by Kathi Daley
Jake. Please listen. I need you.
I could see Jake turn his head slightly, as if he may have heard me on some level and was looking for the source of the voice.
Jake. It’s Harmony. Please listen.
“Harmony?” Jake said out loud.
“She’s not here,” Wyatt responded with an odd look on his face. “Cookie exchange, remember.”
Jake rubbed his forehead, then returned his attention to Wyatt.
Jake, it’s Harmony. I’m in trouble. I need you.
Jake looked startled, a frown on his face. “I think Harmony is trying to make a connection with me.”
“Can she do that?” Wyatt asked.
“Her powers are growing. She made a two-way connection with a child a few days ago. She walked her through the steps she needed to save the life of her whole family.”
“If Harmony can speak to you, you best listen,” Wyatt said. “Sit down here at this table. Close your eyes and focus on her face.”
Thank you, Wyatt.
Once Jake was seated, I tried again.
Jake, it’s Harmony. I’m in trouble.
“I’m here for you, babe,” Jake said aloud. “Where are you?”
The icehouse on the north edge of town. I’m locked in the freezer. Jared killed Tim and now he’s trying to kill me.
Jake opened his eyes. He looked at Wyatt. “Harm is locked in the freezer of the icehouse north of town. Grab the gear; we need to go.”
I took a deep breath and let the connection fade. I felt totally drained, as if someone had opened me up and siphoned out every ounce of energy I possessed. Now that Jake was on his way, I let the terror I felt penetrate my consciousness. By the time Jake and Wyatt found me, I was in the fetal position, sobbing uncontrollably.
******
“Better?” Jake asked as he handed me my second glass of brandy. I was curled up on my sofa, clinging to Moose like a lifeline.
“I’ll be okay. I’m just tired. So tired.”
Jake sat down on the sofa. He took his hand in mine. He used one finger to tilt my chin so he was looking me in the eye. “Do you realize what just happened?”
“You rescued me. You always do.”
“It’s not that. We connected. You were in trouble and you managed to make your voice heard in my mind.”
I smiled. “It was pretty awesome. Exhausting, but awesome.”
“Do you think you can do that whenever you want? Communicate telepathically?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. In the past, I’ve only been able to connect when someone has needed to be rescued. Today, it was me in need of rescue. I have a feeling the link is the rescue situation. Or maybe it has to do with extreme fear. Or emotion. I don’t think I can just hop into the mind of anyone I choose.”
“Maybe not, but it was still amazing.”
I hugged Jake. “When I realized I was going to suffocate, I knew I had to try, but I also knew my odds of success were slim. I realized I needed to choose very carefully and I knew that of all the people in my life, you would be the most likely to accept my voice in your head and go with it.”
Jake hugged me so tightly, I thought he might break a rib.
“I’m okay,” I assured him. “We’re okay.”
Jake pulled back and kissed me on the forehead. “You look exhausted. You should get some rest.”
“I don’t want to be alone.”
“I’ll stay. Go get ready for bed. I’ll see to the animals.”
I was just drifting off to sleep when I felt the weight of Jake’s body on the bed beside me. I entwined my fingers with his as I drifted off to sleep, depleted but somehow content.
Chapter 17
Sunday, December 24
“You’d better hurry if you don’t want to be late,” Harley called to me over the Christmas carols playing in the background.
“I’ll be right there,” I called back as I worked the clasp of the necklace Val had given me for Christmas the year before she died.
We were on our way to the Christmas Eve celebration Jake was hosting at Neverland for the search-and-rescue family. Harley’s offer on the house had been accepted, so he’d gone ahead and bought a heavy-duty four-wheel drive he planned to leave in Rescue. He was leaving for a shoot on January 2, so Jake had told him he could leave it at his place until he closed on the house.
I glanced at the small tree in the corner of my room. Harley had helped me cut and decorate it the day after I’d been rescued from the freezer. After I gave my statement to the police, Jared and his partner in crime had been arrested for dealing drugs, as well as attempted murder. They were investigating Tim’s death as well, and it seemed only a matter of time before a murder charge was added to the package.
Beneath the tree were two wrapped packages. I’d already loaded the packages for Jake and the gang into Harley’s new truck, but I’d kept two back. One was for Harley, and I planned to give it to him tomorrow, when he came over for breakfast, and the other was to me from Shredder. I’d received the gift two days ago but had yet to open it.
“So, what do you think?” I asked Honey, who had moved her puppies onto the bed two days ago. I’d tried several times to return them to the closet, but she kept moving them back to the bed, so I pushed the bed against the wall and set up pillow barriers so they couldn’t fall off. “Should we see what Shredder sent?”
Honey barked. I knew she’d adored Shredder and I imagined she hoped he’d come back. I doubted he would, but it was nice of him to send a gift. I crossed the room and picked up the package. I carefully removed the paper to find a framed photo of Santa and me, the one Shredder had taken the night we’d stayed at the inn. I couldn’t help but smile.
I glanced at the package I’d wrapped for Harley. “Why is it,” I asked Honey, “I’ve had a rash of unavailable men dropped into my lap?”
