“Completely common in the telecommunications game.”
“But perfectly illegal once you started using them to transfer some of your liabilities so they wouldn’t appear in your account—therefore, allowing you to increase a robust stock price for the company, making it that much more appetizing to investors. It turns out, many of your recorded assets are inflated, aren’t they, Warwick? And some are fraudulent or outright don’t exist. More or less the exact advice you gave me when I asked how I could increase profits at the inn.”
He searches my features as his lips part. Quinn must have spoken with her. But why bring it up now? Something’s not right. “You have no proof.”
“I do and so does the Seaview Sheriff’s Department. I’ve forwarded the entire cache of Quinn’s emails over to them. You’ll be charged with illegal accounting practices, wire fraud, and God knows what else. The company will go bankrupt, as it was destined to do in the beginning. But that’s the least of your worries. You killed Quinn, didn’t you?” Fish’s ear twitches as I ask the question, and both Sherlock and Rudolph sit rapt at attention.
His lips pull tightly. “Yes, I killed him, Bizzy.” His eyes darken. “Quinn was a fool to think anyone’s business acumen would be enough to save that money pit he acquired. I did what needed to be done. And when he discovered my tactics, he had the nerve to be outraged. I thought he’d be proud. And after a lengthy email exchange, he made the decision to fly out this way. It was his last-ditch effort to get me to comply or he’d rat me out himself. He didn’t do it, Bizzy. I didn’t give him the chance. But you did—you ratted me out.” His expression goes cold as he walks my way, and I back up into the street until my knees get cut off and I fall backward into an empty sleigh.
Warwick covers my body with his own, and Fish lets out a wild screech as she struggles to get out from between us.
Sherlock barks as he hops into the sleigh, as does Rudolph, and the horse manning this wonder whinnies and hops back onto its hind legs before taking off with a start. The crowd screams with horror as the sleigh takes off down Main Street at horrific speeds.
“Perfect.” Warwick gives an unsteady laugh as he looks down at me. “We’ll make it look like an accident. You cracked your skull on a runaway sleigh. And I’ll simply runaway.” He clamps his hands around my neck and instantly I can’t breathe.
My legs flail as my fingers struggle to pluck him off me.
Fish shrieks once again and wraps her entire body around his head, scratching and clawing in a fury.
Rudolph yipes and barks nonstop as he jumps over Warwick’s back and starts biting his neck.
Don’t worry, Bizzy. Sherlock lets out a ferocious bark. I know just what to do. He hops onto Warwick’s back as well and Warwick’s body crushes over mine that much more, but his hands are unrelenting in their pursuit.
Suddenly, Warwick’s chest bucks as he lets out a horrific howl, and his hands release just enough for me to scoot back a good foot until my head hits the other side of the seat. It looks as if that skull cracker is still in the cards.
The sleigh bucks violently, and before I can process what’s happening, Jasper’s face appears above mine ever so briefly as he does his best to snatch the reins and grab onto Warwick at the very same time. The horse slows, and Jasper drops the reins long enough to bash Warwick’s head into the side of the sleigh and cuff him.
And just like that, it’s over.
“He did it,” I pant. “He killed Quinn.” I struggle to catch my breath as my hand claws at my neck. “And he almost killed me.”
As soon as the sleigh rolls to a stop, Leo jumps in and pulls Warwick off. I catch a glance of the man’s face, and it looks as if he’s gone through a war.
“You really did a number on him,” I say breathlessly as I pull Fish over to myself and kiss her. “Good work.”
Jasper helps me sit up and wraps his arms around me while dropping a hot kiss onto my forehead. He pulls back as the snow falls gently between us.
“You have got to stop taking down suspects like that, Bizzy.” His gray eyes shine like lightning in the night. “But I don’t think you’re going to.” His lips flicker with a sad smile as he lands a kiss to my lips. “I love you, Bizzy Baker Wilder. You scare the hell out of me, but I love you.”
And I show him exactly how much I love him without words.
Kissing Jasper in the snow while on a sleigh ride is exactly how I wanted this night to end—along with a little justice served up on the side.
And it looks as if I’ve gotten my wish.
