Page 88 of Sleigh My Heart

Finally, alone. Michelle took a deep breath. She’d had one of her family or another by her side nonstop since the shooting.

She scanned the crowd. Almost everyone in Ashwood filled the courtyard, waiting for Santa. Except one. Mr. Silver was noticeably absent. Every other year, he would be the master of ceremonies standing at the microphone next to the overstuffed green chair. This year, a young woman was standing at the mic.

“Mickey.”

She turned to find Russ Jolley and Ava making their way through the crowd.

“Hey, good to see you. How’s the arm?” She gestured to his blue brace, which matched hers.

“Good. I should be ready to swing a golf club by season opener. And how are you? I didn’t expect to see you here today.”

“I needed a jailbreak. You know how my family can be.” She grinned, then leaned in and whispered, “I’m surprised to see you here and not there.” She discretely nodded at Santa’s village.

“It’s okay, Officer Michelle. Grandpa was Santa’s helper for a long time. He told me it was time to pass it on.” Ava’s smile told her that the child still believed in the jolly elf, but was beaming with pride that she was in on a secret.

Russ checked his watch. “Ava, it’s time for your dance.”

“See you later, Officer Michelle.” She shoved a green elf hat on her head and skipped across the courtyard to where two dozen other little girls were waiting in matching hats.

Michelle looked at all the people waiting for Santa. Surely, they would be spending some money at the stores today. “What will happen to the mall now that Junior isn’t here to inherit it?”

Russ cleared his throat. His eyes cut to the sky.

“What aren’t you telling me?” Russ was the only person she knew that was worse at poker than her.

“I don’t know anything.” He rolled back on his heels. His eyes twinkled.

“I call BS. Spill.”

“Okay, but you didn’t hear it from me. I don’t want to spoil the surprise.” He scanned the area around them for extra ears.

Michelle did a casual check. No one was paying attention.

“Horace always planned on having a management company handle the daily tasks of running the mall. He planned to give his shares to his son, but now… He’s dividing his stock among the employees and longtime store owners.”

Her mouth dropped, a cloud of condensation puffed out. “What? He’s leaving is mall to the store owners?”

“Shh. Yes. He hasn’t announced it yet. He’s still finalizing the paperwork.”

“Wow. Merry Christmas to all.”

“Horace Silver is as generous as Kris Kringle himself.”

“Speaking of the jolly old elf, who’s the new helper?” She canvassed the crowd, looking for Nick. She was dying to know where he found the new guy.

Just then, the woman on stage tapped the mic. “It’s time. Help me welcome the big man himself. Santa!” A jazzy version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town piped through the speakers.

Everyone turned to the back of the courtyard. The dancers twirled and shimmied their way down the lane. As they reached the stage, the girls moved to the sides, and the crowd turned their attention back to where Santa rode in on a sleigh being pulled by eight reindeer.

Michelle blinked. Twice.

“That’s… The sleigh. But how?” The case wasn’t closed.

Russ smiled. “Chief Martin was struck with the Christmas spirit. Or you could say his wife was.”

“You know her?” She pivoted to face him.

He shrugged, then winced. “I’ve been Santa for a very long time. I know every child who sat on my lap.”