Page 107 of Wild Frost

Ian gave him a curious look. "What's the matter? You don't trust me?"

Holden stared him down for a long moment.

That was our cue.

Doors flew open. Erickson and Faulkner spilled out of the Revenant, weapons drawn. "Coconut County! Down on the ground! Now!"

Holden froze, his eyes like saucers. He contemplated his next move.

Two more 4x4 patrol units entered the parking lot, lights flashing.

Holden glared at Ian. "You set me up, you fucker!"

Holden didn't have anywhere to go. He spun around and raced back toward the main entrance. He grabbed the door, but it was locked. By the time he got his key card out of his pocket, we had surrounded him.

"Don't move!" Faulkner shouted.

The concierge and the valet inside looked on with bulging eyes.

Holden realized the gig was up. He finally raised his hands in the air as he exhaled a frustrated breath.

Faulkner slapped cuffs on his wrists and read him his rights as he stuffed him into the back of a patrol car.

Ian was cuffed and carted away as well to keep up appearances, but Holden knew he’d been ratted out.

A search of Holden's apartment didn't turn up the weapon. We searched the trash cans and dumpsters on the property, but didn't find the gun. He'd probably tossed it in the marina or buried it in a flower garden or plant box. There was no telling. Maybe he gave it to a friend in the building to hold on to.

With any luck, it would turn up in the next few weeks. But I wasn't holding my breath.

I hopped into Ian’s car and drove it back to the station.

Holden was processed, printed, and put into an interrogation room.

After we filled out paperwork, we paid him a visit.

"Fuck you guys. I'm not saying shit to you. I want to speak with my attorney."

It was the end of the interview. It didn't matter. With Wesley's letter and Ian's testimony, I figured we had enough to get Holden on Wesley's murder. So, maybe he’d only serve one life sentence. It was good enough.

"Nice work," the sheriff said as we stepped back into the hallway.

It was high praise coming from the man.

We left the station, feeling accomplished and headed back to theAvventurafor a celebratory cocktail.

The last of the toys we had ordered for the kids arrived. JD and I spent the evening and the next morning wrapping presents.

In the afternoon, with a few inches of snow on the ground and flurries still falling, we headed to the Children's Hospital in the Revenant. Dressed in our holiday costumes, we dealt out the goods. There was nothing more satisfying than seeing a smile on those kids’ faces. It didn't change their situation or take their problems away, but it made them forget for an instant. And that was worth it.

Jonah’s eyes lit up when we stepped into his room and handed him a present.

Jack beamed with pride. Even the cheap beard couldn't hide his grin. "I told you I’d make it snow."

Jonah looked at him with doubtful eyes.

“Better enjoy it, ‘cause it’s not happening again.”

“I want to make a snowman,” Jonah said.