Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past

by Traci Wilton

  “Yeah—bringing you pasta from the kitchen. You’d said that you just wanted to talk to your dad?”

  “It don’t matter now.” Kyle patted the dog’s head. “Dad’s dead.” He quickly blinked and made to shut the door.

  “Wait—I heard about what you said to Dalton?”

  He straightened and glared at her. “I didn’t run my dad over. Geez. What kind of jerk do you think I am? We didn’t get along, but I wouldn’t have done anything to hurt my dad.”

  “I believe you.” Charlene did believe him, having just timed his route. “Your dad winning the lottery must have been exciting.”

  “I only saw him a couple times since his win. He bought me some new clothes. An Apple computer. Nothing major. I sorta thought . . .”

  She couldn’t stop herself from touching his arm in sympathy. “I heard him say he was going to send you a special card?”

  “I didn’t get it.” His eyes welled. “Now, I won’t ever know what he wanted to tell me. It’s too late.”

  She liked that Kyle was more about the message than the money. Taking another stab in the dark, she asked, “Is Vincent your stepdad?”

  Kyle rocked back. “No, Mom’s boyfriend. That would be awful if they got married—he already pokes into my life.” It seemed that once he’d decided to share, he was on a roll. “He had no business listening in to my conversation with Dalton and then making a big deal about it. Jessica used to hang out once in a while, but now she probably thinks I’m a loser—he’s the loser.”

  “I’m sorry to bring it up.” She also gave the dog’s ears a scratch. “Your mom seems nice, though.”

  “Yeah, Dad really screwed her over, leaving her for Tori and then winning the damn lottery.” He smacked his hand against the door and the dog barked, darting into the shadows of the house before returning. “Hey, sorry to be rude, but . . .” Kyle trailed off, since she had no reason to be at the house.

  “No—thanks for talking with me. I really liked your dad. He was kind to me every time I came to the restaurant, and to the kids at Felicity House. He cared. And I could see that he cared about you too.”

  Kyle shuffled his sneakered feet and she noticed the hint of red peeking beneath the sweatshirt—was that the jersey from Freddy? “Thanks. Want me to give my mom your card?”

  Charlene had no choice but to follow through, so she handed it over and wished him a Merry Christmas.

  She got back into her Pilot, going over what she’d learned. On impulse, she went through a drive-through coffee shop and ordered a box of coffee and pastries for the station. She’d surprise Sam with an afternoon treat for him and his team as a way to smooth things over from their earlier conversation. Why couldn’t he see that she could help him?

  Parking in front of the station, Charlene got out and balanced her purse and the goodies, entering the front door with a smile for the woman at the receptionist desk. “Hi! I don’t think we’ve met before, but I’m Charlene Morris. Is Sam in?” She shook her head. “Detective Holden, sorry.”

  “I’m Danya,” the young woman said. “This is only my first day. Let me buzz him.”

  Charlene stepped back, the coffee scent filling the small lobby. She set the box of pastries on the seat at her left. Within moments, she heard the muffled tread of Sam’s boots on the runner of the hall.

  “Charlene?” He came into view with a broad smile visible beneath his groomed sable mustache. “What a surprise!”

  “I brought goodies for your break room,” she said, gesturing to the box and lifting coffee in her right hand. “’Tis the season.”

  Sam peeked into the pastry box and then picked it up. “That cranberry scone has my name on it.”

  “You deserve first pick.” Charlene followed him into a break room the size of two offices, with a sink, stove, fridge, and microwave. Lockers lined one wall, and a long counter took the other. Five chatting officers ate their lunch at a huge table in the center. Two others had their eyes glued to the TV, watching a college game.

  She recognized two of them, but they were discussing something quite animatedly and she didn’t want to interrupt. No sign of Officer Horitz, and she hoped he hadn’t gotten reprimanded.

  “Pastries. Fresh coffee. Merry Christmas from Charlene Morris,” Sam said, then snagged his scone and wrapped it in a napkin to take back to his desk.

  A chorus of thank-yous sounded from the officers before they returned to what they were doing.

