Page 7 of Wild Frost

From all the cases that we’d done, I knew there were several possible explanations. Explanations people don’t often like to consider. Sarah could have had two prior consensual partners that day. Just because Darrell’s DNA wasn’t found didn’t rule him out. By the time her body was recovered, the ocean had washed away all trace evidence.

“I tell you, if that son of a bitch did that to my daughter, I’d take matters into my own hands,” Jack said.

“What’s the saying? Anger is a hot coal you hold in your hand, waiting to throw at someone else. Sometimes you gotta just let go,” I said, playing devil’s advocate. “Let the Universe sort it out.”

“I think I might just become the Universe in a situation like that.”

The case resonated with anyone who had a young daughter at the time.

It was all a moot point now. The case was closed, and Darrell was a free man. I didn’t know if he was innocent or guilty. But if another teen girl went missing, we’d sure pay him a visit.

JD and I chowed down and filled our bellies.

"Listen, I told the folks at the Children's Hospital I’d make an appearance as Santa.”

I gave him a curious look.

"Their Santa fell through. Apparently, that guy got caught exposing himself at Echo Park. Go figure. Creep. Anyway, they're having a hard time finding a replacement on short notice. I said I’d dress up and bring my helper with me.”

"Helper?"

"You know, Santa's got elves."

My eyebrow lifted. "You want me to dress up as an elf and go with you to the Children's Hospital?”

"It’s for a good cause.”

"I'll do anything for those kids, but you realize elves are short and small. I don't exactly fit the description."

"So it’s settled. You'll do it.”

“You’re not exactly fat and jolly.”

Jack’s face tightened. “I’m tremendously jolly.”

"I think I should go as Santa’s bodyguard,” I said. “I’ll dress in a suit, dark sunglasses, and wear an earpiece."

JD's face wrinkled, and he shook his head. "No. Santa needs a little helper.”

“Little?”

Jack stared at me.

"I'm not wearing an elf costume. So get that idea out of your head right now."

"These kids are really going to be disappointed,” he said in a sigh.

I frowned at him. "I know what you're doing.”

Jack smiled. "I’m not doing anything. Like I said, it's for a good cause. But, you know, hey… If you don’t have the heart to dress up and put a smile on those kids’ faces, I understand.”

"Fine, but I'm not wearing tights.”

"Yes, you are. That's what elves wear.”

“How do you know what elves wear? Have you ever seen one?”

"As a matter of fact, I have."