Mistletoe & Hauntings Page 2

  Mallory ignored Eve’s nonsensical comment and cleared her throat, “Yes, Nana guilted me. Apparently, I’m to be visited by three ghosts.”

  “You sure she’s not just borrowing from this year’s play?” Penny smirked and winked at Juniper, who stood beside her.

  “Who knows? So, do you know where Lulu is or not?”

  “Straight down Candy Cane Lane and around the corner,” Penny said, pointing. “She’s in front of Blitzen’s Bunkie helping Pike and her Aunt Candy run the coffee & hot chocolate booth—or she was when I got this,” she added, holding up the paper cup.

  “I’ll come with,” Eve said, looping her arm through Mallory’s as they walked. “I need me a tipsy hot cocoa to warm up. I’ve got fifteen minutes before I need to run the Little People Toss.”

  “Do you mean the Elf Toss, Eve?” Mallory questioned, snow crunching under her boots.

  “Yes, I’ve renamed it to avoid being offensive.”

  Mallory shook her head. “That’s exactly what you’re being.”

  “What? How?”

  Mallory started to explain but gave up. “I know you’re head of the Bohemian Festival Committee now but do you think it’s a good idea that you run the kid’s games, yourself?” Mallory asked. “What about that restraining order?”

  “What restraining order? You mean the complaint from Easter. Please, that child had it coming.”

  Mallory shook her head. “And what’s that poking out of your bag? Eve! Are those garden shears and what are red solo cups for? Please tell me those are not for the kid’s games. We already told you, no beer pong!”

  Eve glanced down at her giant yellow bag. “Course not. I’m gathering up sprigs of mistletoe for a kissing game.”

  “Kids can’t play a kissing game,” Mallory retorted. “What are you thinking?”

  Eve wagged her finger, “Nobody likes a tattletale.”

  Eve pushed the shears further into her bag and added, “The kissing game isn’t for the kids. It’s a personal game for later with Ren.”

  Mallory sighed, “And the cups?”

  “There’s no beer. I promise. At least not for the kids.”

  Eve chuckled and Mallory glared.

  “What?” I’m teasing. “I don’t even like beer. It gives me ga—” Eve was cut off when a man’s voice rang out from behind a cluster of trees.

  “I’ve had enough. I’m going to tell everyone.”

  Eve and Mallory froze. The voice definitely belonged to Caspar, the director.

  There was a surprised gasp, and then a woman’s plea, “No. You can’t.”

  “That sounds like Pike’s Aunt Candy,” Mallory whispered to Eve. “What are they…”

  “Shhh!” Eve held her finger to Mallory’s lips, flicking her gaze back to the trees.

  “Why did you even come back? I told you to leave us alone.”

  Mallory couldn’t believe the harshness in Candy’s voice which was usually as sweet as her name.

  “You know damn well why I’m here. I have to tell Pike the truth before it’s too late,” he said.

  Candy scoffed. “Oh, please. You’re a lying, manipulating coward. I’m surprised you’d have the guts to show your face around here.”

  There was a heavy pause. Eve and Mallory looked at each other, both of them with raised eyebrows and pinched lips. It was getting awkward. Any second, one of them was going to come out from behind the trees and catch them spying.

  Catching Eve’s attention, Mallory motioned for them to back track. She’d find Lulu later.

  Candy’s voice rose again, agitated and loud. “Don’t you dare send me anymore threats. We’re done here–”

  He cut her off. “What are you talking about? Not until —”

  “I said we’re done. If you don’t leave Bohemian Lake,” Candy said, a good dose of venom in her voice, “I’ll make you regret it.”

  Mallory waited until they were far enough away to whisper. “What the hell was that all about? What does he need to tell Pike?”

  Eve blanched and sped up until they’d reached a giant workshop garage. Eve jiggled the handle and pulled it open, then tugged Mallory inside.

  “You know something, don’t you?” Mallory accused. “Spill it, Banter. You know you want to.”

  Eve turned and bit her lip. “No.”

  “Yes, you do.”

  Eve rolled her eyes and stopped. “Well, it’s just that Pike’s mom had a fling with that man Caspar—once upon a time.”

  “She did?”

  “That’s what I heard anyway. I lived in Texas back then but I’ve heard stories.”

