Miss Frost Cracks A Caper: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost Book 4)

by Kristen Painter

“It’s pretty hush-hush, but I know people who know people. And no, it wasn’t Willa. Although I do know her.” He sipped his beer.

  I gave him my serious stare. “Like who, then?”

  He snorted. “Let’s just say a little birdie told me.”

  “I knew it. I just saw her, and she didn’t say a word to me.” I sat back. “I feel like my social status has just taken a hit. And you’re new in town. How did you get to be that deep in her good graces?”

  He held his hands out like it was the simplest thing in the world to understand. “I have doughnuts.”

  “A seventy-five-carat pink diamond, Mom.” I stared earnestly into the snow globe. If there was ever a way to persuade my mother to come to the ball, this was it.

  “Oh my, that does sound amazing. I would love to see that in person.” Her mouth bunched to one side, a sure sign she was thinking hard. “I wonder if your father could spare me for a few days.”

  “Of course he can. Tell him it’s an ice emergency!” I laughed.

  She chuckled. “I don’t think he’d consider anything diamond-related an emergency. And I already sent the RSVP back with our regrets. You know how hectic this time of year is for us here.”

  “I know, but I promise Elenora wouldn’t be bothered if you changed your mind about coming. She’d probably love it. You’re royalty, after all! And it’s only a few days. A day down, the day of the ball, then back home the next day.”

  “True. Although just thinking about all that travel in such a short amount of time is exhausting.”

  She was right about that. The trip took almost fourteen hours if traveling by standard human means. But she didn’t need to do that. I shrugged. “Take the sleigh. Uncle Kris will lend it to you.”

  “This time of year?” She snorted. “Not likely. You know he likes to run random packing drills and maintenance checks.”

  “What if Aunt Martha just dropped you off?” I hesitated as a new idea came to me. “Although, if you persuaded her to come to the ball with you, there’s no way Uncle Kris would tell you both no. You could fly down that morning and go home that night. Twelve hours tops. He could spare the sleigh for that long.”

  “Hmm. Maybe.” She cocked her head. “You really think you could wrangle a ticket to the ball for her too?”

  “I can totally do that.” At least I thought I could. Unless Elenora had a cap on the attendance, I couldn’t see how she wouldn’t want the wives of Jack Frost and Santa Claus at her event. North Pole royalty and all that. “You talk to Aunt Martha, see what she thinks, and I’ll get in touch with Elenora and confirm that second ticket. And that your invite still stands. Then we’ll talk again tomorrow and iron out the details.”

  “You seem awfully sure this is going to happen. Your uncle could still say no.”

  “Tell him I’m homesick.”

  My mother sucked in a breath. “Oh, honey, you are? I will absolutely come. Don’t you worry. I’ll be there as soon as—”

  “Mom.”

  “I can, and I will definitely bring Aunt Martha with me. You just—”

  “Mom.”

  “Hang on, honey, we’re coming. You poor—”

  “Mom.”

  She finally took a breath. “What, honey?”

  “I’m not homesick. I love it here. Which is not to say I don’t miss you guys, I do. But I’m completely settled in here. I just thought if you told Uncle Kris that I was homesick, it would help tip the scales in the right direction.”

  “Oh! Good thinking. That will definitely help.” She smiled at me. “I’m glad you’re not really homesick.”

  “Thanks. And thank you for the care package. I love it! Tell Aunt Martha how much I appreciate it, too, okay?”

  “I will. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Jay.”

  “Bye, Mom.” I hit the button to end the call, and the snow in the globe settled as the magical line went dead.

  I clutched the globe to my chest and stared up at the ceiling. It was late and I needed to go to bed, but I couldn’t stop thinking about dinner with Sinclair. It had been so good. We’d really clicked. And I’d learned more about him. Who knew that he got a new silver streak in his hair every time he used his magic?

  With a sigh, I put the snow globe on the side table and wandered over to the kitchen for one of my mom’s orange snickerdoodles. They’d been too good to leave in my office.

