Page 5 of A Dye Hard Holiday
I accepted my coffee and headed over to the bookstore section to see what new releases Maegan had on display. My heart swelled and tears burned the back of my eyes when I saw Chaz’s latest book front and center. I had my own personalized copy at home, of course, but I couldn’t resist picking it up and holding it in my hands. I turned it over and looked at the photo on the back cover. My beautiful friend had never looked happier than he did in that picture, but I knew it had nothing to do with the photographer, or their photoshopping skills, and everything to do with the wedding band on Chaz’s finger.
I returned the book to the shelf and walked over to Maegan’s store, Curious Things. She was using her online connections to help me find some special items for the moms in my life for Christmas. I was on the lookout for a rare Janis Joplin vinyl record from 1969 and record player for my mom and vintage Tonala Mexican pottery for Martina. “Any luck, Mae?”
“Not yet, cutie. Don’t lose faith; I won’t let you down.”
“Better not,” I said then pointed to her blonde curls she had piled on top of her head in what appeared to be a messy bun, but my trained eye told me she spent at least twenty minutes artfully arranging it to look that way.
“You’re not really threatening my hair, are you?” She pointed at the hot chocolate in my hand. “Because two can play that game.”
“Touché.”
“I’ll be in touch as soon as I have something concrete,” Maegan assured me.
“So, maybe in time for Christmas next year?”
“Snark ass.”
“Oh, I love that one,” I told her.
“You’re going to love the items I find for your moms too. I promise you that I have a few good leads.”
“Too bad you don’t have a few good men,” I shot back.
“Hell, I’d settle for one,” she replied dryly. “I’m not greedy.”
“See you next week.”
“I feel the sudden need to reschedule my hair appointment,” Maegan said then nibbled on her lip nervously.
“You know better than that.”
“You’re right. I’ll see you later,” she said then winked.
When I returned home, my babies were down for a nap and the grandparents were all gathered on the enclosed porch drinking coffee, talking, and enjoying the gas fireplace.
“You want some help putting groceries away?” my mom asked.
“Nope. Stay here and relax. I’m going to start working on an apple pie to surprise Gabe.” I knew apples and pastry wouldn’t fix anything, but I was hoping it would cheer him up after what was sure to be a long day.
My mom followed me into the kitchen anyway. “Gabe’s going to need it if what I heard is true.”
I froze in front of the refrigerator and stared at the picture taken of our family the night Gabe was sworn in as captain. Gabe had Dylan tucked up tight against him in his left arm while pulling Destiny and me to him with his right. He looked so tall and proud in his dress uniform. I loved the smile on his face as I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. I remember the happy sounds our children made as they clapped their chubby hands. Daddy and Papa.
“What did you hear?” I asked my mom.
“Well, Jane told me that Betty talked to Cynthia, who’s married to the coroner who talks in his sleep. Apparently, someone hung a Santa effigy from the flagpole then broke in and vandalized several stores in the village after Mr. Adams closed early due to indigestion from the meatloaf he had at lunch.”
“Sausage and sauerkraut,” I corrected her.
“Excuse me?” she asked.
“I heard it was sausage and sauerkraut that made him sick. And why the hell was the coroner called out to the scene?”
“The night patrolman freaked out when he responded to the nine-one-one call. It must’ve been dark or the effigy was really lifelike. I hope it’s not an omen of bad things to come.”
“That makes two of us, Mom.”
I heard the sounds of my children waking up from their nap through the baby monitor, which pulled me out of my funk and shifted my focus.