Kelly swirled the last of the coffee in her mug. “Well, let’s hope Sheila’s Christmas cape will do the talking for her.”
Kelly walked Carl across the driveway and down the stone path leading around the knitting shop, putting her dog through his paces. Carl’s sits and heels and stays were still sharp.
Spotting Jayleen’s truck pull into the driveway, Kelly walked Carl back along the pathway and waited for Jayleen to approach. Carl sat obediently by her side. “Hey, Jayleen, what are you doing here? I thought you’d be helping Curt with dinner.” Pointing at the darkening sky, she added, “It’s getting close to dinnertime.”
Jayleen shifted the large white plastic bag in her arms. “Curt’s got it covered. Besides, Mimi called and said she needed more fleeces. I swear, you folks are about ready to sell the wool right off the sheep, you’re so busy.”
Kelly laughed. It felt good to be outside in the fresh air, even though it was cold. The twilight sky was turning a silky blue over the foothills. “You’re right about that.”
“You taking a break from helping in the shop?”
“Actually, I thought I’d give Carl a workout while I waited for Claudia to show up. A Florida court revoked her bond and has ordered her back to face those car theft charges. She and her police escort have a flight out of Denver tonight. Claudia told Mimi she wanted to stop by and say goodbye on the way out of town.”
Jayleen stared toward the empty, desolate golf course. “I sure am sorry Claudia’s having to go through that ordeal, but it could be a blessing in disguise.”
“How do you figure that?”
“Sounds like this will be the first time Claudia hasn’t had some man show up to rescue her. So now it’s up to her. Maybe this time, she’ll discover that she has to rescue herself.”
Kelly nodded. “Let’s hope so.”
Car headlights pierced through the dusk as a police car pulled up in front of Lambspun. A uniformed policewoman stepped out of the cruiser and opened Claudia’s door.
“Kelly, how sweet of you to stay and say goodbye,” Claudia said as she approached, a white shopping bag dangling from her arm. “And, Jayleen, so good to see you. Thank you both for being here.” She glanced over her shoulder at the attractive policewoman standing right behind her. “Officer Johnson was nice enough to let me stop by on our way out of town. I didn’t want to come earlier in the day. Too many people in the shop.”
Kelly noticed that Claudia’s voice wasn’t breathy or gasping or panicked. Claudia actually sounded calm. She guessed that answering to car theft charges in Florida was a lot less threatening than being a murder suspect in Colorado. Amazing how perspective altered things.
“I just wanted to tell you that we’ll be thinking of you, Claudia. We won’t forget you, I promise.” She grinned. “You’re pretty unforgettable, as a matter of fact. Take care of yourself, okay? Tell your lawyer to keep Marty posted.” She reached over and gave Claudia a big hug.
Claudia held on to Kelly for a minute before letting go. Kelly saw some moisture glisten on Claudia’s face, even in the twilight. “Thank you, Kelly, so much. For everything you and Burt have done to help me. I’ll never forget you.”
“Do you want me to take that package into the shop for you, Mrs. Miller?” Officer Johnson asked, pointing to the bag over Claudia’s arm.
“No, I’ll take it, Officer. I want to say goodbye to Mimi and Burt and all the others.” She glanced toward the brightly lit shopwindow looking into the front room, customers still browsing.
“You’re gonna be all right, Claudia,” Jayleen suddenly said. “No matter what that Florida judge rules, you’re gonna be okay. You know that. Deep down inside, you know that. You’re stonger than you think you are, woman. Now, you latch on to that strength. And it’ll get you through those tough times, you hear?”
Claudia stared back at Jayleen. “Thank you for saying that, Jayleen. No one’s ever said that to me before.”
“I’m only telling you the truth,” Jayleen said with her good-natured grin. “Take care of yourself, Claudia.”
“I will,” Claudia said as she turned toward the shop.
Kelly’s curiosity got the better of her. She had to know. “What’s in the bag?” she called as Claudia and Officer Johnson walked away.
Claudia paused on the brick steps. “It’s my Christmas cape. I heard Mimi needed one to send to a customer in Michigan. I certainly won’t have need of a woolen cape in Florida.” She gave a little smile that Kelly could see from the driveway. The old playful Claudia was still in there.