  I thought about the date some more as I ate the cookie. It had been a great night. He was so easy to talk to, and we had a lot in common. Surprising, considering the kind of supernatural he was, but it was the truth. We both loved sweets, which was good for him seeing as how he had a doughnut shop and all. We also liked funny movies, pizza, books (A man who read! Be still my heart!), and shopping. In fact, he’d asked if I’d like to hit the antique stores with him sometime in search of a lamp for his living room.

  But best of all, he had a cat. And get this—she was a sweet little all-white thing named Sugar. Because that was the most perfect name for a white cat owned by a guy who made doughnuts ever. We’d shared photos of our fur babies and stories about them and had even talked about getting them together for a playdate. And speaking of dates, we’d already decided to hit the pet store on our next adventure. Which meant we were going out again.

  Couldn’t say I was sorry. I liked Sinclair. He was a good guy. So why not go out again? I could date three guys if I wanted to.

  Of course, when we were talking about our cats, I did not mention Spider’s verbal abilities. He spoke only around me anyway, so what was the point? I realized that most of the supernaturals in Nocturne Falls were pretty easygoing about things that would be considered downright freaky in other towns, but a talking cat was still pretty out there. I mean, vampires and werewolves and witches were all real things. Talking cats? Not so much. Not until my Spider.

  And sure, I’d just had dinner with a guy who could communicate with the dead, but he was a necromancer. And I was a winter elf. Not Dr. Dolittle.

  So Spider’s unique gift stayed a secret for now. I ate the last of the cookie as the feline himself sauntered into the room.

  He sat by my feet and yawned. “Bedtime, Mama. Spider sleepy.”

  “Poor baby. Am I keeping you up?” I scooped him into my arms and held him like an infant. He put one paw on my face. I kissed it. “Would you like a girlfriend named Sugar? I bet she would think you’re the most handsome kitty she’s ever seen.”

  “What’s girlfriend?”

  “You know. A friend who’s a girl. And a cat. Like Mama has Cooper and Greyson who are boys who are friends.”

  He blinked up at me as I carried him to the bedroom. “Vampire girl?”

  “Nope, just a cat. A lady cat. She’s very pretty. I’ve seen pictures.”

  “Spider have to share bowl?”

  I snort-laughed. “No, she has her own bowl. You don’t have to share.” I put him on the bed.

  He stretched, then flopped down. “Okay girlfriend. Maybe. No sharing.”

  I shook my head, still smiling. “Oh, Spider, never change.” I went into the bathroom to brush the cookie crumbs out of my teeth.

  Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day. I’d never gone to see Elenora Ellingham about anything before, but the prospect of that encounter sent a little nervous trill through me. It was like requesting an audience with the queen. Of dragons.

  Elenora was, in my mind anyway, the ultimate power in Nocturne Falls. And while I was true royalty, I had no real sway in this town.

  I couldn’t help but wonder if Elenora would require something from me in order to grant access to the ball to my aunt and mother. Sort of an exchange of favors, as it were. If she did, that was fine. Up to a certain point. I didn’t want to agree to anything blindly.

  I sat in Elenora’s study the next day wearing a sleek charcoal gray dress, my good pearls, my diamond studs, and a delicate sapphire and diamond bracelet my aunt and uncle had given me as a graduation present. I had dressed to impress, especially
after she’d been so quick to invite me over.

  Granted, I didn’t have a car, so I’d had to call a Ryde to get here, but that’s what the corporate account was for.

  Elenora smiled at me. “Your pearls are lovely, dear. A family heirloom, am I right?”

  I trailed my fingers over them. “Yes, you are. They were a wedding present to my grandmother Frost. My mother had them restrung for me when I turned sixteen.” I’d thought they were a nice but boring gift then. Now, I appreciated the necklace and how it had been worn by some of the other women in my family.

  She smiled and nodded, looking pleased with herself. “I knew it. There is something uniquely special to the gleam of old, quality pearls. But then, I’d expect the Winter Princess to have nothing less.”

  “You have a very good eye.” I smiled and sipped the tea I’d been offered. It was all so ladylike.

