Deadly Night, Silent Night

by Margaret Daley

  * * *

  Alex checked on the sixty-three-year-old lady behind the knife counter to make sure she had been tended to. While the paramedics assessed Mrs. Rose, the woman he’d helped, Alex surveyed the first floor with only police and employees left. It looked like a herd of moose had trampled everything in their path, leaving behind smashed displays, products and a few other injured people.

  Lying not too far away, Alex spied the reason for the pandemonium, only twenty minutes ago. Big rats. From what he could surmise there had been at least six or seven of the rodents released into the crowd.

  As Rebecca evaluated the damage, she was overseeing the capture of the rats that hadn’t been trampled in the rush to leave.

  Alex returned to Mrs. Rose’s side and asked the EMTs, “Will she be all right?”

  The young man grinned at the woman. “Yes. She tells me nothing much will keep her down.”

  Alex handed her his business card. “If you need any help, let me know.”

  “Next time I need a knight in shining armor, young man, I’ll call you.” An impish grin graced her mouth.

  Alex walked toward Rebecca, and Clint joined her. From the expressions on their faces, the flood of panicking people pouring out of the building had overflowed into the crowd watching Brian Nanuq’s demonstration outside.

  Why rats? Was the saboteur making some kind of statement?

  Rebecca snagged his gaze, the long hours she had spent trying to make the promotion safe evident in the lines on her face and the circles around her eyes. She was a beautiful woman who looked as though she hadn’t slept in the two days since the cyber and transformer attack.

  Alex paused next to Rebecca. “What’s happening outside?”

  Clint glanced toward the exit. “Someone yelled bomb as the people rushed out of the store. Mass hysteria flew through both groups. There were four injured in the parking lot and a couple sped away so fast there was a three car crash.”

  “Are there enough police outside?” Alex asked, clasping Rebecca’s hand next to him.

  “Now that your captain has arrived, yes. I told him you were inside. Several officers are interviewing the people who stayed around. He figures this might be tied to what’s been happening the past two weeks.” A frown wrinkled Clint’s forehead. “I was telling Rebecca before you came over that Nanuq’s sled was destroyed.”

  “Thankfully, the crowd moved away from Kimberly. The stage was one of the few areas not bothered, so none of her things were ruined. Clint, tell Brian we’ll replace any equipment damaged.”

  “I already did.”

  “Good. I had our manager escort Kimberly to the lounge. If Brian wants to join her, that’s fine.”

  “He’s already left with his dogs. The noise and chaos were upsetting them.” Clint leaned forward and kissed his sister’s cheek. “Don’t worry about the parking lot. I’m taking care of it. I just wanted to give you a status report.”

  Rebecca tightened her hand around Alex’s. “We need to meet after everything settles down. I already told George to be in my office in an hour. We have to get ahead of this. Were the rats the only thing that set this off, Alex?”

  “From what I’ve discovered, most likely that’s what caused the stampede inside the building. At least that’s all my officers have found. Well, that and people thinking there was a bomb threat.”

  “After last year’s serial bomber, I’m sure that’s what really fueled the mass exit.” As Clint left, Rebecca shifted toward Alex. “I’m glad I don’t open the store on Thanksgiving like some have started to do. It’s going to take us all day tomorrow to right this place. I hate asking employees to give up their holiday.”

  “Ask for volunteers. I will. I’m off tomorrow.”

  “But you always eat with your mom, sister, brother, and their families.”

  “If they complain, I’ll ask them to come and help. That’ll shut them up.”

  Rebecca grinned for the first time since this ordeal started. “Has anyone told you that you can be devious?”

  He chuckled. “You did several times as we were growing up. C’mon. We’ll take care of this together. You’ll be able to open your store on Friday as expected.”

  “But will any customers show up after what happened today is reported to the public?”

  * * *

  Late Thanksgiving afternoon, Alex stood next to Rebecca at the front of the store. After a long day, Outdoor Sports and Recreation was ready to open tomorrow at six in the morning. Most of the workers who’d volunteered to help clean up had left. Clint and George were checking every exit, locking the outside doors, then leaving to spend what was left of Thanksgiving with their family.

  “Thank God no one who was injured yesterday in the chaos had to stay overnight at the hospital,” Rebecca murmured so soft Alex almost didn’t catch what she said.

  He slipped his arm around her and tugged her gently to his side. “It could have been a lot worse. When you and I have had a good night’s sleep, we need to sit down and go through your customer complaints. The robbery in Fairbanks, especially during the holidays, might not be connected to what’s happening here. People were injured here because of what this saboteur has been doing at this store in Anchorage. That’s where we need to focus.”

  “A disgruntled customer, not an employee?”

  “It could be either. Someone’s not happy with Outdoor Sports and Recreation, but for the next couple of hours, we’re not going to talk about the case. We both need a break. I have a surprise for you upstairs in your office.”

  She pulled away and looked him in the eye. “What are you up to?”

  “Nothing. I’m hungry. I got something for dinner.”

  She brushed her fingertips across his cheek. “You’re blushing, Alex Kincaid. I didn’t know you could. You’re up to something.”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “Shouldn’t you be going to see your family?”

