by Annie Rains
“It’s my favorite part of this shindig. The Sweetwater Springs Police Department adopts quite a few kids each year. Make sure you check out the cake walk too. The ladies in town make dozens to give away. I’m sure your guests would love some cake tomorrow.”
“Good idea. Thank you.” She hugged her arms around her body instead of reaching for Mitch’s hand again.
Mitch shoved his own hands in his pockets and then turned as Alex’s radio buzzed to life at his hip. From his years as a military police officer, Mitch was attuned to the sound. Adrenaline suddenly zipped through his veins. He missed the sound of a call. Missed racing toward a scene.
“B and E at Dawanda’s Fudge Shop on Main Street,” someone reported through the radio.
Alex cursed softly. “I’ve got to go, you two. There’s been another B and E. This is two in a week’s time.”
“I’m going with you,” Mitch said.
Alex narrowed his eyes. “You’re not SSPD.”
“No, but you’re short-staffed. I’m not letting you go into a B and E without backup.”
“What about Kaitlyn?”
Mitch had almost forgotten about his date.
“Go. It’s fine,” Kaitlyn urged. “I’ll stay a little longer and then get a cab ride home. Or maybe Paris can give me that ride after all.”
Mitch’s teeth ground together but he nodded anyway. “You sure?”
“Positive. Go help Dawanda. I’ll see you later tonight.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Mitch rode shotgun in Alex’s police SUV, zipping down the familiar streets of Sweetwater toward Dawanda’s Fudge Shop. As soon as Alex cut the engine, Mitch hopped out and followed him. As they stepped up on the curb, Mitch glanced in the shop window. No sign of anyone other than Dawanda sitting at one of the tables with her head in her hands. She looked up as a bell overhead announced their entrance.
“You okay?” Alex asked immediately, looking past her and around the store. “Anyone else here?”
“No. But the jackass left with everything in the register.”
Mitch wasn’t sure he’d ever seen Dawanda without a smile on her face. He didn’t like it. “Did you recognize the intruder?”
Alex glanced over. “Let me ask the questions, okay?”
“Yeah. Sorry.” Mitch ran a hand through his overgrown hair.
“Did you recognize the intruder?” Alex repeated, turning back to Dawanda.
“No. He had on a mask. I thought I recognized the voice but I don’t know. It all happened so fast. He said if I didn’t give him the money, I’d be sorry.”
“Did he have a gun?” Mitch cut in, forgetting that he was supposed to stay quiet.
Alex shot him another dour look.
“No. Maybe. I’m not really sure. He kept his hands in his pockets the whole time.”
“I see. Did he come in through the front of the store or the back?” Alex continued.
“The back, while I was making the fudge…Oh, darn it. I burned the fudge,” Dawanda whined. “That makes me even madder!” She shot out of her chair and went to the kitchen.
As she did, Mitch headed to check the back door. It was unlocked and cracked open. He was careful not to touch anything as he glanced outside. No one in sight, which meant the thief wasn’t a fool and didn’t have a death wish, because Mitch had a mind to knock the guy’s lights out if given a chance. Mitch wasn’t part of the Sweetwater PD so he didn’t have any rules to abide by.
“All clear,” he said several minutes later as he returned to the front of the store.
Alex was leaning forward and getting a statement from Dawanda, who’d returned from the kitchen. “Any other details you can give us?” Alex asked her.
“I would if I could.”
“Well, sometimes details come back after you’ve had a chance to relax. If you think of anything tonight or tomorrow, here’s my cell phone number.” Alex handed her a business card.
“Might want to keep the back door locked,” Mitch added.
“I always do,” she said.
Mitch furrowed his brow and turned to Alex. “There was no sign of forced entry. Looks like the perp just walked right in.”
Alex looked at Dawanda. “Maybe you forgot to lock it this time.”
“Would’ve been the first time that’s ever happened.” She rubbed her temple. “I think I’ll just close up early tonight. There’s no serving fudge after something like this. Or doing cappuccino readings.” She winked at Mitch, even though her expression was still troubled. “Unless, of course, you’re up for one, Chief Baker. I haven’t had the pleasure of peeking into your future yet.” Her face lit up just a bit as she looked at Alex hopefully.
