“Nothing like a little threat by way of sharpened cutlery just in time for Christmas.” I give the tip of King’s ear a kiss.
A thought hits me.
Oh God. What if Holly was telling the truth and she didn’t post those lewd messages?
I look up just as Mayor Wright ho, ho, hos his way over while holding his belly, which really does look as if it’s made out of jelly. He’s donned the same red velvet suit from the night of the tree lighting ceremony, although at the moment his hat sits askew and his curly white beard looks as if a couple of French hens have made a nest in it.
“Well, well”—his eyes double in size as he spies all of the platters of colorful cookies behind me—“it looks as if Santa better fuel up for the big sleigh ride coming up.”
“Before you do that.” I link my arm to his and twirl us away from the refreshment table. “Can I ask if Holly ever mentioned that she was having trouble at the library? With Kaila Clark specifically?”
He thumps his finger to his rosy cheek. “No, Holly and I weren’t what you would say on speaking terms these last few months. But Kaila mentioned something. In fact, it was the night of the tree lighting. As soon as we saw Holly stumbling down the street Kaila said something about loose lips sinking furry ships.” He shrugs and attacks a platter of Nana Rose’s pizzelles.
I can’t say I blame him. Those happen to be my favorite, too.
I’m about to take off to hunt down Shep when I darn near walk right through Beauford Wright.
“Beauford!” I give King a little squeeze because this just might be better than bumping into Shep—in this instance only. “Hey, I was just looking for your girlfriend.”
He lifts a brow. He’s shaved the stubble from his cheeks and donned a black sweater with a polar bear on it in a feeble attempt in keeping with the theme. Dare I say, he actually cleans up nice.
“Kaila?” He gives a quick scan of the area with a slight look of surprise on his face.
“Yeah, Kaila. Your girlfriend. Are the two of you new?”
He winces as he gives King a quick tickle under his chin.
“We’re not new. We’ve been going strong for about a year now. But it’s new to the world, I guess. We were keeping it under wraps while Holly was still alive. I had talked to my brother the night of the murder about it, too. I asked him to fix this mess for me. I just wanted Kaila and me to be free. I thought he might have some pull with Holly. She was already giving Kaila so much grief over everything else, we didn’t want to add fuel to the fire.”
I think on it a moment. “That makes sense.” But Kaila was still denying it after Holly’s death. Maybe some habits die hard? Or maybe the killer doesn’t want to draw an arrow directly to herself. “What exactly was Holly tormenting her about? I mean, they worked at a library. I can’t imagine a more peaceable environment than that. And Holly was the boss. She was in control of everything.”
He shrugs. “Holly was a pill, is what she was.” He leans in. “She caught on that Kaila and I had the hots for one another way back before Holly and I officially called it quits, so Kaila and I thought it best to deny everything in hopes Holly would move on with her life or Kaila could find another job. Kaila didn’t want to leave the library, but it all worked out in the end. With Holly gone, I think the entire town can breathe easy.”
He takes off for the refreshment table, slaps his brother on the back, and Santa himself embraces him. It’s touching and sweet, and yet chilling considering those last words he just uttered.
No wonder Kaila is so insistent on keeping her relationship with Beauford low-key. I wouldn’t want to incur any of Holly’s wrath either. Although if she tried to bully me—the old me would have sent some of my family members over to rearrange her kneecaps. The current me wouldn’t object to the idea either.
I’m about to text Shep when I spot the very redhead that’s occupying my mind as she stands by the backdoor.
“Hang on, King,” I say as we make our way over. I thread through the crowd, and about halfway there, Tilly spins me by the wrist and we do a little two-step before I finally manage to get to the other side of the room. “Kaila,” I say brightly. “Do you have a minute?”
She belts out a cheerful laugh. “I’ve got all night.” Her hair is coiffed to perfection, and her bright rust-colored sweater matches her tresses. “What’s up?”
I navigate us into the hall, over to a dimly lit corridor with its dark damask wallpaper that stretches out behind us.
“Kaila”—I pant as I look to this seemingly kindhearted woman—“were you afraid of Holly Wright?”
“What?” She backs up a notch. “I mean, I wasn’t afraid of her, but I wasn’t exactly looking to find myself in a dark room with her either. What’s this about?”
“Beauford mentioned that you hid your relationship from Holly because you didn’t want any more trouble from her. And I get it. I’d do my best to stay out of a bully’s way myself.”
Her crimson lips round out. “Did he say that?” She gives a nervous laugh.
“You are dating Beauford, right?”
Her eyes flash with what looks to be anger. “Yes, I’m seeing Beauford. It’s ridiculous of me to hide it now. It’s almost as if I’m afraid of Holly from the grave. When someone threatens you the way she did me, it’s not so easy
