by Jenn Cowan
“Anyone else?”
Cat bites her lower lip and shakes her head then glances over at her dad, who’s still leaning against the bars. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. None of this would have happened if I had. It’s all my fault.” Tears roll down her cheeks and she sniffles.
I place a kiss atop her head and tuck her into my side. “We’ll figure this out. I promise.” My heart breaks for this beautiful girl. Her pain. Her guilt. I squeeze her a little tighter and blink back tears. I’ve shed more tears in the past few days than I have in my entire life. I give her another squeeze as the door leading to the jail flies open and a dark shadow fills the space.
16
“What do you think you are doing Autumn Marie Fisher? There is no way my daughter is going to spend Christmas Eve in jail. Open this door, right now,” my mother demands to the officer, who looks about ready to pee his pants.
My father stands just outside the door with a sheepish expression on his face. The confident lawyer is gone and in his place, is a man who’s probably spent the past hour being berated by my mother.
“Them too,” my mother points to Travis and Cat.
“Mrs. Fisher, Cat and I are fine here,” Travis says, not realizing the consequences of his words.
She shoots him a steely glare, causing him to cower back into the cell. “No, you’re not.” She holds up a piece of paper. “The judge has released you and Cat into our care. We’re not letting you two out of our sight,” She pauses and shoots me a glare, “You three, out of our sight.” She motions for us to move out of the cell. “Now, come on, Regina is watching the cinnamon rolls and I don’t want them to burn. That woman can do hair, but not baking. I won’t have her burning them because you three want to dawdle.” She turns on her heels and strides toward the door.
We scurry after her without questions. Like how did she get the judge to agree to release us into her care? Although, technically Travis nor myself have been charged with anything. Cat, on the other hand, I’m not sure yet. Has Jana woken up? Did she accuse Cat of attacking her? Not to mention, how does my mother plan to keep us safe from Brooklyn’s wrath? My mother’s scary in her own right. She was a lawyer before having me and from the stories I have heard, she was even better than my father. They struggled getting pregnant. When I was born, she wanted nothing more than to stay home and take care of me. I’m eternally grateful for having her stay home with me and showing up to every school party, game and event, but I think sometimes she missed the action of the courtroom. She would always get excited when my father had a tough case. I’d hear them deliberating back and forth with each other late into the night. They made the ultimate power couple before me, but I guess kids change our goals and priorities.
When we reach the Jeep, we all squeeze in. My parents in the front and Travis behind my dad, Cat in the middle and me behind my mom. I reach up and squeeze my mom’s shoulder to let her know how grateful I am to her for getting Cat out of jail. She pats my hand and gives it a kiss then turns on some Christmas music and motions for us to all sing along.
The drive home is fast and we pull up to a well-lit house.
Regina rushes outside and pulls Travis and Cat into a group hug, planting kisses on each of their cheeks. “Oh, I was so worried. Are you hungry? There’s plenty of food. Let’s get you inside.” She bustles them inside while we trail behind.
My dad wraps an arm around my shoulder and whispers in my ear, “I told you, your mother would never stand for you spending the night in jail.”
I smirk. “Let me guess, she lectured you for ten minutes before waking up the judge and convincing him release Cat into our care without having to pay a dime?”
“Something like that,” my dad mutters, even though he’s beaming at my mother.
The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg greets us as we walk inside. A fire is roaring in the living room and there are blankets and pillows in a pile on the couch.
Regina’s passing out bowls of what smells like beef stew. “I can’t believe this. It’s Christmas and here we are dealing with all this.” She clucks her tongue and shakes her head. “My New Year’s resolution is to have a year with no murders or attacks.”
“How do you intend on ensuring that happens?” Travis asks with a smirk.
“I’m working on a plan,” she says as she wraps a blanket around Cat’s shoulders and says to her, “When you’re finished with that bowl, we’ll get you into a nice hot shower and some clean clothes.”
My mother snaps into hostess gear and starts passing out cups of hot chocolate and cookies then helps Regina get Cat settled. “Autumn, I’m putting Cat in your room. You don’t mind sharing, do you?”
I smile at Cat. “Of course not.”
Cat beams and hurries after my mother, who is talking a mile a minute and gesturing about to Regina. It’s like she’s a tour guide showing everyone around.
My dad slaps Travis on the back and motions for us to follow him into the study.
I’m assuming he has some insight into the case, but I could be wrong. Maybe he wants to fill us in on what the judge said or maybe… I should quit overthinking things. I sigh and plop down in the chair in front of his desk.
“There's no good way to say this so I’m just going to come out and say it.”
My stomach tightens and my palms begin to sweat. This can't be good.
“Cat is going to be charged with attempted murder the day after Christmas.”
I gasp and clutch my stomach. The hot chocolate and cookies I consumed moments ago are threatening to make a reappearance. “What? They don’t have enough proof. Did you speak to Eddie? There's no way he would do this to Cat.”
My father sighs and rubs his eyes. The clock behind him shows it’s pushing midnight and he never stays up past ten if he can help it. “Eddie has to do his job, Autumn. We… basically your mother convinced him to hold off arresting Cat until after Christmas. Eddie's not wild about the idea, but he did agree as long as Cat stays here where we and he can keep an eye on her.”
