3 Christmas Crazy (9 page)

“Out of the way of what?”

“I have no idea.”

“Something is definitely going on,” I decided. “I think I’ll pay another visit to Earl tomorrow. My instinct tells me he’s in real trouble. He needs our help, whether he wants it or not.”

“You can’t save everyone,” Levi said. “Especially someone who doesn’t seem to want to be saved.”

I knew Levi was right. Earl had intentionally led me down a rabbit hole. The question was, why?

By the time we got back to the boathouse, I was exhausted. I’d called Ellie and explained the food-court situation, and she’d assured me she’d talk to her mom and, between them, they’d come up with a solution. If nothing else, she would run the kitchen with volunteers. Since the time period was so tight, we’d decided to skip dinner that evening so she could get started on the extensive amount of planning involved in providing the amount of food needed for the four-day event. And she’d told me that she’d made another batch of my grandmother’s soup and left it in my refrigerator. She wanted me to taste it and call her that evening.

“What the . . .” I stopped on the threshold after opening the front door.

“Marlow,” I yelled.

It seemed that while Levi, Charlie, and I had been busy playing amateur detective, Marlow had been
un
decorating the twelve-foot tree Zak and I had put up over Thanksgiving weekend.

“Looks like someone was bored.” Levi laughed at the strings of colored lights littering the floor.

“I’m going to kill that cat,” I muttered under my breath as Lambda came trotting up to greet us with strands of tinsel hanging from his collar.

“Come on,” Levi said as he removed the tinsel, “I’ll help you clean up. We’ll open a bottle of wine and order a pizza.”

“Ellie left potato cheese soup,” I informed Levi.

“Even better.”

I stepped over a broken red globe as I entered the room. Spade was napping quietly on the back of the sofa, but Marlow was nowhere to be found. While both Marlow and Spade were rescues from the shelter I used to run, they were as different in personality as two cats could be. Spade—named after Detective Sam Spade and not the playing-card suit—was a petite black beauty, quiet and well-mannered from the day I brought him home, whereas Marlow—named after Detective Philip Marlowe—was a huge orange tabby with a mischievous streak and a playful manner.

Levi began gathering the strands of lights strung around the room while I made my way through the boathouse, turning on lights and searching for my naughty child. Most times, Marlow knew when he’d gotten himself into trouble, and he was probably hiding under the bed or in the closet.

“Come on out,” I called. “I’m not really going to kill you, but I think we need to have a chat about the mess you made in the living room.”

I climbed the stairs to my loft bedroom and looked under the bed. “I just bought a new bag of kitty treats,” I said persuasively as I moved on to the closet. I searched in the bathroom, behind the shower curtain and under the sink. “This isn’t funny anymore,” I said, trying for a sterner voice. “I’m going to send Charlie after you if you don’t show yourself right now.”

“Meow.” Marlow peeked out of the top of the clothes hamper. His green eyes seemed to beg for forgiveness, but I knew given the chance, he’d do the same thing all over again. I walked across the room and lifted him into my arms.

“I know you get bored when I’m gone all day, and I know those pretty little bird ornaments Ellie gave us have been driving you crazy since I hung them, but I really don’t appreciate coming home to a mess.”

Marlow began to purr. The stupid cat hadn’t understood a word I’d said. I settled the twenty-pound feline onto the bed while I changed into my comfy sweats and knee-high slippers.

I supposed the mess was partly my fault. I knew Marlow was fascinated by the bird ornaments, and I really shouldn’t have tempted fate by hanging them near the top of the tree. I was thankful he hadn’t gotten hurt. If I hadn’t thought to secure the dang thing to the wall, the whole tree could have come tumbling down on top of him.

“Soup is heating,” Levi called from downstairs. “What’d you do with your corkscrew?”

“Check the top drawer on the left side of the refrigerator,” I called back.

“Red or white?”

“Red,” I answered as I made my way back down the stairs.

“I see you found our feline felon.”

Marlow was curled in my arms, content as a kitten who hadn’t just destroyed the house. “Yes, we had a nice chat. He’s sorry and promises never to do it again, but we might want to leave the birds Ellie gave me off the tree when we redecorate.”

I set Marlow on the floor as I accepted the glass of wine Levi offered. He’d lit the fire and put on some Christmas music while I’d been upstairs. The lights I’d hung around the ceiling in my kitchen twinkled in the dim room.

“I’ve been thinking about our wild-goose chase,” Levi said as he began rehanging the lights on the tree. “The more I think about it, the odder I find it that Earl lied to us. It’s almost like he wanted to get us out of the way for the afternoon.”

“Why would he want to do that?” I asked as I began sorting the red bulbs and other ornaments.