  “Want one?” Sam asked.

  “No, thanks.” She stayed at his heels down the hall and they went into his office.

  He sat at his desk, and she took her customary chair.

  “So, what brings you by that required a bribe?”

  She burst out laughing. “I thought I was being so sly!”

  He steepled his hands. “Out with it—I’m in a good mood.”

  She quickly told him about the timing of driving from Bella’s to the Farris home, and how long Kyle had been there. “He wasn’t drinking. And his mother said he was home at eleven. So, he can be crossed off your list in pen. He didn’t do it.”

  Sam blew out a breath, ruffling his mustache. “I’ll take that into consideration. You timed it?” He chuckled. “I am not encouraging you by any means, but I like your logic. I have my reasons for him remaining a person of interest that I can’t share with you.”

  Charlene sighed. “In that case, I’ll get going—did you know that Vincent is Linda’s boyfriend?”

  “Nothing wrong with that. It’s been three years since the divorce. People move on in their lives. It’s healthy.” He pinned her with his gaze. “What are you doing tonight?”

  She knew exactly what he was referring to—her healing from Jared’s death and being ready to date again. She quickly got up from her chair and shouldered her purse. “Working, Sam. Enjoy your scone.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  The sky had darkened considerably in the twenty minutes she’d been with Sam, and Charlene wouldn’t have been surprised if it had started to snow when she drove home. The air had that certain bite to it, but she was disappointed.

  Charlene opened the door and was greeted by the sound of voices singing Christmas carols. She paused in the threshold of the living room. Emily, with her hair pulled back in a high ponytail and green ribbon, stood next to her dad, and sweet Maddie was on the other side. Was that her mother, smiling and singing, hands clapping along with the little girls?

  Silva, the traitor, was curled up on her father’s lap. The cat lifted her head when Charlene walked in, then snuggled under his arm. Dismissing her.

  Charlene felt a twinge of loss at not having Jared beside her to enjoy this Hallmark-esque scene.

  Her mother caught her eyes and Charlene gave her a thumbs-up, but not wanting to interrupt, she turned away and headed for her suite of rooms to mourn her husband privately. Jack was waiting for her. He turned when he heard her enter, with a welcoming smile on his face. His blue eyes locked on hers, seeing everything at once.

  “You had a bad day?”

  “Yes.” She tilted her head. “Is it that obvious?”

  Charlene sat on the love seat, he in the armchair. She turned the TV on low in case her mother came in.

  “Tell me about it?” His blue eyes rested on her, giving her strength to shake off her emotional exhaustion.

  She entertained him about the Felicity House ladies and the fight for the ring over the punch bowl. “It was appalling, it really was,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s deplorable that Tori wants to keep it all to herself and not honor her husband’s wishes. It’s a worthy charity, Jack!”

  “Sounds like she’ll be donating to her boyfriend and her jewelry box.”

  Charlene agreed. “I swear Zane was wearing a new Rolex. The kids get nothing, and he’s wearing an expensive watch. It’s just not right.”

  “You’d think she’d be more discreet.” Jack’s image was solid tonight, which meant he was focused and strong, almost—but not quite—real.<
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  “She doesn’t seem to care what others think. She flaunts it and makes a spectacle of herself.”

  He cupped his hands over the armrests. “I imagine the charity could get a decent lawyer and try to sue the estate, but with her money Tori would hire an entire legal team, so what’s the point?”

  “You’re right, Jack. I don’t have a hundred thousand to give them, but I’d like to do something. Even if it’s as simple as making sure each child gets a new present this Christmas.”

  “You’d have made a wonderful mother, Charlene. I’m sorry you didn’t get the chance.”

  “Me too.” She rubbed her chest and blinked back tears.

  Jack’s compassionate gaze offered solace, the only way he could. “You get to fill this house up with families and hear children’s laughter and their little feet running up and down the stairs.”

  Her heart warmed at that. “Neither of us are alone anymore.” Was it any wonder she was torn between Jack and Sam?

