Page 28 of Chasing the Fall

Thirteen

Bran

I can’t believe Icaved.

The idea beats a refrain in my mind as Tally and I drive the darkened highway that will lead us back to Virginia. I shift in my leather seat, trying to gain a more comfortable position.

The whole idea makes me nervous. What if this guy knows, somehow, that Tally is supposed to be at Floyd’s Toy Emporium tomorrow? Was it advertised?

Logic says it’s not likely he would know, even if the toy shop had advertised Tally’s presence, specifically. He’s not a father—that any of us are aware of, anyway—and wouldn’t necessarily be in the flow of parent-oriented advertising.

Still, I don’t like it.

“Siri, phone Jack,” I say into the dimly illuminated cab.

I feel Tally’s surprised glance. “Why are you calling Jack?”

I don’t have time to answer her before Jack answers. “Bran. Everything okay?”

“We’re fine,” I say. “Just wanted to give you a heads up. Tally is supposed to be at Floyd’s Toy Emporium tomorrow…some kind of public service thing that she agreed to do for the kids. I didn’t feel right about not letting her do it and figured it would be safe, but I did want to check in with you and get your thoughts.”

“Floyd’s…I’m familiar with that event. My thoughts are that it should be safe enough. The potential for her presence to have been a big enough marketing ploy to reach Thurston is slim. She’s not a celebrity, and Floyd doesn’t advertise this event…it’s for a community children’s home.”

“That’s kind of what I was thinking, but I feel better hearing it confirmed by you.”

“I would, though, be there undercover if I were you. Just to be safe.”

It’s sensible. “That’s a good idea…but undercover in what way? I’m a little large to be another elf.”

“Santa, of course,” Tally says. My hand jerks on the wheel, sending the tires onto the rumble strip on the side of the highway, and she spears me with an outraged look. “He’s perfect for the part, particularly if he drives a sleigh better than he does a truck.”

“No. Absolutely not, hell no.” There’s no way in hell I’m dressing up as the jolly old fat man in red. “And then no, again.”

Twiggy giggles.

Jack hums, and I don’t like the sound. “Actually, it’s kind of genius. No one except the kids will be paying attention to Santa. If Thurston does show up, he’ll be emboldened to try something, and maybe we can catch him.”

“You’re not using Tallulah as fucking bait.”

“No, of course not. But it’s a good idea. Otherwise, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb.”

Motherfuck me in the ass.

“Fine. You just make sure the fucking suit fits.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

I hang up and send a glare toward Tally. “Thanks a lot.”

She beams, choosing to ignore the sarcasm. “Don’t mention it, studmuffin.”

Fucking hell.“Do not, for the love, call me that.”

“Okay, hot stuff.”

“Not that, either.”

“Grumpy old man?”

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