Pranced by Christy Barritt

Author:Christy Barritt [Barritt, Christy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian, Christmas, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense
ISBN: 9781505434552
Google: ja4TrgEACAAJ
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
Published: 2014-12-08T16:47:51.969968+00:00

The next morning, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The light show started tonight, and I desperately wanted to find the reindeer for Paul and Paula. It was important to them, so for that reason, it was important to me, also. Plus, I didn’t like wondering where the poor creatures were and if they were okay. They deserved to be safe and cared for.

Last night had solidified my resolve. Being with Chad’s relatives made me feel like I was a part of something, something greater than my animal rights organization even. It made me feel like I was a part of a loving family. I hadn’t realized how much I desired that acceptance until now.

Professionally speaking, I was outspoken and nervy. But relationally, I was private and often reserved. It took a lot for me to let people get beyond my walls and see the real me. I found myself wanting that unconditional love of family now. Maybe it was the baby. Maybe it was the fact that my own family was just now on the mend after years of tension. I wasn’t sure.

Whatever the reason, right after breakfast, Chad and I went to pay a visit to the Nimbles again. This time, there was an old truck parked in the driveway. I took that as a good sign and hoped for the best. Maybe we’d finally find some answers.

As we knocked at the door and waited, an odd smell drifted out from inside the home.

“What is that?” I whispered to Chad, not certain if I should turn my nose up or pull out a fork.

“Greens,” Chad said.

“Greens?”

“You know, collard greens.”

I’d tried a lot of vegetables in my life, but never collards. “They smell . . . awful.”

“They actually taste pretty good, especially with some pepper vinegar and raw onions on top.”

Just then, a woman pulled the door open. She looked like she’d seen better days. Dark circles hung underneath her eyes, her hair looked like it hadn’t been combed, and her clothing was stained and ill-fitted. I wasn’t a hugger, but instantly wanted to pull the woman into my arms and tell her everything would be okay.

“Can I help you?” She kept one hand on the door like she might slam it at any minute.

Chad looked at me, leaving the ball in my court. I told him earlier that I would handle this. He was always great for back up though, for when my mouth or my opinions got me in trouble. I loved it that he let me be myself, even in uncomfortable situations.

Such as this one.

“Hi, I’m Sierra and I’m staying next door with the Davis family. It seems their reindeer have gone missing, and we wondered if you knew anything about it. Since you live so close, we thought maybe you’d seen something.”

She blinked several times before speaking, her voice absent of emotion. “You think I stole some reindeer?”

I shifted. I’d thought my words had been especially careful and non-judgmental. “I didn’t say that. I was wondering if you’d—”

Suddenly, her emotions roared to life.

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