I’d been attracted to Harley since the first time I’d seen him in the hall of the high school. He’d been a sophomore and I’d been a freshman, and I’d vowed at that moment that he would be mine. Of course, the life I’d imagined for us together hadn’t been destined to be, but we’d always have the kiss, and if he came to town from time to time, we could have a friendship as well.
I ran my finger around the frame. I didn’t really know the man who’d dropped into my life only to disappear in a flash, but we’d shared something while he was here, and despite my desire not to do so, I’d miss him.
“I might be late,” I said to Honey. “Your babies have been fed, so you should be in good shape until I do get home. I’ll leave the lamp on if you’d like.”
Honey thumped her tail against the mattress as I walked out of the bedroom.
“Ready,” I said to Harley as I walked into the living room, where he’d been waiting.
“You look beautiful. I love the red sweater. Very festive.”
“I’m usually more of a black and brown sort of girl, but it’s Christmas. Who am I to ignore tradition?”
“I’m glad you said that,” Harley said as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a sprig of mistletoe. He lifted it into the air, took a step forward, and proceeded to give me the second-best kiss I’d ever received in my life. Who would have thought the second-best kiss would come from the same dark-haired boy who’d delivered the best kiss on the high school stage all those years ago?
Up Next From Kathi Daley Books
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Preview The Cat of Christmas Future
Chapter 1
Wednesday, December 13
There was, admittedly, more popcorn on the floor than on the tree, but I still considered our night’s endeavor to be a success. The annual production of the Christmas story, performed by the children’s choir at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, was just nine days away and my fiancé, Cody West, and I were supervising the children who would portray the characters as they decorated the church auditorium in preparation for the throngs of proud parents and grandparents who
planned to attend. I’d always loved this season, but it seemed even more special this year as Cody and I discussed traditions and planned our life together.
“Everything looks just perfect,” Father Bartholomew complimented us as he walked up behind me.
“Thank you,” I said as the song playing in the background changed from “Silent Night” to “The First Noel.” “I think it’s coming together nicely.”
“I especially love the lights around all the windows. They give the whole room a festive feel.”
“The kids wanted to go all out because this will be your first Christmas with us.” Father Bartholomew was a young priest who had come to St. Patrick’s earlier in the year after our longtime priest, Father Kilian, retired.
“I appreciate how welcome everyone has made me feel. I’ll admit to being somewhat nervous about trying to fill Father Kilian’s shoes. I’m fairly new at this and Father Kilian has been such an important fixture in the community for so many years.”
“He has,” I agreed. “And he’ll continue to be a member of the community even in retirement, but we’re very happy to have you with us. In fact, I’d like to invite you to the annual Christmas Eve dinner Cody and I prepare for those who may not have other plans over the holiday. It’s held at the home of Mr. Parsons, the man Cody lives with and looks out for.”
“Why, thank you. I’d enjoy that very much.”
“Great,” I answered as I placed my hand on the shoulder of one of the boys as he ran past us, tailing a chain of red and green construction paper. I raised an eyebrow at Robby, who took my silent hint to slow down and did so. “I’ll get you the address. If you come across any other parishioners who are going to be alone for the holiday, feel free to bring them along. Cody and I want to be sure everyone has somewhere to go.”
“Thank you again. That’s very kind of you. It warms my heart the way this congregation welcomes newcomers. In fact, there’s a newcomer I’d like you to meet.” Father Bartholomew waved to a man who had just entered the room. He walked toward us, and the two men shook hands. “Caitlin Hart, I’d like you to meet Richard Sinclair. As I indicated, Richard is new to the island and to St. Pat’s.”
“I’m happy to meet you, Richard.” I shook his hand.
“Please call me Rich.”
“Okay, then, nice to meet you, Rich. Most people call me Cait.”
“I’m hoping to talk Mr. Sinclair into filling the vacancy we have with the adult choir. He was a member of the choir at the church he previously attended, and I think he’ll do quite well in the role of director.”
“We could use the help,” I seconded.
The tall, dark-haired man with silver streaks paused before he answered. “I told Father Bartholomew I’d consider it, but I have a lot on my plate right now. Still, I’d like to see the facility.”
“I have a church council to get to,” Father Bartholomew said, “but perhaps Cait could walk you over to the choir room and show you around.”
I smiled. “Sure. I’d be happy to. Just let me tell Cody what I’m doing.”
I wiped a streak of glitter from my cheek and filled Cody in on my errand, then returned to Rich, motioning for him to follow me. “So, how long have you lived on the island?” I asked conversationally.
“Just a few weeks. I purchased the abandoned warehouse on the east side of the island. I’m planning to renovate it and turn it into a high-end restaurant.”
“That’s a wonderful location for a restaurant, but I have a feeling you’d be better off tearing the whole thing down and starting over. It’s in pretty bad shape.”
“Perhaps. My contractor will be here on Monday and we’ll have that conversation. If I do tear it down I’d want to repurpose some of the wood. It’s aged and rustic, exactly the sort of thing I’m going for.”
“What sort of a restaurant are you planning to open?” I asked as we headed across the property toward the main building.