  “I like to think so. Jewelry, good jewelry, is something of a hobby of mine.” Her smile grew a little more self-indulgent, and her diamond and ruby ring flashed as she waved her hand. “I have recently acquired a spectacular new piece I’ll be debuting at the ball, but then, I suppose you’ve already heard about it. I know how word travels in this town.”

  I laughed softly. “I have heard about it, but I’m sure seeing it in person at the ball won’t do the rumors justice.”

  She tipped her head. “Would you like to see it now?”

  My mouth came open a little. I hadn’t been expecting that. “Yes.”

  She raised her head to look past me at her assistant, Alice Bishop. The woman was tucked away in the corner of the room reading a book. By which I mean listening in on our conversation. “Alice, would you bring the Heart of Dawn in so Jayne can have a look at it?”

  Alice didn’t answer, just put her book down and shuffled out of the room.

  The diamond couldn’t have been far away, because Alice came back thirty seconds later with a large hinged white velvet box. She handed the box to Elenora, then went back to eavesdropping—I mean, reading her book.

  “I’m sure you heard I had Willa Iscove set the stone into a necklace.”

  “I did.” I felt odd telling her that. Like I was confirming how much gossip went on in town. But honesty was always the best policy. Especially when I was there in the hopes of getting my aunt and mother into the ball.

  She lifted the box lid, and I lost the ability to breathe.

  I’d never seen a diamond that big, that pink, or that brilliant. “Wow.” My sparkling commentary aside, I was blown away by the contents of the box.

  “Jayne Frost, meet the Heart of Dawn. Seven hundred and sixty-five points of flawless pink diamond.”

  I glanced up at her. “So it’s more than seventy-five carats? Amazing. Chillacious is actually the word that comes to mind.”

  She nodded with approval. “Sounds fitting for a piece of ice like this. And you know your carat weights. Yes, it’s a little over. But what’s fifteen points here or there?”

  The necklace that held the Heart of Dawn was also done in diamonds, all brilliant white and in a variety of shapes that made it look like a cascade of gems held the main stone. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  Elenora made a small noise of disbelief. “Surely your family has some impressive crown jewels.”

  “We do, but this is…just amazing.” I couldn’t stop staring. I forced myself to make eye contact again. “Thank you for the sneak peek. I can only imagine the crowd you’re going to have around you at the ball with people trying to get a better look at that gorgeous rock.”

  She closed the lid gently. “I’ve hired some extra security, but this is Nocturne Falls, and my private event. Despite the crowd that will attend, I’m not worried.”

  “No, of course not.” I hesitated, then found my courage. “Speaking of the event, that’s why I came to see you today. I was really hoping you might be willing to extend that invitation to my mother again. With a plus one for my aunt.”

  Elenora folded her hands on top of the box. “It would be my pleasure to invite them. Please, tell them it’s my honor to host them at the ball. I will consider them my special guests.” She lifted a hand to her throat. “It’s been centuries since I entertained royalty. I hope I remember the protocol.”

  “I promise my mom and aunt won’t expect any special treatment. They’ll just be excited to attend. And between us, I think they’ll be a little excited to get out of the Christmas madness that’s going on in the North Pole too. Halloween isn’t a big deal up there, so this will be a real treat for them.”

  Elenora smiled. “Well, I look forward to meeting them. Have you told them about the theme?”

  “I have. And since we’re being up front here, the news about the Heart of Dawn was a big draw for my mom. She and my aunt love jewelry. I’m sure they’ll be digging into the royal vaults for some special pieces for the ball.”

  Elenora’s eyes lit up with that particular vampire glow. “Oh, that is wonderful news. The more the merrier.”

  “Excellent.” I stood, not wanting to wear out my welcome. “Thank you so much. I don’t want to take up any more of your time than I already have, and I have to get back to the shop anyway. I really appreciate you inviting them.”

  She stood, keeping a firm grip on the box. “Of course. I’ll walk you out.”

  She didn’t speak again until we were in the hall and almost at the door. “I meant to tell you that I appreciate your honesty when you spoke to my grandson. Your attitude is to be commended.”

  “I don’t think I follow.” I really didn’t.

