Page 37 of 5 Golden Flings

“Sure thing.” Grant smiled at her request, but was polite enough not to ask why she was going there. His younger brother Simon was a police officer and probably filled him in on the whole tale long before she’d heard the bad news.

The lot cleared out and they were finally able to leave. It was only a few blocks to the Sheriff’s Department, but after walking the whole parade route, Alice was grateful for the lift.

“I’m pretty sure Simon is working today,” he mentioned as they drove down the street. “He should be able to help you out with whatever you need.”

“Thanks, Grant.”

The truck slowed to a stop, letting Alice hop out. They honked goodbye and continued down the street. With a heavy sigh, she straightened her messenger bag over her shoulder and headed across the street.

Alice stopped short at the front door when it opened. Taking a step back, she found none other than a weary Leo Robinson with another man that looked like a younger, more attractive version of him. She’d heard that Leo had a son that lived out of town, and she’d bet this was him.

Leo’s eyes widened in surprise when his gaze landed on Alice. She was certain that despite her best attempts at looking pleasantly neutral, the irritated crease between her eyebrows was giving away her disapproval.

“Miss Jordan...” Leo clutched his old ball cap in his hands and began his apology.

Alice wasn’t really listening. She was too distracted by the pair of dark brown eyes that were watching her from Leo’s side. His son was a little taller than he was, with broader shoulders and a full head of thick, chestnut hair. Like his father, he had a beard, although his was cut close and hadn’t yet turned thesnowy white of his dad. He had an intensity about him that his father was lacking, and it made Alice want to squirm under his scrutiny.

Alice finally held up her hand to put an end to Leo’s story. She wasn’t interested in whatever excuses he was about to offer. Indecent exposure, even as a good-natured prank, wasn’t a good look for Santa. “I’m sorry, but you’re out, Leo. I hope you can understand my position. I’m going to need you to bring me the suit so I can get it dry cleaned and ready for your replacement.”

Leo didn’t argue. He nodded sadly and apologized again. “Miss Jordan, this is my son Foster. He came in to town from Nashville to uh... bail me out.”

Foster Robinson reached out a hand to shake the one Alice offered. His expression stayed serious, making her wonder if he never smiled or just avoided it on days he had to spring his pops from the slammer. He probably wasn’t having the best day considering it had started with a pre-dawn call from the Rosewood police and a nearly three-and-a-half-hour drive.

“Will you be staying in Rosewood long?”

His son sighed and let go of her hand. Something flickered across his face that looked like emotion, but he stifled it. “Longer than I intended to.”

Alice stuffed her hand into her pocket to smother the tingling sensation his touch had left behind. She let her gaze travel over him for a moment, sizing him up. “You won’t happen to be around next Saturday, will you?”

“Oh, no, no,” Foster argued with a quick shake of his head. “I am not the guy to fill Dad’s soot-covered boots. Sorry.”

Alice shrugged. “I had to ask.”

“I’ll have him bring the suit by the courthouse on Monday.” Leo looked a touch disappointed that his son had turned down the opportunity so quickly. So was Alice, if she was honest.

“I’ve got to get him home,” Foster said, waving casually at Alice as he ushered his father toward the baby blue Mustang convertible parked on the street.

No longer needing to go into the building, Alice watched the two men get into the car and disappear around the block, and then turned and headed to where she’d left her own car.

Just across from the courthouse, a flash of silver caught Alice’s eye. In front of Phyllis’ Antiques, a big red pick-up truck had parked with a vintage Airstream trailer hooked up behind it. Since most of the shops were closed on the weekends, vendors occasionally popped up to sell goods, although she didn’t remember seeing it there when the parade had passed by before.

She walked over, noting the name “The Tinsel Trailer” airbrushed on the side. There was a table set up in front of it with a collection of shiny trinkets and holiday goodies. There was a display of jewelry, some ornaments, and figurines. Alice was a bit of a magpie, and after the morning she’d had, she could use a little retail therapy, so she let herself be pulled in.

The door of the Airstream swung open as she approached and an older woman stepped out to greet her. “Welcome,” she proclaimed. She had long, white hair that hung down her back and a flowing white dress and sandals. It looked far too flimsy for the winter weather, but if she was cold, she didn’t show it. “I’m so glad you were able to come by!”

Alice was a little surprised by the welcome, as though she’d been expecting her arrival. “I saw you as I was walking over to my car,” she said pointing to her little SUV across the street. “How long have you been set up here today?”

“Long enough,” the woman smiled with twinkling blue eyes. “What can I help you find today? I have more than you see here,” she gestured at the table.

“You don’t happen to have Santa Claus hidden away in that trailer, do you?”

The woman tilted her head curiously at Alice and then smiled and nodded. “One moment.” She disappeared back inside the Tinsel Trailer, returning a moment later. “Hold out your hand,” she said.

Alice complied, allowing the woman to place an object onto her open palm. It was a shiny brass jingle bell, like the kind you’d find on the harnesses of Santa’s reindeer.

“Give it a little shake,” the old woman encouraged.

With a shake, the bell made the expected sound. It was nice enough, with holly engraved around the top and a red velvet bow, but it wasn’t exactly what she needed. “This is very nice,” she began, but the woman held up her hand.

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