The Killer Christmas Sweater Club Read online

  Rick studied the staircase, which he’d always thought of as clean and elegant, but now appeared plain. Even the white walls, with their beautiful wainscoting, suddenly needed something to liven them up. “I am.” He pointed at Devon’s toolkit. “I don’t suppose you have a ladder in there, too.”

  “Nope. But I can get one soon enough. It’s just outside on my truck.” He surveyed the room. “It’s been fifteen years since the last time I helped decorate the old girl for Christmas.”

  “Too many years,” Rick said, then quickly added, “But I can understand why Captain Jack stopped doing it. Life is so fragile.”

  “You’re right about fragile, Rick. The town was shocked when Marky’s dad was lost at sea. I mean, he was an expert seaman, so nobody ever expected him to…die. The whole thing tore this town up for years. On the phone, you said she’s okay with doing this. Is that right?”

  “We agreed last night that it was time to bring back the tradition. She liked the idea, so we’re going ahead.”

  Devon glanced around the room, then nodded. “I think Marky’s finally turned the corner thanks to you and Alex. Let me go get that ladder.”

  When Devon stepped outside, Rick went over and gave the toolkit handle a tug. The box had to weigh a good thirty pounds. He set it down and started back to the front desk, but stopped when he saw Reese Potok watching him.

  “Taking up a new line of work?” Reese asked with one eyebrow raised.

  “No. I’m perfectly happy with my current situation. You look like you’re on your way out.”

  Despite the spiked heels she wore, she confidently took a few steps toward him. She stopped and held his gaze. “How observant of you, Detective Innkeeper.”

  Rick held his ground even though she now stood less than a foot away. She wore her favorite attire for a meeting—skinny jeans and a lightweight blouse. He still regretted being taken in by that beguiling persona. But now he knew the only thing she cared about was finding sunken treasure.

  “On business today?” Rick asked.

  “San Ladron. I’ve got a few people I need to see. By the way, I may need to fly to New York to work on a financing deal. I’m lining up the expedition to do the first dive down to the San Manuel.”

  Money and power, Rick thought. Seaside Cove had changed so much since the discovery of the sunken Spanish galleon. “How’s the legal battle going?”

  “It’s going. Thorne is making progress.”

  “Are you even sure the ship’s where you think it is?”

  “I guess we’ll need a dive to find out for certain.” She craned her neck and pointed at Devon’s toolbox. “Having work done?”

  “We’re doing a little decorating. Giving the place a new look for the holidays.”

  Reese pursed her lips and gave him a lopsided smile. “I approve.”

  “Thanks.” Rick smiled back, even though the last thing he cared about was whether she approved or not. She’d become a major thorn in his side since her arrival, but she’d also provided a steady stream of revenue over the past few months. He’d be happy when she left, but that probably wasn’t going to be for a while. Not until after the fate of the San Manuel had been determined.

  Devon reappeared at the front entrance and dipped his head in acknowledgement. “Morning, Miss Potok.”

  “How nice to see you, Devon.” Reese turned back to Rick, winked, and blew him a kiss. “I’ll be back late. Don’t wait up.”

  Devon waited until Reese was gone, then said, “She’s a piece of work.”

  “I sure learned that lesson the hard way.”

  “Yup, your liaison with her had the town all abuzz for a while. In fact, it was so good you started something new—the Cove Talkers Newsletter.”

  Rick peered at Devon.

  “You know, the rumor mill. The gossip gazette. The…“

  “I’ve got it, Devon. I didn’t realize there was a name for it—wait, are you saying you’re starting an actual newsletter that includes gossip?”

  “I wouldn’t call it that. It’s a town newsletter,” Devon said. “Isabelle Murdoch came up with the name. Pretty sharp for an old broad with a brain tumor. Anyway, the Cove Talkers staff agree with you.”

  “You have a staff?” Rick felt his heart sink. Good God, this town did not need any help in the gossip arena.

  “It’s only two so far—Isabelle and me. I have my eye on another recruit. Sort of a…cub reporter. Anyway, we’ll keep an eye on your Miss Potok.”

