Page 18 of A Christmas Mystery

“There,” he says. “That’s done. Thanks for helping.”

“You’re welcome. Thanks for saving them.”

We sit in silence side by side on the couch, both of us staring down at the boxes. After a stretch of time, Theo asks gruffly, “You okay?”

I glance over, but he’s not even looking at me. “I’m okay. What about you?”

“I’m okay too.”

“Okay. Good.” I swallow. “Okay.”

We’re saying okay too much, but I don’t know what else to say. I don’t know why I feel close to Theo right now—closer than I ever would have imagined I could. I’ve never even liked the man. Why do I feel like I know him better than almost anyone else? Why do I feel like we’re somehow together in this when we’ve never been together in anything?

“I guess that’s it then,” I say at last.

“Yeah. I guess so. Thanks again.”

“Sure.” I make myself stand up because who knows what I’ll do or say if I linger here much longer. “You still want to help me talk to the guys on that list? You really don’t have to.”

“I know I don’t have to, but I’ve got nothing better to do tomorrow. We might as well see if we can track down as many as we can.” He stands up too since I’m obviously getting ready to leave.

I nod. “Okay then. Thanks. I’ll text you tomorrow morning when I’m ready to get going. It won’t be too early.”

“I’ll be ready anytime after eight.”

“Right.” I give myself a little shake as I reach for my bag. “I’ll take off then.”

He nods. “See you.”

Since there’s absolutely nothing else to say, I get out of there fast.

Four

THEO AND I HAVE PICKEDout four of the ten guys on my list who we can probably run into casually—just by chance—sometime during the day on a Sunday.

The first one is Mick Bradford, who attends early Mass at one of the Catholic churches every week. I only have vague memories of Mick from school, but Theo is absolutely certain of his faithful church attendance.

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