Claus for Alarm

by Gretchen Allen

  Claus For Alarm

  A Christmas Magic Cozy, Book 1

  Gretchen Allen

  Summer Prescott Books Publishing

  Copyright 2019 Summer Prescott Books

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication nor any of the information herein may be quoted from, nor reproduced, in any form, including but not limited to: printing, scanning, photocopying, or any other printed, digital, or audio formats, without prior express written consent of the copyright holder.

  **This book is a work of fiction. Any similarities to persons, living or dead, places of business, or situations past or present, is completely unintentional.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Also by Gretchen Allen

  Author’s Note

  Contact Summer Prescott Books Publishing

  Chapter 1

  Charlotte Claus sat in the passenger seat of the taxi, admiring the beauty of Partridge Point. It was her first time in the small town, and while it hadn’t been a place she’d planned on visiting, she was looking forward to the experience. When her best friend, Roxanne, came calling, there wasn’t a thing Charlotte wouldn’t do. Roxanne’s son, Ian, announced that he had to leave the country on business for nearly a month, and he had called on his mother for help. Roxanne packed her things within the hour, ready to rush to her son’s house to keep watch while he was away, that is until she fell ill with the flu. Traveling seemed next to impossible for Roxanne. Charlotte, however, felt fine and was all packed up and ready to go in even less time than Roxanne. No questions asked. After all, there was nothing in this world that Charlotte loved more than helping people. It was part of who she was.

  “I’m really sorry to have to do this, but it looks like we’re gonna need to stop for gas,” the taxi driver, who had introduced himself as Burt, said, frowning.

  “Why would you be sorry about such a thing? Better to stop now than run out later, don’t you think?” Charlotte looked to the young man next to her. His dark, curly hair tufted out from underneath the winter hat he was wearing, making Charlotte wonder what he’d look like with his hat taken off. She had a head full of curls herself and knew just how hard they were to tame.

  “I suppose you’re right.” Burt nodded. “It’d be much worse to have to apologize because we ran out and ended up stuck on the side of the road somewhere. I hear they are calling for more snow, too. That would just be the icing on the cake.”

  “No harm done. There’s no need to apologize at all. I’m in no rush,” Charlotte said, giving Burt a grin.

  “That’s surprising to me, honestly,” he said, turning the vehicle and pulling into the gas station a moment later. “I picked you up in the city. I’ve always thought Balmert Springs was a place where things moved fast, and people rushed around everywhere.”

  “Oh, I don’t live in Balmert Springs. I was just there on business with my husband. We live in a small village up north that’s nothing like the city. It has a feel pretty similar to Partridge Point, actually. I think you’d enjoy it there,” Charlotte explained, looking around.

  “Ahhh. Do you mind if I ask why you called Partridge Point Taxi rather than having a city cab drive you, or even one of those fancy ride services?”

  “Well, first, I knew it was going to be a long drive, and I thought that whoever drove me might want to only drive a little way home, rather than a long way. That, and I wanted to get to know someone from Partridge Point before I arrived. What better way than to chat with someone who not only works in the area but also lives there and knows plenty of the locals?” Charlotte looked around again, wondering why no one was coming over to the taxi.

  Burt chuckled. “You’re logical. I like that. I also like how you sit in the front seat. That’s pretty unheard of around here. It makes me feel like you want to sit with me, not that you’re only here for the ride. Even if that is the point.”

  “I always sit in the front as long as the driver will have me. I like feeling as though I made a new friend. Is this a self-service gas station?” Charlotte asked.

  “Nope.” Burt pointed to the sign above. “Full-Service.”

  “That’s why I asked. I noticed the sign, but don’t see anyone here.”

  Burt nodded toward the building. “There’s a small store inside there. They only sell a few drinks and a couple of different snacks.”

  Charlotte looked at the building. “Okay.”

  “See the white car over there?” He gestured. “It belongs to Gabby Raye Snow.”

  “Does she work here?” Charlotte asked, trying to understand.

  “Definitely not. Dean’s the owner, has been for decades. Gabby Raye is just, well, she’s a bit high-maintenance. I’d bet my spare change she’s in there trying to encourage Dean to get into the Christmas spirit. She thinks the whole town should be on her schedule, and since she loves Christmas, she wants everyone else to feel the same. Not the end of the world, but if you haven’t noticed, there isn’t a whole lot of decorating going on around here. She and Dean have been going back and forth for years about this.”

  “Nothing wrong with a little Christmas spirit,” Charlotte said, happy to hear that someone in Partridge Point shared her love of the holiday.

  “There are a few folks around here that would beg to differ. We might be a small town, and I know I referred to the city as busy earlier, but things here in Partridge Point aren’t quite what they seem. People are all about themselves. Let’s just say, we aren’t the sweet, welcoming town that we appear to be. I don’t mean to turn you off, but you wanted to learn about the town, and I like to be honest.”

  “Hard to tell by you. You’ve been wonderful, Burt, and I appreciate your honesty.” Charlotte stepped out of the taxi.

  “Where are you going? I’m sure Dean will be right out,” Burt called as she walked into the building.

