Her Christmas Detective - Laura Ann Page 0,21
up early this morning. You don’t like to be tied down by titles.”
She whistled low. “And people say I’m good at reading the situation.”
Hank grinned as he shrugged out of his jacket. “It’s part of the job description.”
“Yeah, well...you and I might be on time, but poor Hope is still sleeping.”
Hank paused. “Is that normal for her?”
Bella shook her head. “No. She’s like Emory. Early riser.”
“That’s what I figured. You’re the only rebel of the group.” He laughed and danced away when Bella tried to punch him in the arm.
“Watch it, buster,” she said, pointing a finger at him. “I have control over whether or not you get one of Emory’s orange rolls this morning.”
A knock came on the door behind him. As Bella passed to open it, he caught her around the waist. “You wouldn’t really deny me a treat, would you?” he whispered against her ear.
Bella pulled away and straightened her shirt. “Watch me.”
Hank chuckled and shook his head. He loved bantering with Bella. The more they did it, the more he loved it. Conversations with her were lively and exhilarating, keeping him coming back for more.
“Hank,” Sheriff Davidson said with a nod. He took his hat off and tossed it onto a nearby bench. “I’m assuming we’re both here for the same reason?”
Hank nodded. “I figured the family needed to know what happened yesterday.”
“Agreed, son. Agreed.” Bill slapped Hank on the shoulder, then headed toward the kitchen. “I smell something delicious,” he mumbled, to Hank and Bella’s amusement.
“Come on, Detective,” Bella said, grabbing his hand. “Let’s get in there.”
Thirty minutes later, Hope had joined them, and the kitchen was full of chatter as the gathered group went over everything that had happened, including Enoch and Hope’s trip into some hidden passageways inside the mansion.
“Crap! I can’t believe I forgot!” Enoch cried, hurrying from the kitchen. “Be right back.”
The whole room paused as they waited for the handyman to appear again. “What’s he doing?” Hank whispered to Bella.
“I don’t know,” she answered with a shrug.
A minute or two later, Enoch came back holding a dish in his hands.
“My pie!” Emory cried, walking to meet him and grab the porcelain plate. “I knew it! I told you someone took my pie. And they ate it just like they did my nougat.”
Hank stepped forward. “Where did you find that?” he asked Enoch.
“When I was walking around in the walls, I ended up in a hidden attic,” Enoch explained. “There was a bunch of blankets, an old pair of boots, and a small table.” He pointed to the pie plate. “That was on the table.”
“So someone’s living in the attic?” Bella asked, her voice sounding excited. Hank wanted to groan again. He had hoped the missing food was just coincidence and that he could convince Bella to give up her chase. Apparently that wasn’t going to happen.
Hank scribbled some notes in his notebook and stuffed it in his back pocket. “It seems like you’re right, Ms. Hope. I think we have more than one person causing trouble around here.”
“Oh my gosh, this is exciting,” Bella gushed. “And here I thought it would all end with the crazy lady behind bars.”
Heaven help us. “I’m going to go check things out,” he said to Enoch.
“The entrance is in the laundry room,” the handyman explained. “I probably didn’t close it properly since I was in a hurry, so it’ll be easy to see.”
Hank nodded his thanks and headed out.
“The laundry room is this way,” Bella said, walking away from him.
Hank hurried to catch up. “I don’t suppose I can convince you to stay here?”
She gave him a fierce look and Hank sighed. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. “There it is.” She headed straight for the wall where a small door was slightly ajar.
“Uh, uh, uh,” Hank hurried to intercept her. “I realize I can’t stop you from coming, but you would please let me go first?”
Bella put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot. “Afraid a girl can’t handle it?”
“No. I’m afraid of what will happen if someone jumps out and tries to hurt you.”
“Because you don’t think I can defend myself?” she scoffed.
“No.” Hank shook his head harder and stepped closer. “I’m not afraid for you, Belle. I’m afraid of what I’ll do to the other person.”
Bella’s eyes widened, and for the first time, she looked shocked. Swallowing hard, she dropped her gaze and nodded. “I don’t think I can argue with that.”
“Thank you.” Hank knew he’d