Christmas in Candle Cove

by Mary L. Briggs

  ***

  He grinned. No caked on make-up, or designer clothes for Ellie. She was a natural beauty. She was fun, she had a great sense of humor, she was a good mom to Danny, and a smart businesswoman. She had her priorities straight. And he had let her go. If it weren’t for Marisa. . .

  “Gabe?”

  Startled, he let his eyes meet hers. His thoughts jumbled and he fought to remember what she’d just said. What kind of man thought about another woman when he was about to become engaged? Whatever kind it was, he didn’t want to be one of them.

  “Uh. . .Rory?” They had been talking about Rory. At least, he thought they had.

  “Yes,” she nodded, amusement on her face. “Can you imagine what sort of questions poor Madge will have to endure on Monday? She would have heard it all today, if I hadn’t sent him to meet Mr. Weaver and pick up some more rocking chairs.”

  “I imagine that Madge has heard a lot of things in her day. She’ll probably find the whole thing pretty amusing.”

  Ellie shrugged and closed the cash register door. “I just hope Rory isn’t right about a continuing crime spree in town. It’s always been such a safe place to live.”

  Gabe gave a fast shake of his head. “Cal’s working hard. I think he will have it solved before long.”

  When he grew up there, the most exciting thing to happen was the theft of a plastic donkey from the church nativity scene. In the end, the police had found it near the dog house of Mrs. Sharkey’s Great Dane, Spooky. The dog was a notorious thief and had been caught busily chewing on the leather bridle attached to the donkey.

  He glanced at his watch. “Guess I’d better run or Mom will be waiting outside the grocery store.”

  Ellie nodded and reached for the phone as it rang. “Farmhouse Finds, this is Ellie. How may I help you?”

  Her eyes widened and they met Gabe’s. “And when did this happen?”

  Gabe could hear the voice on the other end of the conversation, but it was a weak connection and he couldn’t identify whether it was a man or woman. Ellie was nodding her head, her eyebrows arched, as if she was surprised by the news. “And nothing else?” She looked disappointed after that and finally said, “OK. See you in about an hour.”

  Her eyes met his. “That was Rory. He said that he’s stuck out on the other side of town. The police have the roads blocked. Someone in the line up ahead got out and walked down the line of cars, telling them that the deputies were looking for a suspicious character. Said they were only letting people through that they knew couldn’t be suspects. Right now, they have several that they’re questioning, so everyone else has to wait. No word on why they’re looking for someone.”

  He shook his head. “Could be anything, I guess. They may just be looking for someone in a drug case.”

  “That’s possible,” she agreed. “We have enough problems with that around here.”

  It’s a problem you can’t seem to move away from. Well, I guess I’ll see you soon.”

  ***

  “Will you?” She whispered as the door closed. She caught sight of herself in the antique mirror that hung on the post next to the register counter. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes bright. A flood of emotions swam through her. It would be a mistake to fall in love with Gabe Chandler again. She’d trusted her heart to him once, and he had shattered it into so many pieces that she’d thought it would never mend. Until Harry stepped into her life and patched her emotions back together.

  “Look Mom!”

  The sweet voice of her son snapped her thoughts from the past. “What is it?”

  “Look what I found!” He held his hand out to her, showing off a broken chocolate chip cookie. “It was on the floor by the table. Can I have it?”

  “Danny! No,” she scolded. “You know better than to eat food off of the floor.”

  “But I’m hungry,” he argued.

  She laughed and ruffled his hair. “OK. Put that cookie in the trash and let’s go see if there are any more sandwiches in the refrigerator. And maybe we can have a cookie later. Rory is stuck in traffic, so I don’t think we’re going up to the apartment anytime soon.”

  “Good. I like eating down here better, anyway,” he grinned and raced on ahead of her.

  ***

  It was six o’clock when the pick-up truck finally pulled around to the back of the store. She helped Rory carry in the six rocking chairs and arrange them along the east wall of the store, among the other items that Mr. Weaver constructed. Amish made items sold well for the store. There were also a few ladder-back style chairs that were a popular seller.

