Christmas Haven

by Hope White

  “Do you make enough from tours and sandwiches to cover your expenses?”

  “Yep, I always manage to break even. But I couldn’t do it without this wonderful girl.” Lana nodded at Ashley, who blushed. “How was your afternoon with Morgan?”

  “Tense.”

  “I’ll bet.” Lana and Ashley snickered.

  “We were going over case files for kids at Teen Life.”

  Lana cleared her throat. “Oh.”

  Julie hadn’t meant to make her sister feel bad, but honestly, Lana had to stop teasing Julie about her non-romance with Morgan.

  “Did you find anything?” Mom asked.

  “Not yet. Ethan said my situation might not be related to my work.”

  “If not work, then what?” Lana said.

  “That’s the fifty-thousand-dollar question. Ethan suggested I might have upset someone.”

  “You?” Lana said with a hint of sarcasm.

  “What?” Julie challenged.

  “Oh, nothing.” She smirked.

  “No, I want to hear it.” Julie leaned forward in her chair.

  “Girls, no fighting.”

  “We’re not fighting, we’re discussing,” Julie said.

  “It’s just…” Lana hesitated. “You can be pretty type A. I mean, if you think something should be done a certain way, you’re not very open to other people’s opinions.”

  “I listen to people.”

  Ashley’s gaze bounced from Lana to Julie and back again.

  She was probably thinking it hadn’t been such a good idea to come for dinner.

  “I’m not criticizing here,” Lana said. “Lord knows I’ve got my share of challenges. But I can see where someone might take offense to your, let’s call it, determined nature.”

  “You’re saying I’m rigid?”

  “I’m saying you are very clear about how things should go, which makes you a great leader.”

  “You mean bossy.”

  The back door swung open and Morgan stepped into the kitchen.

  “Saved by the cops, praise the Lord,” Lana greeted.

  “What, something wrong?” Morgan suddenly looked worried.

  “Sibling disagreement,” Mom said.

  “It’s a good thing I have my sidearm,” Morgan joked.

  And just like that, the tension lifted. But Julie didn’t forget her sister’s comments, and although it stung, there was a ring of truth to them. Julie was determined and focused. To some that might come off as bossy, but was it enough of a motive to want to hurt her?

  “What’s for dinner?” Morgan asked.

  “Honey-nut chicken, broccoli and biscuits,” Mom said, sliding cocoa in front of Ashley. “I didn’t think you’d mind a few extras for dinner.”

  “Not at all.” Morgan walked over to the closet, took off his gun and put it in his lockbox.

  A knock at the back door made Ashley jump up and open it. Sketch stood in the doorway, peering inside. “Hey.”

  “Hi,” Ashley greeted.

  Julie and Morgan exchanged a knowing glance.

  “Invite him in,” Lana encouraged.

  “You sure it’s okay, Mrs. Burns?” Sketch asked.

  “I’d be offended if you didn’t stay for dinner.”

  “In that case…” Sketch stepped into the kitchen and froze at the sight of Morgan. “Oh, I didn’t know the chief was here.”

  “It’s my dad’s house, buddy. Where else would I be?”

  “Work. You always seem to be working.”

  “I’m taking the night off.”

  “Completely off?” Sketch said.

  “Completely. No danger of me grilling you about breaking into Rutger’s computer and planting a monkey virus.”

  All eyes focused on Sketch. “What?” he defended. “Mr. Rutger overcharged Gram on the Impala.”

  “That’s between your grandmother and Mr. Rutger, don’t you think?” Morgan said.

  “I thought you were off duty,” Sketch countered.

  Morgan put up his hands in surrender. “You’re right. Sit down and have some cocoa. We’ll talk monkey viruses tomorrow.”

  Sketch hesitated. Ashley slipped her hand into his and led him to the chair next to her. “It’s okay,” she said.

  Her tone, the coaxing touch, reminded Julie of a time when she’d had to coax Morgan out of his shell, his dark place.