Chapter 17
When I was a child—and my family was still intact—Christmas Eve was a night filled with wonder for my brother, sister, and me.
My mother would read the Christmas story to us right out of the family Bible, and then my father would read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. My mother would gift us each brand new, warm and fresh from the dryer, matching Christmas pajamas, and we were quickly ushered off to bed.
But the three of us wouldn’t dare fall asleep until we heard the sound of sleigh bells coming from the rooftop. Little did we know it was our father in the attic with a tambourine. There’s so much magic and joy on Christmas Eve, I want to make sure I provide that for others on this special night. And seeing that I’ll have a full house, or an inn full as it were, of family and friends—and three marriage proposals on the horizon— tonight needs to be perfect.
Not a single guest opted to dine in this evening; they all scattered to the four corners of Maine to celebrate with family. I let Nessa and Grady off work early, along with the rest of the staff, and Emmie helped prepare a feast from the Country Cottage Café. I stayed safely away from the kitchen as to not create a culinary disaster. Instead, Jordy helped me set up the formal dining room with a few conjoining tables, red tablecloths, gold runners, poinsettia centerpieces with evergreen boughs and candles, fine china, crystal goblets, and linen napkins. A stately tall blue noble stands proud in the corner, festooned from top to bottom with white twinkle lights and enough red ornaments to qualify as an apple tree. I wanted everything to be perfect. And it was—at least as far as dinner went.
But now dinner is over, the Christmas carols are a touch too loud, and the grand dining room is filled with lively conversations and laughter.
“Bizzy Bizzy.” My father gives me a pat on the back. “You outdid yourself, kiddo. If you run out of room in the fridge for all those leftovers, I’ll gladly take them off your hands.” He pats his stomach, and I laugh.
“Don’t worry, Dad. I made sure there would be plenty for anyone who wanted to take some food home. And don’t forget the desserts.” Emmie and Leo are still pulling out the pies, the cookies, and the mounds of peppermint bark. I told Leo he should keep her from indulging. I’ve hidden a slice of chocolate cake, filled with that platinum diamond ring he picked out, in the reception area in the mini fridge by my desk. And I need Emmie’s sweet tooth to be revved up and ready to go when it’s presented to her.
Gwyneth wraps her arms around Jasper. “Well, son, I can honestly say that you and your wife have been gracious hosts—and hosting us at your very own inn no less. I can’t wait to tell all of my friends the good news.”
Ever since Gwyneth found out the news about the inn, she’s liked me just a little bit more. I’m not sure what that says—not great things. But at least now she finds me brag-worthy to her buddies. Baby steps. I’ll take what I can get.
She scoots my father toward the dessert table.
“I see a pumpkin pie with my name on it,” she purrs.
“I’m going for both that and the pecan,” Dad is quick to warn her.
Jasper pulls me in and touches his nose to mine. “Fantastic.” I take in his spiced cologne and hold it in my lungs a moment. Jasper looks like a delicious dream with his dark suit and slick red tie.
“Dinner? Or the fact I got all three of our fur babies to nestle by the fireplace?” Along with Fish, Sherlock Bones, and Rudolph, Emmie brought her dog, Ci
nnamon, a curly-haired labradoodle the exact color of her sweet name, and Gatsby, Leo’s blond golden retriever, is here as well. They’ve kept us entertained for most of the evening. And all of them are wearing a bright red bow around their collar, giving them a festive appeal for the night.
He shakes his head. “You. You’re a crime fighter by day, hostess with the mostess by night.”
“Ooh, hostess with the mostess.” I bite down on a flirty smile. “I do aim to please. Play your cards right, and I’ll be taking those hosting skills of mine to the bedroom.” Over his shoulder I spot Elsie, Eve French’s daughter, cuddling up with Rudolph, and he’s licking her face silly. “I take it back. Only two of our fur babies are by the fire. Elsie has really fallen in love with Rudolph, and I can tell he loves her, too.”
Jasper takes a deep breath. “Are you willing to make a little girl’s puppy Christmas wish come true?”
“Let’s talk to Mom first.” I wrinkle my nose as we head over to where Macy and Eve are having an animated conversation with Arthur Silver.
