Alice turned, showing puffy eyes and a quivering lip, and suddenly she flopped into him and cried.
He held her close, rubbing her back and telling her everything was going to be okay, but it wasn’t okay. Because the police didn’t just take Alan away, they took Lizzie as well.
Chapter 19
Alice
Alice walked into the B&B to see Jamie, Benny and Luna huddled by the desk. It was obvious they were all waiting on news about Lizzie.
Luna was the first to rush forward. ‘Where’s your mum?’
Alice thumbed behind her towards the door. ‘I’ve just settled her indoors. She’s a bit worn through.’
‘She’s not the only one.’ Luna grabbed her coat from the chair where Benny was sitting. ‘And how are you?’
‘I’m fine, Nan. Just tired. It’s been a long night.’
Luna nodded. ‘Right. I’m off home to see Lizzie.’
Alice kissed her grandmother’s cheek, then followed her to the door to wave her off.
‘Thanks for ringing with the update,’ said Benny, getting up. ‘Granny’s been worried sick.’
‘Everything’s sorted now, so you can go to bed as well.’ Alice yawned. ‘I think we all need a good night’s sleep.’
Benny frowned. ‘I still don’t think it’s fair Alan got off with a warning.’
Jamie agreed. ‘What exactly did he tell the police?’
Alice took a calming breath before replying. ‘He said he thought if it looked like someone was messing with me, and he showed up, I might ask him to stick around and help.’ She shook her head and sighed once more. ‘Honestly, even the police were baffled by his logic.’
‘He created trouble for you hoping he could come along and be your hero.’ Jamie shook his head. ‘That was his logic?’
‘Pretty much, but it’s just so weird.’ Alice didn’t have much energy to dissect Alan’s mind. ‘Anyway, he has been well andtruly warned to stay away from me, and he was scared enough to listen. He didn’t like being locked in a cell.’
‘They should have thrown away the key,’ spat Benny.
As long as Alan kept his word and stayed away, she really didn’t care. She was simply glad his nonsense was over. ‘They said he kept apologizing. Reckons he only meant to scare me a little bit.’
Benny huffed. ‘What a loser.’
‘Yeah, he’s definitely that,’ said Alice. ‘And now he’s on the police radar, I can’t see him messing with anyone ever again.’
‘Doesn’t he have to pay for the damages?’ asked Benny.
Alice shook her head. ‘Nope, because he said he didn’t do any of the things he was being accused of. It was just the snowman he was going to tamper with, but Mum jumped on him first.’
Benny flung a hand to the back room. ‘But we have footage.’
Alice nodded. ‘Of a masked man removing lights from the tree, putting the gnome back, and placing the wreath on the doorstep. It doesn’t show who it is.’
‘And they can’t arrest him for harassment?’ asked Jamie.
‘They told him they will if he comes near me again.’ Alice yawned once more. ‘Oh, I’m so tired. Let’s lock up and forget this night happened.’
Benny headed off to his room. ‘I’ll go see Nan in the morning.’
Jamie went with Alice to the front door. ‘How is your mum really?’
