A Box Full of Trouble

by Carolyn Haines

  Aiden looked over at Tammy, who sat with her back against a tree. She was still pale, but her color had improved. The shocking events of the past few days would take a toll on her, just as they had on him. But they had survived, and the killers had been caught and would be brought to justice. The long reign of the SSK and his accomplice had finally ended.

  When the patrol cars left, Aiden went to Tammy and offered his hand. “It’s time for us to head back to town. Rob left us a patrol car. You’ll have to go to the sheriff’s department and make a statement.”

  Tammy nodded. “Okay.”

  She didn’t have much fight left in her, but Aiden knew it was only a temporary setback. Tammy had more grit than any women he’d ever met. She’d been taken hostage and abused, but she’d recover. She wouldn’t let what had happened define her life. He had a lot of things to learn from her.

  She grasped his hand and he pulled her to her feet. Rob had given her a patrol jacket and it swallowed her, but at least she’d warmed up. “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner,” he said. “You, me, and Trouble. We’re like the three musketeers.”

  “One for all and all for one,” Tammy said, holding up her hand for a fist bump.

  “I can’t believe you know that vow,” Aiden said.

  “I read books,” Tammy answered. “Of course I know things. People who read know lots of things.”

  He tried to hide his smile. She was already coming back. Damn, he admired her. “How about we get your statement done, and then I take you to dinner?”

  Tammy shook her head. “We can’t celebrate and leave Trouble at home. He saved my life.”

  “And mine,” Aiden admitted. “You’re right. Then I’ll cook something.”

  “It’s Christmas Day,” Tammy said.

  He heard the sadness tinge her voice. “Not exactly how I planned on spending today,” he admitted. “But we certainly have a lot to be thankful for.” He hesitated but knew he had nothing to lose … except everything, his very heartbeat, his life. “And I want you to know something, Tammy. I want you in my life. I can’t promise forever but I want to explore that option.”

  “No one can promise that. And no place can guarantee safety.” Tammy found she could say the words without bitterness. “All we can do is give it our best shot and see where the road takes us.”

  Aiden’s smile was warmer than the sun, which had finally crept overhead and promised an afternoon of golden sunshine.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The little ficus tree blinked and glittered in the corner of the den opposite the fireplace. Tammy grated fresh parmesan cheese as Aiden poured the cooked pasta into a strainer. It was certainly a non-traditional Christmas dinner, but four-cheese pasta in marinara sauce with crusty bread and wine sounded absolutely perfect.

  Christmas carols played on the radio, and Tammy hummed along with her favorites—not loud enough to frighten Aiden away. She glanced over at him and tried to pin down the emotion she felt. It came to her after a moment. At peace. By some miracle she couldn’t explain or even understand, she’d left behind so many of her self-doubts and fears. She was happy and at peace with Aiden in her kitchen, and in her life.

  Trouble sprang up on the counter—a place he knew he wasn’t allowed—and butted his head into her ribs. “Feeling left out?” she asked. “You shouldn’t. You saved the day, and Aiden has cooked you a delicious reward.”

  “Me-ow.”

  Aiden put his arm around Tammy and scratched Trouble under the chin. “The pasta is ready. We should eat while it’s hot.” He took the festive bowls to the table that Tammy had set with Christmas dishes and candles. Even Trouble had a little Santa bowl filled with freshly sautéed shrimp. They took their seats and dug into the food.

  They were all three starving, and the food was delicious. They talked about childhood Christmases, the joys of a first bicycle and the memories they held close. Aiden hadn’t fibbed about his cooking abilities. Even Trouble was happy with his menu, and he was a discriminating cat.

  When they were finished, Trouble pushed his bowl back.

  “He’s the smartest cat I’ve ever met,” Aiden said, refilling Tammy’s wine glass. “He’s extraordinary. He saved the day.”

  “Yes, he is.” Tammy didn’t care that she sounded smug. “He is his father’s son. Familiar is still solving crimes, but Trouble is following close behind in his footsteps.” She held up her glass. “To Trouble and to you, Aiden. You caught two dangerous killers.”