  “So, did you hear anymore about what was going on?” She asked, as she pushed the last rocker into place.

  He grinned and wiped his hands on his jeans. “Seems somebody broke in over at Pick Larson’s place.”

  Ellie concentrated. “Isn’t that the farm just off the interstate?”

  He nodded. “And, whoever it was didn’t break into the house. They broke into the barn! Seems Pick has a lot of old furniture and antiques up there. Their son, Greg, saw him running away. Said the guy got in an old, white Ford truck and sped out of there.”

  “The Larson’s used to own that big store, The Antique Barn, just south of town. I guess that’s all their leftovers stored up there.” She had never considered that the Larson’s had kept some of their stock stored. Maybe she could purchase a few items from them, if they were interested in selling. “Did he get a good description of the guy?”

  Rory grinned. “Yeah. Said he was tall with long, skinny legs.” He laughed and shook his head.

  “That’s it? Not much to go on, is it?”

  “No. The fellow was dressed all in black. Even had a black ski mask on.”

  A picture of Bart Sinclair crossed her mind, but she dismissed it. “This is all just too strange,” Ellie said. Unwrapping the roll of papers that was rubber banded to one of the chairs, she headed towards her office.

  “Hey,” he called after her. “Is there anything to eat?”

  “There’s sandwiches in the fridge,” she answered as she stepped into her office.

  Chapter 10

  “Did you wash your face and brush your teeth?” Ellie called from the kitchen. Danny’s bedtime glass of milk would be evident on his lips if he didn’t tell the truth. Unless he smeared his messy mouth all over the hand towel. Maybe she should go check.

  “I did, Mom,” he called from the bathroom down the hall.

  “OK, go get in—” the front doorbell rang and she cut off her words. She glanced at the clock. Eight o’clock. It seemed late for a caller. Picking up a towel, she dried her hands and headed into the living room.

  She turned on the porch light and stared through the small mirrored window in the door. Her heart gave a small jump as her eyes landed on Gabe, staring directly into the window. Why would he be here this time of night? She pulled open the door.

  “Hi, Ellie. Sorry to stop by so late, but I was driving past and saw your light. Would it be all right to come inside and talk to you for a few minutes?”

  She blinked, then realized it looked as if she was stalling. She opened the door wide and smiled. “Of course. Come on in. I’ll make some coffee.”

  He stepped inside and shed the lightweight jacket he was wearing. She took it and hung it on the hall tree that stood just inside the door. “Come on in the kitchen.”

  She busied herself with the coffee while Gabe made a point of looking at each picture that hung on the wall in the dining area. All family pictures. Some of Ellie and her grandparents, most of herself, Harry, and Danny. At first, it had hurt to see so many pictures of Harry hung so prominently on the wall. She told herself that they gave her reason to mourn more than she should. But at the same time, they had kept Harry’s strength and resilience close to her heart, and given her the courage to move on with her life—fight away the demons that tried to lure her into a realm of self-hibernation.

  “He looks like he was a good man,” Gabe said, as he
walked to the bar that separated the kitchen from the dining area. “I was in Afghanistan doing some stories, for a couple of years, on and off. Those men are braver than I could ever imagine being. We owe a lot to them and their sacrifice.”

  Ellie took two cups from the cupboard and turned to speak. At that moment, Danny rushed into the room.

  “Would you like to see my book, Gabe?” Danny stood just inside the room, his Spiderman pajamas buttoned in a haphazard fashion. He barely glanced at his mother, his eyes on the visitor.

  “I sure would. Why don’t we sit down at the table and you can show it to me,” he winked at Ellie.

  “Just for a minute, Danny. It’s getting past your bedtime.”

  “OK.” But his eyes were on Gabe, anxious for his approval. “There’s lots of pictures of planes,” he said, climbing into a chair.