Mitch did his best to contain a grin. “Yeah, buddy. It’s your turn.”
“Another day. Right now, I’m determined to catch our thief. This makes two in this area. I’m guessing another one of these stores will be hit next.”
Dawanda’s mouth dropped open. “I’ll call the ladies and tell them to keep protection.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “And by protection, I mean weapons.”
Alex cleared his throat. If he was fazed by the comment, it didn’t show. “I don’t want a bunch of store owners packing guns down here, Dawanda. That can make things worse. I’ll just have my officers patrol the area more frequently.”
“Thought you were shorthanded at the station,” she said.
Alex’s gaze narrowed. “How’d you know that?”
“I know a lot of things, Chief Baker. People talk, especially when you offer them caffeine and sugar.”
Mitch was already regretting what he was about to offer. “I’m in town through Christmas Eve. I can help.” What the hell am I doing? Keeping a low profile at the bed and breakfast was one thing. Riding around the town as part of the SSPD was another.
Alex looked at him with interest. “Thought you were busy with the B and B.”
“I have time, and you know I have the experience. Besides, I want to see this perp behind bars as badly as anyone. No one messes with Dawanda and gets away with it.”
* * *
Gina Hargrove was right. Lights on the Lake was an event that should not be missed. The Angel Tree towered next to the lake like a beacon of hope to onlookers. Its light reflected perfectly in the pool of water. It was a sight to be seen. So was the cluster of bikers wearing Santa hats across the way.
Kaitlyn spotted Paris and waved. She didn’t want to bother him for a ride though. He was in his element, and she wasn’t ready to go back to the inn just yet. Coming from New York, she was used to getting lost in a crowd. In some way, being one of many was comforting. She headed toward a small park along the lake where a snow machine was set up for the kids and took a seat on one of the benches to watch them squeal with delight. The song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” filled the air around her.
She was home, she thought. She just wished the people she loved could be here with her for the holidays. Maybe Mitch was right. She should invite her parents to the inn to spend Christmas with her. There was a chance they’d say yes, although slim.
“Kaitlyn?” A woman stepped up to the bench and smiled brightly. She was dressed warmly in a coat and brightly colored knit hat that complemented her tanned complexion.
“Hi, Halona. I thought you would be working at the flower shop tonight.”
Halona took a seat on the bench next to Kaitlyn and gestured toward Theo, who was playing in the snow with his uncle Tuck. “I closed early and headed over to join in the fun. I never miss Lights on the Lake. It’s one of my favorite events of the season.”
“I can see why. It’s gorgeous,” Kaitlyn said. Then she held up her laminated paper angel. “And for a good cause. I picked a six-year-old girl who wants a baby doll.”
Halona held up a similar angel. “Nine-year-old boy who wants Nerf guns.”
Kaitlyn laughed.
“Are you here all alone?” Halona asked.
“I was with Mitch but he left with Alex to go
on a police call.”
Halona furrowed her brow. “Oh my. I hope the eggnog wasn’t spiked again. That stirred quite a ruckus last year.”
“So I hear.” Kaitlyn hugged her arms around her body for warmth as she watched Halona’s son make snowballs, one after another, and pitch them at his uncle mercilessly.
“How’s the bed and breakfast coming along?” Halona asked.
“Fine. Mitch and I have things running smoothly now, knock on wood.” Kaitlyn knocked her fist along the wooden bench seat. “We’ve had several guests already, and reservations are booking up for next month. The article about the town in Loving Life magazine has helped.”
“I’ve even seen an uptick in business at the flower shop,” Halona told her, “which I have to say is nice because Theo’s wish list gets more extensive each year.”
The two women continued talking like old friends until Theo came running over and stared at his mom with hopeful eyes. He didn’t say a word though.
“Is it time for hot chocolate?” Halona asked as if reading some secret signal that Kaitlyn wasn’t privy to. He nodded happily.