  “Like what?”

  Eve began to pace, then stopped to pull the cover off one of the snowmobiles in the shop. “Well, well. Looky here, a brand-new Alpha One Mountain Cat. This baby was snowmobile of the year. I wonder why Tannen’s driving that piece-of-crap Polaris when he’s got this back here.

  Mallory frowned. “He was hardly driving a piece of crap. It was brand new.”

  “Yeah, yeah. I’m an Arctic Cat girl myself, so you can hardly blame me.”

  “Oh, is this like a Chevy vs. Ford thing.”

  Eve rolled her eyes. “As if that’s even a competition.”

  Mallory laughed. Eve could be a real gearhead. “Okay, well. Can we get back to our conversation, please? What have you heard?”

  “Well, I don’t like to spread gossip.”

  “Since when?” Mallory tapped her boot.

  “You got me there.” Eve smirked. “Look. It’s all vague and second-hand but I’ve overheard—”

  “Spit it out.”

  “Fine.” Eve growled as she covered the snowmobile back up and headed for the door. “All I know is Clara is not Caspar’s number one fan and it’s to do with Pike’s mama who jilted her nephew at the altar. Took off to Hollywood with his best friend, Caspar.”

  “But then how was Pike born?”

  “Tom Hart chased her down and brought her home a year later. They were already married and toting baby Pike with them at the time.”

  “So, you’re saying there was some question as to whether Tom or Caspar was the father. Is that it?”

  “Nobody speaks of it, dear. It’s impolite.” She turned the handle of the door and checked to make sure the coast was clear, “Now, I should be going. I’ve got some little people to toss.”

  “Stop calling the elves little people, Eve,” Mallory said, following.

  “I meant the children, dear.”

  “You’re not tossing children … Eve?!” Mallory shouted, but she was already off and running.

  Three

  T here weren’t many places around town to find a fancy ballgown, but the hands-down best place was Pike and Lulu’s Cookies & Corsets—the local coffee and vintage clothing shop. A weird combination but it worked. And since the hot cocoa stand was already shut down by the time Mallory tracked down Eve and made sure the kids were safe, she headed for the store.

  Sprinkles of snowflakes dotted the early evening sky, shimmering under the streetlamps, and hinting at the cold evening to come. After parking her car down the street, Mallory smiled at a group of carolers walking by in their Charles Dickens-styled costumes.

  The bell jangled on the shop’s door as Mallory pushed inside and breathed in a blended scent of melting chocolate, cinnamon and coffee. Pike looked up from behind the counter, and immediately went for the coffee station. “Evening, Mal! Latte or candy cane cocoa?”

  “Hey! Just a dark roast, please.”

  “Did you skip the reindeer games today? I didn’t see you.”

  It was six, and Mallory was running out of time. “No. I just came from there. I tried to make it over to your stand but I was busy babysitting Eve.”

  “Oh, what did she do now?”

  “Nothing, she was just riling me up like usual,” Mallory replied, unraveling her scarf and noting the place was almost empty—a rare turn of events. “What’s Jan baking back there? Smells like Christmas morning in here.�
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  “Chocolate cinnamon rolls,” she said, pouring and then setting the lid loosely on top of the cup. She pushed it across the counter to Mallory. “You want me to sneak you one? They’re just cooling.”

  “I’d better not,” Mallory said, tightening the top on the cup. “I need to fit into a dress for tonight. Speaking of which, where’s Lulu. I need a fairy godmother.”

  “Lou!” Pike shouted. Christmas music floated from Lulu’s backroom. “She probably can’t hear us. She loves to crank her tunes when she sews. Lou!” she shouted again, walking closer this time.

  “So, you going . . .” Mallory took a sip of the coffee and savored the warmth.

  “Mal, who in this town wouldn’t be going? It’s Yule.”

  “Yeah, yeah. So I’ve been told.”

  “Did I hear somebody needs a dress?” Lulu asked, emerging from the back room with a garment bag, which she unzipped on the counter. Her niece, Meg Patone followed her out holding her own garment bag.

  “Come to do some last-minute shopping at Auntie Lou’s as well?” Meg asked.

