Surprised, Summer studied the return of his grumpy cop face. “What?”
“Santa’s at the park. Apparently, there is a party in progress. Grab your jacket.”
“A party?” Penny squeaked, grabbing her measurements and notes. “With a stuffed Santa?”
“Pictures, cookies and the works.” Tom’s gruff voice didn’t hide his irritation. “Merry Christmas.”
The two women grabbed coats and followed him. Summer got in Tom’s work vehicle, and Penny came behind in her car.
Tom hadn’t misspoken. The park was hopping with dozens of people, and tables arranged with drinks, food, and cookies.I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clausblasted from the sound system, and lights twinkled around the gazebo.
Santa, in stuffed living color, was the star of the photo booth.
Chapter Ten
Tom stayed silent, aggravation riding him like the harness on a reindeer. He turned into the side alley by the gazebo. Eyes alert, he checked for black cars, for footprints, but there was nothing to tip off who’d carried the figure into the park.
Summer’s gasp made him shift his attention to the grassy area. “Must be fifty or more people here.” The sound system shifted toFrosty the Snowmanas he got out of his car. Carmen pulled in behind him.
Out of her vehicle, she came to his side.
“Is he really here this time?”
Tom pointed at the line. “One way to find out. Go have your picture taken.”
“Joker. I’ll check, though.” She stomped off. She wasn’t any happier than Tom.
Bret pulled in next to Tom’s car. Summer greeted her brother-in-law, and they joined Tom. The Chief pulled in and parked his car next to Carmen’s. Was there anyone left at the station?
“Any signs?” The Chief’s frown was an ‘avoid the man at all costs’ one.
“None. Let’s do a thorough search. Carmen went to double check where he is.”
“What do we do about this?” Bret’s hand swept the group.
Familiar with park parties, Tom shook his head. “Nothing to do. It’s not illegal. Only the theft of Santa is a crime.”
“Clues?” Chief Hudson kept his questions brief, so Tom kept his answers brief.
“Black vehicle at the hospital reported by Rand Caldwell yesterday. We’re searching for it. We’ll have to check the crowd and find witnesses. We’ll do a thorough search of the path.”
Summer squeezed his hand. “I’m going to mingle.”
Tom released her and watched until she disappeared in the crowd. More cars pulled into the parking area bringing more people to the park. It wasn’t one age group. Grandmas arrived with grandkids, neighbors greeted neighbors. It was shaping into an old-fashioned block party.
Carmen came plodding back. “He’s there. I handcuffed him to the chair.”
A smile escaped. The image of Santa in jail made Tom’s mouth quirk.
“You find this funny, Applegate?” Chief had taken a lot of the flak for the problem.
“Actually, Paul, yes I do.” He used his first name on purpose because the man may be his boss, but he was also his friend. “This town is the only place I know that can turn a crime into a party.”
The chief took in the crowd and finally smiled. “Let’s go join in and see what we can find out.”
The cookies were going fast – store bought and homemade; there were cans of soda and water bottles on the next table. Chips and dips were on another table. Somebody had even moved a trash can to contain the debris. A dance floor had been corded off with ribbon and tall plastic candy canes. A large group was currently doing a shimmy to Kelly Clarkson’sUnderneath the Tree.
The picture line snaked across the grass to the curb. A couple of teenagers were using their phones, taking and texting as the pictures were finished. Groups, singles, kids, grandparents. Summer grabbed him and made him take apicture with her. He couldn’t decide whether to smile, frown, or look cop-mean. He kissed his wife’s temple instead.