  He laughed. “Trying to get rid of me?”

  “No, but I feel guilty keeping you from them today. I know it’s a big deal to your mother. Isn’t that why she came to the store to see you a little while ago?”

  “No, she understands. Besides my sister, brother, and their families kept her occupied. There were six of my nieces and nephews running around her home. It probably looks worse than your store did yesterday.”

  “I still have some last minute details to take care of.”

  “But you need to take a break. Since you arrived, you’ve been working.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the stairs.

  By the bank of elevators, she stopped. “I can’t believe I’m making this suggestion, but let’s use this.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “No, not after the other day, but I’m so tired I don’t think I have the energy to go up one floor, let alone three. I don’t like being afraid of something. When I experienced that overpowering fear again while stuck in the elevator, it left me paralyzed at first. Since I was nine years old, I’ve learned to turn to the Lord. It took me a moment to tap into His strength, but once I did, I could deal with the situation.”

  He moved into her personal space and combed his fingers through her hair. “That’s good advice. It’s not always easy to put yourself in His hands totally, but we are much stronger with Him on our side.”

  “That’s what I’m discovering. I’ve seen how it’s changed Clint. If he could survive being a war captive and managing to escape from the enemy, then I can do this.” She punched the up button on the wall.

  Alex leaned in and only meant to kiss her briefly like a friend, but once his mouth covered hers, he couldn’t resist her lure. He deepened the connection, pouring suppressed feelings of longing from his teenage years into it. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed her against him while leaving a trail of soft nibbles all the way to her ear.

  The ding announcing the elevator had arrived penetrated his haze and jolted him from continuing what he should never have started. The
y were good friends. He didn’t want to change that, and he certainly didn’t want to be rejected by her a second time, although she never knew that.

  Moving back, he swept his arm across his body and bowed. “Your carriage awaits, my lady.”

  She smiled. “That’s okay. I’m going to let you go on first.”

  “I would never leave you in a lurch.” He started for the elevator.

  She clasped his shoulder, stopping him. Then she skirted around him and entered first. “I know, Alex. You’ve always been there for me.” Her intense blue eyes fixed on him as though trying to delve deep into his thoughts.

  Could there be more between them? He’d been concentrating on his reaction to the kiss, not hers. She hadn’t pulled away. He had.

  After he boarded the elevator, Rebecca pushed the button to the fourth floor then lounged against the wall, her gaze still on him. He held it, and before he knew it, they arrived at their destination. The air in the car pulsated with—needs.

  But she didn’t move.

  And he didn’t either.

  Until the elevator began to close. He lifted his arm to stop the doors from shutting. “After you, Rebecca.”

  Then he followed her into the hallway, wondering what in the world had just transpired between them. He hurried around her and paused at the entrance into her office, facing her. “I want you to shut your eyes.”

  “Why?”

  “I have a surprise for you.”

  “Remember that time in middle school when the teacher wanted us to wear a blindfold and try to navigate around the classroom. I didn’t. I don’t give up control easily.”

  “I know, but I’d like to guide you into your office.” He stretched his hand toward her, suddenly her letting him lead took on a much more sufficient implication than originally considered by him.

  ***

  Chapter Five

  Rebecca covered her eyes, and Alex led her into her office. As much as she didn’t like being in the dark and not in control, she trusted Alex. None of the panic she’d experienced trapped in that refrigerator surfaced, which surprised her after what happened in the elevator at the first of the week. She’d tried to put that whole incident behind her and thought she had until then.

  Then the memory of his kiss earlier shoved any thoughts of the refrigerator incident from her mind. Instead, all she could think about was the feel of his mouth on her, the warmth of his touch as though he’d branded her.

  Alex stopped, his arm around her. “You can open your eyes.”

  Her small round conference table had been set for two with a white lacy tablecloth, fine china, silver, and crystal stemware. “Is this why your mother came to see you?”

  “Yes.” He circled behind her desk and lifted a large insulated food container. “Believe it or not, she understood about me not coming for Thanksgiving dinner, but she knows how much I love a traditional turkey meal so she suggested this. I thought it would be nice to share with you, especially after Clint told me about your plans to stay here and work after everyone left. I’m hoping to convince you while we’re eating to go home instead. Take this advice from one workaholic to another. Everyone has a limit, and this past week has stretched yours beyond it.”

  “But there are a few last minute arrangements for tomorrow that I need to finish.”

  Alex unzipped the container, filling the room with mouth-watering aromas, and began taking out the dishes: turkey, dressing, green beans with almond slices, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

  “How about doing this? Go home after we eat and come in an hour earlier in the morning. Getting some sleep will help you function better when the store opens.” He finished putting the food on the table and drew a chair out for her to sit in. “I’ve learned that the hard way.”

  After she took her seat, she asked, “What happened?”

  “I nearly missed a case-breaking lead because I was so tired I almost overlooked it. My captain told me to go home and come back after a good night’s sleep. I did, and that’s when I discovered the clue in the material I’d been going through. I started over and caught what I had missed the day before.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, but this is my family’s business. A lot of people depend on me. Tomorrow has to go off without a hitch, especially after yesterday. It’s Black Friday.”