  Mal smiled and nodded. “Is that for me?” It was a total princess dress in the loveliest shade of red with off-the-shoulder straps, and a puffy tulle skirt.

  “Well, who else would it be for, silly?” Lulu teased.

  “How did you know?” Mallory asked.

  “A little birdie told me.”

  “So, Nana called?” Mal grimaced.

  Lulu smirked. “Come to think of it, the little bird did have an accent and a bossy demeanor. She said you were a little hesitant about seeing Kaden’s wi—err ex, and I should put you in red for power.”

  “Ex-wife, huh?” Meg eyed it. “Red is good. It’ll hide the blood, should you,” she pretended to cough, “murder anyone tonight.”

  Mallory laughed out loud. “Well, now I’m sold for sure.”

  Four

  T winkling lights illuminated the never-ending row of snow-dusted evergreens that surrounded the old Salazar mansion like a fairytale fence. Only two doors down from the Gothic Inn, they were practically twins with their fish-scale slate shingles and intricate trim which wasn’t surprising since both places had been built by the ancestors of Rory Salazar—the same man who’d willed the town’s mill to Pike Hart upon his death last year—a generous gift by anyone’s standards.

  Mallory drew the collar of her wool coat closer around her neck as she paused to squint and search the tall and narrow windows. A festive green and red Christmas wreath hung in each one and yet thanks to the decorative iron rails that etched the widow’s walk the house still looked like it had teeth.

  Kaden, who had a good grip on Mallory’s arm, almost tugged her over as he took his next step. “What’s the matter, Mal. You okay?”

  Mallory nodded. “Just taking in the situation.”

  “Fair enough, oh look, here comes Juniper and Jack. A fellow ghostbuster to help you out?”

  Mallory turned back and waved at the house-flipping owners of the Gothic Inn then fisted a handful of tulle so she wouldn’t stumble on her hem as she climbed the steps. They entered through the large double doors being held open by Axl Patone. His sister, Meg, waited off to his side, looking lovely in white.

  “Thank you, Axl,” Mallory said, taking in the fragrance of pine and cedar as well as the holiday crooning that floated through the foyer.

  “You’re most welcome, Ms. Vianu.”

  Axl and his sister Meg were sweet. They’d inherited this house from their uncle when he passed but they’d sold it to Caspar not long after—too young to appreciate a home of this style. Mind you they’d been forced to grow up rather fast the last few years thanks to their kooky relatives.

  “Mallory Vianu!” Eve hollered from the arm of her boyfriend, Ren Trubble, a distinguished looking man who was ten years Eve’s junior. Then she put her index fingers in her mouth and gave a short yet very embarrassing wolf-whistle. “You are one hot tamale, girl,” she said, afterward as Kaden and Mallory moved further into the room.

  Eve followed. She never could take a hint.

  “You’re one to talk,” Mallory said, doing her best to ignore the other attendee’s glances. Everyone knew Eve and there was no taming her. “Were you hoping to get unwrapped later?” Eve was wearing a nude bodice with strategically placed shimmery bows over her breasts that attached to a full skirt of green ruffles and sparkles.

  “You know me, sugar!” Eve laughed. “I’m just one big gift.”

  Next came Penny, Rebel, Juniper and Pike all looking gorgeous in satin and silk.

  “The ghost of Marley show yet?” Juniper asked, looking around surreptitiously as though the chain rattling spirit might pop out from behind the beautifully decorated Christmas tree

  “Not yet,” Mallory turned to Pike, “Who has the babe tonight?”

  “Aunt Clara. She’s so wonderful to us. Always there when we need her.” Pike replied.

  Mallory nodded. “She’s a special lady.”

  “Speaking of special,” Penny chortled, “What the hell is Eve wearing?”

  Mallory smirked, handing her coat over to one of the staff as they passed into the ballroom. A delicious aroma of spices and herbs wafted through the air. Thankfully, the food was only thing wafting through the air—no spirits of past, present or future yet, and no estranged wives either.

  “My poor father,” Penny mumbled, referring to Eve’s boyfriend, Ren.

  “Oh, I don’t think your father minds at all, Pen.”

  The other girls laughed. It was true. Eve was a firecracker; she’d been married more times than Elizabeth Taylor—well, only three times but Ren seemed up to the task.

