The woman touched a tissue to the corner of her eye and sniffed. What was your name again?
Nick St. Claire, a friend of Mr. Claus. Nick moved back toward the others standing in the center of the store.
Kim followed him. My husband never mentioned you.
Its been a long time.
Ive known Mr. Claus a long time. I have no memory of your name.
We dont know each other well. How long did you say you knew Santa?
Weve known each other since back when we were much younger.
Really? Nick lifted a nutcracker in the shape of a wooden soldier from a shelf and pretended to study the cracking mechanism. I thought you were newlyweds.
We are. Iwe just recently found each other again.
Nick glanced up and caught Marys gaze.
Her long blond hair framed a pale face and beautiful blue eyes glassy with tears.
He found himself drawn to her, crossing the floor to her side before he realized what he was doing. The tug of concern pulling at the muscles in his chest was foreign to Nick. He didnt know this woman.
Until yesterday, he didnt know a man named Santa Claus existed other than in the movies and fantasies of children. Why should he care about how the woman next to him felt about her missing father? His primary focus should have been on finding Santa Claus. The man and his daughter were nothing more than another assignment. Emotions werent part of an SOS agents authorized equipment list.
This whole situation is crazy. Santa is probably fine. Perhaps he stayed at a friends house or something. In the meantime, I have to let people know the scheduled deliveries might be delayed if we cant find my husband soon. Kim sniffed and dabbed at her eyes, moving toward the checkout counter. If you have any more questions concerning my husband, ask Officer Baskin. I have calls to make, and I need to close the shop.
The front door to Christmas Towne slammed closed and everyone turned to see who entered.
A stout man with gray hair and brown-black eyes hurried through carrying a microphone in one hand. He was closely followed by a man hefting a camera on his shoulder with NEWS printed in large block letters on its black plastic casing.
Ah, Mary. Im so glad youre here, the man with the microphone said.
A soft groan escaped Marys mouth. Please, not now, Silas.
He crossed the floor to stand in front of the petite blonde.
Too close for polite conversation. His stance appeared more threatening than casual.
Nick took a step forward before he could catch himself.
As soon as I heard the news, I hurried over. Silas waved the cameraman closer.
With the media? Mary closed her eyes, her lips moving as if she were counting to ten.
The man shed called Silas raised his brows. The public has a right to know the most famous man in North Pole is missing. He rubbed his hands together like a kid anxiously awaiting a new toy. What we want to know is why? After thirty years of playing Santa, why has he disappeared? Could it be a mysterious criminal past caught up with him? Is Santa on the run from the law?
Mary threw her arms in the air. Good grief, Silas! My father is not on the run from the law. Hes not the criminal. More likely hes the victim. Now get out of here before I have you thrown out.
Kim Claus stood a few feet away, her lip curled in an amused smile. Really, Silas, thats a pretty pathetic attempt to slander my husband. Santa is a good man. Everyone knows it. She crossed her arms over her chest and turned to the man in uniform. Dont you agree, Officer Baskin?
The officer nodded. Silas, nows not the time to be a pain. Leave quietly, please.
I have a right to know about a man who pretends to be Santa. Imagine all the children whove been fooled by a potential criminal. Parents will be up in arms. He shot a narrow look at Mary as she inhaled deeply. Notice I said potential. Im not accusing your father of anything. Im just a concerned citizen.
Silas Grentch, youre only concerned about getting your hands on the best moneymaking business in town. I thought you couldnt stoop lower, but you never fail to amaze me. Mary looked to Officer Baskin. Can you make him leave?
The officer smiled dangerously and stepped toward Silas.
Im leaving. Silas held up his hands and backed up a step, one eye on the cameraman. Are you getting this?
Out. Mary pointed her finger toward the door, her blue eyes flashing.
Nick almost laughed out loud at how quickly Silas Grentch scurried for the exit. Im leaving, but the truth will come out. Mark my words. Itll be a dark day in North Pole when Santa Claus is brought to justice.
The cameraman paused at the door with his camera pointing at Mary. Miss Christmas, with Santa missing and Christmas getting close, what will happen with Operation Santa?
Marys eyes narrowed, her fingers curling into tight fists. Well find Santa before the planes leave. Children in the remote villages will see him.
The cameraman nodded, lowering his camera before he left.
After the door closed, silence reigned inside the cheerfully decorated Christmas store.
Im sorry you had to come home to Silass shenanigans, Mary. Betty took Marys hands and pulled her into a tight hug.
Nick witnessed the entire strange scene, his mind ticking through all the slurs and innuendos flung at the missing Santa and his family. One thing stood out like a shining beacon. These people knew Mary Christmas, and from the looks of it, they cared about her. His gaze slid to the new Mrs. Claus. Well, almost all of them cared. Kim Claus warranted some looking into.
Officer Baskin touched Marys arm. If you hear, see or even smell anything, please pass it along to me or one of North Poles police officers. Ill start checking with Santas friends in town.
A tear slipped down Marys cheek. Thanks, Trey.
Nick resisted the urge to reach out and brush the tear away, clearing his throat instead. Im new to town. Is there a hotel where I can get a room?
The police officer dropped Marys hands and zipped up his parka. Try Christmas Towne Bed-and-Breakfast. Its just two blocks east of here. Ive got to get onto this. The temperature is supposed to drop down to minus twenty tonight. Although the officer didnt add that a man couldnt survive in that kind of temperature, he didnt have to. As he left, a chilling wind gusted through the double doors.
Marys gaze followed the officer, her skin even paler than a moment before.
Nicks gut tightened. Do you have a place to stay?
When I left Seattle, I thought Id stay with my father. I didnt make any other arrangements. She turned toward her stepmother.
Im sorry, Mary. Kims mouth twisted into a weak smile. Id let you have your old room, but I didnt know you were coming, and Im in the middle of a huge remodeling effort. Your room is stacked with boxes, the bed is dismantled and leaning against the wall. You could have the couch, but it too is stacked with boxes. Youd be better off getting a room at the B and B as well.
Mary stared at Mrs. Claus for a long moment, her shoulders stiffening, her mouth pulling into a thin line. I see. Then she smiled and turned to Nick. Thank you for the ride.