Twenty
“Should we save you and Jennifer a seat?” Steve asked as he settled into the pew beside Megan and Marty. Burt, Mimi, Curt, and Jayleen were already seated across the aisle.
“No, Jen and I will be supervising our troops,” Kelly said, standing in the aisle. “Hey, Marty, slide down a little more, would you? I think I spotted Greg and Lisa.”
Marty waved his camera as he and Megan slid across the wooden pew. “My photographer fees are astronomical, but I can be bribed. Those gingersnap cookies will work.”
“Forget about it,” Steve said. “Kelly already took them to the shop. They’re probably in Pete’s café with the rest of the food.”
Kelly glanced about the crowded pews of Saint Mark’s Catholic Church, which were filled with excited children and chattering adults, proud parents and indulgent relatives. The church was packed. Any latecomers would have to stand in the back. Kelly was glad to see that her friends had all heeded her advice and arrived earlier. Hilda and Lizzie were stationed in the front pew. The better to keep watch.
The fresh scent of evergreen hung in the air, mixing with the aroma of scented candles. Lighted candles were nestled in all the evergreen boughs. The entire church seemed to shimmer with a soft golden light.
“Wish us luck,” Kelly said, holding up crossed fingers to her friends before heading down the aisle.
The vestibule, which separated the front doors of the church from the sanctuary, was the perfect place to gather antsy, nervous teenagers. Jennifer was stationed there, rounding up the cast. Fortunately their depiction of the Nativity would occur early on in the service. Kelly had already noticed performance jitters the last time she’d checked on the troops.
“Hey, you got in under the wire,” Kelly teased Lisa and Greg as they met in the center aisle. “Marty’s saving a place for you. Fifth pew from the front, right side.”
“You know, the last time I was in a church was for my grandmother’s funeral a few years ago,” Greg said. “So this better be good. That service took forever as I recall.”
“This service should be shorter. We hope,” Kelly joked. “Say a prayer that the kids stay in character.” She held up crossed fingers.
Lisa glanced about the church. “Wow, it’s beautiful in here. I’ve never been to Saint Mark’s for a Christmas service before. It’s gorgeous with all the decorations. Look, even the chandeliers have evergreens and candles.” She pointed to the vaulted ceilings.
“Let’s hope the hot wax doesn’t start dripping,” Greg teased as he tugged at Lisa’s hand, guiding her toward the front.
Kelly hastened down the aisle. Burt waved to her, brandishing his camera. Curt gave Kelly a thumbs-up as she passed. She noticed both Curt and Jayleen were attired in corduroy rather than denim. Jayleen’s jacket sported long fringe, too. Colorado Cowgirl Deluxe.
Pushing open the doors to the vestibule, Kelly spotted her teenage cast clustered about Jennifer, each one colorfully dressed in his or her version of biblical garb, be it peasant or king.
Joseph wore a long dark robe, plain and unadorned, completely in character. Mary was dressed in a long navy blue tunic, which Jennifer had obviously accessorized as promised. A shimmering sapphire blue shawl was draped across the pretty teenager’s head and shoulders, providing a stunning contrast with her burnished auburn hair. Mary looked both innocent and beautiful.
The Three Wise Guys, on the other hand, had gone for
glitz. They appeared to be wearing velvet bathrobes that were trimmed in faux fur, satin ribbons, and something else. Something that sparkled. The shepherds were more modestly dressed in what looked like hooded fleece sweatshirts turned inside out. No logos, just soft gray and fuzzy. Gray sweatpants completed their matched look. Shep Two even held a tall walking stick with a curved hook on the end. Clearly, his version of a shepherd’s crooked staff.
Angel had gone for glamour. Not a surprise. Her blonde curls clustered perfectly on the shoulders of her long-sleeved snow white gown, which draped gracefully to the floor. Was that satin? Kelly wondered. A silvery halo of tinsel-like sparkles rested on her head. But the highlight of the outfit was the delicate, feathery wings that curved upward and out from behind her shoulders. She truly did look angelic.
Narrator, however, had gone for suave elegance. He wore a midnight blue velvet smoking jacket, trimmed with black satin collar. A white silk scarf was tucked neatly at his neck. He even had his hair gelled into a fifties-style pompadour. Pipe in one hand, leather-bound book in the other, he looked as if he’d stepped off the set of Masterpiece Theatre.