Halona turned to Kaitlyn. “Want to join us?”
Kaitlyn shook her head. “Thanks, but I better get back to the inn. Mitch’s mom and aunt are watching the place tonight. I don’t want to take advantage.”
Halona stood. “That makes sense. Well, let me know if you ever need flower arrangements. I’ll give you the friends-and-family discount.”
Kaitlyn was touched. Her friends and family from New York might not be here with her for the holidays but she had one more person she could call a friend in Sweetwater. “Thanks. You guys have fun. Bye, Theo. Bye, Tuck.”
“Keep Mitch in line, will you?” Tuck called back, taking his nephew’s hand.
“That’s easier said than done.” Kaitlyn grinned as she watched them walk away, and then she stood and looked around. She still had the cab company’s number programmed into her phone from her trip to the Tipsy Tavern. She decided to go ahead and start walking toward the parking lot before calling. Sometimes cabs parked there, waiting for customers.
Instead of seeing a cab when she got to the parking lot, Kaitlyn saw a dwindling collection of motorcycles. And one familiar-looking biker.
“Ho, ho, hoooooo. Where’s Mitch?” Paris asked as she approached.
“He’s playing cop,” she said with a shrug.
Paris removed his helmet and extended it to her. “Hop on Santa’s sleigh, then. I’ll take you home.”
She hesitated. Perhaps a cab ride was a better choice. Only there didn’t seem to be any in sight. Taking the helmet, she slipped it over her head. Paris moved the stuffed polar bear he had riding shotgun, and she straddled the bike behind him. Strangely enough, straddling a sexy guy like Paris did nothing for her. The only man she hoped to wrap her legs around tonight was Mitch.
The bike roared to life, and she hugged her arms around Paris’s midsection. “I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before,” she warned.
He glanced over his shoulder with interest. “There’s only one rule. Hold on tight,” he said before zipping out of the parking lot and down the dim mountain roads.
* * *
Kaitlyn awoke just after midnight to someone entering her room. She recognized the shadow and the woodsy smell of pine.
“Hey,” she whispered, rolling over to look at Mitch.
“I hope I’m not being presumptuous. I can always sleep on the couch,” he said.
She reached for him, and he stepped toward her. “I was hoping you’d come to my bed.” She yawned and propped her elbows up behind her, raising her upper body off the mattress. “How’d it go? Is Dawanda okay?” she asked, her thoughts circling back to earlier in the night.
“Yes. I’ll fill you in at breakfast. There’s no need to worry.”
“Good. Now take those clothes off. Or am I being presumptuous?” she asked, nibbling her lower lip and biting back a mischievous grin.
“Not at all.” He lifted his shirt over his head and tossed it to the floor.
Indeed, this was the only man who lit her up these days. Brighter than the Angel Tree at Silver Lake.
* * *
“Do I get an honorary badge?” Mitch asked Alex the next morning, as he walked into the Sweetwater Police Station. He already knew Alex would insist on a background check just for procedural reasons. Mitch was more than qualified to work here though. For a month. That was all he could offer. After that, he was moving on.
“We have the plastic kind we give to the kids when they come to visit,” a uniformed woman said from behind the desk.
Mitch gave her a closer look and realized he recognized her. “Tammy?”
“The one and only. Hey there, stranger.” The African American woman smiled back at him. She’d graduated from high school with Mitch, Alex, and Tuck. Tuck’s sister, Halona, had been a year behind them all. It must’ve been ten years since he’d seen Tammy but she still looked the same. “You joining the force?” she asked.
Mitch gave a small nod. “Temporarily.”
“Wonderful. Give the chief hell,” Tammy said with a cheerful laugh.
“Will do.”
“Hey,” Alex said, looking somewhat intimidating, “I’m not above locking up any hell-raisers in the jail for a night or two. In fact,” he said, turning to Mitch, “next time you need a place to crash, I’ve got a cell with your name on it.” He lifted a hand and waved at Tammy. “See you after all the crime fighting.”
