Christmas Presents by Marilyn Campbell

Author:Marilyn Campbell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
Published: 2015-11-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Because Leanne was too upset to eat more than a few bites of the breakfast she'd ordered, she took a walk on the beach. When the waves failed to improve her mood, she searched for a distraction by wandering in and out of several stores. She even tried busying herself in her office, but she simply couldn't focus. By the time her stomach reminded her that lunchtime had come and gone, she could not ignore her guilty conscience another minute. Yes, she was angry about Zachariah's—or rather, Zach's—deception, but she really should have stayed to help him clean up the mess. After all, it wasn't his fault the electrical wiring was faulty.

That thought led to his asphyxiation and the injury she'd caused him while dragging him outside. She probably should have taken him to the emergency clinic to be checked out. But fear, then anger had muddied up her good sense. What if he had a relapse or a concussion? For all she knew he was unconscious again, lying in a heap on the floor.

In record time, she locked up her office and headed home. Panic set in again when she saw Billy's truck in her driveway and recalled Zach mentioning that he might be dropping by Monday morning. Good heavens! What if Zach had forgotten and answered the door without his disguise? What would he have told him? With no idea of what might be awaiting her, she used her new key to enter the front door.

The house still smelled of smoke but it was bearable. Male laughter drew her toward the disaster area. "Hello? Is it safe to come in?"

"Hey Punkin'," Billy said without looking back toward her.

He was doing something inside the burned wall which was now just wood framing, pipes and wires.

"What are you doing here?" she asked then held her breath for his answer.

"I'd already planned on stopping by for coffee before I took the boat out. Even thought Zachariah might want to take the day off with me. Of course, once I saw what happened, I couldn't walk away."

Leanne clucked her tongue. "Billy, what did I tell you about—"

"You just hush now. You're not imposing on me because you didn't ask. And neither did Zachariah. I'm helping out because it's the neighborly thing to do. Besides, this is my day off so I can use it however I please."

"But where is Zachariah?"

"Here," came the answer from the utility room on the other side of the wall.

She peeked through the opening and saw Zach... in full disguise. At least that was one less thing to worry about. "So what's the verdict?"

Billy answered for both men. "What would you like first, the good news or the bad?"

"I could use some good."

"The main connection from outside into the old fuse box was partially eaten through, probably just age and salt air... or mice... and it looks like most of the wiring inside the box was corroded or chewed on too."

Leanne grimaced. "You consider that good news?"

"Absolutely.

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