Buzz.
He reached for his phone.When he saw the caller ID, he pressed the phone to his ear.“Mrs.Kringle, what can I do for you?”
“First, I told you a million times to call me Merry.And second, I need your help.”
“If this is about Tank, I heard he was found.”
“It’s such a relief that he’s okay, but this is another matter.If you could come over to the store, you’ll see.”
It wasn’t the first strange phone call he’d received about a pet in trouble, but as far as he knew, Merry didn’t have any pets, which was odd since she owned a pet store.
“I can’t right now.As soon as I finish up with a patient, I’m headed over to my brother’s to check on Tank.”
“Oh, yes.Of course, I understand.What about a little later this evening?”
He wondered why she was being so insistent.“I’ll do the best I can.”
“Thank you.I knew I could count on you.See you later.”
The line went dead before he could say anything else.So much for his early evening to get caught up on things.
Chapter Two
Theworkdaywasdone.
Holly yawned as she finished counting her receipts.It had been a good day—a very good day.Too bad all the days weren’t like this one.
With everything secure, all she had to do was lock the door and turn off the lights.She started toward the exit.Before she reached it, the door flung open.Felicity Wright walked in.Holly’s mouth gaped.She hadn’t seen Felicity in a long time.
Holly rushed up to her with a smile on her face.“You’re back.”
Felicity smiled and nodded.“I am.I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long.Life gets busy in New York City and time goes way too fast.”
“I totally understand.”After Gran passed, the days blurred from one into the next.“How’s life in the big city?”
“It’s okay.”
Felicity had left Kringle Falls for college and then got a job with a big publisher in New York City.Sometimes, Holly was jealous of her friend for getting out of this small town and being able to start over somewhere else.Other times, Holly couldn’t imagine living anywhere but Kringle Falls.
Holly gave her friend a quick hug.“How long are you back for?”
“I’m not sure.”When Holly sent her a curious look, Felicity said, “I mean, definitely until Christmas, but I don’t know if I’ll leave then or after the New Year.”
“Well, it’s good to have you back, even if it won’t be for long.”
Felicity looked around at the shop.“This place looks good.Your grandmother would be so proud of you.”Then Felicity got a somber look on her face.“I’m so sorry I didn’t make it back for the funeral.”
“It’s okay.I totally understand.The flowers you sent were beautiful.”When her grandmother first passed, Holly had been in such deep grief that she wouldn’t have been fit company.This was a better time for them to catch up.“I hope you’ll have some time so we can get some coffee and talk.”
Felicity nodded.“I should have some time when I’m not working at the bookshop.”
Holly’s brows rose.“You’re back there?”
Felicity glanced away.“Connie could use some help for the holidays.”There was something in her tone that seemed off, but Holly couldn’t figure out what it was.“And, uh… It’s not like I have anything else to do while I’m here.”
Another odd response.“I thought you’d be spending your time visiting with your mother.She had to have missed you a lot.”
Felicity’s gaze lowered as she nodded.“I didn’t tell her I was coming home.I thought I’d surprise her.The surprise was on me because her calendar is full between work and the holiday events.And I’ve missed working at the bookshop.”
