Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

A s soon as evening arrives, I pile Fish, Sherlock, and Jingle into my car and trek over to where the evergreens are verdant, fluffy, and for sale .

The Sugar Plum Tree Lot is a tradition for just about everyone in Cider Cove. In fact, some of my very best holiday memories have taken place right here at this pine-riddled piece of real estate.

Sherlock and Jingle run up ahead of Fish and me as we enter through the arched sign advertising the best trees for the lowest prices.

The ground is covered with a fresh dusting of snow and twinkle lights are strung up above going every which way for what looks like miles.

Cheery Christmas music blares from unseen speakers, throngs of people have shown up in hopes of finding the perfect tree for their home, and the cookie and cocoa stand is bustling.

Just about every employee here is dressed as an elf—clad in green tights and green wool coats—and somehow they’ve managed to make their ears look half a foot tall. I’m thankful that little ear foible wasn’t a requirement last night. My staff and I had already suffered enough trying to conform to elf culture.

Large red and white tents house trees of every size, and if you include the flocked trees, every color , too. Under the tent to the right, there’s a large velvet throne, much like the one that was at the inn last night, and my mark for the evening is seated in that exact oversized chair as people of all ages and stages of life pose for a picture with Santa.

Fish mewls in my arms, How do you plan on getting him alone, Bizzy?

“I have no idea. I guess I didn’t think about that.”

Don’t worry, Biz. Sherlock barks. The fifth person in line is holding a cup of hot cocoa. If they’re not done with their drink by the time they get to the front, I’ll make sure there’s nothing to finish once they see Santa.

“Ooh, I like where you’re headed with that,” I tell him.

Jingle barks. Once I see you speaking with him, I’ll come and find you. Chris has always liked me and I like him.

“Sounds like a plan,” I say as Sherlock takes off with Jingle in an effort to give him a tour.

“Bizzy Baker Wilder, is that you?” an all too familiar voice chirps from behind and I turn to see both Georgie and my mother.

“Oh, good grief,” I groan. “What are you ladies doing here? Mom, I thought you had a tree already? And Georgie, I know you have a no-kill policy when it comes to our evergreen friends.”

Fish mewls, You think you know a person. Next, she’ll be telling me she doesn’t believe in Santa.

That will be the day.

“I do have a tree,” Mom says. “We’re here picking one up for the senior center. It’s my treat for all of my friends down there.”

“And I’m here to stop her,” Georgie says, slinging an arm over my mother’s shoulder.

“You mean distract me.” Mom chuckles. “I may have made the mistake of mentioning where I was headed.”

“And I asked if there would be elves,” Georgie says.

Mom rolls her eyes. “And I foolishly said yes.”

Georgie shrugs. “I’m still holding out for a hunky side of beef with a six-pack.”

I shrug right back at her. “We all have our Christmas wishes.”

“What are you doing here, Bizzy?” Mom asks as she promptly steals Fish from me. “Let me guess, you’re on the hunt for another Santa because the last one bit the big one?” She arches a brow my way.

Fish snickers. She knows you well, Bizzy.

I make a face because it’s true.

“Actually”—I place a hand over my stomach—“I’m here to pick out a Christmas tree. Jasper and I figure it’s not too early to start our holiday traditions, especially with a little gift of our own on the way. There’s so much fun decorating to do.”

“Hear that, Red?” Georgie squints at my mother. “She’s going all domestic goddess on us. The next thing you know, she’ll be knitting booties and baking casseroles.”

A laugh bumps from me. “You and I both know I won’t be attempting to burn down anyone’s kitchen anytime soon—especially not mine. I’ve got enough expenses at the inn to deal with. The list keeps growing, sort of like Santa’s naughty list.”

Mom nods my way. “Kitchen fire aside, that all sounds good. I think it’s a great idea for you to start on some new holiday traditions. I just can’t wait for the baby’s first Christmas. And in a lot of ways, it already feels like it’s here.”

Georgie grunts, “Just make sure you’re not climbing any ladders. You leave the star that sits on top of the tree to Jasper. That’s his job from here on out. Got it?”

“Loud and clear,” I say with a laugh and my breath crystalizes in a plume of white before me. “No ladder climbing for me—or us.” I pat my belly as if to prove my point.

“Wait just an eggnog lovin’ minute… You’re no domestic goddess.” Georgie lifts a finger and gasps. “You’ve started your investigation without us, haven’t you?”

“No, no,” I say, trying to calm Georgie down before she gets worked up. Georgie is just as passionate about justice as I am. Plus, she likes the perks my investigations have provided, like the odd visit to local bars and table dancing.

The latter of which only happened once.

So far.

“I’m just here to—” I glance around as I rack my brain for an excuse. “Oh, all right, I’m here to see Santa.” I frown his way as if he were guilty of making me look guilty.

But then again, if he truly is guilty, all the guilt is worth it.

Sherlock and Jingle bark and yip, and I spot them jumping up and down just as the woman gearing up to sit on Santa’s lap sloshes hot cocoa all over him.

“ Ooh , that’s my cue,” I say, snatching Fish back. “I’d better go.”

We split ways just as Chris Winter spikes out of his throne.

I run over to the cocoa booth and grab a handful of napkins before heading back toward my very first suspect.

The elves on hand quickly close the booth down, and soon I’m following Chris behind the tent as he mutters to himself.

Here’s hoping Santa has a bag full of clues.