Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

“ O h, Bizzy.” Noel Brighton flashes a warm smile my way as both she and Macy step over to the counter. “You’re so lucky to have a sister like Macy. She actually managed to make me laugh more than once. And I certainly did not see that coming. She’s got a real talent.”

“I’m so glad my sister could brighten your mood. She has a way of doing that,” I say to Noel and mean every word. Macy has been trying to cheer me up ever since Jasper and I announced our big news as if something devastating was headed our way. I tried explaining to her that we’re both over the moon about the baby, but it’s as if I was speaking another language—one that Macy doesn’t want anything to do with, let alone understand.

A white ball of fluff bounces into the inn and jets right past us as she catches up with the rest of the furry crew.

That fluffy white marshmallow would be Candy, Macy’s Samoyed, aka her baby girl. Funny enough, Hux happens to have a look-alike ball of fluff, a male named Cane.

And yes, Candy and Cane are quite the doggie power couple.

“Yeah, yeah.” Macy frowns while taking a sip of her coffee. “Brightening moods is what I’m known for.” She averts her eyes at the thought. “It’s right up there with being the world’s best aunt.” She turns to the woman. “My brother’s son, little Mack, just loves me to pieces.” Her eyes flit back my way. “Speaking of the little dirt devil. The kid doesn’t sleep, Bizzy. Just wait until your little one keeps you up all night. And don’t get me started on all of the social events you’ll be missing out on. Boy, you really didn’t think this one through, did you? I seriously doubt you’re ready for the life of inconvenience that’s coming up dead ahead.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I tell her with a curt look that says so much more. “I’m sure you’ll love every minute of being the aunt that swoops in with a new, shiny, albeit loud toy, then swoops back out before the diaper duty starts.” I nod to the woman by her side. “Ask me how I know.”

Noel’s eyes grow twice their size as she takes in my sister in this new, anti-infant light.

“Anyway, I’m glad my sister is able to share her special sense of humor with you,” I say to the woman and ignore the fact Macy is momentarily gagging on a river of words.

Poor Noel. Grieving in general is hard, but during the holidays it must make everything impossible.

The woman nods. “Yes, well, Macy’s special sense of humor always manages to brighten my mood,” Noel says with a look that suggests she’s not all that sure about Macy or the moods she’s capable of inflicting right about now. “We were actually talking about the white elephant gift exchange our book club is having tomorrow. You should come. We’re meeting at the bakery on Main Street. We’ll be decorating gingerbread houses and exchanging quasi-tacky gifts.” She gives a little laugh. “Our book club is always open to new members. Feel free to bring friends. We’d love to have you.”

“No, we wouldn’t,” Macy is quick to correct as she scoops Fish up and gives her a quick scratch on the back. “Unless you’re offering to babysit for this one.” She hitches a thumb my way. “Because I’m telling you both now, this baby is going to be a handful. Colic runs in our family. Just think of all the screaming and crying that’s about to enter our lives. Aren’t we all lucky?” She blows a stray hair from her eyes. And what’s with Bizzy scoring an invite to yet another event? Macy growls my way with the thought. Clearly, Noel doesn’t realize that inviting my sister to a public shindig is as good as inviting a serial killer. Death follows her everywhere, and it’s really starting to impede on my social life.

I take a moment to frown at her before nodding to Noel.

“I’ll be there with bells on. And I’ll bring a couple of friends as well.” There’s no point in missing out on another opportunity to quiz someone who was at that party last night. “And don’t forget, we’re meeting right back here in a few days for the town Christmas Eve party.” I shoot Macy a look, cutting her off at the pass. “Before you say a word, I’m sure it will go off without a hitch.”

At least I sincerely hope so—for the sake of the inn and my sanity. And, of course, the baby, too.

Macy frowns. “We’ll see.”

My sister drops Fish back to the counter and takes off.

No sooner is she out of earshot than I lean in a notch.

“Noel? Do you know if Virginia and Nick were close?”

“Oh, they were.” She gives a furtive nod. “But I think they were having some trouble as of late.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“I really don’t know,” she says just as Virginia breezes our way once again.

“We can leave now.” Virginia’s tone is somber, and understandably so.

Noel casts a glance my way. “You can ask Chris Winter,” she says. “Chris knows everybody’s secrets.”

“Ask Chris about what?” Virginia gives a few innocent blinks, but I’d swear there’s a hint of irritation behind them.

Noel pats her lips with her fingers. “Bizzy was just asking if Nick had any fallouts with anyone at the company.”

Not in so many words, but she’s not wrong.

Virginia’s eyes sharpen over mine. She’s a nosy one, isn’t she? I don’t like this. I don’t like this one bit.

“Have a good day, Bizzy,” Virginia says, practically spinning Noel toward the door.

“See you at the bakery tomorrow,” Noel calls out. “Two in the afternoon. Bring something for the exchange. We’ll have a blast. Oh, and just FYI, Chris works the Sugar Plum Tree Lot in the evenings. He’s their resident Santa.”

“Thank you,” I shout as they disappear into the snowy afternoon.

Fish belts out a yowl, and both Sherlock Bones and Jingle run this way.

Get ready, boys, she mewls their way. It looks as if we’re going tree shopping this evening.

“That’s right,” I tell them. “We’re going to hunt down a Christmas tree, and perhaps a killer.”

But not before I have another cookie or two—or a couple of tins with a little eggnog to wash it all down.

Sometimes justice has to wait. But I can promise you one thing, it won’t wait for long. I want my holidays back. And there’s not a killer on the planet that I’ll let stand in the way.

Although I suddenly have an all-new craving bubbling to the surface. I think it’s time to catch up on some of my Christmas shopping. Here’s hoping I don’t inadvertently murder my savings account.