Page 42 of A Dye Hard Holiday

“I’d like your help capturing the Christmas Bandits,” I told the editor.

“Oh, how exciting.” Myrna sat straighter in her chair. “What can I do?”

“Some of the local businesses are pooling resources and offering a reward for the tip that leads to arresting the bandits.”

“That’s a good idea,” Myrna said. “Money is a big motivator.”

“Five thousand dollars is one hell of an incentive.”

“Wow! Are you serious?”

I nodded my head. “Ten businesses are chipping in five hundred bucks each.”

“That’s amazing, Captain. Do you just want to place a large ad in the paper for the next few days?”

“Yes, but I’d like to go a step further if you’re willing to listen to my idea,” I said.

“Of course. What did you have in mind?”

“Detective Goode compiled a lot of data from the reports and it pinpoints some consistencies between days and times these crimes occur.”

“Crimes?” Myrna asked. “I get that people are annoyed, but is this really acrime? We’re talking about someone cutting Christmas lights and poking holes in inflatable snowmen that no one likes anyway, right? That’s just a silly misdemeanor, isn’t it?”

“Looking at the cases individually, they might not look like much, but we’re talking grand theft and criminal mischief when you add up all of the stolen and damaged items.”

“Grand theft?” she asked in shock. “That much has been stolen or damaged?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I told her. “We’re talking fourth and fifth degree felonies. And if I can link them to the other thefts and burglaries…”

“Holy hell. This is much bigger than I thought.” Myrna leaned forward. “How can I help you catch these assholes?”

“First, we need to change the notion that it’s just a few cut Christmas lights and deflated snowmen that no one likes anyway.” At least the editor had the good grace to look embarrassed by her earlier remark. “We need to make this a human-interest story, give it a face that people know and recognize. Some of these people lost items that had been in their families for decades, Myrna.”

Josh wasn’t the only one who had meaningful items taken. Another resident had an antique sled stolen right off her front porch. Her grandfather handcrafted it for her father when he was a small boy nearly seventy years ago. She put it out each year with fake Christmas presents on it to decorate her porch.

“I’m sorry that I took such a cavalier attitude toward the crimes. I wasn’t aware that it had gotten so serious. I mean, I knew you hosted a town hall meeting about it, but apparently I didn’t get it even after that.”

“Now you know, and now you can help.”

I could’ve assigned anyone on the police department or even asked for civilian volunteers to hang the reward posters all over town, but I did it myself. Partly because I wanted the town to know how seriously we were taking the crimes, and partly as penance for not doing more sooner.

“You’re going to need a designated tip line,” Milo told me when I stopped by Books and Brew. He gestured toward the group of teenagers who had gathered around the sign I hung in the window before I placed my order. They talked excitedly amongst themselves and looked to be forming a plan.

Maegan joined us at the counter with my order. “Oh look, it’s Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys!” She shook her head and said, “This could be the best five hundred dollars we ever spent.”

“The local paper is printing the name of the local businesses who are offering reward money. I think you guys should be recognized.”

“It’s our pleasure,” Milo replied then nodded at the two carryout trays in front of me. “These should help sweeten Josh’s day.”

“I hope so.”

“Do you want some help carrying those out?” Maegan asked.

“Nah,” I said dismissively. “I’m used to juggling two babies, two diaper bags, and whatever we need for our excursions. What’s eight cups of coffee compared to all that?”

Maegan laughed and said, “At least let me open the door for you.”

“Yeah, I’m used to people showing me to the door too.”