Page 79 of Sleigh My Heart

“What happens next? You don’t think Margarita’s aunt planted the bomb?” Nick asked.

“No, but now I can subpoena her records and get warrants to search their places.”

“What about the sleigh?” Nick’s voice was calm, but Michelle could see the hope on his face.

“We’re working on it. We need to wrap up this case before they release it.”

Nick muttered a curse. “I need to get to work. Mr. Silver was devastated last night. I want next weekend to run smoothly.”

Michelle ran a hand down his arm. “I’ll call you later. I need to go to the station with Jim.”

Nick’s gaze briefly connected with hers. His message was loud and clear, as if he’d shouted it from the top of the mall. He had to figure out a Plan B, and fast. All hope had fled his expression.

Don’t watch him walk away. Don’t. As if on a swivel, her head turned. A Herculean amount of self-control would be needed for her to not stare. And she couldn’t pass up the jelly-filled donuts, let alone a tasty treat like Nick.

Jim walked with her toward the parked patrol car. “I’ll talk to the Chief. If we can lock down this case, then maybe they will release the sleigh by the festival next Saturday.”

“Sure, and Rudolph can fly by and pick it up at the station.” Things had gone way past just a missing sleigh. Russ, aka Santa, was in no condition to have kids hopped up on candy canes like crack addicts climbing on and off his lap all day. Hell, Nick would rather run through the mall in his underwear at ten below than put on a Santa suit, and all the Santas for hire were booked. She didn’t think the sleigh could save this festival at this point.

“Have faith. It will work out. But right now, we need to button down this case. We’re close. Why don’t you talk to the aunt while I question Smith?”

“Will do. Maybe I can catch her in a lie or get some dirt on Towers.”

“That’s my sister. Get digging.” He patted her on the shoulder, then strolled off to his vehicle.

She checked the time. What were the odds that Elaine would be at the office on a Sunday morning? Michelle pulled out the card she picked up when she was at Hightower, and called. “Hightower Developing. Mister Towers office.”

“Elaine?”

There was a second of dead air before she answered, “Yes.”

“It’s Officer Michelle Swenson. Are you in the office today?” Please be there.

“Yes, I have some year-end things to finish before we close for the holidays.”

“Perfect. I’ll be there in five.” Michelle disconnected before the other woman spouted reasons for Michelle not to come.

Questions ran through her mind as she drove across town to the HighTower office building. She didn’t want to tip her hand. Just inquiring. Not suspecting her of anything… yet. She needed to let Jim do his digging before she confronted Towers’ assistant.

Come in friendly. See what she knows.

Michelle opened the door to the lobby. She blew out a breath. It echoed in the cavernous space. A lone receptionist sat at the desk. She must have drawn the short straw to work on Sunday. Today, the office ran on a skeleton crew, for sure.

Michelle smiled and removed her gloves. “Good morning. I’m here to see Evan Towers’ assistant Elaine.

“One moment, please.” The girl picked up the phone and a moment later, hung up. “Follow me.”

At the elevator, the employee badged the control panel and pushed the top button. “She’s expecting you.” Then she stepped out before the doors closed.

Well, it seemed she didn’t warrant an escort this time.

As the doors opened to the top floor, Elaine smiled from behind the desk. “Officer Swenson, Mr. Towers is out of the office at the moment.”

“That’s okay. I came to talk to you.”

“Me?” Her eyes widened.

“Yes, you were so nice and said if you could do anything to let you know.”