  The grandfather clock began to chime. One, two, continuing all the way to eleven bells. Nana had predicted a ghostly appearance and Nana was never wrong.

  Mallory’s eyes searched the room, pausing when she felt Kaden stiffen. She looked up at him and then followed his gaze to her nemesis, Donna Bones who was standing in one of the doorways in a long, tight sparkling gown that matched her soul—black. And low and behold she was underneath the mistletoe. Mallory’s stomach knotted. Did she have to look so good? Mallory smoothed down the tulle on her own red dress and straightened. No need to be jealous. Her dress was just as head turning. Still, Donna annoyed her. Of course, the conniving woman was under the mistletoe. She was probably hoping that Kaden would be forced to kiss her.

  Wait a minute!

  Nana had mentioned mistletoe. Would Donna die tonight? Mallory wasn’t sure how to feel about that.

  No, Mallory was being silly. How could Donna be the ghost of the past when she was so busy being the nuisance of the present.

  Mallory blinked and had to rub her eyes as a man stepped through the doorway where Donna lingered. Like, actually stepped through the doorway and through Donna—as only the dead could. Donna didn’t seem to mind, she didn’t even shiver like most. Of course, not everyone could sense spirits. Mallory had unintentionally walked across the room toward them, dragging Kaden along by the hand.

  The air cooled the closer they got and shimmered around the ghost like a desert mirage. Mallory could now make out who he was, the past owner of the mansion, Rory Salazar. Mallory nodded at him, letting him know they’d chat later and, unfortunately, caught Donna’s evil eye.

  Donna rushed forward, “Kaden! There you are. I’ve been waiting for you!” And before he could pull away, she’d reached in and kissed his cheek. Mallory seethed inside. “What a lovely party. I can see why you like this town so much.”

  “Yes, it’s a nice place to visit,” he said lightly.

  “It sure is, and a nice place to live too. Why, the Bohemian Lake Police Department is just so welcoming. I think I’m really going to enjoy working with you guys. I just might have to move here.” She pretended to pick something from his tie.

  “Hello, Donna!” Mallory interjected. “Sign those papers yet?”

  “Oh hello, Mal. Nice of you to tag along.”

  “Umm…
hmm. So, you’re working with the BLPD now?” Mallory glanced up at Kaden who blushed. “I thought you were an FBI agent. What exactly are you doing with them?”

  “Oh, you know. Just consulting on a case. I’m surprised Kaden didn’t tell you. We had lunch today.” Mallory saw red at the comment until she noticed Donna’s aura flickered with dark blue.

  Mallory didn’t fully understand the complexities of her aura-reading capabilities yet. She could see aura’s change, pulse and flicker as plain as day but she was still working out the system as to what it all meant. This blue flickering pattern usually meant trickery, mischief or subtle dishonesty. Nana wore it all the time.

  “Really?” Mallory said, at last.

  Kaden coughed, “A department lunch.”

  That explained it. Donna was trying to make it seem like it was something it wasn’t. Mallory was relieved but squeezed Kaden’s hand, none the less. “A case that involves Bohemian Lake. And what case would that be?”

  Donna smiled. “Oh, dear. I’d tell you if I could, but you know how it is. We agents have our secrets, don’t we Kaden?”

  Kaden squirmed uncomfortably and Mallory gave herself a mental reminder to grill him later.

  “Great, well I’ll be right back. I need a drink.”

  Kaden leaned to kiss Mallory’s cheek and whispered, “I swear I was going to tell you tonight, babe.”

  Mallory resisted the urge to slap a mine sticker on his back. Instead she headed across the floor to the bar.

  Pike’s catering staff was running the bar, which meant selection would be great. She grabbed one of the evening’s signature beverages, the Mistletoe Martini, and sipped. Turned out it was a delicious vodka-and-cranberry cocktail. Like Christmas in a glass. She downed two more, telling herself the glasses were small.

  “Rough night or are you attempting death by mistletoe?” Caspar Holly smiled. His voice was warm and welcoming but Mallory now saw him in a new light.

  She fidgeted but managed a laugh. “There’s not really mistletoe in here, is there?”

  He smiled. “No, I think it’s mostly vodka and elderflower liqueur.”