Lucille Heigl appeared at his side dressed in black pants and a festive red Christmas sweatshirt with Santa on the front. She tugged on his sleeve. He followed her to the edge of the gazebo with Summer right behind him.
Lucille handed him her phone. “A message on social media. It’s asking me to read it to everyone.”
Tom scrolled through the text. Same account. No new clues there, and he approved the message. He let Summer view the words. She quietly agreed.
He gazed over the crowd and found Clem delivering food and Garrett helping him. Finally. The men were old friends. This nonsense couldn’t stand. The breeze turned mild, and the smells of grass and musty dirt mixed with food and cookies.“No reason not to read it. This is the heart of it.” His hand swept the crowd. “I’ll get the mic that goes with the sound system.”
He left Summer with Mrs. Heigl and got the system arranged for her to speak. Something niggled about the words, but there would be time later for him to break apart the why.
He turned off the music to a bunch of boos. He stepped to the edge of the gazebo. “There’s been another message on social media. Our mysterious person wants it read. Mrs. Heigl.”
The teacher came to the forefront. She took the mic and cleared her throat. “Be quiet there in the back and listen to this.”
She waited until everyone hushed.
“Christmas is about giving. Not lights. Christmas is about believing in each other and our values. Our traditions as a town are about doing for others not fighting over Santa. Santa was borrowed – without permission – to make a trip through town because we needed a reminder that this season is about love, about doing for our neighbors, about generosity, not bigger and better, not taking a step back from the love of the season, not thecompetition. It’s who we are. May it be on each of us to make it happen. Feliz Navidad. Merry Christmas.”
Tom kept his eyes on Clem and Garrett. Expressions of remorse aside, they shook hands. A truce was at hand.
Mrs. Heigl wasn’t through, though. She put her phone down. “Christmas Day is five days away. The food bank needs donations and volunteers for deliveries. We have families struggling. Sal’s has a Giving Tree. We have elderly needing food and help with small tasks. See Pastor Gail at the Good Shepherd Church. And it’s time to thank the Fire Department and the Police Department for all they do to keep us safe. Do something nice for your neighbors. And to those who stole Santa – good sentiment, wrong action. Call the police department and fess up.” She turned the microphone off and handed it to Tom.
He looked over the crowd and started the music again before stepping off the stage.
“What now?” Summer slipped her arm through his.
His mood eased. “What Mrs. Heigl said – nice sentiment, spot on. But the wrong way to go about it. Let me talk to Garrett about leaving Santa here for a while, then I’ll drop you back at home.”
“I’d like to stay for awhile. It’s giving me painting ideas.”
“That’s my Summer Girl.” He kissed her temple. “I’ll be home later.””
Summer wandered off, and Tom went to Carmen and Bret standing at the edge of the crowd.
“What next?” Carmen tapped a toe to the music, but her face wasn’t in a festive mood.
“Take the list Norah ran and find the car. We identify it, it’ll trace to them.”
“I’m not at school enough to know everybody’s vehicle, but there is a lot of high school students arriving. What does that say?”
“Somebody blasted everyone on social media.” Carmen shoved her phone back in her pocket.
Bret did the same. “Let me talk to Coach Gutherie. He might know more.” Bret patted Tom’s back and left.
Tom eyed Carmen. “Do I dare put you on Santa guard duty?”
“You bet your ass you can. He is going nowhere until the party is over, then I’ll personally help Garrett chain him where he belongs.” She stalked off in Slade’s direction and grabbed a sandwich from Clem.
The Chief’s car was gone.
Tom sighed. He may have taken a call. Back in his vehicle, he radioed Norah and got his answer. Traffic accident.
He backed out, eyes going over the party again. Pockets of people were talking. Hopefully, they were comparing notes per Mrs. Heigl’s speech.
The old man was found with five days to spare.
Merry freaking Christmas.
&&&&&&&&&&
