“No.” Stepping aside for a family to get by, he continued. “The level of emotion and positive attitudes might fluctuate, but when I was up front, watching the faces and actions of every person here tonight, I sensed the change.”
“I just pray opportunities open that will rejuvenate the economy.” A flash of movement across the way stole her attention. She peered at the departing figure hidden by a cloak of darkness. The light of a street lamp illuminated him enough, however, for Brenna to recognize Sam Houston. She tapped Derek’s shoulder in excited, quick touches. “Look over there.”
“Where?” Derek glanced all around.
She pointed in the direction where she’d seen Sam. “Over there. I saw Sam again. He should have been gone hours ago, according to what he told us.”
“Hmm.” Derek squinted his eyes and craned his neck. “I don’t see anything.”
“He was there. I know I saw him.”
Worry creased Derek’s forehead. “I’m going after him. My instincts tell me he’s not telling the truth.”
“Why would he lie?” She couldn’t tear her gaze away from where she’d seen him.
“Scammers are known to come out in droves at Christmas.” He clenched his fist, inadvertently crumbling his cup. “Noel’s been through enough, and I won’t let someone come in and cause any more harm to this town and its people.”
“I hope you find him.” She did, but not for the same reason as Derek. The man had seemed lonely and in need of help but harmless. She hated to think of him out in the weather tonight, all alone and frail.
A realization struck her so strong that her head jerked with the force of it. The man didn’t actually look frail. Beneath his unkempt hygiene and tattered clothes, the man had seemed in good health, albeit hungry and thirsty. The more she thought about it, his teeth didn’t match the rest of his appearance. They were too clean and straight.
What did it all mean? She had to admit, the facts as she knew them didn’t add up, but she couldn’t believe the man was out to scam the town. Maybe he was an angel. Didn’t the Bible have a verse about entertaining angels unaware?
She picked up empty cups and crumbled napkins from the table while she waited for Derek to come back. Glancing around, she didn’t see any trash on the ground, which made her proud and happy. It meant a return of pride in Noel.
Beth came up to her. “Are you coming home?”
“In a little while. I’m waiting for Derek.”
“Where is he?” Beth lifted her chin as she looked at the vacant grounds.
Not wanting to cause unnecessary alarm, she told a fib. “He’s inside talking to someone. He shouldn’t be much longer.”
“Be careful out here alone. Noel’s always been safe, but you never know anymore.” Beth pointed toward City Hall. “Why don’t you wait inside?”
A cold chill shot through her. First the strange Sam Houston, then Beth’s out of the blue, ominous warning. “I will if he doesn’t come out before I finish cleaning up.”
“Want some help?”
“I’m good, but thanks. The quiet gives me time to think and process the evening.”
“Okay, but you have your phone on you, don’t you?”
Brenna patted her pocket where her phone was. “Yes, Mom.”
“Sorry.” Beth blushed. “I feel like I just got you back. I don’t want to lose you already.”
She made a brushing movement with her hands, indicating for Beth to leave. “Go home. I’ll be fine.”
“All right, all right.” Wrapping her scarf tighter, Beth stepped away. “I’ll see you at home.”
After Beth was out of sight, Brenna continued cleaning. She tied off the trash bags and stacked the empty cookie trays to return to Vanna tomorrow. When Derek still hadn’t returned, she turned the tables sideways and folded in the legs, propped them against the street light for Derek to carry inside later.
Her concern deepened when he hadn’t returned within twenty minutes. She tried calling him, dismayed when his phone went straight to voicemail. How long did she wait before calling the police? Anxiety built in her chest. She went ahead and moved the tables inside to alleviate the nervous energy.
The door opened behind her as she placed the last one in the lobby. She jumped, and all her blood pumped through her heart at once. She spun around and saw Derek standing at the door.
“You scared me.” All her relief spilled out in a raspy giggle. “Did you find Sam?”
