Love Inspired Suspense November 2021--Box Set 1 of 2 by Dana Mentink

Author:Dana Mentink
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

Santa’s Village was located inside a small brick activity center with concrete flooring and heat, which was all Poppy cared about. “Holly Jolly Christmas” played in the background as shoppers perused homemade Christmas crafts, candles and goodies. Poppy paused on the boiled peanuts. She hadn’t had those since she was a kid. Rhett pointed to the concessions.

“We can make a purchase on our way to talk to Candy Banner.”

“Nah. They smell good, though.” The crowd was entirely too large for a Monday afternoon. Didn’t people work? Her stomach rumbled. “Okay, we do have to eat lunch. And just so you know, if someone is selling turkey legs, it’s on.”

“Like Donkey Kong.” Rhett chuckled as Poppy stepped up to the counter and ordered a warm bag of boiled peanuts. Cajun style. Perfection. She shared a few with him.

“Where’s the photos with Santa?”

“Follow the mothers dragging dressed-up, screaming children and we’ll be sure to find it.” She popped a peanut, shell and all, into her mouth and felt the kick of cayenne. “I need a Coke.”

He agreed and bobbed and weaved past the booth stacked with monogrammed stockings. They maneuvered through the large rectangular building until they reached a big sleigh with reindeer and women in elf costumes handing out suckers to children who were in line to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Babies bawled while moms giggled.

Candy stood behind the camera while a young blonde girl shook a jingly toy at a toddler who was having none of it. “You couldn’t pay me enough to do this job,” Poppy muttered.

“Agreed,” Rhett said and snagged a handful of peanuts.

In between kiddos, Poppy approached Candy. The woman was petite. Pretty green eyes. “Candy Banner?”

“Yes.”

Poppy made introductions and asked if they could have a moment to speak. “If you give me these next five in line, I’ll put a sign out for a break. We could use one.” She did appear a little frazzled.

“Sure. We’ll look around.” Poppy went on the search for a vendor to buy a drink from, and after that they bumped into Delilah and Beth again.

“Are you getting your picture made with Santa?” Beth asked.

“She should,” Rhett offered through a chuckle.

“No, we’re on a case.” Poppy winked at Beth.

“We’re going on a train ride next. The Polar Express.” Beth beamed and Delilah chuckled.

“It’s our annual day to shop and go on the train ride. We wait until Christmas Eve for photos with Santa. The ride is actually pretty fun. They serve cookies and hot chocolate. Only lasts about an hour—a few miles forward then backward. But it’s decorated festively and the music gets you in the Christmas spirit.”

“You should come!” Beth said. “You get a ticket!”

It was hard to tell this woman no. In so many ways she reminded Poppy of Cora. Kind and trusting and full of wonder and life. The pull to go was strong, but they had so much work to do. People to talk to. Like Candy.

“Well, we’ll see.” That was the best she could offer.

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