  “How many times do I have to say this? She’s not mine. And, for the record, there was no ‘liaison.’”

  “You know what they call her, don’t you?”

  “They? They who? The Cove Talkers staff?”

  Devon shook his head. “Most of the town, actually. The Blonde Troublemaker.” Devon glanced over his shoulder at the front door. “The way she dresses, it shouldn’t be a surprise.” He shrugged, then grinned. “Enough about her. I’m pretty sure the rumors about you and her are history after last night.”

  Oh God. First Alex, now the entire town? “We brought down a couple of boxes from the attic last night. That’s all.”

  “Right.” Devon suppressed a chuckle and tugged on the lobe of his right ear. “From what I understand, you didn’t bring down much. But there was a lot of noise.” Devon laughed as he quickly raised and lowered his eyebrows a couple of times. “You two are the hot topic of the day.”

  Rick groaned and hung his head. “Who told you that?”

  “Who didn’t? The subject of you two is hotter than the coffee at Crusty Buns. From what I heard, there was a lot of carousing around and you woke up all your guests. Your daughter busted the two of you—in the act, so to speak.” Devon tittered at Rick’s obvious embarrassment.

  “There was no…act.” Rick waved his hands in front of him. “It was—we were just getting the decorations.”

  Devon tugged on his earlobe again. “If you say so.”

  “It’s true.”

  “Consenting adults, and all that.” Devon stuck his tongue out the corner of his mouth and winked. “By the way, the more you protest…”

  Rick nodded. He got it. It had been the same with Alex. “So it’s all over town?”

  “Oh, yeah. Talk of,” Devon said with a sinister grin.

  “This is awful. What am I going to do?”

  Devon turned suddenly serious. “You’re going to do nothing. Let it blow over.”

  “Marquetta will have a fit.”

  “She’ll understand. That girl knows how the rumor mill in this town works.”

  Rick rubbed the back of his neck. The heaviness in his stomach told him this wouldn’t go away as easily as Devon believed. “I need to tell her. She doesn’t like people talking about her.”

  “She’ll be fine.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because Marky’s a smart girl and everybody in this town respects her. All this talk is not a bad thing, Rick. Nobody’s making wedding plans yet, but everybody’s hopeful.”

  “Wait a minute. Wedding plans? Devon, I’m still married to Giselle.”

  “Pfft.” The big man flipped his hand dismissively. “You’ll deal with it.”

  Rick groaned again, just sure he knew who was behind the rumor. “Is Alex the one who started this?”

  “Nope. This was started by one of your guests. One who likes to keep up on all the gossip, but does take a turn at feeding the mill every now and again.”

  Rick shot a glance over his shoulder at the front door, his jaw hanging open. “Reese,” he hissed.

  “You didn’t hear it from me. But I’ll say one thing, you are a good detective.” Devon bent down and picked up his tool box. “Now, where do you want to start, Romeo?”

  CHAPTER 4

  ALEX

  December 17

  Hey Journal,

  Last night was totally awesome! Daddy and Marquetta were in the attic all alone and making lots of noise. They looked super embarrassed when I found them. I wonde
r if they kissed? Just in case they didn’t, I’m still gonna go with my plan to put up the mistletoe.

  Mr. Van Horn is here today to help decorate. That’s cool ‘cause I can totally get him to help me out. He comes around here for Marquetta’s coffee a couple times a week, so he’s kinda more like a friend than just a handyman.

  Yesterday, I asked Marquetta if she was happy with her life and she said she was. She told me she’d followed her dreams and that’s what was most important. I’m kinda glad she didn’t ask me what my dream is ‘cause I can’t share it with her or Daddy. But I can share it with you! It’s to get them together and have Marquetta become my mom.

  I’m totally gonna make this happen. And Mr. Van Horn is so gonna help. I’ll have him get some mistletoe and put it up someplace where Daddy and Marquetta are sure to meet.

