Deep Flakes Christmas by Joy Ann Ribar

Author:Joy Ann Ribar [Ribar, Joy Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, General, Women Sleuths, Cozy, Amateur Sleuth, Holidays, Small Town & Rural
ISBN: 9781645381853
Google: pS3kzQEACAAJ
Amazon: 1645381854
Publisher: Ten16 Press
Published: 2020-10-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The Bubble and Bake group met city clerk, Kelley LeVay, unlocking the community room door. Each one laden down with boxes of baked goods and candles, Kelley directed them to a front table she’d covered with a cloth from the kitchen.

“Dixie from the diner is bringing coffee. The ministers are on their way in.” Kelley seemed calm and prepared, instilling confidence. “Let’s just put the candles on the front table, too. Guys…” she looked at Carlos and Kyle, “can you set up some chairs on that side of the room for those who can’t stand?” The twins flew into action.

People began streaming into the community room; some quite somberly, others chatting about anything they could to help ease the tension. Chloe spied a bewildered-looking Jovie scanning the room from the side doorway and went to gather her into their sector. Bob’s and JJ’s wives arrived together, hands clasped, worry on their faces. They were greeted with hugs and hand squeezes.

The ministers, dressed in regular street clothes, clustered together at the front of the room, and took turns leading prayers. This continued for about a half hour, followed by a cappella singing of “Amazing Grace,” “Comfort My People,” and other hymns. Then, silence consumed the room.

Nobody wanted to leave, waiting for news about Bob and JJ. Everyone took solace in the bakery and coffee, making circles around the room for whispered small talk. Several business owners approached Frankie to apologize for their poor behavior the night before at the planning meeting.

“Rob and I and several others on the parade committee contacted everyone on the list to invite them to ride in the parade again this year, Frankie,” Sandy from Holiday Stationstore said. “We got together this afternoon to get the job done. We all felt bad about not being organized last night. Just wanted you to know.”

It seemed that a snowy Friday in Deep Lakes was more productive than ever as many committee members checked in with Frankie to share their progress in finalizing event details. Whatever the reason for the fully charged committees, Frankie was grateful and relieved; she still felt responsible for the success or failure of the holiday season in town.

Across the room, she caught a glimpse of Jewel standing next to Father Donnelly, offering him a cup of coffee. She wanted to thank Jewel for the idea of bringing the committees together, and to let her know things were working out. Then she remembered why they were gathered here, hoping the Snowy Ridge crew would be found safe and sound. She inwardly berated herself for thinking about the festival plans when so many of the town’s loved ones were in harm’s way in the snowstorm.

Frankie headed in Jewel’s direction when she was interrupted by her sister-in-law Shauna, who had brushed up against her side. Shauna was pale and looked tired.

“Is James out looking, too?” Frankie guessed. James had a heavy-duty truck with a plow he used as the construction company truck.

Shauna nodded. “Yes. They’re all out in teams of two, searching in tandem, just to be safe.

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