“But she's innocent,” I exclaim.
“Do you have some new evidence to prove that?” My father pins me with a curious expression.
“No,” I mumble, feeling helpless.
“Then we have to find some. After we celebrate Christmas morning, we make an excuse and head over to the spa. There must be something the police missed.” He glances sheepishly at Travis. “Sorry.”
Travis holds up both hands. “No need to apologize, just find out what happened so we can clear Cat's name. She didn’t do this and there's no way I can stand to see her punished for something she didn’t do.”
I nod and reach over to squeeze his hand. “Cat's innocent and we plan to prove it.”
Travis glances down at our hands. “Thanks, Autumn. You don’t know how much it means to me to have you…” he nods to my father. “Both of you on our side.”
My father pats him on the back. “You're like family to us even with everything in the past.” He gives me a small smile. “I'm glad you two finally worked out your differences.”
Travis squeezes my hand then moves his away. “The town would have had a whole lot of unsolved murders if we hadn't.”
I roll my eyes and stand up. “Let's get some sleep. Santa won't come until we're all tucked in bed.”
We move to the living room as my mom and Regina walk in.
My mother places a finger to her lips. “Shh. Cat's asleep. The poor thing. She's exhausted. What an awful way to spend Christmas Eve. There's no way she attacked that girl and we have to prove it.”
We smirk at each other, but nod to my mother then say our goodnights.
I tiptoe into my room and sprawl out on the couch in the corner. It's not super comfortable, but it will do.
“Autumn?”
“Yes, Cat.”
Silence.
“Cat?”
“I didn't stab Jana.”
“I know, sweetie.”
Silence.
&nb
sp; “Why did you go to the spa?”
“I got a text saying Jana was vandalizing the spa.”
I gasp. “Why didn’t you take your dad with you?”
Silence.
Cat sighs. “I panicked. I wasn’t sure if it was legit or another ploy.”
“I get it, just promise me next time if you get a mean text or feel threatened you come straight to me or your dad, no matter what.”
“I promise, but I hope there’s never a next time.”
“Me too, sweetie. Me too.”
17
Sunlight streams in through the window. Frost climbs up the glass as the sound of Christmas music floats through the house. I stretch and rub my eyes. Cat’s bed or should I say, my bed's empty. She must have gotten up early because the clock just hit eight. I throw the blankets off my body and sit up.
“Autumn? Are you up?” My mother pokes her head in the room. “Oh, good. Get dressed and come on out. Cinnamon rolls are ready and there's chamomile tea. Hurry! Everyone is waiting on you to open presents.” She gestures toward the bathroom then slips out, closing the door behind her.
I quickly get ready, slipping into some yoga pants and a green sweater before braiding my hair to the side. Cat bounds up to me when I step out of my room.
“Merry Christmas, Autumn!” Cat's fresh face is beaming, her cheeks red and eyes wild with excitement. She's wearing a baggy white sweater and jeans with multicolored socks. “Open your present from me,” she tugs me over to the tree and thrusts a square package in my hand.
I open it to find a picture of us standing at the front counter of the spa in our scrubs. Regina took the picture about a month ago. I thought it was strange of her to ask for one, but now, I know why and I love it. “Thank you so much. It's perfect. I know just the place for it in the spa.”
Cat's eyes light up for a moment then her expression sours.
I frown. “What's wrong? Do you not want me to put it up in the spa?”
Cat shakes her head. “It's not that. It's just…”
“What?”
She wipes a tear from her face. “What if I never work at the spa again? What if I go to jail… or the judge ships me off to a place for troubled kids?” Her lower lip quivers and tears fall from her eyes.
“Oh, Cat.” I pull her into a hug and glance over at Travis and my father. They're standing by the tree with coffee mugs in hand, frowning at us. I let Cat cry for a few moments then whisper, “We'll find out who did this. You will work at the spa, graduate high school and go on to have an amazing life.”
She sniffles and mumbles something I think is a thank you into my shirt.
Regina and my mother swoop in and convince Cat to open some presents. I have her open mine next. It’s a locket with a picture of her mom and dad in it. She absolutely loves it and insists I help her put it on.
An hour later, the living room looks like a war zone of wrapping paper and gift boxes. My mother and Regina are catering to Cat's every want or need so I motion to my dad and Travis. “Let's go to the spa and scope things out.”
My father nods, then goes over to my mother to let her know where we're going. I don’t think she'll mind. In fact, I'm sure she wishes she could join us, but she looks content fussing over Cat. She'll make a wonderful grandma one day. The thought causes me to flinch. What if Josh never returns and I never get married or have kids? I hold my stomach to keep the cinnamon rolls from making a reappearance.
“Are you okay? You're turning a little green.” Travis squeezes my shoulder.
I force a smile. “I'm fine.”
He knows me too well. “I know this must be hard for you. You've never missed a holiday with Josh ever.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and choke out, “I'm fine. Really.”
Travis gives me a sympathetic look like he doesn’t believe me for a second, but lets it go.