“I don’t know,” Levi admitted, “but something’s going on. And I think there’s more to it than just the murder. Earl has been acting strangely for a while now.”

“According to the gossip gals,” I said, referring to the women who manned the local gossip hotline, “Earl and Betty are having marital problems, which seems to fit with the fact that both Earl and Betty have been acting odd.”

“Maybe, but I think there’s more to it. When I talked to Betty today, she seemed scared. She didn’t invite me in, and she kept looking over her shoulder, like she was expecting someone to come up behind her. I have classes tomorrow, but I think you should follow up with her in the morning. If Earl and Betty are in some kind of trouble, maybe we can help.”

“I’ll go first thing,” I promised. “Do you want to get together after you get off work?”

“Barbie will be back tomorrow. We sort of made plans.”

“Yeah, okay. I’ll call you and fill you in on my talk with Betty. I plan to pay another visit to Earl as well. It looks like Tanner’s murder might be connected to whatever it is they’re hiding.”

“As odd as it seems that they’re hiding anything, I have to agree. Hey, this soup is really good,” Levi added. “Is it your grandma’s?”

“Ellie is trying to duplicate her recipe based on what we remember it tasting like. This batch is better than the last one, but I still think something is missing.”

Levi took another sip. “I think your grandma’s was creamier.”

“Additional cream would make it thinner, and I don’t think more cheese is the answer.”

“Just tell Ellie creamier but not really cheesier. She’ll figure it out. She’s the best cook I’ve ever met.”

“She certainly has a knack for it,” I agreed.

“As long as Ellie is trying to duplicate your grandma’s recipes, have her work on the fudge. I don’t know what she did differently from everyone else, but your grandmother’s fudge was the best I’ve ever tasted. I remember she made me a whole batch and wrapped it up in
a Santa tin. I stuck it in the freezer and nibbled on it for months. Of course, I had to take it out of the tin and put it in a plain freezer container. I told my mom and sister that it was a science experiment for school so they wouldn’t eat it.”

“You’re so mean. I’m sure there was enough to share.”

“There are things you share and things you don’t, and your grandma’s fudge fell into the category of things you don’t. I really miss your grandma. And not just because of the fudge.”

“Yeah, me too. I thought I was having Ellie duplicate
Grandma’s recipe for Pappy, but I suddenly realized I was actually having her do it for myself. Christmas just hasn’t been the same since she’s been gone.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Christmas has pretty much sucked since my dad died. And now that my mom and sister have moved away, the whole thing seems pretty pointless. Not that I don’t love spending Christmas Eve with you and Ellie, but Christmas Day just seems like any other day. Maybe I will go to New York with Barbie. It’ll be nice to change things up a bit.”

I got up early the next morning and headed over to Earl’s place, only to find that Betty was gone. According to the next-door neighbor, Betty had decided to leave early for her sister’s and wouldn’t be back until after the New Year. As far as I knew, Earl was still in the hospital, so this turn of events made absolutely no sense at all. Why would Betty leave for the holiday early when her husband would be in no shape to travel for several more days at a minimum?

I headed over to the hospital. Earl was clearly hiding something, and I intended to find out what it was. I was more convinced than ever that Earl rather than Tanner was the intended victim of the Community-Center Killer, as folks in town were starting to refer to him or her. I hated to admit it, but it might be time to have a heart-to-heart with Salinger. Not that I relished the idea—and he’d probably tell me to butt out once he found out I was butting in—but Earl’s life could be in real danger, and I couldn’t let my own selfish need to finish the job unaided get in the way of his safety.

“Morning Zoe,” Dr. Ryder Westlake greeted me as I walked into the waiting area. “Where’s Charlie?”

“At home babysitting Marlow.”

“Come again?”

“Marlow, my orange tabby, is fascinated with my Christmas tree. He almost destroyed it while I was out yesterday, so I left Charlie home to keep an eye on it today.”

“Keep an eye on it?”

“I explained to Charlie that Marlow wasn’t allowed to play with the tree, and now every time Marlow even looks at it, Charlie chases him up the stairs.”

Dr. Westlake laughed. “That’s some dog you’ve got yourself.”

“Yeah,” I had to agree, “he really is. I’m here to see Earl, if he’s available.”

“I’m afraid they’ve taken him to X-ray. It could be an hour or more. You might want to come back after lunch.”

I chatted with Dr. Westlake for a few more minutes. Not only is the man a babe, but he’s kind and sweet and has an awesome sense of humor. When I first approached the hospital board about Charlie’s dream of becoming a therapy dog, they’d been skeptical, but Dr. Westlake had stepped forward and spoken up on his behalf. Dr. Westlake was single, and on more than one occasion I’d considered taking him up on his standing invitation to dinner, but now, with Zak in the picture . . .