  “Avery will start in the morning—I hope that she’ll work out. Just four hours a day for now—we’ll set up a schedule for the rest of the year if we all get along.”

  “Good idea.”

  They both turned to the television as the news gave the number for the hit-and-run hotline. “It’s just so sad, Jack. I am sure that David knew whoever ran him over.”

  “The police will find the driver.” He levitated the remote control to make her smile. “Oh, by the way, your mother was busy organizing your spices this afternoon. You sure you don’t want me to levitate her bed?”

  “I knew it!” She laughed, imagining her mother waking up in mid-air. “No, there’s only five more days until Christmas. I can deal with her for a while more, and so can you.”

  “Will you go to the service on Christmas Eve for David?” Jack asked.

  “No—I’ll be right here, with my family and guests.” She got up to leave. This was only her second Christmas without Jared. Would the ache ever get easier to bear? “That said, I’ve been out most of the day. I’d better go see what they’re getting into.”

  “I miss our wine nights,” Jack said, shimmering and handsome as he also rose to his full six feet plus. “When I can tease you out of your blue moods.”

  “I miss that too.” Hopefully things would calm down a little once her parents returned to Chicago—and when Sam caught David’s killer. She’d had enough of death for a while.

  Charlene passed through the kitchen, seeing the note from Minnie on the corkboard. The pork loin just needed to be warmed in the oven, her housekeeper said, adding a smiley face.

  Charlene peered into the fridge with a chuckle. Minnie would never let them go hungry. There were still leftover potatoes from the mountain her mother had made yesterday. She turned on the oven to preheat and set the pan on the counter.

  When she returned to the living room, she asked Andy and Teresa if they’d like to stay in and have dinner.

  Andy glanced at Teresa. “We figured Bambolina’s for pizza; it’s got great reviews on TripAdvisor.”

  “We were out most of the day, hon.” She looked at her daughters and then Charlene. “We took the kids to Plymouth Rock and as much as we enjoyed it, it was a tiring trip. I wouldn’t mind staying in tonight. How about you, kids? Pizza out, or ‘Charlene’s’ in?”

  “I’m tired, Mommy,” little Maddie said, rubbing her eyes.

  “Me too.” Emily yawned. “I’m not very hungry.”

  “Well, that’s settled,” Andy said. “If you really don’t mind, you have guests for dinner. Please don’t go to any extra trouble. We had a big lunch.”

  “No problem at all. I think I even saw a loaf of sourdough bread. Does half an hour sound good to you all?”

  “It’s perfect,” Teresa said.

  “Can I help you, dear?” her mother asked.

  “That would be nice, Mom. Thanks.”

  After dinner, the Garcia family turned in early, and Charlene sat in the living room with her parents. She shared her day, and they laughed about the fight over the ring and the punch bowl, although they all knew it wasn’t amusing.

  “When will you see Sam again?” her mom asked.

  “I never know, Mom. He works all hours, but I’m sure he’ll tell us when he finds out who ran over David. I hope it’s resolved before Christmas Eve so he can be with us.”

  She would like to have him here. It was better for her sanity than spending too much time keeping her resident ghost company.

  The following morning, Charlene peeked out the window. Snow! It had snowed during the night. Fluffy white snow covered the earth like a heavy layer of whipped cream. Mounds and mounds of it.

  Maybe the Garcia girls could make a snowman. What fun! She’d love to join them, but unfortunately, she had too much to do.

  Her dreams last night had rehashed the awful service, and when she’d woken up, the director’s anger at Tori, along with her heartfelt plea for the children, stayed with Charlene. She’d promised to help Felicity House with a long-term goal in mind, and she intended to keep that promise.

  It was only six a.m. and the house was quiet, so she dressed in her sweats and went into her sitting room. She opened her laptop and sat at the desk. It didn’t take her long to find a treasure of information on Felicity House. The website had numerous pictures of holiday parties in the past. Alice and Pamela were a little younger then, more optimistic looking. In one photo they wore matching smiles, their hands entwined, lifted in victory at reaching a goal in their fund-raiser. Alice had never married, while Pamela had a husband of twenty years and two children.

