‘But he was on the stakeout with us, in the car, when we saw the T-rex.’
‘Yes, the perfect alibi.’
‘Ohhh! You think he got someone to cover for him, pretend they were St Nick to give Quinn a watertight alibi?’
‘Exactly,’ Immy said, proudly. Clearly all the cosy mysteries that Alex had forced Immy to watch had rubbed off on her.
‘What makes you think it’s Quinn?’ Alex asked.
‘Well, the fact that the majority of the baubles were found in and around Christmas Gardens is a bit suspicious, it gives Quinn plenty of opportunity. The personclearly knows things about us: Zara’s love of roller skating, her favourite colour, your favourite flowers. It’s definitely someone who knows us. And lastly, while it would make sense that St Nick is delivering these baubles with some kind of scarf and hat covering his face, I don’t think he’s walking round the town in full disguise. Someone would see him and it would be too noticeable if it was something ridiculous like a unicorn costume or an inflatable T-rex. Also, the T-rex costume is really hard to manoeuvre in at the best of times; I’ve been in one and it’s really difficult – factor in several inches of snow and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. You said the poor guy was slipping and staggering all over the place. If St Nick was using the T-rex costume on a regular basis, he would know how hard it is to walk in it and either he’d get better at walking around in it or change the costume for something more practical. The person in that costume last night clearly had no idea how to walk safely in it. I would guess it’s the first time he wore it. Which means either St Nick knew you were there and knew he would have to amp up the disguise so he wouldn’t be recognised or that wasn’t St Nick, just someone pretending to be.’
‘But he had the bauble,’ Alex protested.
‘Yes, so if it wasn’t St Nick, it was someone in cahoots with him. And if it was the real St Nick, someone, probably Quinn, told him you were going to be there.’
‘So if Quinn isn’t St Nick, you think he’s St Nick’s accomplice?’ Alex asked.
‘Exactly. I have no actual proof. I think in a court of law they would say this was circumstantial at best. But I have my eye on young Quinn Campbell.’
Just then Alex heard footsteps coming down the stairs, this time not filled with excitement and joy, but sounding as if Zara was plodding. She arrived in the kitchen a few moments later.
‘Hey, you OK?’ Alex asked.
‘Just tired,’ Zara said, yawning widely.
Clearly the late-night stakeout had taken its toll.
‘Are you going to work already?’ Zara asked, sitting down at the breakfast table.
‘Not yet, but soon. Are you ready to go?’
Zara yawned again. ‘Soon.’
‘Or, if you don’t want to go to work with your mum today, you can stay here and help me wrap the presents,’ Immy said.
‘Oh can I?’ she asked her mum.
‘Of course.’
‘Yes!’ Zara did a little victory punch. ‘I’ll be in charge of ribbons and bows.’
‘That sounds like a plan,’ Immy said.
‘Great idea,’ Alex said. ‘Then you can take it easy and be well rested for tonight. You have your roller skating Christmas party, you don’t want to miss that.’
‘Oh yes,’ Zara said. ‘I’m really looking forward to that.’
Although she didn’t sound like she was looking forward to it, Alex knew she was just tired and would be feeling much more alert and enthusiastic in a few hours’time. Zara wouldn’t miss a chance to do roller skating for the world and tonight there was a roller skating disco, Zara’s favourite thing.
There was a knock on the back door as Quinn let himself in.
‘Hey.’ Quinn came over and gave Alex a quick kiss on the cheek. ‘I’m just popping in as I’m off to work early today because I’m leaving early this afternoon for my rugby club Christmas party tonight.’
‘The murder mystery one?’ Zara asked, her eyes lighting up. Anything to do with gore and she was invested.
‘Yes, I have to go as an evil mad scientist, so I’ll have to spend a few hours this afternoon getting into my costume. I’ve been watching YouTube tutorials on how to make yourself look old with special effect make-up, so I’m going to have a go at doing that this afternoon to make my skin all saggy and wrinkly.’
‘Will you send us photos?’ Zara said, excitedly.