  She opened the refrigerator door and took out a small container of half and half. She poured it in a small creamer and snuck a look at the two of them. But they were paying no attention to her.

  “And this is the kind of plane that my dad flew,” Danny said, pointing to a page. “Did you see my dad’s picture?” He twisted around to look at the wall behind him.

  “Yes, I did. He looks like he was a fine man,” Gabe answered, steadying the book as Danny accidentally pulled it toward the edge of the table.

  Danny nodded and smiled. “He lives in heaven, now.”

  Gabe cleared his throat. “My dad lives there, too.”

  Danny took his eyes from the book and stared at Gabe’s face. “Do you think they know each other?”

  “I imagine that they do,” Gabe replied, putting his hand on Danny’s small shoulder. “My dad was a pilot back in another war.”

  “He was?” Danny seemed in awe of that fact. “I wonder if they know that we’re friends. I think it would make them happy,” Danny smiled.

  “Of course it would,” Gabe agreed, reaching over and turning another page in the book.

  “I’m going to be a pilot when I grow up,” Danny said, matter-of-factly.

  Ellie’s hand slipped and the carton she was returning to the fridge fell and splattered across the floor. Her eyes blurred and she covered her mouth with her hand, as she bent to snatch it from the floor, saving what was left.

  Gabe stood. “Why don’t you head on back to bed, Danny. I’ll help your mom clean up the milk and then I’ll come say good-night to you in a moment.”

  “But, I can help.” he said. “I’ll get a new roll of paper towels out of the hall closet.”

  Gabe’s hand circled her elbow and she felt herself drawn into his embrace. For a moment she allowed him to hold her against his chest. Her eyes burned with tears and she swallowed hard.

  She pulled away and wiped her cheeks with her fingers. “I’m sorry; it’s just that I’ve never heard him say that before.”

  It was rare to hear Danny discuss his father with someone else. But it was good for him. And Gabe seemed the perfect person for him to talk to. No doubt, when he and Marisa had children, he was going to be a good father.

  Danny returned with the towels and gave them to Ellie. “Well, guess I’d better go to bed.”

  Ellie stared. It was not like him to offer to go to bed. “I think that’s a good idea. But what in the world has gotten into you?” she laughed. “I can’t remember the last time you went to bed on your own.”

  He shrugged and went to the dining table, closing his book. Clutching it to his chest, he turned. “I’m just tired.”

  “How about I walk him on back while you finish up with the coffee,” Gabe offered.

  Chapter 11

  After Danny’s bedtime prayers, the two of them settled at the table and Ellie poured the coffee. Her voice shook. “Here’s what’s left of the cream.” She pushed it toward him.

  He shook his head and waved it away. His eyes met hers and she swallowed hard. Spending time with Gabe Chandler was probably not a good idea.

  “He’s going to be OK, Ellie. He’s just a kid. He looks up to his dad, with good reason. Who knows? He may be an architect, or a lawyer, before it’s all over with,” he grinned.

  She nodded and took a sip of her coffee. “I understand that. It’s just. . .hearing him say it was such a surprise.”

  An incredulous look flashed across his face. “The way he carries that book around ought to be a clue.”

  She shrugged and took another sip of the warm brew. “I know. I guess I live in a lot of denial,” she offered, a weak smile on her lips.

  He reached across the table and caught her hand with his. “No. You’re a strong woman, Ellie. You’re doing a great job with that boy.”

  She ignored the way her heart seemed to flip over, but the warm burning in her cheeks was more embarrassing. “Thanks.” She cleared her throat and gently pulled her hand from his. It was time to get off of her as the subject of the conversation. “So, what was it you wanted to talk about?”

  Gabe leaned back in his chair. “Tonight, at supper, Mom and I were discussing all the events in town. I mentioned you telling me that Madge was a maid up at the Sinclair house.” He leaned forward. “Mom said that Madge was not only a maid, but she is Rosa Sinclair’s first cousin.”