  You can’t go back there. You can never go back.

  Julie turned to Morgan, who studied her with question in his eyes.

  “So, did you find anything on Helen?” Julie asked.

  “Who’s Helen?” Mom asked. “A coworker.”

  “We’ll discuss it later. If you’re making cocoa, I could use a cup.” Morgan sat beside Julie.

  “Anyone else?” Mom asked. “I’ve got whipped cream and green and red Christmas sprinkles.”

  “Mom, let me help.” Julie stood.

  Mom waved her off. “I’m fine.”

  Morgan touched Julie’s hand, warmth creeping up her arm. “Sit down, relax.”

  She glanced at Lana, expecting another smirk or wink. But she was deep into a discussion with Sketch about computer issues at Stone Soup.

  Julie eased back into her chair, breaking contact with Morgan’s hand. She loved the feel of his gentle touch, but didn’t want to hurt him again. Keeping a physical and emotional distance was the best strategy.

  “How did you spend your afternoon?” Morgan asked.

  “Helping Mom, mostly. She’s been sprucing up the place to get ready for Christmas.”

  “Speaking of which, where are your Christmas decorations, Morgan?” Mom asked.

  “In a box somewhere,” he said. His eyes dimmed and his jaw hardened.

  “Can you be more specific? I’d love to decorate.”

  “Thanks, but it’s not necessary.”

  Mom turned to Morgan. “Maybe not, but I’d love to do that for you and your dad, as a thank-you for letting us take up residence in his house.”

  “Really, there’s no need.”

  Julie sensed something else was going on here, and didn’t want Mom to keep pushing.

  “What exciting things was the police chief up to today other than trying to solve his ex-girlfriend’s crisis?” Julie asked.

  “Busywork. Boring to a city girl like you.”

  He was on the attack again. Probably defending himself from whatever he was hiding about the Christmas decorations.

  “I’m still a small-town girl at heart,” Julie heard herself say. And it was true.

  The tension in his face eased. “Someone keyed Mrs. Meyers’s car and someone else vandalized the public restroom in town.”

  “How do you know it was someone else?” Sketch said.

  “You have something you want to share, kid?”

  Sketch shifted back in his chair. “No, I…I just mean, I don’t know, I just—”

  Ashley must have squeezed his hand under the table, because he stopped talking.

  “Hey, I’m not interrogating you,” Morgan assured. “It just seems like vandalizing is a kid thing to do, and since you’re a teenager you might have some insight into the subject.”

  “No, I don’t have any insight.” Sketch glanced down.

  A hush fell over the room.

  “Dinner’s ready,” Mom announced, followed by yet another knock at the door.

  “Anderson probably smelled your cooking from next door and doesn’t want to miss out.” Morgan went to answer the door and hesitated. He placed his hand on the teenager’s shoulder and Sketch looked up at him.

  “It’s all good,” Morgan said with a smile.

  Morgan opened the door and a cop stood on the porch.

  “Scott,” Morgan greeted.

  “Can I have a word outside?” the cop said. He looked to be in his twenties, with short, black hair and a serious expression.

  “What’s wrong?” Julie said.

  “Nothing, ma’am. Sorry to interrupt. Police business.”

&nb
sp; Morgan joined him on the back porch and shut the door.

  “Girls, help me set the table,” Mom said.

  Julie and Lana got up and pulled down plates and silverware, but Julie’s attention was riveted on the men outside having a serious discussion. As if he sensed her watching him, Morgan glanced through the window and shot Julie a half smile.

  She knew that smile. He was covering for something.

  “Ashley, can you take over?” Julie asked.

  “Sure.”

  Julie went onto the porch. “What is it?”

  “Julie, this is Deputy Chief Scott Finnegan.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Scott said.

  “Something’s happened, hasn’t it?” she asked.

  The deputy chief glanced at Morgan, but didn’t answer.

  “It can’t be worse than what my imagination is dreaming up right now,” Julie said. “Please, Morgan, tell me.”

