Page 21 of Noel Secrets

Michael let out a disbelieving huff, trying to mask the worry clawing at his ribs. “I should’ve guessed. Learned it on the streets, I suppose?”

Her head snapped up, curls framing her face in defiance. “No. I learned it at a foster home. Before Ginny and Ed.” Her gaze didn’t waver, but her voice lowered, quieter. “When my foster father locked me in a closet. I figured out where he kept the key.”

The words hit him like a physical blow. Michael’s breath caught, and for a second, he couldn’t think, couldn’t move. All he saw was a younger Jayda—too small and scared, hidden behind a door.

“Jayda…” His throat tightened. “I’m—” His voice faltered, then steadied with raw sincerity. “I’m so sorry.”

Her eyes softened just a fraction, though she gave a small shake of her head, as though to dismiss his pity before it weakened her. She gripped the papers tighter, holding them like a shield. “Will you help me or not?”

Michael straightened, resolve pulling him forward. “Yes. Whatever you need.”

Her shoulders lowered, relief flickering across her face for the first time since he had found her here. “Then I need to know where the real Veronica Carlisle went.”

Before he could respond, the train jolted, brakes whining against metal as the conductor’s voice filled the overhead speakers.“Next stop, Chicago Union Station. Please gather your belongings…”

Michael leaned back, dragging in a deep breath. Perfect timing. They had work to do during the layover.

He glanced at Jayda, who still clutched the papers close.

“Looks like we’ll be late,” he said.

Her brows knit. “Late for what?”

“The Santa Village dinner.” His mouth curved faintly, but the weight in his voice kept it from being light. “I’ll let you be the one to break it to Mom.”

Jayda blinked, then a laugh escaped her, soft and unguarded. “Sure. Make me the bad guy.”

Michael didn’t laugh with her. He watched her instead, his chest tightening. Slowly, he stood and drew her close to him. “There are enough bad guys already.” His tone was low, steady, but charged with warning. He lowered his voice as the train slowed further. “Stay close to me, Jayda.”

Her laughter faded. She nodded once, the bravado slipping away.

“I’m trusting you,” she whispered. “Don’t make me regret it.”

Michael realized that, for Jayda to come to him took more strength in her than if she tried to do this alone. He was sure he was the last person in the world she would ever trust. And she wasn’t wrong. He didn’t deserve her trust.

But duty called.

He could practically hear his mother telling him to help Jayda. But what if protecting her was more than duty? What if he’d been waiting for her to trust him all along?

If so, then he had one shot. He doubted Jayda gave second chances to anyone.

Chapter Six

Ginny shouted with glee. “I knew it,” she said, grinning like Christmas morning had arrived early. “The two of you—finally sitting down and talking things through. Do you know how long I’ve prayed for this? Our family needed healing, and here it is, right in front of me. It’s a Christmas miracle.”

Jayda kept her arms folded tight across her chest, more for armor than warmth, as Michael’s mother prattled on. Ginny’s face glowed with earnest excitement, her hands fluttering as she spoke.

Jayda forced a smile. A miracle? More like a nightmare she couldn’t wake from. If only Ginny knew that the only reason she and Michael stood together was because men with guns were hunting her down for whatever was buried in the documents she had stuffed in her bag.

Michael cleared his throat. “Mom, we’ve got a few things to sort out. Personal matters. It might take a little time.”

“Oh, don’t worry about dinner,” Ginny said, her eyes twinkling. “I’ll hold off until you’re back. Just don’t be too late. We’re all taking a family photo with Santa at the village, and youcan’t miss it. Then the train leaves at nine sharp—through the Rockies! A winter wonderland.”

Jayda managed another smile, though the task they had weighed down on her. Three hours. That was all they had. Four hours to untangle the mystery of Veronica Carlisle before the train pulled out of the station.

Ginny hugged them both, whispering, “I’m so glad this reunion is happening.”

“Me too,” Jayda mumbled. If only Ginny knew the truth.