A Santa Stabbing: Shop 'Round the World, Book 1 by Geri Krotow

Author:Geri Krotow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Cozy, Mystery
ISBN: 9781957748658
Publisher: Tule Publishing Group, LLC
Published: 2022-07-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Crystal’s question haunts me when I get back into town. Too wound up to enclose myself in the office, I promise Ralph I’ll be back in a few and head out for a run.

Okay, a fast walk. Running has never been my go-to exercise. Give me a road bike and miles of rural highway any day. But for now, a walk is the quickest way I’ll tire myself out enough to contemplate a long soak in the tub, followed by hopefully a solid slumber. I lied to Crystal about sleeping well last night.

Main Street is congested as the earliest commuters pass through on their way home from Harrisburg or further. Every single parking spot is occupied, and people wrapped in warm outerwear thread down the sidewalks, going in and out of the shops. The thrill that gave me butterflies over this business potential isn’t there, and I make a quick left to enter an alley that will take me to the road that leads out of town. It’s still light out, but I’m not willing to run on the shoulder no matter how much reflective gear I wear, so as soon as I reach the entrance to a subdivision I angle in, mindful of turning cars.

Cumberland Cove is the quintessential mid-century neighborhood, with mature oak and mulberry trees on either side of the wide streets. Low-slung split-levels sit far enough back from the road to see them, but allow for ample privacy. Many houses are in the processes of being decked out for the holidays and I focus on each home in an effort to clear my mind. A large air-filled turkey gently waves in the breeze on one lawn, while a set of Charlie Brown characters from the Christmas special hang out on another. Most houses already have lights strung, a smart tactic when the weather can change on a dime this time of year. Plus, several Stonebridge families celebrate Diwali by hanging multicolored lights, which adds to the sense of being in the middle of celebration.

The tension in my shoulders eases and I can almost pretend that Saturday didn’t happen. Almost, for just this tiny sliver of time.

I walk past the house I considered buying before I realized I’d be much happier living atop the shop. Plus the numbers crunched out better.

The twins had preferred the stone-front house, especially the kidney-shaped pool complete with waterfall nestled in the backyard. The FOR SALE sign is gone, so I assume it sold. I haven’t thought to check in the flurry of the past few months. I won—

“Woof!”

A Sasquatch-sized canine leaps in front of me a split second after his warning bark. I freeze, hold up my arms. I know I shouldn’t make eye contact but this looks more like a wolf, with amber eyes to match.

My adrenaline spikes my heart rate as, you guessed it, good ol’ Navy training kicks in. Stay calm. No sudden moves. Be the alpha! The last is Crystal’s admonition every time I encounter her three burly labs, whom I adore.

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