  “I don’t think a few holiday ornaments will get customers coming here in droves. I know you mean well, but gas station marketing isn’t exactly your thing,” the man Charlotte assumed was Dean, said, standing behind the counter.

  “If you’d just do what I said, I think you’d find that more people will come. Everyone always discounts me, and I’m sick and tired of it. Just because I’m not the top man on the totem pole, doesn’t mean…” Gabby Raye wagged a finger, pausing when she saw Charlotte.

  “Hello. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting,” Dean said. “Can I get you anything in here, or are you just looking to fill the tank?”

  “I’d love a drink, and we need gas, too,” Charlotte replied, grabbing a bottle of water from the cooler and passing Dean a couple of dollar bills. “I’m all for a little holiday décor. I think this young lady has a great idea.”

  “Not another one,” Dean said with a half-smile. “We aren’t all the holiday type, I’m afraid.”

  “I love Christmas. Charlotte Claus.” Charlotte stuck out a hand, unsure which, if either person would shake it. She’d identified herself as a lover of Christmas, which seemed to turn off Dean, and she’d interrupted Gabby Raye in the middle of a tirade, despite her love for the holiday.

  “Good one.” Dean howled. “I like a good sense of humor.”

  People never believed Charlotte when she introduced herself, especially in a situation such as this one. Her name was eerily similar to one that people knew as on
e of the most popular Christmas names around. She recognized that it was hard to take her seriously.

  “It’s not a joke. It’s my real name.”

  Gabby Raye beamed.

  “Are you married?” Dean asked.

  Any other woman may wonder what kind of man would ask such a question, but not Charlotte. “Yes.” She nodded. “I’m Mrs. Claus.”

  “Wow. That’s great.” Dean continued his laughter. “Did Gabby Raye put you up to this? Thinking she can spread Christmas cheer by inviting Mrs. Claus to town?”

  “I’m afraid Gabby Raye didn’t have a thing to do with this. What’s a real shame, though, is that my husband couldn’t come along with me on my trip.”

  Gabby Raye stood still, not saying a word.

  “Don’t tell me. Is your husband’s name Santa?” Dean gave a hoot, just as Burt entered the store.

  “I hate to break up whatever this is, but can we get some gas out here?” Burt asked. “I shut off the engine, and I’m getting mighty cold.”

  “Sure thing, bud. Sorry about that. You’ll never believe what I’ve got going on in here.” Dean shook his head, following Burt outside.

  “So, is it?” Gabby Raye asked.

  “Is what, dear?” Charlotte focused her attention on the younger woman.

  “Is his name Santa?”

  Charlotte smiled, appreciating Gabby Raye. “It’s not Santa.”

  “Of course not. What a dumb question.” Gabby Raye faltered.

  “Not at all. We get it all the time. I’m Charlotte. He’s Kris. Our last name is Claus, and to top it all off, he’s the CEO of Claus Creations. We’re the butt of a lot of jokes, even more so this time of year.”

  “The toy company?!” Gabby Raye exclaimed.

  Charlotte nodded. “That’s the one.”

  “You can’t fault people who believe, then. You fit the mold,” Gabby Raye pointed out.

  “I don’t fault anyone who believes. In fact, I encourage it,” Charlotte admitted.

  “There’s nothing wrong with a little Christmas Magic.” Gabby Raye grinned, looking eager.

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Charlotte reached out and put her hand on Gabby Raye’s arm.

  “Are you new in town?” Gabby Raye asked.

  “Just an extended visit. I’m helping out a friend of the family,” Charlotte explained.

  “Well, I’m glad to hear it’s extended. I think you and I will be great friends.”

  “I sure hope so.” Charlotte gave Gabby Raye’s arm a light squeeze before heading back outside.

  “I’m sorry about before,” Dean apologized, meeting her just outside the door. “Gabby Raye gets me flustered sometimes, and I took it out on you.”

  Charlotte looked toward Burt, who was watching them closely. She was curious to know why Gabby Raye flustered him. She seemed like she was a well-meaning young lady who just wanted to share her love of Christmas.

  “Thanks. No harm. Maybe you’ll consider doing some decorating closer to the holiday. Even if you’re right, and it doesn’t attract more customers, it shouldn’t push them away. I assume that’s not the norm around here, anyway. Partridge Point may not be full of holiday spirit, but a strand or two of lights can’t hurt. No need to take my advice. Just an out-of-towner’s point of view is all. Thanks again for the apology. Have a great rest of your day.” Charlotte waved and got back into the taxi.

  “How’d that go?” Burt asked. “Did he apologize?”

  “He did. I presume you take responsibility for that?” Charlotte raised a brow.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  “Well, I’ll offer you my thanks, either way. You’ve been lovely to talk to.”

  “I don’t get a lot of longer rides with people that I haven’t known for most of my life. I’ve had a good time, too. I hope you call again. Now, let’s get you where you need to be.”

  Charlotte felt a familiar chill. She suspected that Partridge Point was precisely where she needed to be.