  Ellie felt her jaw drop. “She didn’t mention that!”

  Gabe’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t figure she did. I just thought it was an interesting fact to add to all the strange happenings around here.”

  Ellie chewed her lip and thought about her conversation with Madge. “I wonder why she didn’t tell me? She seemed very interested in everything about the house.”

  Gabe finished his coffee and reached for the carafe that sat on the table. “I wonder if she was one of the possible heirs?”

  “Oh, surely she would have—” she noticed that Gabe’s eyes were focused behind her. She turned and looked to see Danny, clutching a fuzzy stuffed bear, standing at the front of the hallway. “Danny! You’re supposed to be in bed.”

  “I heard something,” he answered, his big eyes wide and a little bit frightened.

  “In your closet, again?” He had been hearing a lot of monsters lately.

  He shook his head. “No. Downstairs. In the store.”

  “The store?” His bedroom was directly over the storeroom of the shop. He had never mentioned hearing anything before. “What kind of noise?”

  “A lot of banging and crashing sounds. I think maybe a big monster is down there.”

  “Now, Danny, there are no monsters. I’m sure there’s a very good explanation for the sounds you heard.” Still, it made her uneasy. Too many strange things were happening in Candle Cove.

  “Maybe I’d better go check it out,” Gabe said, pushing his chair back from the table.

  Ellie stood. “Go on back to bed, Danny. We’ll see what it was, OK?”

  Danny hesitated for a minute. “Is it OK if I use my flashlight under the covers?”

  Ellie smiled. “Of course. We’ll be right back, OK? I’m going to lock the door behind me, so don’t try to come out.”

  He nodded and ran back down the hall to his room.

  “You can stay up here and I’ll go,” Gabe said, heading to the door that led down the back stairs.

  “I’d better get the keys and come with you,” she said, going to her purse that was on the buffet behind the table.

  ***

  Gabe used the flashlight on his phone, as they hurried down the back stairs. Ellie hugged her arms tight to herself once they reached the bottom. The back door to the store was locked tight and it didn’t appear that anyone had tampered with it. He aimed his flashlight on down the alley to reveal several objects on the ground.

  They walked closer, Ellie all but holding her breath. When she realized what it was, she relaxed and grinned. “Trash! I guess a stray dog must have been hungry, from the looks of this mess,” she said, relief shooting through her arms and legs. She had been more tense than she’d realized.

  “Yeah. It’s a mess all right,” he agreed
, righting the trash can that was lying on its side. “But you might as well wait until morning to clean it up. I figure the hound will be back for the rest of his snack.” He turned the light back to the door and concentrated the beam on the doorknob.

  “Is anything wrong?” she asked?

  He squatted and took a better look. “I’m not sure. Do you know if those scratches have always been on here?”

  She leaned down and studied the lighted area. “I’m not sure. I just had this lock and door plate changed a few weeks ago. It was sticking a lot when I would have to open it, and the key didn’t always turn. It takes a different key than the front door.”

  Gabe didn’t say anything as he stood. He flashed the light up the stairs. “Ready?”

  Ellie followed close behind as they climbed back to the apartment. Thank you that he was here tonight, Lord. You know what a coward I can be.

  He held the light as she unlocked the door and they stepped inside. “Thanks for checking,” she smiled. “I’m glad you were here.”

  He nodded and headed to the living room. “I’m glad I was, too.” He took his jacket from the hook and slipped it on. “If you hear anything else, give me a call, OK?”

  She stared into his eyes, willing her heart to slow. It would be a mistake to start depending on him. He was all but promised to another. “The police are just down the street, Gabe. We’ll be fine. But, really, thank you for checking.”

  He nodded and put his hand on the doorknob, his eyes still on her face. “Promise me you’ll call.”

  She sighed. “OK. I’ll call you if anything else happens.”

  “Good girl,” he winked, as he pulled the door open. “See you at church Sunday morning.”