“Hey, hey”—Macy lifts her eggnog my way—“if it isn’t the Bizzy bee herself. Great dinner. I’ll be taking a pie to go.”
“I expected nothing less.” I laugh.
Arthur nods our way. “And good job to the two of you for bringing down Quinn’s killer. I still can’t believe it was Warwick.” He shakes his head at the thought. “I guess you can never really know a person.”
“Some people can surprise you,” Jasper says. “I’m glad things are working out for you, though. And thank you for helping Bizzy with the accounting. We appreciate that.”
Eve presses her lips tightly. “I was rooting for you, Bizzy. The night we were all here for the showcase and Quinn passed away, I thought about this beautiful inn. I really was hoping he would leave it to you. I’m glad to know Quinn did just that.”
“Speaking of things that Quinn left…” I shrug. “You know, Elsie really seems to have taken to Rudolph. Would you, by chance, be open to welcoming a tiny furry cutie pie into the family?”
She sucks in a quick breath. “Yes!” She hoists both fists in the air and gives a victorious shake. “You bet I would! Oh, I can’t wait to tell her. Can I tell her?”
“I’ll go with you. I want to talk to Rudolph about it as well.” I give her a little wink, even though I’m dead serious.
We head over, and Eve blurts it all out in one breath.
Elsie screams and jumps and gives poor Rudolph a good jostle in the process.
Rudolph gives a few happy yips. Is it true, Bizzy? Am I getting my very own family for Christmas?
Fish runs over, as does Sherlock, both waiting with bated breath for my answer and I give a little nod.
“Are you okay with this, Rudolph?” I whisper, and he gives a sharp bark in return.
Yes!
Congratulations, Fish mewls. Do visit.
Sherlock whimpers, I was just getting used to having you around. Make sure they give you lots of bacon, little guy.
I give Rudolph a kiss on his forehead. “I’m happy for you—both.” I look to Elsie. “Please stop by the inn often. We’re going to miss him something awful.”
“Are you kidding?” Her eyes grow wide. “This place is the it resort. You bet we’re going to visit. Especially when it warms up. I love the cove.”
Eve shrugs. “Then it’s settled. You’ll be seeing a lot of the three of us.” She gives Rudolph a quick scratch and he licks her hand.
“Bizzy?” someone hisses from behind, and I see Mackenzie snarling while curling her finger as she calls me over.
“Excuse me,” I say as I head her way. Mackenzie has her long chestnut hair perfectly coiled, a cranberry pantsuit on, and heels that even Macy would be envious of with their spiked metal heels. “Mayor Woods.” I give a sly smile.
“Don’t give me that Mayor Woods bull. I’ve got a titanium ring burning a hole in my pocket. “When should I initiate World War III?”
I make a face at her before glancing back at Emmie and Leo still tending to the dessert table. My brother isn’t too far off as he stands speaking to Jasper and my father, looking relaxed, and satiated, and very much as if he forgot all about the next matrimonial blunder he was about to head into.
“Give it a couple of minutes,” I say. “I’ll pull him out of that conversation.”
Georgie, Juni, my mother, and Macy all trot over, each in their Christmas finery. Both Georgie and Mom are wearing wonky quilt dresses in various patterns of red and green—a stark departure from my mother’s typical preppy style, but she’s made it clear she wants to represent the brand. And, of course, there’s Macy in a red lacy dress that can double as lingerie.
Juni gives Mackenzie a few light taps on the face, just this side of a slap, and I hold my breath in the event Mack decides to start that bar brawl a little early.
Mack lifts her chin to Juni. “What do you want, simple one?”
“I’m tryin’ to center ya. That’s what a good coach does right before the big fight.”
Mackenzie rolls her eyes. “It’s nice to know at least you’re on my side.”
Georgie pokes her finger at Mack. “When’s this going down, sister? I’ve got my camera poised and at the ready. I’ll be taking the money shot, if you know what I mean.”
“Yeah,” Mom grunts a laugh. “She means she’ll want money for it.”
Mackenzie shrugs. “Take the right shot, and you just might get it.”
A dark laugh springs from Macy. “And I’m taking Emmie’s picture.”
