Page 59 of This Christmas

Nate gave Olaf a quick scratch behind the ears when the dog raced out of the house and happily barked at him. “It’s okay, I wanted to come check on them myself. There was something Faye wanted me to drop off.” He reached into the truck and pulled out a small brown bag tied with red ribbon. Inside was a plaid blanket and a tiny reindeer chew toy. “She said this one was non-negotiable.”

Charlotte gasped behind them. “Olaf’s first Christmas present!”

Ally smiled, touched. “Tell Faye thank you. That’s so sweet.”

“Will do,” Nate said. “I’ll make sure the horses are set for the day. You two stay warm.”

Once he left, Ally helped Charlotte hang their wet clothes by the fire before turning to the kitchen. “Cookies?” she suggested.

Charlotte’s eyes lit up. “Yes, please!”

They made sugar cookies and gingerbread men, and the smell filled the entire house. Olaf sat at Charlotte’s feet, tail thumping hopefully every time she dropped a sprinkle.

Mid-afternoon, the sound of her phone signaled that someone was coming up the drive again. She walked toward the front and glanced out the window to see Aiden’s patrol SUV pulling up and parking by Joe’s car. Her stomach tightened slightly.

She’d happily forgotten all about the events of the day before.

“Why don’t I take you and Olaf upstairs for a nap?” she said to Charlotte, brushing frosting off her hands.

“But—” Charlotte began.

“Just for a bit,” she said gently. “When you wake you can have two cookies instead of one.”

Charlotte pouted but obeyed and followed her up the stairs. It took less than five minutes for Charlotte to fall asleep with the dog snuggling with her on her bed.

When Ally returned downstairs, the men were sitting at the kitchen table, each with a mug of hot coffee and a plate of brightly colored sugar cookies between them.

“We’ve got updates,” Aiden said after she poured herself a cup and sat next to Joe, “and I figured you’d want to be included in them.”

Ally’s heart thudded. She exchanged a glance with Joe, then nodded. “Thanks.”

Aiden leaned forward and took one of the sugar cookie that she’d offered. “We got confirmation this morning that the bullet that killed Peterson, wasn’t from Joe’s gun, which means you’re in the clear and can pick up your weapon at the office anytime.”

“I could have told you that,” Joe added with a wink to her. “I know you had to rule me out though. What have you found?”

The warmth of the house suddenly shifted to cold. She reached for Joe’s hand, needing the anchor that he provided.

Whatever peace the morning had brought was slipping away, and deep down she knew that things were far from over.

“Do we know why Peterson was in the caves?” Joe asked.

“We’re working with the Portland PD. We found his car parked where you suggested we look at the public beach access,” Aiden said after a bite of the cookie and a sip of coffee. “Did Charlotte frost these?” He smiled at the blue snowman.

“Yes.” Ally smiled. “We have two dozen of them. I’ll pack some up for you if you want?”

“Thanks, but Susie and the kids are making some right now at home. I’m sure I’ll be eating sugar cookies for weeks.” He smiled.

“Do we know what kind of weapon killed Peterson?” Joe asked.

“Not yet. I’ve requested the coast guard to swing by daily and check that no one is utilizing the beach below. I’ve also had a call with your brother, and he said that he’s having a company come and install gates of some sort to block anyone else from getting in the caves.”

“Thanks,” she said again, feeling a little light-headed.

“We think Peterson was meeting someone, possibly a contact. He mentioned having a big job, and something about a government contract.”

She tensed. “Ted,” she whispered. “He’s hired so many different PIs over the years. Most of them quit him after finding out what sort of man he is.” She glanced over at Joe. “Like Joe.” She smiled at him. “He wasn’t the first, and I doubt he’ll be the last.”

“We’re looking into your ex. We know he hired Joe, and you’re right, chances are he hired Peterson too,” Aiden said.