Actually, I’m not sure what, if anything, will come of my relationship with Zak, but I have to admit that there’s a small part of me—okay, a huge part—that wants to find out.

“Are you going to the Holly Ball?” the doctor asked.

“I am.”

“Save me a dance?”

“Count on it.”

“Oh, by the way,” Dr. Westlake stopped me as I turned to walk away, “During my rounds yesterday I overheard part of the conversation you were having with Earl about the series of events leading to Tanner Brown’s murder. I thought you’d want to know that they’ve arrested the woman who ran Earl off the road.”

The good doctor was correct; I
did
want to know. “Who was it?” I wondered.

“A woman by the name of Jennifer Haskell.”

“Jennifer Haskell?” Jennifer Haskell was the mother of Toby Haskell, the ten-year-old boy who, as far as I knew, was still missing. “What happened?”

“I’m not sure. I overheard Sheriff Salinger
telling Earl that she lost control of the car on the ice. It didn’t seem like they were going to charge her with the accident, but there was talk of charges for leaving the scene of an accident.”

“Did you happen to hear Salinger mention whether or not they’d found Toby?”

Westlake frowned. “Toby?”

“Her son Toby is missing.” I realized that being relatively new in town, Dr. Westlake might not know much about the family. “He’s run away before, more than once, so I think that’s what the sheriff believes has occurred this time as well. I’m afraid his mom has a tendency to get hooked up with abusive men. Toby has been removed from the house on at least one occasion that I know of. I heard his mom got counseling, and I thought she was doing better, so I was surprised to hear he’d taken off again.”

“I don’t remember Salinger mentioning anything about Toby, but I was only there for part of the conversation.”

“I guess I’ll ask Earl. Thanks for the heads-up.”

“Anytime.”

I headed to Main Street from the hospital. I’d yet to do any Christmas shopping, and I only had nine days left. Normally, I bought gifts for my dad and Pappy, as well as Levi, Ellie, and Jeremy. This year I realized I’d need to add Zak to my list, and I had no idea what to get him.

As promised, he’d called every night after missing that first one. I’d lay in bed, curled up with my animals, wishing Zak was with me rather than thousands of miles away. Most nights we’d talk for hours, not about anything overly romantic but sharing how our day had gone and discussing things we’d like to do once he was able to stay in Ashton Falls for a while.

As I strolled through the festively decorated shops along the main drag, I tried to imagine what the perfect gift would be for a man who was just a friend on the surface, but really so much more.

Most years I got Levi a new sweater, sunglasses, or maybe some accessory for the many sports he played. Last year I got him new ski goggles, and the year before that, a regulator for his scuba gear. Somehow, something awesome yet functional didn’t seem quite right for Zak. I wanted to give him
something personal without it being intimate. I was pretty sure we weren’t up to intimate yet in our relationship.

“You look confused.” Pappy walked up behind me as I stood staring at a table of men’s cologne that Ernie had featured in the general store.

“Trying to decide what to get Zak for Christmas.”

“Ah.” Pappy smiled. “This must be the personal
- but-not-intimate Christmas.”

“You read my mind.” I laughed. “I mean seriously, that’s
exactly
what I was thinking. How did you do that?”

Pappy didn’t answer, but he laughed back.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
came on over the loudspeaker in the much-too-crowded store. “I was thinking about taking a break from all this holiday hustle and grabbing a bite to eat. Care to join me?”

“I’d love to.”

“Rosie’s?”

“Sounds perfect. I need to ask Ellie about something and I know she’s working today.”

Pappy and I walked down Main Street hand in hand, stopping at each store to look at the windows. It was a cold day, with the high temperature reaching only into the twenties, but the air was calm and light snow lent a festive atmosphere to our small town. Main Street was busy as other last-minute shoppers bustled between the brightly lit shops.

“How’s the investigation going?” Pappy asked.

“I’m not sure. I think Earl knows something he isn’t admitting to. I stopped by the hospital, but he was in X-ray, so I’m going to head back over there after lunch. How’s Santa’s Village going?”

“I’m having the best time,” Pappy admitted. “At first I wasn’t thrilled about taking on the task, but I have to admit I haven’t enjoyed the holiday as much since your grandma passed.”

I hugged Pappy’s arm. “I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.”

“I guess we’re on for Christmas dinner?”

“We are,” I confirmed. “I thought I’d invite Zak, if that’s okay.”

“Fine by me.”

“I have a special dish I plan to make. It’s going to be awesome, so come hungry.”

“Always do.”

“Levi decided to go to New York for Christmas, so I guess the Christmas Eve dinner Ellie, Levi, and I have won’t happen this year. I should talk to Ellie about it. I’m thinking I’ll suggest the two of us do lunch instead of dinner this year.”

