Page 107 of The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

“Let me look at you. Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine. I’m okay.”

There were shouts on the wind, echoing through the maze.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again.” He was probably going to hurt her he was holding her so tightly, but he couldn’t let go either. The pistol was on the ground, and he kicked it because he probably shouldn’t kick Dobson, who was unconscious and bleeding, with that long, shiny piece of metal sticking out of his leg. Seeing it... Ethan wanted to laugh. Then he saw the blood again and wanted to scream. Then he looked down at Maggie, pushed that rogue piece of hair behind her ear one more time, and said, “So... knitting needles?”

“Knitting needles.” She exhaled a frosty breath just as a helicopter appeared on the horizon. Then another. And another. Soon they filled the sky, circling like vultures, and Maggie had to shout over the noise. “Who did you call?”

She sounded worried, like he’d made some kind of crossroads bargain. Like he’d traded his soul for her safety and it wasn’t worth it. But it would have been.

“No one.” Ethan cupped her cheek and stared into her eyes while the blades spun shadows on the snow. “It’s a Christmas miracle.”

“Really?” she shouted and he nodded and then her voice dropped low. “Ethan?” His name was a whisper as the air turned white and her cheeks went pink.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“I want to make out.”

And so that’s exactly what they did.

Police Transcript

Excerpt from the Official Police Interrogation of Margaret Chase and Ethan Wyatt

December 25

Ms. Chase:So, in answer to your question, Inspector Patel, yes, I have his blood on my hands.

Mr. Wyatt:She missed the femoral artery, though, didn’t she? It’s not like she killed him. Wait. Did she kill him?

Inspector Patel:No. The last I heard, Inspector Dobson is expected to make a full recovery. He’ll be well enough to stand trial.

Ms. Chase:And Sir Jasper?

Inspector Patel:He’ll be fine. Dr. Charles insisted on accompanying him to the hospital and has already reported in.

Mr. Wyatt:Was it poison? It was, wasn’t it? It was—

Inspector Patel:Foxglove. And— I beg your pardon... Did you just fist-bump?

Mr. Wyatt:What about Cece and Baby Banes?

Inspector Patel:In custody. There’s a warrant out for her arrest in the States and we’re holding him for questioning.

Mr. Wyatt:So I guess that’s it then?

Inspector Patel:Is it?

Ms. Chase:I’m sorry?

Inspector Patel:Funny thing... Four different branches of law enforcement received the same call this morning, informing us that the crime of the year was taking place at the home of Eleanor Ashley. But they didn’t leave a name. I don’t suppose either of you know who our mystery caller might have been?

Mr. Wyatt:Oh? Well, if I had to take a guess...

Ms. Chase:It was someone who likes a twist.

Chapter Sixty-Six