  Guess what else, Journal? Tonight’s the Ugly Sweater Contest! There’s gonna be a lot of people there. My best friend Sasha told me her mom said nobody wants Wimpy Waldorf to show up, but he probably will. I heard he even got into a fight with Mr. Malone in the middle of downtown. It got super bad and Deputy Cunningham had to break it up.

  I hope nothing bad happens tonight to ruin the party ‘cause I wanna see if my sweater wins!

  xoxo,

  Alex

  CHAPTER 5

  RICK

  Romeo? Seriously? Rick bit his tongue. Devon was right. This was a case where the less he said, the sooner the entire incident would be forgotten.

  “You know, Devon, that’s good advice. I’ve been carrying a grudge against Reese for too long. Don’t worry, be happy. Live and let live. Right?”

  The big man frowned and scrunched up his face. “Is this a sudden outpouring of Christmas spirit or is this a trick question?”

  “No trick questions. I can’t send her packing. As much as I would love to go to her room, gather her things, and put her out on the street, I realize I’ve got a business to run and she’s a paying customer. My goal is to make the B&B profitable again and she certainly helps with cash flow. Maybe this rumor she started about me and Marquetta was just a prank.”

  “Good way to look at it,” Devon said, but he didn’t look convinced.

  “I’m serious. She can do whatever she wants. All I’m going to do is watch my back.”

  Devon picked up his toolbox and crooked his neck to one side. “Works for me. How about if I put this over on the rug and we can start in the living room? It’s a common area and all your guests wind up there sooner or later, so a little brightening up for the holidays is in order. Have you thought about a tree? I could get you a nice one.”

  “Excellent. How much will it cost me?”

  “Less than a hundred. I’ll even deliver it on Monday and help decorate. Tuesday at the latest. It was always right next to the train set.”

  A smile spread across Rick’s face. “Then maybe we should do that later.” Rick pointed at the stairs, with its white decorative balusters and dark oak handrail. “Let’s begin by weaving garland and lights between all the spindles. Marquetta said that was something they used to do.”

  Devon hooked his thumbs into his belt loop and eyed the stairs, nodding ever so slightly. “Captain Jack always had Marky and her mom do that.”

  “Oh? The two of them?” What a great idea. Rick checked the time. Marquetta and Alex should be about ready to help. “Wait here.”

  He crossed through the dining room and went into the kitchen. Alex was drying the last of the dishes while Marquetta organized a few things for her afternoon baking.

  “Hey, Daddy.” Alex looked up and grinned at Rick. “Is Mr. Van Horn here?”

  “He is.”

  “Yay!”

  “I’m surprised at you, kiddo. Devon’s arrival isn’t usually a cause for celebration with you.”

  “I know,” Marquetta said. “She’s asked me several times when he might get here.”

  “It’s ‘cause he’s gonna help us put up Christmas decorations. Did he bring a ladder?” Alex’s eyes widened.

  “I guess you really are getting into this,” Rick said. “I’m glad because I wanted to see if you two were ready to help.”

  “What did you have in mind?” Marquetta asked as she pulled two loaf pans and a mixing bowl off the shelves.

  “I understand you and your mom used to be in charge of decorating the stairs.”

  “We were.”

  “With garland and lights?” Alex asked.

  Rick smiled at Marquetta.

  Her brow wrinkled, then a knowing smile spread across her face. “Are you offering us a job?”

  “If you want it.”

  Marquetta knelt next to Alex. “Hey, Sweetie. How would you like to help me the way I used to help my mom? We’ll weave garland and lights in between all the spindles on the stairs.”

  “That would be awesome!”

  “Then it’s settled,” Rick said. “You two are in charge of stairs; Devon and I will start somewhere else.”

  When Rick returned to tell Devon what he’d done, the big man nodded his approval. “So, I’m guessing you want to set up the train set.”

  “Excellent idea. If we can find something to put the track on.”

  “I’ve got way better than just something,” Devon said as he examined the room. “Come with me. I’m going to show you one of the old girl’s secrets. Got your keys?”