  “About Lark. The young woman I hired to entertain at the ball.” She opened the front door for me. “I wouldn’t have hired her if you hadn’t given the consent. And considering what happened between you, I would have understood if you hadn’t.”

  “Oh. Well…” I shrugged, a little at a loss for words. “It seemed like the right thing to do.”

  Her smile was thinner this time. “I certainly hope so.”

  Cooper was walking out of the warehouse as the Ryde dropped me off. There were lines around his eyes, and his eyes held a darkness I wasn’t used to.

  I hopped out of the car. “What’s wrong?” But I had a feeling I already knew.

  “My mom was admitted to the hospital this morning with a full-blown case of heatstroke.”

  “Oh no.” My heart ached for him. “Are you leaving to see her, then?”

  He swallowed and nodded. “That’s why I came by. I’m headed to my parents’ today. I’m glad I caught you. You look extra nice. Something going on?”

  I was surprised he’d noticed my outfit, considering everything on his mind. “Just a meeting. Nothing big. Are you going straight to the airport?”

  “Just have to run by the station first. Not sure when I’ll be back, but I wanted to say goodbye.”

  The sadness in his voice almost killed me. “I’m glad you did.” I leaned up and kissed his cheek, then cupped his face in my hands. “She’s going to be okay, Coop.”

  He sighed, the pain in his sky-blue eyes darkening the color to a stormy sea. “I hope you’re right.”

  I dropped my hands, wishing there was more I could do or say to help. “Keep me posted, okay? You and your whole family are in my thoughts. If there’s anything I can do, just say the word.”

  “Thanks. I will.” He lifted his head. “Birdie mentioned your mom and aunt are coming into town?”

  Thanks to Elenora’s generosity. “For the ball.”

  “Good. I’m glad you’re not going alone. I’m sorry about not being there for you.”

  “Your mom is all that matters. Don’t even think about it.”

  He nodded. “Still, I’m glad you won’t be by yourself. Especially since I heard Greyson has to go out of town too.”

  I thought about Sinclair and how I was going to have to mention him at some point. Now, however, didn’t seem like the time. I shrugged. “Things happen.”

  “That’s for sure.” Co
oper checked his watch. “I better go. I have to grab my stuff from the station before my flight.”

  “Travel safe.”

  “Thanks.”

  We kissed goodbye, then I watched him walk away for a few seconds before I went inside. I had the strangest feeling. Like we were saying goodbye in a much bigger way. I shook my head as I opened my office door. I didn’t like the way I was feeling.

  I probably needed sugar.

  Fortunately, half of the goodies my mom and aunt had sent me were still in my desk drawer. I dug into some of my aunt’s eggnog fudge. That wasn’t one of the recipes they’d experimented with (you can’t improve on perfection), and as I downed that delicious, creamy bite, I started to feel better.

  Cooper would be back. His mom would get better. She had to. Then he’d come home.

  Work took over for the next few hours, so much so that I toiled away right through lunch and didn’t realize it until Juniper stuck her head into my office.

  “Hey, did you eat?”

  “No.” I glanced at the clock on the wall. “Wow, it’s almost two.” I laughed. “I guess that fudge I ate really filled me up.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You have fudge?”

  “Yes.”

  “Eggnog?”

  Instead of answering, I just took the container out and held it up. “Help yourself.”

  She came in and did just that, taking a big piece. “I’ll forgive you for holding out, seeing as how you’re busy being infatuated with Sinclair.”

  “I’m not infatuated with him.”

  “Hah,” she managed around a mouthful of fudge.

  “I don’t know what I am with him. I like him. A lot. We had a great dinner, but he’s just a date for the ball. That’s it. I mean, one dinner does not a relationship make.”

  Juni leaned against the filing cabinet. “True. Plus, you still need to figure out Cooper and Greyson.”

  I sighed. “Speaking of Cooper, he left to go see his mom today.”

  She nodded. “I know, he stopped in the shop to see if that’s where you were after you weren’t in your office. He said he was going to call you, but then I saw you two talking outside when I was getting more shopping bags out of the warehouse, so I figured you’d talked.”