Mackenzie sucks in a quick breath. “What’s this? Don’t tell me the kitchen mouse is going for the gold tonight, too.”
I straighten. “Call her a kitchen mouse again, and there will be a very real World War III on your hands.”
“Fine.” Her expression sours. “Just make sure we’re not doing it right next to one another. I’ll need some breathing room.”
“Done,” I say. “Give me five minutes.”
I trot over to where Hux stands with my father and Jasper.
“Are you ready to fall on the sword?” I ask my brother, and he frowns over at me.
“Bizzy, this is a big night for me. I may not look it, but I’m nervous. Cut me a little slack. I can use your support.”
“I’m sorry.” I wince. “Let’s just say I have it on good authority that everything works out in your favor. You have absolutely nothing to worry about.”
Dad pats him on the back. “I think you have a solid plan, son. Start with a fight and end with a kiss. I’ve used that formula for years, and look where it’s gotten me.” He inches back. “Never mind. I have good faith it’ll take you to a heck of a lot better than I did. This is the real deal. I can see it in your eyes. I can’t wait to be the first to congratulate you.”
Jasper leans in a notch. “Get your head in the game and speak from the heart.”
“Oh, I will.” Hux gurgles with a laugh.
Leo comes over, looking lean and mean in a dark inky suit. “Emmie is on her way back from the kitchen, last trip. I told her I’d eat dessert with her when she got back. It’s go time, Bizzy.”
“Great.” I bounce on the balls of my feet, giddy for my bestie to finally get her moment. “I’ll go get the cake.” I take up Jasper’s hand and mouth the words come with me.
We head into the foyer, and I pull him close. “Jasper, both Hux and Mackenzie have decided to go with a proposal that starts off as an argument.”
A moaning sound comes from him. “Bizzy? Are you in any way responsible for the chaos that’s about to ensue?”
I shake my head. “Someone far more creative than me.”
He’s right back to moaning.
I trot us over to my mini fridge and quickly shuttle that pricey piece of cake over to Leo.
His hands shake as he takes it and closes his eyes for a moment.
“Here it goes.” He looks up at Jasper and me. “She’s going to say yes, right?”
“Of course,�
�� I tell him. “And believe me, your proposal is going to take the cake.” I give a little wink as Emmie walks back into the room. “Go, go—you’re on,” I whisper.
Leo strides over with the cake in hand, and Emmie coos at the sight of it.
The two of them head back to the table, and I’m about to wrap my arms around Jasper when Hux strides over.
“I’m going in,” he whispers as he walks boldly over to the tree where Mackenzie stands alone as if priming herself for this moment, and I have no doubt she is.
“A double proposal.” Jasper hugs me from behind as we enjoy a bird’s-eye view of both happy couples. Across from us, Mom, Dad, Gwyneth, Jordy, Macy, Georgie, Juni, in addition to Eve, Elsie, and Arthur are at attention.
Emmie takes the first bite of that luscious layer chocolate cake, and I’m ready to drool for a bite myself.
Jasper tucks his mouth to my ear. “Where did you plant the ring?”
“About halfway in,” I whisper.
Hux’s voice hikes a notch from the tree, and I can see Mackenzie’s cheeks pique with color.
“What are you talking about?” she practically shrieks. “Are you saying you’re thinking of breaking up with me? Here? On Christmas Eve?”
“Yes,” he belts it out. “That’s exactly what I’m trying to tell you.”
Georgie breaks out into spontaneous applause, and Mom nudges for her to stop.
“Ha!” Mackenzie laughs in my brother’s face. “You wish you could break up with me. I was just about to break things off with you—only I had the class to wait until the new year. You are cold-blooded, Huxley Baker. And that’s exactly why you’ll spend the rest of your life in and out of dead-end marriages. You don’t care about people. The only thing you care about is the chase. Well, guess what? I only care about the chase myself. And I’m all done chasing you.” Her voice hikes to the ceiling, and the entire lot of us gasps.
Emmie bucks and garners my attention as her hand slips to her throat.
“Oh, here they go,” I whisper with excitement as I pull Jasper around me tightly. “It’s happening.”
A Christmas to Dismember Page 17
