“The murderer struck again!” Travis is yelling into the microphone in front of the judges when I practically collapse back onto the stage.
“That’s not—” I wheeze.
“Willow and Hughes, they orchestrated the murders of Taylor Grace and Dr. Merriweather, and when I confronted them about it, they shot me!”
“He was trying to kidnap Hughes, and Maris shot him. She’s a witness!” I try to grab the megaphone.
“Wait, that was Maris who shot me? She kills deer and turkeys. She knows how to shoot. She could have killed me!” Travis whips around to yell at Hollis. “You should have told me she was in on it! I would have Amazon Primed a bulletproof vest.”
“I—I—I—” Hollis stammers.
“I knew it! I knew you were poisoning them with the toxic squash!” I holler.
The crowd titters.
Someone from the crowd says drunkenly, “Is this the Christmas pageant?”
“I never—police!” Hollis screeches. “Where are the Christmas police? This man is insane. Check his desk atSvensson PharmaTech. I bet you’ll find Dr. Merriweather’s phone in his office.”
“No, you won’t. Unless you planted it there,” Travis fumes at Hollis.
“I would never. I’m no murderer. I’m a baker.” She presses her hands to her chest.
“I knew you were going to pull this shit. That’s why I saved the video I cut from the security feed.” Travis advances on her, teeth bared.
“You what?” Hollis squawks. “I told you to delete it or we would both go to jail!”
“Well, I’m not taking the fall for you. I want a plea bargain,” he demands as the Christmas cops advance on the stage.
“Hollis, why?” I ask.
Hollis is teary-eyed. “I killed them for you, Willow,” she says, “because we’re best friends. Dr. Merriweather was talking Taylor Grace into stealing our shop. Then Taylor Grace had to go because she was stressing you out. And Hughes—he isn’t good for you. He’s monopolizing your time. You’re better off without him in your life.”
“Why’d you get Travis involved in the murder?” I ask her.
“I blackmailed him into helping because he was having an affair with Taylor Grace.” Hollis glares at him.
“You piece of shit!” Lydia hollers from the crowd.
“It wasn’t an affair,” Travis argues. “It was one time,” he tells Lydia. “She came onto me once when I was drunk. Can I get a temporary insanity plea? Taylor Grace literally drove me insane!”
Lydia hurls her cup of apple cider at him.
“Ow!”
The Christmas cops move in, red-and-green handcuffs out.
“I didn’t murder anyone!” Travis begs.
“You strung up Dr. Merriweather’s body and shot Taylor Grace’s corpse,” Hollis argues. “You’re an accomplice.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t kill anyone! Lydia, please don’t divorce me,” he pleads as the Christmas cops snap the handcuffs on him.
“I’m innocent too.” Hollis bursts into tears. “It was self-defense. I’m your best friend, Willow.”
“No, you’re not. I am!” Josie hollers.
“Poisoning Hughes was not self-defense!” I tell her, furious. “Oh! Hughes, poor Hughes! Remy, we need to call the ambulance.” I start freaking out.