Thank goodness. I can't think about Josh right now when Cat needs me to focus. I have to figure out who stabbed Jana before Cat goes to jail for a crime she didn't commit.
My father hands me my coat and we hustle outside while my mother convinces Cat to help her bake some more cookies. It's only ten in the morning, but I guess any time of day is a good time to make cookies.
The bitter air sends a chill down my spine and I almost slip on the ice before sliding into the passenger seat. Travis takes the backseat while trying to convince us that he's going to stay in the car and be the lookout since he's not on the case anymore. My money’s on him being inside the spa after sitting in the car for less than five minutes.
When we reach the spa, I notice a red car parked in front. That's strange. It's Christmas morning, there shouldn't be anyone here. All the businesses are closed. The only thing open is the church and that’s specifically for the homeless. Daysville doesn't have many, but there are a few and some who travel in from surrounding towns.
“Who is that?”
I shrug. “Maybe someone broke down and left their car?”
“Maybe.” Travis pushes open the door. “I'm going to check it out and escort you both into the spa.”
I roll my eyes. Well that didn’t even last five seconds. I step out of the truck and focus on the red car. There doesn’t appear to be anyone inside.
Travis is walking around it and writing down the license plate number. “Out of town plates. Probably a rental.”
I sigh and chalk it up to someone breaking down, when the curtains in the office move. I freeze. “Travis, someone is inside the spa.”
“Let’s check it out.” He creeps around to the back of the spa and tries the door. It’s open. He puts a finger to his lips then motions for us to stay behind him. A light is on in the office.
Why is someone in the office? The safes are empty. I took all the money to the bank on Saturday. Someone must be hard up to try and rob a spa on Christmas morning. Maybe they’re hitting all the businesses. Oh, great. That’s just what we need. A Christmas thief ruining everyone’s day.
Travis creeps around the corner then whips around, pointing the gun at the person in the office. “Put your hands up,” Travis orders the woman sitting at my desk.
She turns slowly, flipping her dark hair over her slender shoulder. Her skin is pale almost blending in with her cream-colored sweater. She runs her hands down her jeans, then holds them up in the air so Travis can see she's not armed
He drops his gun when he recognizes who it is.
“Sally?” My jaw drops. “What are you doing here? On Christmas?”
“Hi, Autumn.” She turns to Travis. “The captain cleared me to be here. They've gathered everything they need.” Then she turns back to me. “I got your message and knew I couldn't wait any longer to come here.” She sighs. “I came here to close down the spa.”
I sway and my father steadies me. “Wh-what?”
“I’m closing the spa. Effective today. I’m writing out refund checks for all outstanding gift certificates.” She shakes out her right hand then smiles at me. “You sure sold a lot during the Christmas season.”
“Why are you doing this?”
She glances around the room with a sigh. “This place is cursed. These walls have seen more blood over the past year. It’s amazing we are even making money. I attribute that to you… and Josh.” She gives me a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry to hear about him.”
I nod because I’m numb. I don't know what to say or do. I mean sure, I thought closing the spa could happen if Josh didn’t get his money back, but I always believed he would and then we could buy this place. Together.
“I'm sorry, Autumn. I know this must come as a shock to you. Josh told me he would have the money by the New Year, but when I heard of his passing and now, an employee attacking someone here.” She sighs and shakes her head. “I can't in good conscience keep the spa open any longer. My life isn’t here, it’s in Chicago.” She stops talking and studies me.
I think she's waiting for me to beg or hand her a fat check, but I don't do either. I simply
nod and head to the massage rooms to gather my things. I hear my father trying to negotiate something. He's offered to help me get a loan, but I don't want him tying up his retirement money in this business that probably won't succeed without Josh. I can't see our client load by myself. I’d have to hire someone else, which would cut into profits. Quite frankly, I don't have it in me to keep this place open without Josh.
I trudge back to the massage rooms and gather my stuff. There’s not much, just a few crystals and tools I've brought in over the years. I make my way back to the break room to gather some of my mugs when I spot something sticking out underneath the fridge. I squat down and find a green flower stem.
“What are you doing?”
I jerk back and place a hand to my chest. “Travis, don’t do that.”
“Sorry.” He gestures toward the office. “You okay?”
I shrug. “Do you have any gloves?”
“What? Gloves. Why?”
“I think I found something.” I point to the green stem.
He crouches down next to me and tilts his head. “Is that a flower?”
I nod.
“Probably from all the flowers out front.”
I shake my head. “We didn’t bring any flowers back here. There’s no way there would be one back here unless someone else brought it back here. I can’t believe the police missed this.”
He frowns. “It’s not totally out of place especially with everything up front. They probably didn’t think it was part of the evidence.”
I scoff. “Everything in this breakroom should have been bagged and processed, including this stem.”
Travis turns red and clears his throat. “Don’t touch it. I’ll call the techs to come back over here.” He scratches the back of his neck and mumbles, “I’ll have to explain why I’m here. The captain’s not going to be happy.”
“Tell him we thought there was an intruder.”
He pins me with a look like the captain will never buy it, but stands to make the call.