“Don’t forget to stop at Debbie’s Donuts,” Tammy teased. “And bring me back one of the chocolate ones with rainbow sprinkles.”
Alex rolled his eyes. “She thinks all I do is sip coffee and chat with the locals,” he said, leading Mitch to an SUV with the SSPD logo in the parking lot. He clicked a button on his keychain, unlocking it, and then they both got inside. “Some days, she’s right, but I’ll never admit to it.”
Mitch chuckled as Alex started the vehicle and pulled out of the parking lot. “I never would’ve expected Tammy to work at the station. She was quite the rule breaker in school.”
“Yeah, well, life is full of surprises. For example, I’m surprised you offered to help out at the station. Don’t get me wrong—I’m glad you did. We could use a good man right now. The holidays are a busy time around here.”
“It’s a win-win for us both, I guess. Another month locked away at the inn would be my undoing.” And Kaitlyn might be his undoing in a completely different way. “After Christmas, I’m heading out as planned though. You might want to start interviewing officers now.”
“Like it’s that easy,” Alex said with a head shake as he pulled up to a stoplight and waited for some pedestrians to cross. “I’ll take as much help as you can offer.” He glanced over. “I’ll take having one of my best friends around as long as I can too. We’ve missed you, buddy.”
The light turned green, and Alex refocused his attention on the road. Mitch was grateful because it gave him a second to swallow past his pesky emotion.
He cleared his throat. “So, tell me the truth. How is Tuck doing these days?”
Alex hesitated for a long moment. “I think he’s doing okay. It was hard for him right after Renee died. He kept to himself a lot. Over the last six or so months though, he’s started coming back out with me to the tavern. We’ve been hiking and climbing. He moved out of his old place with Renee. I think he’s making a real effort to move on with his life.”
“Where did he move to?” Mitch asked. He knew the town inside and out.
“A cottage on Blueberry Creek. It’s oversized for just one man but you know how Tuck likes to commune with nature.”
Mitch chuckled, remembering their friend’s various selection of wildlife pets growing up. “Didn’t he have a pet squirrel for a while?”
“That was better than the pet skunk that lasted a day.” Both men started laughing like the kids they’d once been.
“We avoided him for a week after that fiasco,
” Mitch managed to choke out through shortened breaths of amusement.
Life hadn’t been all bad here. It was easier to tell himself it was, but when he came home, the realization was like a sledgehammer to his system. Even though he and his mom had struggled financially after his father’s death, life had been idyllic in this cozy mountain town. He never would’ve left if not for the accident.
“So, what’s the deal between you and Kaitlyn?” Alex asked a moment later. “For a man who insists that he’s not staying, you two were looking awfully cozy last night at Lights on the Lake.”
They’d been awfully cozy last night in bed too, Mitch thought. And again this morning. “We have our own arrangement going.”
“You know what they say about mixing business with pleasure.”
Mitch turned to look at his friend and new boss. “She knows it’s only temporary. Same as you.”
“Doesn’t mean I won’t try to change your mind.” Alex looked over briefly before returning his eyes to the road. “I’m guessing she’s thinking the same.”
* * *
Kaitlyn felt sentimental watching her first guests leave on Monday morning. She’d grown fond of all of them over the last few days. Even the Krespos, who’d spent most of yesterday in the bedroom. When they’d finally emerged, both had a glow and a smile on their faces. Then after breakfast, she’d helped them carry their belongings to their car.
“You might see us again,” Mr. Krespo had said through his rolled-down window.
“You’re welcome anytime.” Kaitlyn meant it even though Mrs. Krespo hadn’t been the easiest guest.
Now it was Chris and Nate’s turn to depart.
“Thank you so much for staying at the inn,” she told the couple.
“Thanks for having us. It’s been an absolutely wonderful stay,” Nate said. “And thank you for what you said to my mom.”
Chris shook his head. “I still can’t believe she called and invited us to come back for Christmas. And promised us a room together.”
Kaitlyn’s mouth fell open. “You’re kidding.”
