Eggnog Trifle Trouble (Murder in the Mix #28) - Addison Moore Page 0,56
spooky specters are for our eyes only, and a part of me wonders why I haven’t been treated to this particular otherworldly wonder just yet.
Lily gives Carlotta a skeptical look. “So what’s this ghost man’s name? How did he die? When did he live?”
“Hold onto your supernatural horses.” Carlotta holds her hand up. “We’re still at the fun part.” She nods my way. “And that’s why you haven’t seen your daddy popping over these past few days. I’m not like you, Lot. I can only take ’em one at a time.”
“Good Lord,” I mutter just as the bell chimes and in walks Candy Brighton with an adorable red knit cap and matching red mittens. “Hey, Candy.” I meet her about as far away from Carlotta and her tales from the coital party that I can. “What can I get for you?”
“I’ve got a Christmas Angels meeting in a few minutes,” she says, doing her best to warm her arms with her hands. “I’m running late, but I thought I’d drop off the check for the Christmas Ball and maybe pick up some dessert for the meeting tonight. Does the amount look right on this?”
She hands the check my way. “You’re really on top of things.” I glance at the amount and make sure she signed it and she did.
“It’s perfect. I can put together a party platter of Christmas cookies if you like?” A thought hits me, and my antennae go up. “Are you meeting up at my mother’s B&B again?”
Her lips purse. “I’m not sure we’ve ever met there.”
Shoot. That was Suze’s cheapskate club and then her coven.
“I meant here at the bakery. Pregnant brain.”
“No.” She laughs. “We’ll be at the Evergreen Manor. Well, most of us will. We’re thinking of revamping the event a little. You know, give the people something new.”
“Will Chris be there?” I try to sound casual as I pull a box from under the counter. “My husband has some accounting issues, and he mentioned something about Chris Holiday.”
Her mouth contorts. “Actually, I don’t think he will. He’s only at the big stuff.”
“Do you know where he works, by chance?”
She winces. “I think he’s mentioned it before, but it went in one ear and out the other.”
I slide a box filled with my tasty treats her way. “That’s okay. I’m sure my husband can track him down.”
“Oh right.” She laughs. “Is that the detective or the judge? I still can’t get it straight. Cormack and Cressida are always buzzing about them.” A glimpse of guilt flashes through her eyes. “Sorry.”
“Never apologize for those ninnies.”
She laughs. “Hey, did you hear what’s going on with Cormack?”
“No, what?” I bet it has to do with the ridiculous secret she was flaunting the other day.
She gives a quick shake of the head. “I think I’ll let her break it to you.” She slides a rather large bill my way. “I’ll see you next week at the Jingle Hop Ball.”
“You bet.” I sigh as she takes off. “Wait! I forgot to give you your change!” I call after her, but she’s already up the street. “Shoot.” I head back to where Carlotta has the girls all riveted.
“And then poof!” She slaps her hands together. “The sun came up and he disappeared.”
Evie’s jaw has become unhinged, which undoubtedly means she approves of what she just heard. It’s not easy to knock her socks off, you know.
“No way,” Evie bleats.
“Way,” Carlotta bleats right back.
Meg nods over to me. “What’s the matter, Lot? You look as if someone just stole your cookie.”
“I’ve got a suspect to track down and no idea where to find him. And don’t worry,” I say, looking to Evie. “I plan on including Uncle Noah and your dad in on this adventure.”
“What’s his name, Lottie?” Keelie pulls out her phone and is raring to go.
“Chris Holiday.”
“Chris?” Meg looks momentarily perplexed. “The accountant Chris?”
“Yes!” I snap my fingers her way, thrilled she seems to have a bead on my next stop on the Gloria Abner homicide express.
“He’s meeting us for drinks tonight at An Axe to Grind. Or as the local accountants like to call it, Axes and Taxes.”
Carlotta slaps her hand over the counter. “What the heck. I’m in.”
“Me too.” Evie nods with a touch too much excitement. “I’ve got an axe to grind or two.” She sneers my way. “It seems someone told my father I was about to shack up with one hundred of my closest boyfriends at the Maple Meadows Lodge next week.”