Page 90 of Jam and Jingle Bells
His lips found mine again and he kissed me breathless. “That makes me happy. Maybe someday you’ll want to be my Mrs. Claus.” He added a wink, but I put my arms around his neck and held him close.
“You never know the magic that can happen in Bells Pass at Christmastime.”
He gathered me into him and for the first time all night my eyes were heavy. I fell asleep thinking about evil elves, robot Santa, wooden soldiers, and the man who was going to keep us safe from all of it.
My very own Santa.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The Nightingale Diner was almost empty when Ellis and I snuck through the back door and took booth six, away from the windows. It was Friday night and I had been going stir crazy stuck in the apartment. The police didn’t even want me cutting hair until they caught the guys responsible for this. Ellis had worked at the studio, but only in the office. He had to leave the teaching up to Dawson, who thankfully was free to come back from Saginaw for a few days. Heather was able to pick up the slack at the salon, but I would have to work next week. Everyone had plans for the holidays and wanted to look their best.
“What are we going to do tomorrow, Ellis?” I asked as we settled into the booth. “You have to play Santa at the sleigh and I’m supposed to be your elf.”
He lowered his menu and lifted his eyebrow. “I can still play Santa, no one knows it’s me.” I smirked and he held up his hand. “Okay, only you and one little girl who won’t tell a soul know it’s me. As for you being my elf, no. You’re my Mrs. Claus, no more elf duty for you. They’re looking for a replacement.”
I frowned and sighed. “Dang. I liked being your elf.”
“And I liked that elf costume.” He wagged his brows, his eyes wolfish.
The bell tinkled and my eyes automatically lifted to the door as I shrunk back against the seat. I let out a sigh at the familiar faces. It was Gabe and Wilson. Wilson had a pair of crutches tucked under his arms but was putting weight on his leg, which was a good sign. What wasn’t a good sign? They were headed right toward our booth. Ellis’s eyes tracked mine and when he saw them, he stood and motioned Wilson to sit in his spot.
“Officers,” he said, shaking their hands.
Gabe put his hand on his hip and eyed me. “I thought we told you to stay out of public places.”
“You did, but we’re driving Shep’s truck and we came in the back. No one saw us.”
Ellis scooted me into the booth and sat next to me. “She was going stir crazy. I figured this was safe as long as we steered clear of the windows.”
“Unless the guys were in here,” he said, throwing up his hands.
I rolled my eyes skyward. “You were the one who said they were long gone, remember? Does the whole,they shot a cop and are on the runthing ring a bell?”
Wilson laughed with abandon and shook his head. “I always liked you, Addie. You always knew how to keep Gabe in line.”
Becca was hesitating by the counter, unsure if she should interrupt or not. I motioned at the two guys in front of me. “Coffee?” They nodded, so I gave her a three and she grabbed the pot, bringing it over.
“Didn’t want to interrupt.” She glanced at Ellis. “Tea? Sprite? Hot cocoa?”
“Hot cocoa would be great,” he agreed and she headed off for the front counter while the guys sipped their drinks.
“How are you feeling, Wilson? I’m so sorry you got caught up in this,” I said, anguish evident in my voice.
He set his mug down and shook his head. “You had nothing to do with me getting shot. I picked those guys up before I knew who they were. Literally, every time I make a traffic stop, I’m fully aware I’m putting myself at risk. Don’t even think about blaming yourself for this,” he ordered, motioning at his leg. “Besides, it’s going to take more than a leg wound to take me out.”
“All the same, thank you for doing what you do. From here out, both of you, free haircuts for life.” As soon as they objected, I slashed my hand through the air. “Not negotiable. You’ve gone above and beyond to keep me safe. That said, how long until this is over? Any luck on the hunt?”
Gabe grinned, which I thought was out of place considering the question, but then he spoke. “We got them, both of them.”
I leaned over on the table, excitement raising my voice higher than normal. “What? Next time lead with that!” I exclaimed, throwing my arms around Ellis. “They got them!”
He rubbed my back and grinned. “I think she’s a little excited to hear this news. Good job, guys,” he said, shaking their hands. “Can you tell us what happened?”
Wilson rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “We can, but believe it or not, it’s bizarre.”
“Believe it,” I said. “The whole thing is bizarre.”
Gabe pointed at me. “I’ll give you that. Yesterday about nine a.m. a guy walks into the station and says he’ll give us information about the cop shooting, and all the rest, if we’ll cut him a break.”