Kelly figured if they looked that good, their parents would forgive any flubs. “Good job! Everybody’s here on time,” she said as she joined the cluster. Nodding to the Three Wise Guys, she added, “Looking good, you guys. O’Leary, what’s up with your robe? It sparkles.”
“Just my personality, Coach,” O’Leary replied, striking a pose, eliciting groans from the others. “Actually, it’s glitter. Hey, we’re the Three Kings, right? Kings gotta glitter.”
“Got that right,” Caspar agreed.
“Check it out.” Balthazar turned around and spread his robe. A ferocious eagle was outlined in glitter, diving toward prey, claws outstretched.
“That really works for Christmas,” Angel said sarcastically.
“Angel, that outfit is gorgeous. Your mom is one heckuva designer,” Kelly said as she fingered Angel’s wing tips. Strips of fluffy white mohair were hand-stitched to the cloth-covered wings, creating the ethereal visual appearance of feathers.
“Thanks,” Angel said with a big smile. “She loves to sew for me.”
“You guys look great. All of you,” Jennifer said, dressed like Kelly in dark wool slacks and a bright sweater. Jennifer in shamrock green, Kelly in fire engine red. Turning to Narrator, Jennifer added, “But I gotta give the award for originality to this guy.”
Narrator stepped forward and gave a deep bow. “Thank you very much,” he said, imitation-Elvis style, while the others snickered.
“Please tell me you’re not going to channel Elvis during the reading,” Kelly joked, hoping to relax the cast. They joined in teasing Narrator. Humor to the rescue once again.
“Okay, now that we’ve got all hands on deck, I want to capture this moment forever.” Jennifer pulled out her cell phone and flipped it open. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll turn it into my screen saver.”
“Okay, everyone, huddle up,” Kelly said, waving the kids to a corner of the vestibule so Jennifer could snap photos. Churchgoers were still traipsing through the doors.
The teenagers clustered about in an untidy and rowdy semicircle, while Jennifer captured cheesy smiles and last-minute goofing off. “That’s great, you guys,” she said, pocketing her phone. “And just to let you know, I’ll be recording the Nativity scene. So stay sharp and stay in character.”
“Hey, will ya e-mail us the video?” O’Leary asked.
“Oh, I’ll do better than that,” Jennifer said with a wicked grin. “I’ll e-mail the entire video file to my niece, and she’ll upload it to her Web groups. She’ll have you guys all over YouTube. With enough hits, you’ll be Internet stars by tomorrow.”
Kelly had to laugh, watching the mixed reactions explode from the cast. From Mary’s look of horror to the Wise Guys’ whoops of glee. Angel and Narrator looked delighted. Shep One and Shep Two looked amused. Joseph looked skeptical. Jennifer’s brilliant scheme had sent an electric charge throughout the cast that was guaranteed to override any nervousness.
From the corner of her eye, Kelly noticed a familiar figure hovering in the stairwell. Lucy, cradling Baby David in her arms. Kelly sent her a big smile. Now it was time for the first of her two contributions to this production. Aside from providing muscle and playing straight man to Jennifer.
“Is someone saving you a seat?” Kelly asked as she approached mother and child.
“Oh, yes,” Lucy replied, over the sound of organ music billowing from the sanctuary. “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” rose along with voices. “I just fed him, so he should stay asleep the whole time. But I’ll be in the front row with Hilda and Lizzie in case you need me.”
“You’re a sweetheart, Lucy. Let’s go over and meet the stage parents,” Kelly said, beckoning Lucy over to the teenagers.
Jennifer had already lined them up in order of procession. Narrator was in front, followed by Angel. Ready for her walk into stardom. Shep One and Shep Two would be right behind. Mary and Joseph would follow, walking side by side. The Wise Men would bring up the rear, which was perfect placement for any spontaneous showing off to occur.
Kelly noticed the mischievous expression on Shep Two’s face and hoped he wouldn’t use that shepherd’s staff to trip Angel during her promenade down the aisle. Shep Two was looking for trouble, Kelly could tell. No telling what an inventive teenage mind could come up with.
