Christmas Cozy by Daley Kathi

Author:Daley, Kathi [Daley, Kathi]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Holidays, Genre Fiction, Literature & Fiction
Publisher: Kathi Daley Books
Published: 2014-11-02T07:00:00+00:00

After Jeremy and I finished our conversation I headed over to the preschool. When I walked into the building Tawny Upton owned, I was greeted with a warm, inviting feeling. Hand-painted works of Christmas art covered every wall, there was a tall tree with homemade decorations, and the kids were all gathered in a circle listening to Tawny’s assistant read a fun story entitled “The Misfit Elf.” I know if I was a kid this was exactly the kind of place I’d want to spend my days.

“Zoe Donovan—just the person I wanted to see,” Tawny greeted me.

“You wanted to see me?”

“Yeah. Didn’t you get my message?”

I hadn’t, but I also hadn’t checked my voice mail yet that day. “No. What did the message say?”

“Now that the public school is closed for three weeks I’m offering a special program for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. I’d heard that Scooter was visiting and had brought a friend. I wanted to let you know about our program in case you needed day care for the kids, but I also wanted to see if they’d be interested in being in our Christmas play. We’re assigning parts and having our first rehearsal this afternoon at two. The play will be held in the community center on December 23. It’s a simple story with a lot of songs, so no one has to learn very many lines, but it seemed like something Scooter might enjoy.”

“I’ll call Zak and have him talk to Scooter about it, and I’ll have him ask Alex as well. I was going to take her shopping this afternoon, but I suppose we can go later if she wants to do it.”

“Wonderful.” Tawny smiled. “So if you haven’t come in regard to my message why are you here?”

“Can we talk in your office?” I asked.

“Sure. I was just about to take a coffee break anyway.”

Tawny led me to her office, where she poured me a cup of coffee and offered me a sugar cookie shaped like a Christmas tree.

“How can I help you?” she asked.

“I wanted to ask you about Mrs. Jolly. I know she donated Christmas gifts for the kids every year, so I was hoping you might know something about her.”

Tawny’s smile faded. “Holly was an exceptional woman. She donated quite a bit of her time to the preschool and she always had gifts for every child. I’m having a hard time understanding why anyone would want to hurt her.”

“I know what you mean. I’m afraid I’m fresh out of ideas, and Salinger is at a dead end as well. It will be so unfair if the killer gets away. I’m just asking around, trying to pick up clues, no matter how small. Mrs. Jolly just doesn’t seem like the type to make enemies.”

Tawny took a bite of her cookie. I could tell she was considering the situation because her brows furrowed as she chewed. Tawny could be silly and flighty at times, but she had a serious side as well.

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