Page 40 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
Tricia’s brows creased as worry clouded her eyes. “Was that horrid person up there too?”
This question made Belle wonder how much his parents really knew. Belle nodded. “I don’t know what they were searching for, but they destroyed a lot of stuff.” Thoughts of the broken ornaments poked at her heart. “At least now they should realize that whatever they’re searching for, isn’t here. I just need them to give Odie back.”
“Your poor little puppy must be missing you something fierce.” Sympathy oozed from Tricia’s voice. She turned to Parker. “Are you close to catching him?”
Belle noticed the brief frown that flashed over Parker’s face. “Mom, you know I can’t discuss ongoing cases with you.”
“But Belle needs this to be over and her puppy returned to her.”
Belle could see the fine lines deepen on his face. She’d seen that look before when he was getting frustrated with her.
When he spoke, it was in an even tone. “I understand. And we’re doing everything we can.”
Tricia arched a brow as she looked at him. “Then why are you still here?”
“It’s my day off.” As though sensing that answer wasn’t what his mother wanted to hear, he said, “And I have a window to replace. We’re not sure what the suspect is searching for and when or if he’ll return, but I want the house secure.”
“Your father can help you. We have to hurry,” Tricia said. “Tonight is caroling.”
Parker vocally groaned as he rolled his eyes.
“Oh, don’t be that way.” His mother lightly slapped him on the arm. “It’s tradition.” She looked at Belle. “You sing, don’t you?”
“In the car with the radio turned up.” Belle smiled.
“Good enough. Now, everyone get back to work.”
Work?Belle’s mouth opened, but no words came out. What exactly did his mother mean? Was she planning to help the guys with the window? That must be it.
“Okay,” Belle said. “Just yell if you need me.”
As she started up the steps, she sensed Tricia was right behind her. It would be a little awkward to stop on the steps and ask her where she was going, so Belle continued up to the landing.
There was hardly any place to stand that wasn’t covered by a mess of broken glass from wall hangings, overturned wooden shelving units, knick knacks, or any number of other items.
“Oh, my goodness.” Tricia’s eyes widened as she took in the sight. “I’m so sorry.”
“It isn’t the items that I care about that much.” Belle’s thoughts quickly turned to the broken heirloom ornaments. They were the exception. “But I don’t understand why they took Odie.”
Tricia reached over and placed her hand on Belle’s arm. “I don’t think any of us understand what gets into people’s minds sometimes.” She glanced down at the mess. “Let’s get this cleaned up. You can’t even walk around up here. I’ll have the guys bring up some supplies.”
Without another word to Belle, his mother called out to the guys and told them exactly what they were going to need, starting with a broom and dust pan. Once they could walk around, they sorted things into three piles: keep as is, fix it, and straight to the trash.
More ended up in the trash than she’d expected. It was like the person who broke in went into a total rage when they couldn’t find what they were searching for. Some of the stuff that was broken appeared to have nothing to do with whatever he wanted. Like the framed pictures on the wall. Why break them?
As they cleaned, his mother talked about nothing in particular. Belle knew his mother was trying to put her at ease, but it wasn’t working. Belle’s emotions felt like they were on a roller coaster ride.
She was embarrassed to have Tricia going through her personal belongings, not that there was anything to be embarrassed about. It was just an awkward situation. Although, she’d much rather have Parker’s mother help than have Parker picking up her underwear. Just the thought set her cheeks ablaze.
When she went to put them away, she found one of her dresser drawers was broken. Tricia insisted that her husband could fix it. Whoever had broken it was a very angry person. There was no other explanation for the degree of damage done. She didn’t even want to think about what the person was doing to Odie. Every time she let herself think about the sweetest dog in the world, tears rushed to her eyes.
While they worked upstairs, Parker, his dad, and his brother Colin, who showed up a little bit ago, replaced her window in the living room—the one the burglar had broken the night before.
For lunch, Parker’s father ran out and picked up submarine sandwiches for everyone. Belle was truly touched that the Bishop family was pitching in and helping to clean up her house. It was so sweet of them. Now she knew why under his grumpy sheriff persona, Parker was actually a sweet guy.
When she finished making her bed, Belle turned to Tricia. “Thank you so much for helping. I don’t know how to thank you.”
There was a twinkle in Tricia’s eyes. “You can thank me by coming over this evening for some beef vegetable soup and then go caroling. We always need more people.”