Fortunately, Kelly had planned for such an occurrence. She glanced toward the front door, people still entering. Sure enough, she glimpsed someone else she recognized standing outside. Kelly smiled and held up her hand, giving a wait signal to the woman.
“Hey, Lucy, how’s the little guy?” Jennifer said, joining them.
“Sleeping soundly,” Lucy said with a smile. “Are your kids ready?”
“Let’s find out,” Kelly said, escorting Lucy toward Mary and Joseph. “Hey, guys, I thought we’d add a bit of realism to this whole scene. This is David, who’s six months old, and his mom, Lucy, has agreed to let him participate.”
Mary stared, eyes wider than wide. “What? You mean hold him?”
“He’s sound asleep. He won’t be any trouble,” Lucy assured her, placing the snoozing David into a surprised Mary’s arms.
“But . . . but what if he cries? I used to babysit my baby brother and he cried a lot!” Mary protested.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine,” Jennifer said, giving Mary a reassuring pat on her shoulder. “You already know how to do this.” Mary stared back at Jennifer, looking only slightly less fearful.
Kelly pointed to the surprised and still skeptical Joseph. Your turn, Joe.
“Okay, Joseph, your job during this whole thing is to take care of Mary and the baby. That was the original Joseph’s role, and he did a pretty good job of it, too. If he hadn’t, we wouldn’t all be here today celebrating.”
A spark of engagement flickered in Joseph’s eyes. “Okay,” he said, nodding.
“Good. There are a lot of steps leading up to where you two are sitting, and we don’t want Mary to trip. Her hands are full, so she can’t pick up her skirt.”
“Got it covered,” he said, then turned to Mary. “Listen, if he starts making noise, I’ll help. I was the only one who could get my baby sister to sleep.”
“Hey, guys, I’ve gotta run to the front pew before they finish singing,” Jennifer said, opening the door to the sanctuary. “You’ll do great. Trust me.” She hastened up the aisle, cell phone in hand, as the last notes of the chorus echoed out the door.
Okay . . . time for the pièce de résistance. Kelly walked to the front doors and beckoned the woman outside to join them.
“Sorry to make you wait,” Kelly said as she held the door open. “You’re sweet to do this, Shelly.”
Shelly Reynolds stepped inside the vestibule. She, too, was carrying something in her arms, but it wasn’t a baby. Not exactly.
“Baaaaaaaah!” Annie announced her entrance.
“I couldn’t pass this up, Kelly. It’s just too cute. I’ll be watching from the back in case she gets too playful,” Shelly said as she approached the startled teenagers.
“Guys, meet Annie the Celebrity Lamb,” Kelly announced. “She appears at charitable events all over town. And her owner and I thought she’d make a great addition to the scene.”
Everyone except Mary and Joseph stared blankly at Kelly. And Annie. Then they all started talking at once.
“Don’t look at me, Coach,” O’Leary said, holding up both hands.
“You’ve gotta be kidding!”
“Oh, man!”
“What if it poops?”
“Don’t give it to me, I’m allergic to wool.”
“Baaaah!”
Kelly took Annie from Shelly’s arms and walked to the front of the line, where Shep One and Shep Two stared in disbelief.
“Shep Two, hand off your staff. Annie is yours.”
He did a double take. Any hint of mischief evaporated from his expression. “You’ve gotta be kidding!”
“Hey, you’re a shepherd, here’s a sheep.” Kelly handed over the fuzzy bundle. Annie bleated once, then licked Shep Two’s chin.
“What if she . . . you know, poops up there?”
“Step around it,” Shelly said, chuckling.
Kelly glanced over her shoulder and noticed Jennifer giving them the high sign from the front of the church. Show-time. She opened the door.
“Okay, guys, this is it. Narrator, start ’em off. Angel, hang back so you can make a big entrance.”
Narrator set off, chin high, pipe and composure in hand. Rock-Star-in-Waiting Angel paused until he was halfway up the aisle before starting off, smiling and angelic at the same time.
“Oh, man . . .” Shep Two complained as Annie nibbled at his inside-out fleece.
“Listen, it’ll be fine. Annie’s a bigger ham than you are. You can let her walk around when you’re up there, but keep track of her. We don’t want her chewing the scenery.”
Prime Crime Holiday Bundle Page 53