  “I can’t take the credit. Tammy, you played a vital role, too. But it was Trouble. When word gets out about Trouble’s abilities, everyone is going to want to hire him to help them.”

  “Yes. We’ll have to figure out how all of that works. But for right now--” She stood and drew Aiden from his chair. Putting her hands on his shoulders, she looked up into his eyes. “And what are you going to do, Aiden? John Wexler, the Silk Stocking Killer, is behind bars. Paula Scott is in the psychiatric ward of the Montgomery hospital, and soon she’ll be transferred to jail. I don’t think PTSD from her military service is going to keep her from standing trial. So you’ve caught your man. And your woman. What’s next?”

  “Rob has offered me the job of chief deputy. I’d be in charge of all major crime investigations. Of course, in Wetumpka, that may not be a huge responsibility.”

  “The town is changing, like everywhere else. We could use a good criminal investigator to help Rob out.” She felt no need to pressure Aiden to stay. If this was what he wanted, she would welcome it. But her feelings for him weren’t reliant on his staying in Wetumpka. “Even if you need to leave, I want to get to know you.”

  Aiden grinned. “I’ve decided to stay.”

  Warmth spread through Tammy. “Because that’s what you want?”

  “I want to be with you. I want to see what this thing is between us. But I also want to find a place where I fit. I think it may be Wetumpka. Since Kayla’s death, I’ve fought so hard to stay on the outside of every department where I’ve worked, every town I’ve lived in, every relationship that crossed my path. I’m tired of running away. I’ll never know if I don’t give it a try.”

  “I’m glad. I want you to be here.” The words were so simple, so easy to say once she’d stepped beyond her fears.

  With his arm around her shoulders, he led her to the den where a fire crackled. Night had fallen, and the weatherman had hinted that they might have snow. A real White Christmas.

  “You know it only snows here about once every five years,” Tammy said. “We have a 65 percent possibility tonight.”

  He laughed out loud at her. “You work so hard to sound rational, but I know better. Those mathematical calculations are pure disguise for your emotional heart. You want it to snow, so you calculate the numbers to fit your desire.”

  “Yes,” she admitted. “I want to go to sleep tonight, snuggled beside you, and wake up in the morning to a fresh snowfall covering the ground. We’ll be snowed in.”

  “Highly unlikely,” he said. “There’s a 100 percent probability that even if it does snow we can still drive to work.”

  “Kill joy.” She kissed him. “But we can pretend we can’t make it.”

  He scooped her up into his arms. “Do you want to go upstairs or do you want to open your Christmas present?”

  “You got me a present?” She couldn’t hide her grin. She’d been busy on the computer. It wasn’t a proper present, but she thought Aiden might really enjoy what she’d gotten him.

  “I do.” He put her on her feet and brought a folded piece of paper from his pocket.

  Tammy laughed as she reached beneath the sofa pillow and brought a folded sheet of paper out and handed it to him.

  “Great minds think alike. I didn’t have time to really shop and buy something, but I knew what I wanted to get you. It should be delivered tomorrow,” Aiden said. “You go first.”

  She unfolded the page and stared at the photograph of a beautiful telescope. “Oh, Aiden! That t
elescope I borrowed almost got me killed. Now I’ll have my own. Thank you!”

  “You have to promise if you’re going to trespass when you stargaze, you have to take me with you. Every single time. Me and Trouble.”

  “Thank you.” She kissed him. “Now yours.”

  Tammy watched his eyes light up at the receipt for two tickets to Cozumel.

  “I can’t believe it.” He picked her up and spun her around the room. “A beach vacation. Exactly what I’ve been wanting.” He put her down and for a moment they were both held in awkwardness. Tammy didn’t know how to make the first move.

  Before she knew what was happening, Aiden let out a startled yelp and lunged toward her. His arms wrapped around her and he held her tight. “I gather Trouble was tired of conversation and wanted some action.”

  “He’s a very smart cat, as you said. Maybe we should pay heed to his demands.” She kissed him, this time allowing herself to forget everything but Aiden’s lips.