  Chapter 2

  Charlotte knew she wanted to get to know a few of Ian’s neighbors, so once she’d gotten herself settled into the place that would be her home for the next several weeks, she laid out her plans. Charlotte figured that Ian had informed them that he would be out of town, but since he’d been expecting his mother, Charlotte thought it was best for her to make a good impression. After doing her fair share of research while she was in the city and her husband was busy at Claus Creations, Charlotte learned that the neighbor to the left of her was Hannah Sutton, the mayor of Partridge Point. Hannah was not only the first female mayor in town but also the youngest ever to be voted in. An impressive accomplishment that put Hannah first on Charlotte’s list of people to meet.

  Charlotte bundled up, used to the cold, but still wanting to keep warm and covered, as to not get sick like Roxanne. It was the time of year for sickness, and Charlotte didn’t have time for such things. She’d made a promise to Ian to take care of his home as though it was her own, and she intended to keep that promise. Double checking that she had the set of keys from Roxanne, Charlotte locked up behind her and went on her way. Before she even made it to Hannah’s house, she realized her mistake. It was late afternoon in the middle of the week. Of course, the town’s mayor would be hard at work somewhere and not at home. Charlotte shook off her disappointment and went to the house just past Hannah’s. She had no information about who lived there. However, she was a people person through and through, and no matter what, she’d find a way to make a friend.

  “Who is it?” a man’s voice boomed from inside the house before Charlotte even had the chance to knock.

  She announced herself. “I’m a couple houses up. I wanted to introduce myself.”

  “No, thanks,” the man called.

  Charlotte frowned. Maybe the man couldn’t answer the door on his own. Just then, before she could jump to any more conclusions, the door opened, a gruff looking man on the other side.

  “Hi! I’m Charlotte Claus. I’m house-sitting for Ian. I wanted to stop by and make myself known in case you saw a stranger around and got curious.”

  “Oh, boy. I thought Ian was one of the good ones. Now he’s got one of Santa’s elves skulking around.”

  Charlotte let nothing get to her. Ever. It was a hard and fast rule of hers. She saw people like this man as more of a challenge than a deterrent.

  “I’m much too tall to be an elf,” she joked. “You can call me Charlotte instead, and you are?”

  “Annoyed.”

  “Of course. Where are my manners?” Charlotte lifted the sleeve of her coat and glanced at her wristwatch. “It’s just about dinner time. I must have interrupted you.”

  “It’s too early for my TV dinner, thanks.” The man moved to shut the door.

  “What did you say your name was?” Charlotte asked, taking a slight step forward so he couldn’t shut the door without hitting her. Assuming he didn’t want to do that, she took the risk.

  “I didn’t, but if it’ll make you go any quicker, it’s Stewart.”

  “Nice to meet you, Stewart. As I mentioned before, I’m house-sitting for Ian while he’s away.” Charlotte knew she had overstayed her welcome, which hadn’t really existed to begin with, and thought it was best to tie things up before she made an enemy. “Enjoy the rest of your evening. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Stewart closed the door just as Charlotte was moving out of the way.

  She shook her head, unsure how people could be so unfriendly. Charlotte knew that she could be over the top at times, too chatty, a bit too meddlesome for her own good, but being rude was just out of the question. She believed that everyone was inherently good and deserved kindness, no exceptions. Even people like Stewart. Charlotte believed this so much that she decided to skip meeting the other neighbors for now. There was something much more important to get accomplished. She raced home as fast as her little legs would take her, wanting nothing more than to put a smile on Stewar
t’s face. Ian was a bachelor, and from what Charlotte knew, didn’t do much entertaining. She wasn’t sure what, if anything, he’d have for food, but Charlotte was capable of many things in the kitchen. She’d put something together, something to bring a little joy into Stewart’s life.

  Charlotte dug through the cabinets at Ian’s, doing her best to find something worth anything. He was in his mid-thirties and worked all the time, so she knew the pickings would be slim, but she had no idea how slim. Thirty years ago, back when she was Ian’s age, Charlotte knew how to cook, and did so three meals a day. She always had a house full of ingredients from frozen meats to fresh vegetables, and everything in between.

  She took down two cans from the top cabinet. Corn and green beans. That was a good start. She opened the fridge and found a package of bacon bits and half a bag of shredded cheese. Stumped, Charlotte didn’t know what to do next. She dragged over a kitchen chair and decided to give the cabinet above the fridge a look. No one ever put anything in those cabinets, but it was worth a shot. All she found was a cereal box that had seen better days. Climbing down, she opened the cabinet where she’d gotten the vegetables from. In the very back, after taking everything out, she found a large can of cream of potato soup. In the middle of all the tuna, Ian had a lot of tuna, she found a single can of chicken. Surveying her ingredients, she got to work.

  Not too long after, Charlotte had created something that not only smelled delicious but looked pretty darn good, too. She poured it into the nicest bowl she could find, one emblazoned with the words A Cup of Cozy, likely something Ian had received from his mother, and wrapped it up in a bag she’d found in a drawer. Making sure to insulate the package well so the heat would stay in on her travels, Charlotte bundled herself back up, knowing she was a glutton for punishment, and headed back to Stewart’s.