Mistletoe and Mayhem

by London Lovett

  Briggs walked back to the car and climbed into the driver's seat. He started the motor and cranked up the heater.

  I smiled over at him and realized my face was nearly numb from the cold. "Samantha, eh?"

  He turned his car toward the road. "You always do that little twitching movement when you're trying to uncover a scent."

  "Yes, it helps wake up the olfactory cells."

  "It reminds me of that old, old show, Bewitched. Samantha wiggled her nose when she was about to perform magic."

  I sat back and thought about the name. "You know something? I like it. And I can shorten it to Sam."

  The silence of relief washed over us as we headed back to the highway.

  "Miss Pinkerton," he said quietly.

  "Yes, Detective Briggs?"

  "Don't ever scare me like that again."

  "I promise."

  Chapter 36

  The Annual Holiday Light Flotilla was gone, but the events of the weekend would stay with us, and most especially me, for a long time. I would eventually have to testify in court about my 'kidnapping', a word Detective Briggs used in a report and a word that really brought home how serious things had been. I wasn't sure if the incident would douse my curiosity or love for a good mystery, but in the future I planned to be just a little less bold when I knew someone was a cold blooded murderer. Once I'd revealed the entire story to Lola, she understood how lucky she was that she'd come through it all unharmed. She insisted she would be much more picky in the future, but just like with my plan to be less bold, we both still had to prove ourselves.

  I had arranged a red rose and white lily holiday bouquet for Franki, and Elsie helped me make a small gift batch of chocolate truffles for Detective Briggs. They were ridiculously simple gestures for two people who'd saved my life.

  I carried the flowers into the diner. As usual, Franki was busy on the floor, but she stopped for a second to come over and greet me as I placed the bouquet next to the cash register.

  "Oh my goodness, Lacey, it's beautiful. It really brightens up this place."

  I shook my head and swallowed to relieve the tightness in my throat. I hadn't expected to get emotional, but the second I saw her smile, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. "This place is already bright because of you." I hugged her quickly to not let her see the tears in my eyes. "Thank you," I said quietly.

  She hugged me back just as tightly. I realized, in that moment, that I was no longer a newcomer in town. I had found a true home in Port Danby.

  I released her and took a steadying breath. "I'll let you go. Just wanted to get these flowers to you."

  "They are lovely, and I'm just glad you're all right."

  We hugged again, and I walked out of the diner with my gift bag of truffles. Detective Briggs' car was out front. I was sure he was in his office working on the lengthy report for the case.

  I walked inside. It was still early. Hilda was not behind her desk. The black and white patrol car was not out front, so Officer Chinmoor was out and about.

  Hilda always left a bell on the counter when she wasn't at her desk. I rang it. Seconds later, Detective Briggs emerged from his office.

  "You look rested," I said. "I mean you always look fairly relaxed for someone who has your job, but you look even more so today. I'll bet you're glad to have this case behind you."

  "I sure am." He walked out to greet me. "How are you doing?"

  I smiled. "Thanks to you, I'm alive. So I guess I'm doing pretty well." I held up the bag. "I made you chocolate truffles." I tilted my head side to side. "Actually, I helped Elsie make you truffles."

  He took the bag and looked inside. "These look delicious, but you didn't need to go through the trouble. It's my job to keep Port Danby citizens safe."

  I nodded. "Yes, I know. I was just a Port Danby citizen who got herself in too deep with a murder case. You would have done it for anyone. Enjoy the chocolates." I turned to walk out.

  "I probably wouldn't have been scared out of my wits though," he added.

  I turned around. He stepped a bit closer.

  "I was scared to death that something might happen to you. I was so relieved to see you standing behind that tree, Lacey."

  "Not as relieved as I was to see you standing behind that murderer."

  His lopsided smile kicked up on the side of his mouth. He lifted his face and peered up. My gaze followed his. We were standing right beneath the cluster of mistletoe.

  "Do you think that little plant really has kissing power?" I asked.

  "Might be only one way to prove it."

  My heart sped up as he leaned closer.

  "It's cold as a polar bear's nose out there," Officer Chinmoor blurted as he burst into the station, bringing with him a sweep of frigid air. Briggs straightened again. I was shocked at how disappointed I was that I wasn't going to get that kiss.

  I pointed behind me. "Well, I better get to the shop."

  "Thank you for the chocolates, Miss Pinkerton."

  "Have a good day, Detective Briggs."

  With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Lacey 'Pink' Pinkerton finds herself caught up in another unexpected murder mystery. Full blurb coming soon.

  Pre-order your copy.

  Melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Truffles

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  About the Author

  London Lovett is the author of the new Port Danby Cozy Mystery series. She loves getting caught up in a good mystery and baking delicious new treats! (The recipes from each book are available on www.londonlovett.com/recipe-box)

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