  Rick gave Devon a thumbs-up, then trailed behind him through the kitchen and out into the back yard. They followed the curved path to a ten-by-ten storage shed. Rick had only been in the shed once, and that was when he’d first inherited the B&B.

  Devon said as he pointed at the rusted lock securing the hasp. “Open it up.”

  “What’s in here?”

  “No way. You have to open it to find out.”

  “I have to tell you, Devon. I was considering having you take this whole shed out. We could put in an arbor…”

  “Just open the door, will you?”

  Rick inserted the key into the lock, and when he twisted the handle, the aluminum door swung open with a dry squeak. Devon stepped inside quickly, and Rick followed somewhat cautiously.

  “There it is.” Devon made his way to the back corner and grabbed one end of a four-by-eight sheet of plywood secured in black plastic. “Grab the other end.”

  Cardboard boxes and plastic bags dotted the floor, making a direct route to the back corner impossible. Rick pushed a few of the boxes aside, then moved two of the bags. When he was done, he positioned himself at the other end. “What’s the big deal about a piece of plywood?”

  “Will you stop asking so many questions. This is Christmas in—well, it’s Christmas. Trust me.” He pointed at another carton lying next to Rick’s left foot. “If you move that one off to the side, we should be able to get this out the door pretty easily.”

  Rick did as he was told, then grabbed his end. The board turned out to be far heavier than he’d expected and the odd thing was how one of the sides felt like it had some sort of coating. He gripped tight beneath the plastic covering and lifted. Following Devon’s lead, Rick rotated the plywood until it was horizontal. Even in the dim light of the shed, it was obvious the plastic rose and fell in peaks and valleys.

  “What is this, Devon?”

  “Just you wait. Take it slow.”

  When they’d wrestled the mysterious board into the kitchen, Devon inclined his head at the top of the center island. “Let’s set this there so we can check it out.”

  “Whatever ‘it’ is.” Rick leaned over to see if he could get any clue, but he was unsuccessful.

  Devon set down his end. “I hope you won’t be disappointed.”

  When they had the plywood resting securely on the white granite countertop, Devon rubbed his hands together and grinned at Rick. “Untie the knots so we can pull off the cover. Be careful when you take it off.”

  “Whatever this is, it had better be good.” Rick bent over to peek under the covering. His jaw dropped in surprise and he
glanced up at Devon, who had just finished with his second knot.

  “I didn’t take you for the kind of kid who peeked at his presents ahead of time,” Devon scolded.

  “I wasn’t. Devon…this is…”

  “I know. Untie that last knot.”

  Rick hurriedly did as he was told, then they carefully peeled back the black tarp and gawked at what lay before them.

  The entire four-by-eight sheet was landscaped to depict an old-time small town. Train tracks meandered through a valley, then ran through the center of the town. A water tower stood near the tracks. There was a general store, a hotel, and several other businesses. “That’s amazing. Who made this?”

  “It took three of us to put it together. Captain Jack, me, and Neal Weiss.”

  “Marquetta’s dad helped you and Captain Jack do this?”

  “That’s right. He designed the town and did all the electrical work.”

  “Electrical? You mean the tracks.”

  Devon’s lips curled into a mischievous grin. “The tracks were the easy part. All the buildings light up. And that signal light in the town, it works, too.”

  “It’s…it’s a work of art.”

  “On behalf of all of us, thank you. It’s going to be easiest if we test all the wiring before we put it in the lobby.”

  “We can’t just put it on the floor. Somebody could step on it,” Rick said.

  “Not a problem. I still have the stand back in my garage. I never gave up hope that someday this would be brought out of retirement after…”

  Rick stiffened as Devon’s words hung in the air. “This was never used after Neal Weiss died. Was it?”

  “No.”

  “Then I have to ask Marquetta. This might bring up too many memories for her.”

  Devon gestured at the butler door. “So ask.”

  Rick spun around. Marquetta stood as though frozen in place with one hand on the door and her eyes firmly fixed on the train set. A tear dribbled down her cheek as she took one slow step into the room. Rick swallowed hard as he waited for her to say something.