Lewis, who’d sat quiet through most of the conversations of the past few minutes, leaned forward, addressing Rosie with a steady tone. “They are wrong. And we need to come up with a way—as a town—to make it up to the family. Show them they are wanted here.”
Yes. Yes, we do.
Charlotte stood. “I know what we should do.”
All eyes turned to her.
“We need to pack this party up and take it to the Christmas Tree farm.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Somehow, it didn’t surprise Charlotte that Lewis owned a minibus. The minute Rosie, Doug, and Esther agreed they’d get others involved in going to the Forests, he hurried off to collect it.
“Before his darling wife passed away, she ran the shop and he drove tourists around the area. To the wineries and Hanging Rock and all the other sights.” Rosie puffed as she wheeled fast back to the other side of the fountain, Charlotte jogging to stay beside her. “I had no idea he still has the old thing so let’s hope it’s still driveable.”
Doug and Esther were rounding people up, sending them to the fountain, and when there was a small crowd, Rosie parked herself in the middle.
“Sorry to interrupt your night yet again! We’ve had quite an evening. Terrible accusations and poor Charlotte threatened by a man who admitted to being one of the real Christmas tree thieves.” Rosie’s voice was calm and clear.
At the very outside of the circle, Marguerite and Octavia glowered at Charlotte. Glenys was nowhere to be seen and if she now knew her own nephew was behind the mayhem, she might have left to go home.
Would she be alright though? Doug had phoned Sid, who’d gone home early for a few drinks and complained about his evening being interrupted.
“A few of us are going to go to the Christmas Tree farm, and we’d like to invite you all.”
“Now?” Someone called from the back. “What about the food?”
Charlotte stepped forward. “What if we take some of it up there. Enough for whoever comes along. We can set up in their carpark and ask them to join us.”
“What a dreadful idea.” Octavia was furious. “Those people are thieves.”
“No, Octavia. No, they are not.” Glenys hobbled her way to Rosie and Charlotte. Her face was puffy from crying, but she held her head high. “I am so sorry for my part in the whole mess. It would appear my nephew and his friend are responsible for stealing the trees and the probably the highchair.”
“What about Santa though?” Another person from the back. “He’ll be here soon and not everyone will want to traipse up to the farm tonight.”
He’ll cope. He’s an alien.
“I believe Santa is pretty good at being in multiple places. Perhaps he would be kind enough to attend to both parties.” Charlotte suggested, making eye contact with Esther, who was close friends with the gentleman taking on the role. She nodded and got her phone out.
“Right, so if nobody objects to us taking a table and some of the Christmas fare—”
“We object!”
Almost everyone in the crowd turned to Octavia and Marguerite. Nobody said a word, just stared. Marguerite grabbed Octavia’s arm.
“We’re leaving. And we’re taking our food with us.”
When there was no move to stop them, they stalked to the tables and began piling plates up to carry away.
The crowd thinned. Veronica, Jonas, and now Terrance were at the far edge of the plaza. Not talking. Just watching. There was something going on with them. Something more than Veronica’s shock about her boyfriend, or the councillors’ possible shady dealings. Unease settled in Charlotte’s stomach. They were up to no good and this vendetta of the book club ladies wasn’t the only strange behaviour in Kingfisher Falls.
The minibus nosed slowly into the driveway at the Christmas Tree Farm, Lewis careful of potholes and the odd kangaroo crossing the way in the dark.
Rosie was in the front passenger seat, lifted in by Doug, who then closed and packed her wheelchair. All twenty seats were full, and several cars followed, including Glenys’, who’d said she wanted to apologise to Darcy. Once Lewis had arrived at the plaza it took only minutes to pack up some tables and lots of goodies. Santa had promised Esther to head up there after his plaza duties.
“I hope this won’t make things worse.” Charlotte was next to Esther. “What if Darcy and his family are so upset, they tell us to leave?”
Esther smiled. “It will be fine, you’ll see. The books for Lachie are packed in the back as well as the baby hamper.”
“The what?”
“Didn’t Rosie tell you? She spent Sunday collecting all sorts of baby gifts. Doug provided a dinner for two voucher for Italia for when they’re ready, and I’ll babysit that night. And I’ve added a gift voucher so Abbie can choose some new clothes once she has her body back.”
Tears prickled at the back of Charlotte’s eyes. Tonight, after all the upsets and fears, this little town reminded her of River’s End at its finest. She stared out the window, blinking to clear any mistiness.
Through the trees was a light. Then another. On and off. Someone walking through the pine trees. Charlotte thought it was still on Darcy’s land, but couldn’t be sure. He might be out checking his boundary. Or perhaps it was Sid. But it wouldn’t hurt to be sure.
Chapter Forty
The carpark was dark and deserted. There were no lights around the sheds, but the back of Abbie’s car was visible near the house and a few rooms were lit.
After Lewis parked, Doug settled Rosie back in her chair. “I’m going to find Darcy and invite the family to our party.” She said. “Do you want to come with me?”
“Actually, if you are okay on your own, I might help here.”
“I know the way. See you soon, Charlie.”
Charlotte stepped away from the minibus, scanning the trees.