  “A stranger in town.” Morgan paused. “He’s been asking about you.”

  EIGHT

  Morgan turned back to Scott, fearing if he looked too long at Julie’s vulnerable expression, he’d lose it and pull her into his arms.

  “City Hall and where else?” Morgan asked.

  “The Turnstyle. Anna called me about it.”

  “Did she get a description?”

  Scott referred to his notebook. “Fifties, fair-skinned, red hair. He was wearing jeans, a navy shirt, cargo-type jacket and black boots, like work boots. Plus, she got a partial plate number.”

  “That’s pretty good for a civilian.”

  “What did you expect? She’s been hanging out with the police chief.”

  Dead silence stretched between the three of them. Morgan felt as if he’d been caught doing something wrong. But he had no reason to feel that way. Whom he dated was his business.

  “Anything else?” Morgan asked.

  “She tried getting information out of him, but he was pretty guarded. Still, she found out he was from Seattle, has two kids and went to Seattle U. And—” Scott glanced at Morgan “—he asked for hotel suggestions.”

  “Did Anna recommend anything?”

  “The Blue Goose and the Port Whisper Inn.”

  “Good girl,” Morgan whispered.

  “What? Why good girl?” Julie challenged.

  “Because if he took her recommendations, we know where to find him.”

  “Do you think…?”

  “I’m not thinking anything just yet.” He turned back to Scott. “Did you run the plates?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Do it.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “What about fishing licenses for the island today?”

  “Still working on it.”

  “Good, keep me posted.”

  Scott nodded at Julie. “Nice to meet you. Good night.”

  Morgan and Julie watched the deputy get into his cruiser and take off.

  “How did they find me?” Julie said, with a trembling voice.

  Morgan took her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Jules. Let’s go inside. I’ll call the Blue Goose and Port Whisper Inn to see if anyone checked in today.”

  “The Port Whisper Inn,” she said, wistful. “Morgan, I’ve put Caroline in danger.”

  “We don’t know that. Honey—” he searched her eyes “—look at me.”

  She glanced up with teary golden eyes.

  “None of this is your fault, okay?”

  She nodded and he led her inside, where her mom was serving dinner to the chatty group.

  “I don’t get what would make the hard drive conk out like that,” Lana said.

  “Doesn’t matter, as long as you have a backup,” Sketch said.

  “I have one—that doesn’t mean I remember to use it.”

  “I can set you up with an auto-backup program so you don’t have to think about it.”

  “Honey?” her mother asked. “Everything okay?”

  Julie glanced at Morgan for guidance.

  “We’re not sure yet. Go ahead and eat. I need to make a few calls.” Morgan slipped into the living room and pulled out his cell. He didn’t want to alarm Sketch about the stranger staying at his grandmother’s inn until Morgan knew what he was dealing with.

  He called Caroline and she answered on the first ring.

  “Port Whisper Inn.”

  “Caroline, it’s Morgan Wright.”

  “Hi, Chief. What’s wrong? Does Edith need something for the pie?”

  “No, ma’am. I’m calling to find out if any strangers registered for a room today.”

  “No, we haven’t had any new guests since Tuesday. Why?”

  “Please give me a call if a male, fifties, wearing work boots and a cargo jacket, shows up to rent a room, okay?”

  “Sure.”

  “Thanks.”

  He called the Blue Goose, but again, no one fitting the stranger’s description had checked in. Morgan wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or more concerned.

  At least Anna had given it a good try. She was a smart girl, probably had guessed that Julie was in danger and figured if she gave the stranger hotel recommendations it would help Morgan locate him.

  He called Anna to thank her. “Morgan, hi,” she answered. “Is this about the guy who was asking about Julie?”

  “Yes, I wanted to thank you for calling Scott and directing the man to the two properties.”

  “Did he check in?”

  “Not yet, but I appreciate your effort.”

  “Anything for you, Morgan.”

