“Just coming back from the farm with the mint.” I stare at the leaf in my hand. Then, suddenly, I know who killed Taylor Grace and Dr. Merriweather. “I just wanted to make sure you weren’t freaking out.” I try to keep the tremor out of my voice. “Snow’s pretty heavy.”
“Gotcha.” There’s a long pause on the phone. “Well, better concentrate on driving. Lots of crazy people out here. Hope no one runs you over.”
“Frickety frickety St. Nick.” I pace around in the cold, trying to call Hughes. No answer.
I need to get back to the Christmas market.
Sitting behind the wheel once more, I say a little prayer to the Christmas gods.
“Okay. Let’s do this.” I rev the engine of the old Cadillac. “Come on, go!”
The back tires catch, and the massive tank lurches back onto the road.
“Whoo!” I holler as I floor it.
As I race back to town, I try Hughes over and over, but he never picks up the phone.
31
WILLOW
The Christmas market is mayhem. Bookies run around taking bets on the baking competition. Tourists and townspeople crowd up to the stage next to the large Christmas tree to get a good spot.
“Have you seen Hughes?” I shout to Josie.
She’s surrounded by a sea of Mace’s younger brothers, all hyped up on sugary festive snacks and hot chocolate.
“No, he wasn’t here when I came back,” she says, frazzled.
“I have to tell you something,” I tell her urgently.
“Give me like ten minutes,” she pleads as several kids start wailing. One of the older kids has her baby strapped to his chest, and he starts complaining loudly.
“When you have women falling all over you because you know how to change a diaper, you’ll thank me one day. Also, the baby likes you better than me, so Merry Christmas.”
“Oh, hi!” Lydia says to me, her own overstimulated kids in tow. “Have you seen Travis?”
“No, have you seen Hughes?”
“Ugh, men! They just wander off!”
I make my way to where all the bakers are being staged.
“Where are your Christmas cookies?” Ida yells into the tinny megaphone. “All baked goods must be on the tables, or you’re disqualified!”
“Oh, there you are!” Hollis chirps.
I peer at her as she emerges from the shadows, carrying a tiered tray of cupcakes.
“Good, you have the mint!” She beams at me. “Thank you so much for getting that.”
“Bakers, ready your pastries!” Ida blares.
“I’m looking for Hughes,” I tell her, trying not to give it away thatI know.
“Come on! This is the first day of the rest of our lives. Forget Hughes. You only just met him. If he wants to run off with another girl, let him.”
“He’s with another girl?” I feel sick.