“An upscale Italian restaurant with an extensive steak-house menu as well. I worked in a similar place when I lived in Seattle and it did quite well.”
I paused. “A high-end restaurant might work in Seattle, but Madrona Island is pretty casual. You might want to consider offering some items geared toward our working-class lifestyle. I’m sure you’d attract visitors to the island with a high-end menu, but honestly, I don’t think you’d get much business from the locals. Tourism on the island dries up in the winter, so unless you only plan to be open seasonally, you’ll need business from the island’s residents as well as tourists.”
“Thank you for the input. I’ll take your comments into consideration when I make up my final menu.”
Once we entered the main parish structure, I opened the door to the music room and stepped inside. “Here we are. It’s small, but it’s home.”
“It’s nice; I like it,” Rich said, entering the room behind me. He took several steps inside, looking around as he went.
“Cody and I practice on Wednesdays and the children’s choir services the eleven o’clock Mass on Sundays. Currently the adult choir practices on both Tuesdays and Thursdays and performs during both the eight o’clock service on Sunday and the seven-thirty service on Saturday night. If you agree to take over you can discuss the specifics with Father Bartholomew.”
“Thank you. I’ll definitely think over his offer. I enjoy being part of a choir, but I’m not sure I have time to take the lead. I’ll have a lot to do if I want to get the restaurant open by spring, starting with the eviction of the squatters who’re living there right now.”
I frowned. “There are people living there?”
“Not legally, but the place has been empty for so long that a group of homeless people have set up camp. The first thing I need to do before I can start on the renovation is to convince the resident deputy to kick everyone out.”
My heart filled with sympathy for those individuals who would be displaced. “It’s Christmas. Can’t the eviction wait until after the first of the year?”
“Not if I want to meet my opening deadline.” Rich looked around the room. “I know you need to get back to the kids. Would you mind if I stay and poke around a bit?”
“Not at all. I’ll be in the auditorium if you need anything.”
As I walked back to where Cody and the kids were waiting, a feeling of déjà vu washed over me. Two years ago Cody and I had been helping the choir kids to decorate on a Wednesday evening when a beautiful cat named Ebenezer showed up. Like tonight, it had been snowing, and like tonight, I’d found out that a local business owner planned to put people out on the street just days before Christmas. Cody and I had been able to stop it then and I wondered if we weren’t meant to intervene now. Of course this situation was different. The tenants living in Balthazar Pottage’s apartment building had been living there legally and, I felt, had the right to be given additional notice if they had to move. Additionally, Balthazar was a reclusive miser who could well afford to wait a few days to give the tenants time to make other arrangements. I wasn’t sure whether Rich Sinclair had the financial means to put off the renovation of the warehouse and I wasn’t sure exactly what I could do to stop Rich from evicting squatters, but I intended to find out exactly who was living in the building. Hopefully, Cody and I could come up with a plan to help them relocate.
“The place looks great,” I said when I returned to the auditorium, where red and green lights strung from the ceiling twinkled to the sound of the carols playing in the background. “Very festive.”
“I think the kids did a good job. Did you get the new choir director settled?”
“I showed him the room, but I’m less than convinced he’s actually going to take on the duties associated with running the choir. He just moved to the island and it sounds like he already has a lot of things to do.”
“It’s hard to find volunteers who have the time to take on the larger roles.”
“Yes, I guess it is. The choir commitment takes a lot of our time, but I wouldn’
t give it up for anything.”
“I agree.” Cody smiled. “Speaking of a time commitment, while you were gone the kids asked if we were going to meet more than once next week.”
“I think we should. The play is on Saturday, so let’s have the kids meet in the choir room on Monday and Wednesday, and then we’ll have a dress rehearsal on Friday. I’ll go over to Father Bartholomew’s office to run off flyers with the dates and times. It would probably be best if we sent the information home tonight.”
“Okay. I’ll have everyone start cleaning up.”
I was halfway back to the main church building where the offices and choir room were located when a cat I knew well ran across the lawn toward me. “Ebenezer, what are you doing here?”
“Meow.”
The feeling of déjà vu I’d had minutes before suddenly intensified. I’d first met him on that snowy Wednesday two years ago. Looking back, I knew he’d come to help me with the huge task I’d taken on. I had to wonder if he wasn’t here again for a similar purpose.
“It’s coming down pretty hard; let’s get inside.” I picked up the large, furry cat and continued toward the office, where the copier was kept. I should probably try to contact Balthazar to let him know I had his cat. Ebenezer seemed to come and go as he pleased, but I knew the old man was firmly attached to him and thought he might worry if he was gone too long without a word,
I set Ebenezer on the floor while I grabbed a Sharpie and penned a note with the dates and times of practice the following week. Then I placed the paper on the copier and pressed the button to make thirty copies, which would be more than enough. I was waiting for the ancient machine to crank them out when I heard a voice raised in anger. The voice sounded like Rich’s and seemed to be coming from down the hall. I supposed he could still be in the choir room but who was in there with him? Whatever was going on was none of my business and I probably shouldn’t listen, but I couldn’t seem to quell my natural curiosity and found myself inching toward the partially open door.
