Her Christmas Detective - Laura Ann Page 0,34

noticed the dark circles forming under her eyes. It made him feel better to know that she was just as susceptible to exhaustion as he was, though she hid it better.

“Yeah...I think I might try to get a few hours of sleep under my belt before picking things back up later today.”

“You’re coming to the festival though, right?”

Hank nodded, a yawn keeping him from speaking. “I need to find Jim’s social worker, then I should be able to enjoy the festivities better.”

Bella nodded. “Good luck with that.”

Hank shrugged. “It’ll be easier than it sounds. He told us what town he’s from. It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out who’s in charge and ask if they’re missing a child.” Hank scratched at his chin. “Truth be told, I’m surprised something didn’t come through our announcements. A missing kid should be pretty big news, and would have been spread through most of the state.”

Bella shrugged. “I have no idea how it all works.”

“Me either,” Hank admitted. “This is outside my normal jurisdiction.” He sighed, his body feeling like it was weighed down by concrete blocks. “Maybe something did come through and I just didn’t see it.”

Bella took his hand and began walking. “Well, it doesn’t really matter. What’s important is that you go home and get some sleep and then come back tonight, so I can fill you with sugar and cinnamon that Emory cooked to perfection.”

Hank laughed as she led him to the front door. “I find it amazing that you never offer me your own baked goods. Only your cousin’s.”

Bella gave him a crooked grin. “What would you say if I told you I can’t cook to save my life?”

Hank slowly shook his head and tugged her back to kiss her forehead. “I’d say I’m not surprised. It seems to fit everything else I’m learning about you.”

“Hey!” Bella smacked his arm.

Hank laughed, feeling a little more awake then he’d been a moment before. Bella had that effect on him. She just exuded life and energy. “I didn’t say it was a bad thing,” he responded. “I just said it fits the package.”

She huffed. “Well, it doesn’t sound like a compliment.”

“Don’t worry,” Hank said as he grabbed the door handle. “If I was interested in a cook, I would never have taken you on a date to begin with.”

Bella rolled her eyes. “Good to know.”

Hank was still smiling as he opened the door and began to step outside.

“Wait!”

He paused and then blinked as his eyes registered something on the front step.

“That was close,” Bella said ,stepping around him and picking up the shovel that was right in front of the door. If Hank hadn’t quit moving, he’d have stepped right on it and probably gotten hurt. “How did this get here?” She looked up at Hank. “We didn’t leave it out when we spread the ice melt, did we?”

Hank shook his head and grabbed a glove out of his pocket. “Can I have that please?”

Bella’s eyes widened as she realized what he was doing. “Crud. Now my fingerprints are on it,” she whispered.

Hank held back a smile at her dropped tone. “It’s okay to speak,” he teased. “The shovel can’t hear you.”

Bella growled a little. “This isn’t funny.”

“Well, it was kind of funny,” Hank admitted, “but I’ll keep it to myself.” He examined the shovel. “We didn’t use a shovel,” he murmured. “Someone left it there. But who? And why?”

“The same person who wanted us to fall on the ice,” Bella said angrily. “Why are they so intent on hurting someone? And who are they trying to hurt?” Her eyes widened. “Are they after me? Trisha was after Hope, Jim was stealing Emory’s things, so that only leaves me. But why would someone be trying to hurt me?”

Hank pinched his lips together, his mind racing. “Can you tell me exactly how your grandmother fell and broke her hip?”

Bella’s mouth formed a perfect O. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she breathed.

“How, Bella?”

“She tripped over a towel that was wadded up in the hallway outside her room.”

“Is it normal to find towels on the floor around here?” Hank’s tiredness was gone and his eyes darted around the foyer. Everything was spic and span, absolutely no sign of neglect.

“No way,” Bella said, her voice slightly shaky. “Grandma always made sure the place was spotless.”

“Hmm...”

“That’s it? Hmm?” Bella’s foot began tapping.

Hank wasn’t quite ready to share his suspicions yet. Leaning down, he gave her a quick kiss. “I’ll see you at the festival.”

“You