  How hard would it be to begin a campaign? Within minutes she’d created a GoFundMe page for Felicity House on the bed-and-breakfast website, just to get things started. She sat back in her chair, her mind filtering information.

  She’d been blessed with a wonderful marriage and knew that happiness mattered most. But happiness came with trust, loyalty, kindness, and also forgiveness. David hadn’t had that with Tori, which made her wonder about his relationship with Linda—had he given up something solid for Tori’s youth and flash?

  Linda hadn’t remarried. Her job as a nurse meant she could take care of herself and Kyle, but it wasn’t opulent. Why hadn’t David kept up his alimony checks to make his ex-wife’s life easier? He’d seemed like a kind man, and Jessica thought well of him, but he hadn’t been a good father or fair to his ex. Neither of them had a kind word, which was even more sad because now there would be no forgiveness.

  Suddenly a dazzling Jack appeared with a mesmerizing blue light, brushing imaginary snowflakes from his thick sweater and shaking his hair as if it had snow in it—which it didn’t. His illusion could only go so far.

  Grinning, she turned up the volume on her TV. “Wow! Have you been playing in the snow?”

  “I did! Isn’t it awesome?” His cheeks glowed. “It’s a Christmas wonderland, Charlene, you should see it. What are you doing?”

  “Doing a little work for Felicity House. We have Avery coming today—I’m going to pick her up at nine thirty. Since I offered to drum up donations, I started a GoFundMe page for them.”

  “I wish I could help.” Jack gave himself a last shake.

  “Me too—I’d put you to work on the phones.” She tied the belt on her cardigan sweater. “When I have time to make the calls it’s either too early, and businesses aren’t open yet, or too late in the evening. Christmas is only four days away.”

  “I know how you love your lists. What have you got so far?”

  It was nice that he knew her so well. She picked up her ivory tablet of paper and her black pen. “These are the places I’ve called already, but I’m not having very good luck.” She’d pulled up Salem businesses in the online directory and started at A, working down to C. “Most places have already given for the year, but I have two solid leads for next year’s budget.”

  She flipped the tablet to the next page and accidentally dropped it to the floor. Jack floated it up to h
er and she laughed, then stopped when she realized it had fallen open to her doodles on David’s friends. Or not friends. Enemies?

  “What are you thinking in that beautiful mind?”

  “Living in Salem has turned me into a suspicious person, Jack.”

  He materialized behind her desk chair and read her notes. “Ah. Does that say Zane?”

  She nodded. “He had the most to lose by Tori going off with David. Not only his lover, but now that she’s wealthy, her money.”

  “You’ve crossed out Kyle’s name.”

  “He couldn’t have driven all the way home, which according to Linda, he did, and killed David, who was hit at quarter to eleven. The timing isn’t right.”

  “Unless they were both in on it.”

  She tapped her black pen against her lower lip. “I would love to talk to Linda about her and Vincent. He has a temper, I’ve seen it. Kyle doesn’t like him and neither does Jessica.”

  Jack considered this. “How long have she and Vincent been together? I remember you saying that Bella’s has been in business about five years. Though business partners, I imagine he and David started out as friends.”

  Charlene thought back. “David would have been married to Linda when Bella’s opened. Then Tori comes along, and wham. End of marriage. If Linda doesn’t call me today, then I’ll call her—she had plenty of reason to be angry with David.” She wondered if Linda had been home all night herself.

  “I agree.” Jack took another peek at her list. “Vincent? Maybe David didn’t like his ex-wife and his business partner being together?”

  “David left Linda for Tori—he shouldn’t get a say.” Charlene arched her brow at Jack.

  “There is no explaining human emotion.” He ruffled her hair with a cold burst of energy and she squealed. “I’m not arguing, by the way.”

  “I’d like to know where Vincent went that night after leaving Bella’s. I’m going to stop by the restaurant to ask Vincent to donate just a little bit more for Felicity House and see what I can find out.” She traced her finger down the list. “Jessica said Vincent thought that David should have gifted him the restaurant since he’d just won ten million.”