’s not like that!” Her jaw trembled and her words shook; “I need your help. I’ve gotten into some trouble, and I don’t know who to trust.”
“So, you came to me,” he pulled the arm away, his features softening briefly at the sight of her obvious terror. “What kind of trouble?” he demanded, setting his jaw firmly.
“I’ll explain everything at lunch. I’ll be there at eleven-thirty.” Her face morphed into a brief smile as she turned and fled before he could change his mind, not that he had actually agreed to meet her.
Shaking his head, Gary opened his black leather briefcase and removed the documents he had been working on over the weekend. Taking a seat in his chair, he switched on his computer and set to work; a futile effort in light of his former girlfriend’s visit. He had known Caroline for a few years, and had never seen her that upset; an idea that presented itself frequently to distract him until he was finally able to put on his coat and leave for lunch.
Spying Caroline in a booth along the far wall as he entered, Gary worked his way across the bar. Located downtown, it had been a popular place for business men and women to enjoy lunch for almost a century. Taking the cushioned bench across from her, he noticed she wore a dark stocking cap on her head, hiding her hair, and she seemed to be keeping an eye out around her using frequent covert glances.
“Well?” he asked sharply.
“Thank you for coming,” she replied. “As I said, I don’t know who else I could trust. I know that Ben thinks I quit my job, but at the time, I didn’t really have a choice.”
“Did something happen with Ben?” he demanded, noticing the waitress as she approached. “What are you having?”
“Chicken salad on wheat,” she replied.
“We’ll have two chicken salads on wheat, with ginger ales,” he informed the young brunette, who nodded and moved to the next table. When she had gone to get their drinks, he returned to his interrogation. “So, what happened with Ben?”
“I don’t know that he’s involved,” she informed him, pulling the envelope that she had carried earlier out of her over-sized handbag and laying it on the table. “These are for you. Take it with you, but don’t lose them!”
“What’s in it?” he glanced at the parcel, only slightly interested in its contents.
“Over the last two years, I’ve noticed a few things. Unusual things; about some of the clients at the firm,” she said in a low whisper. “I know you were a fireman, but you were also an investigator; and you have a degree in criminal justice, so I figure you’re a good man at heart.”
“Thanks,” he chortled quietly, somewhat disturbed by her choice words. Seeing his laughter fail to lift her dark countenance, he pushed, “What is it that you suspect?”
“There have been four fires over the last two years,” she hissed. “As far as I know, they were all ruled as accidents, but I know for a fact that they weren’t.”
Anger washed over him, and Gary reached across the table, snatching up the envelope to take a look. Grabbing it back, they fought briefly before he released it to her, realizing they were causing a scene. “I need to see your proof,” he growled.
“You will,” she agreed, “When you leave you can look at it all you want. But I don’t think it’s safe to take it out here.”
Looking around, he wanted to laugh, but held his disbelief in check. “Ok, Carol, Let’s –“
“It’s not Carol,” she bit through clenched teeth.
Staring at her, he nodded slightly, “Ok. Caroline, let’s start at the beginning. You worked in Ben’s law office for about four years.”
“That’s correct.”
“And over the last couple of years, you’ve noticed some odd… things… about some, or maybe only one, of them.”
“That’s also correct.”
“So, you quit your job and decided to talk to me.”
“I quit my job because I was afraid,” her voice quavered.
“Fear; ok,” he waved an open palm at her, his trust in her obviously low. “Why?”
“A few weeks ago, someone followed me home. I made it inside, but when I peeked out the window, I could see the guy hanging out across the street, where that line of trees is,” her eyes grew wide.
“Do you still live in that apartment?” he asked dubiously.
“Yes, on the third floor,” she
replied softly. “He was there every time I checked, but I didn’t see him when I left for work the next day. That night, when I got home, someone had broken in and had gone through everything; cut the furniture open, flipped over the tables and pulling out all the drawers. They went through every possible hiding place.”
Glancing at the presumed evidence, he shrugged, “They didn’t find it?”
“No!” she hit the table softly with her fist. “I didn’t hide it at my place! I hid it somewhere no one would think to look. After they broke in, the police came and made a report; they called it vandalism because nothing was stolen. So, the next day, I went in to the office, got all my stuff together, and quit. It was the only way I could think of to leave with it and not raise suspicion about it.”
Rocking his jaw, Gary recalled how Benjamin had described her departure in just that fashion; she went in, cleaned out all of her belongings into a few boxes, and informed him that she wouldn’t be back. The hairs on his neck bristled at his first inkling that her suspicions could be valid.
“Who are we talking about? Who did this?” he asked, leaning back against the cushion behind him. “Is Ben involved?”
“I can’t tell you that,” she sighed. “Not until you agree that you’re going to help me.”
“Ok,” he nodded, “I’m listening, but I need to know more. Who would do this?”
“One of Ben’s other clients. Your family are good people, Gary. You work hard, you’re honest, you pay your taxes, and you play fair. Not all of the clients at the firm are like that.”
“Are you saying that some of Ben’s clientele are dishonest?” It seemed naive to him to ever assume that all of them would be upstanding citizens.
“They’re more than dishonest,” her lips barley moved as she whispered, “They’re criminals.” She blinked a few times, then continued, “If I’m right, they have burned down or otherwise destroyed at least four buildings, including the one Candy used to live in.”
Raising his chin, Caroline now had his full and undivided attention. “You mean they set the fire that Lanelle and Daks nearly died in?”