Christmas Party Murder (Country Cottage Mysteries Book 28) by Addison Moore

Author:Addison Moore [Moore, Addison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hollis Thatcher Press LTD.
Published: 2024-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

As soon as evening arrives, I pile Fish, Sherlock, and Jingle into my car and trek over to where the evergreens are verdant, fluffy, and for sale.

The Sugar Plum Tree Lot is a tradition for just about everyone in Cider Cove. In fact, some of my very best holiday memories have taken place right here at this pine-riddled piece of real estate.

Sherlock and Jingle run up ahead of Fish and me as we enter through the arched sign advertising the best trees for the lowest prices.

The ground is covered with a fresh dusting of snow and twinkle lights are strung up above going every which way for what looks like miles.

Cheery Christmas music blares from unseen speakers, throngs of people have shown up in hopes of finding the perfect tree for their home, and the cookie and cocoa stand is bustling.

Just about every employee here is dressed as an elf—clad in green tights and green wool coats—and somehow they’ve managed to make their ears look half a foot tall. I’m thankful that little ear foible wasn’t a requirement last night. My staff and I had already suffered enough trying to conform to elf culture.

Large red and white tents house trees of every size, and if you include the flocked trees, every color, too. Under the tent to the right, there’s a large velvet throne, much like the one that was at the inn last night, and my mark for the evening is seated in that exact oversized chair as people of all ages and stages of life pose for a picture with Santa.

Fish mewls in my arms, How do you plan on getting him alone, Bizzy?

“I have no idea. I guess I didn’t think about that.”

Don’t worry, Biz. Sherlock barks. The fifth person in line is holding a cup of hot cocoa. If they’re not done with their drink by the time they get to the front, I’ll make sure there’s nothing to finish once they see Santa.

“Ooh, I like where you’re headed with that,” I tell him.

Jingle barks. Once I see you speaking with him, I’ll come and find you. Chris has always liked me and I like him.

“Sounds like a plan,” I say as Sherlock takes off with Jingle in an effort to give him a tour.

“Bizzy Baker Wilder, is that you?” an all too familiar voice chirps from behind and I turn to see both Georgie and my mother.

“Oh, good grief,” I groan. “What are you ladies doing here? Mom, I thought you had a tree already? And Georgie, I know you have a no-kill policy when it comes to our evergreen friends.”

Fish mewls, You think you know a person. Next, she’ll be telling me she doesn’t believe in Santa.

That will be the day.

“I do have a tree,” Mom says. “We’re here picking one up for the senior center. It’s my treat for all of my friends down there.”

“And I’m here to stop her,” Georgie says, slinging an arm over my mother’s shoulder.

“You mean distract me.” Mom chuckles.

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