  Morgan closed his eyes, not sure how to respond.

  “Awkward…” Anna said. “Sorry, didn’t mean to come on so strong.”

  “I should be the one apologizing.”

  “Why, because you’ve been dating me but you’re in love with another woman?”

  “Anna, I—”

  “It’s okay. I totally understand. If Dean were to walk back into my life after ten years, I’d drop you like a hot tamale. No offense.”

  “None taken.”

  “Just—” She hesitated. “Can we still grab dinner once in a while? You’re a good listener.”

  “Dinner sounds great.”

  “Cool. You take care of yourself, and Julie.”

  “You’re too good to me.”

  “Remember that the next time you pull me over for speeding.”

  “Will do.”

  “’Bye.”

  Ending the call, he turned to find Julie standing right behind him. He could tell by the look on her face that she’d overheard his sincere thanks, and had probably misinterpreted it. Couldn’t think about that now. He had to track down the stranger.

  “He hasn’t checked in to either the Blue Goose or the Port Whisper Inn,” he said.

  “He could be anywhere.”

  “We’ll find him before he finds you.”

  She frantically paced the living room, wringing her hands. “I’m putting family and friends in danger.” She stopped and stared him down. “I never should have come back.”

  She brushed past him and headed for the stairs.

  “Where are you going?”

  “To pack.”

  He grabbed her hand and she froze on the steps. “You know I can’t let you go.”

  She snapped her head around and pinned him with teary golden eyes. “You have to. Just like before.”

  “This is not about—”

  She leaned forward and kissed him.

  Julie was losing her mind. Completely.

  Heightened emotions ruled over all common sense and she acted on her most basic need: to connect with Morgan again. His warm lips melted the ball of fear in her chest. Then guilt smacked her upside the head.

  She broke the kiss and glanced at the wooden floor. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

  Instead of scolding her, he took both her hands. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I understand.”

  She glanced at him, waiting
for him to expand on his comment. Instead, he shot her a humble half smile. “Let’s go back inside.”

  “But the stranger—”

  “Isn’t going to find you here. My deputy chief will call if anything breaks. Just—” he brushed her cheek with his thumb “—take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.”

  “You mean…?” The kiss?

  “Dinner with your family,” he said.

  He led her into the kitchen where Mom, Lana, Ashley and Sketch carried on a heated discussion.

  “Everything okay?” her mother asked, glancing at Julie and Morgan.

  “Fine, thank you. How’s the chicken?” Morgan asked Sketch.

  “Awesome.”

  Morgan let go of Julie’s hand. She immediately missed its warmth.

  “What’s the topic of discussion?” Julie asked.

  “Horizon Farms. It’s a new community project they’re opening outside of town,” Lana said. “It’s a place for troubled kids to straighten out their lives.”

  “The trouble is their parents,” Sketch muttered.

  “Why do you say that?” Mom pressed.

  Julie eyed her chicken, wanting to enjoy the taste of Morgan’s lips a minute longer.

  “If kids are screwed up, it’s because of their wacky parents.”

  “You mean kids don’t have any responsibility for their actions? Even at seventeen and eighteen?” Morgan challenged.

  “I’m saying, if the parents were normal the kids wouldn’t have—” he made quotation marks with his fingers “—issues.”

  “I don’t get that,” Morgan said, cutting his chicken. “Teenagers want to be treated like adults, yet when things go wrong they blame their parents.”

  “You wouldn’t understand. You had the perfect father,” Lana said.

  Julie kicked her sister under the table.

  “What?” Lana protested.

  “No one’s perfect,” Morgan said. “It’s what you do with the situation you’ve been given that counts. Sketch decided to drop out of school and hack into computers.”

  “I haven’t broken the law,” Sketch defended. “Besides, school is dumb.”

  Morgan pinned him with a hard expression. “You know what I think? I think you’re a smart kid. You didn’t fit in, so you acted out.”

  “Smart? I’m the high-school dropout, remember?”