  “My case involved a murderer who had killed three people. Three families were expecting me to solve the crime, not to mention that the guy could kill again. And you staying tonight won’t stop the person or persons sabotaging your store. You’re the best person to help me come up with a list of any people who have a grudge against Outdoor Sports and Recreation. You can’t do that if you’re so tired you nearly fall asleep standing up.”

  Heat scorched her cheeks. “You saw that earlier.” She’d been leaning against a counter, taking a moment to rest while deciding what to do next. Instead, she made the mistake of closing her tired eyes. She nodded off and nearly fell over, but she caught herself at the last second.

  “I was clear across the room and knew I could never get to you in time. I was glad you perked up.” Alex bowed his head. “Let’s say grace and dig in before it gets cold.”

  “Thank You, Lord, for this delicious meal sitting before us, but especially for my employees and friends who volunteered to help today. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

  “Amen,” Alex said then started with the plate of sliced turkey.

  Her father had always stressed how important it was for her to stand on her own two feet and not to depend on others to come to her rescue. And her dad had never understood her need to turn to God—hence he’d always been pushing her to be independent and capable of doing anything alone.

  But after what had happened this week, her dad wasn’t right about that. Yes, she needed to do her part, but without her friends and employees who went above and beyond their duties, she couldn’t have accomplished what she had. The promo yesterday had been fun and successful until someone released six large rats and probably was responsible for yelling about a bomb, but today, a lot of helpers came in on a holiday to get the store ready for Black Friday. She never could have done that alone.

  “Rebecca?”

  She blinked and centered her attention on Alex holding a casserole dish with cornbread dressing. “Sorry. I was thinking about what my dad had said to me many times while training me to take over for him. I loved my father, but I’m learning what he wanted me to do isn’t what I want to do.” She took the dressing from Alex, releasing a long breath. “I’ve been trying to live up to the image he wanted, but I don’t want to be that image. My marriage to Cade suffered because I was trying not to fail my father. The weekend he was killed in the hunting accident he’d begged me to go with him. I couldn’t. Dad needed me to be at the new store’s opening. I might have prevented Cade’s death if I’d been there.”

  “He was mauled by a grizzly. You could have been, too.”

  “I’m an expert shot and could have taken the bear down before he killed Cade. He’d only wounded the animal making it even more enraged when it charged him.”

  “You can’t blame yourself for his death. Wasn’t that the third store for the company, the one your dad put you totally in charge of opening?”

  “Yes. But not going with Cade that weekend wasn’t the only time I’d put the business before my marriage. I should have realized if I wasn’t ready to commit totally to Cade, we shouldn’t have married in the first place.”

  “Maybe Cade should have chosen to go another weekend rather than put you in that dilemma.”

  She remembered the moment when the highway patrol officer had informed her of Cade’s death. It had been right after she’d cut the red ribbon across the new store’s main doors, and it had officially opened. Her father had hugged her and told her what a good job she’d done with the grand opening. She’d been thrilled. She’d rarely gotten a compliment from him. Then her world had fallen apart moments later. “I thought I could be
a good wife and the daughter my dad wanted. When Clint entered the Marine Corps, I was the only sibling left for Dad to train to run the business. I didn’t want to let him down.”

  Stunned that she was telling Alex everything she’d kept locked up inside of her since her husband died, she suddenly stood, put her napkin on the table, and murmured, “Excuse me. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  “Rebecca.”

  Hearing the sound of Alex pushing his chair back, she hurried into the hallway and escaped into the women’s bathroom. She splashed cold water on her face, dried it off and stared at herself in the mirror. Why in the world had she told him all of that? When Clint had come back home, she hadn’t even shared that with him. Every time she’d thought about that day her husband had died, she shoved it into the dark recesses of her mind.

  Is that why I delve so deeply into work? So I never have time for anything else?

  And why did I tell Alex? Not Clint?

  The pale cast to her skin and the worried lines grooving her forehead shouted her stress. She was letting this saboteur get to her. She’d hoped for a great holiday season for the company. She wanted to use that to launch her expansion into other parts of the United States. That had been her father’s dream. Then if she’d fulfilled it, she would…

  What? Be happy? Content?

  A knock on the door reverberated through the restroom. “Rebecca, are you all right?” Concern wrapped around each word.

  She pictured Alex, and the tension gripping her lessened. “Yes.” She checked herself in the mirror, pinched her cheeks to add color to them, and then headed for the exit.

  The sight of Alex in the corridor sent her pulse racing. She’d known him for most of her life, but suddenly she was seeing him with different eyes. Why hadn’t he married? He’d dated and even had some serious relationships. But he was still single. Was it because he was equally as dedicated to his job?

  For a long moment, their gazes bonded. She didn’t want to look away. The warmth in his silver-gray eyes melted the rest of her stress, as though there wasn’t anyone trying to ruin her company. When he held out his hand, she took it and stepped closer.