Rosie’s was packed with holiday shoppers, so Pappy and I headed back to the kitchen. Rosie kept a small table that sat four in a corner, to provide staff with a place to take a break away from the paying customers. Pappy and I sat down while Ellie dished out bowls of soup and sliced fresh-baked bread.

“I’m glad you stopped by.” Ellie placed the food in front of us. “I was wondering if we could change our Christmas Eve dinner to a Christmas Eve lunch.”

“I was just going to ask you the same thing. It works for me.”

“Good.” Ellie went back to assembling plates heaping with food for the patrons in the main dining room. “I may have plans that evening, but I wanted to be sure to make time for you as well.”

“You have plans as in a date?” I found myself asking.

“I don’t know if you’d call it a date, but I may be having dinner with a friend I’d prefer not to discuss just yet.”

“Oh, a mystery lover. I like a good mystery,” I teased.

“He’s not my lover,” Ellie said, defending herself.

“So when do I get to meet this
not a lover
?”

“Soon.” Ellie blushed.

After Pappy and I finished our lunch, he went on with his shopping and I returned to the hospital. Luckily, Earl was back from X-ray and resting comfortably in his room.

“Zoe, I didn’t expect to see you here today.” Earl forced a smile, but I could tell he was less than enthusiastic about my unannounced visit.

“I checked out the lead you gave me yesterday.”

He actually blushed.

“It seems you may have exaggerated Roy Burgis’s interest in Garver’s property.”

“I’m sorry you wasted your time.” Earl seemed genuinely regretful, so why the subterfuge?

“I heard they found the woman who ran you off the road.”

“It appears so.”

“Dr. Westlake told me they think it was an accident.”

“That’s what Salinger said. Icy roads and all.”

“And I understand Betty has left early for her sister’s.”

“Yeah.” Earl was beginning to sweat. “No use her sitting around waiting on me.”

“Cut the crap, Earl. What going on?”

He looked shocked that I’d been so blunt. Heck,
I
was shocked. In my own defense, I was tired, and Earl was clearly lying about pretty much everything. I had a Christmas fund-raiser and pet adoption to organize. The last thing I needed was someone sending me on pointless errands.

“If you don’t tell me what you know, I’m going to go to Salinger and tell him everything I know.” Which wasn’t a whole lot, I had to admit.

“You can’t do that.” Earl looked seriously panicked. “Promise me you won’t.”

“Why shouldn’t I? You’re clearly hiding something. I’m trying to
help
you, but you have to tell me what’s going on. What’s
really
going on,” I emphasized.

Earl looked around the room, as if afraid of being overheard. He lowered his voice. “If I tell you what I know, you have to promise to keep it to yourself.”

“Tell me what you know and then I’ll decide.”

Earl shook his head. “No deal. Promise me or I won’t talk.”

It seemed I’d heard this speech before. “The truth this time?”

“The truth.”

I sat down on the chair next to the bed. “Okay, spill.”

“Two years ago, when I was volunteering at the library, I met a frightened young boy named Toby Haskell. He had a cast on his arm and a bruise on his eye, and after quite a lot of effort on my part, I got him to admit that his mother’s boyfriend was beating him up.”

Suddenly I knew exactly where this was going, but I let Earl finish.

“I reported the incident to Child Protective Services, and they promised to look into it. A case file was opened, and Toby’s mom promised to stay away from the abusive boyfriend, and things seemed to get better for a while. Toby and I forged a relationship that has grown into a bond as strong as any I’ve ever known. Betty and I couldn’t have children of our own, and I’ve spent my life working with other people’s kids, enjoying every minute of it. But Toby is special. Toby feels like mine.”

I sat quietly and waited while Earl gathered his thoughts.

“Early last summer, Toby showed up at my house with burn marks on his arm. He told me his mom’s new boyfriend burned him with a cigarette when he accidently knocked over the man’s beer. Once again I went to CPS, and they arrested the boyfriend and required the mom to get counseling. Toby was placed in foster care, which, by the way, he hated.”

I bit my lip in order to fight back my tears as Earl continued.

“Two months ago, Toby was returned to his mother. At first things were great. He was
happy
. But in the past couple of weeks, I noticed a change in his behavior, though he insisted he was fine. Looking back on it, he clearly wasn’t fine, but he was afraid of going back to foster care, so he kept his mouth shut when his mom’s boyfriend was released from jail after serving a ninety-day sentence and took up where he left off.”

“Poor Toby.”

“Poor Toby is right. Two weeks ago, he came to me in the middle of the night. He’d been beaten badly. I wanted to take him to the hospital, but he refused. He told me he wasn’t going back to foster care, and if I called the sheriff to report the incident, he’d run away and I’d never see him again. He’s just a little boy.”