  * * *

  Take it upstairs, kids. Biped romance is only slightly less embarrassing to a cat than watching reruns of Celebrity Boxing. Humanoids can complicate the simplest and most basic activity. They’ve got their mojo working, now all they have to do is strip down and throw a leg over. Less talk and more action.

  As my hero Sherlock would probably say, the shenanigans of the heart are a waste of effort. But I don’t really believe that. Tammy is exceptionally self-sufficient, but she’s also been lonely. And afraid. Aiden will calm her fears and expand her horizons and she’ll anchor him to a place where he can see if his roots will hold or not. The future is up to them.

  I have some thinking to do. It does seem I’ve inherited my dad’s ability to solve cases and help the humanoids bring the villain to justice. I wonder if my brothers and sisters show any signs of Sherlockian talents? I’ll have to find out.

  There are still a few loose-ends to be tied up with John Wexler and the SSK. I’m sure Mr. Deputy won’t rest until each “i” is dotted and each “t” is crossed. And Book Babe Tammy can pretend all she wants that she’ll stay home from work—not a chance. She’s going to be in the Book Basket tomorrow even if a blizzard comes through. Book people are like that.

  Besides, there’s the little problem of Benjy/Rafe to deal with. Aiden promised to help him, and those vows must be kept. He’s not a bad guy, and he sure doesn’t deserve to be punished for something he didn’t do.

  And we need a hospital report on Brady. I know they removed the bullet, but it would be good to know that he’s going to heal completely. That Paula played him just like Frasier played Tammy. Manipulators of evil. Moriarty has nothing on them.

  So much to do, but for the moment, this sleek black kitty with a very full tummy is going to take a nap. I’ve solved a case, eaten a fine dinner, and now it’s nap time. Tomorrow is another day. If I’m in a good mood, I might let the bipeds sleep in. Probably not, but you just never know.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The stars sparkled overhead, and Tammy looked up, wondering about the Choctaw legend of “the spider in the web.” She’d never gotten the chance to see the “hidden planet” during the Sassafras Moon. But next year she’d have her very own telescope—as well as an open invitation from Tom Wells to use Rook’s Vantage as her lookout.

  Aiden’s arm moved around her, drawing her close as they moved in with the crowd to watch Wetumpka’s annual celebration of the New Year, the Meteor Drop. The large bundle of sparkling fireworks had been run on a cable from high up one of the crater ridges down to the plaza where everyone was gathered to watch and cheer.

  The countdown began with the crowd chanting along and the high school band playing “Auld Lang Syne.” At the stroke of midnight, the fireball of the meteor ignited and the beautiful multi-colored lights exploded across the sky as the display came closer and closer to the plaza. When the excitement ended in a final burst of golden stars and streamers, Tammy found herself swept into Aiden’s arms. She kissed him with open joy and passion. The last week together had pushed them past awkwardness. Each new day was a revelation, a present to be unwrapped and enjoyed.

  Tammy had finally gone back to the bookstore to work but Rafe had handled most of the workload. Aiden had kept his word and helped Rafe clear his name of the false charges. When confronted by Aiden, Candy had admitted the whole story was a lie designed to help her blackmail Rafe. The charges had been dropped.

  Instead of moving back to Nashville, Rafe had decided to stick it out in Wetumpka and help Tammy with the bookstore. Tammy had taken full advantage of Rafe’s help and stayed home—with Aiden. Rob had also conspired to give the two of them time to be together. Aiden had been forced to take his holiday time—so much had accumulated, but had remained unused since he’d signed on with the department.

  Tammy looked around at all the friends she knew. Wetumpka wasn’t some town in a bubble where bad things never happened, but it was a pretty good place to live. And to raise a family, if that’s what the future offered her and Aiden.

  She felt a familiar tug at her jeans and looked down to see Trouble gazing up at her. The cat had been excessively quiet for the past several days, absorbed in watching DVDs of Sherlock Holmes, as played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Trouble loved them. He watched them over and over.

  Tammy had been a little puzzled when Eleanor sent them as a Christmas present for Trouble, but she had to admit that it was the perfect gift for the perfect black cat. Now, though, Trouble wanted her to hold him. With all the people milling about, he could easily get trampled. She lifted him into her arms.

  “All for one,” Aiden whispered in her ear as he stroked the cat’s head.

  “And one for all,” Tammy finished. It was their motto. One they would work to uphold every day for the rest of their lives.

  * * *

  I love a happy ending. John Wexler is behind bars and will soon be turned over to the FBI. His murders criss-cross the country so he’ll be tried in several jurisdictions. Paula Scott is undergoing psychiatric evaluations and will also be handed to the feds.

  It’s unclear whether Wexler will cooperate and lead authorities to the graves of the other women he killed. That’s a bitter pill for Aiden to swallow, but there’s nothing he can do to force the SSK into talking. He has to take satisfaction in knowing the killer has been stopped.

  A new year has begun. And for me, a new career. I have inherited my dad’s skills, and I want to help people. I don’t know how this will work, but I’m sure that cases will come to me. It’s my destiny. I am Trouble, son of Familiar the black cat detective.

  About the Author

  Carolyn Haines is the USA Today bestselling author of over 70 books. She was the recipient of the Harper Lee Award for Distinguished Writing and the Richard Wright Award for Literary Excellence, as well as the "Best Amateur Sleuth" award by Romantic Times. Haines writes in a number of genres, from cozy mystery to horror and short fiction. She got her start in publishing in romantic mysteries with one savvy black cat detective called Familiar. She's delighted to bring back the first Familiar stories--and to introduce Trouble, son of Familiar, in a delightful new Familiar Legacy series which will feature a number of talented authors (and cat lovers!)

  www.carolynhaines.com

  Chapter One

  I open my eyes wide, then narrow them to mere slits. My ears slant forward and my tail twitches. I rise from the cushion of the window seat and peer out into the shadows, my superior feline senses at full alert. A sound has awakened me from that ephemeral sleep of the born hunter.

  I tense all over in anticipation. Here at last is something to relieve the tedium of my sojourn in sleepy Savannah, Georgia, something to stimulate my intellect and engage my Holmesian sleuthing skills.

  A muffled thud reaches my ears and I’m off the window seat in a flash. The noise is coming from the ground floor, from the office of The Hampton Detective Agency. A burglar is on the prowl.

  I slide across the hardwood floor to a halt at the ap
artment door. It is closed and probably locked. It is a solid, old door in a solid, old house on Calhoun Square.

  I turn almost before I reach the door and retrace my steps with a couple of springs of my powerful hind legs. The window is open six inches, more than enough room for me to slip through, catwalk the molding, and drop to the portico and then to the ground. But that will do me no good. Those noises came from inside the office below. The gits are in the building.

  In less than ten seconds from the first thump that awakened me, I decide the only course of action is to involve the biped, my current roommate, Julia.

  Without a second thought I spring onto the bed that dominates the room, walk onto Julia’s chest, and sit. I bat at her face with my paw. Stealth is the only weapon we have at the moment before more facts are known.

  Julia rises from her prone position and a deep sleep in one swift move. I slip from her chest.

  “What? What?”

  She isn’t fully awake. I reach my paw up to her lips in an effort to silence her.

  Julia brushes her hair back from her face and reaches for me.

  “Trouble? What’s the matter?” She yawns. “You want to go out?”

  Again I place a paw over her lips then jump from the bed and head for the door. Another muffled thud comes from below.

  Julia sits up straight, suddenly alert. She whispers, “What’s that?” as she eases out of the bed and follows barefoot after me.

  She presses her ear against the heavy apartment door and listens. I bat at the door with my paws and growl low in my throat.

  Julia retrieves a long, heavy-duty flashlight from a drawer in the bombe chest next to the entry. She carefully turns the deadbolt lock so as not to make a sound, then places her finger to her lips. “Ssssshhh.” The door swings open on silent hinges.