Page 49 of Blame It On The Carols

I grabbed my purse from the table and sent a text back to Aiden.

Me: My mom just got home, so I’m heading over there now. See you later!

Aiden: Have fun. I’ll see you tonight. Love you.

Me: I love you too.

I shoved my phone into my pocket and opened the door, smiling when I saw Tony waiting for me.

“Perfect timing,” I said, pulling the door closed behind me and locking it. He smiled and walked behind me as I headed to the car where Patrick was already inside. It felt weird having my security detail double as my chauffeurs, but it worked. This was just another means to ensure my safety, which I was fine with.

The drive to my mom’s house was quick, as was everything in Sugarplum Falls.

Before I was allowed to get out of the house, Tony and Patrick checked the cameras for any signs of trouble before Tony got out and escorted me to the front door.

I knocked, not bothering to look for my keys. A few seconds later, my mom answered the door, and my stomach immediately dropped.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” I asked, stepping inside and reaching for her.

She was pale and looked like she had seen a ghost.

“Nothing, dear. Everything is fine. Did you bring the fruit cake?”

I pulled my brows together in confusion as I stared at her. What in the world was she talking about?Fruit cake? When had we ever eaten fruit cake together?

Her eyes widened, almost as if pleading with me.

“Shoot. I totally forgot to grab it. Why don’t you run with me to the store?” I offered, completely worried now as I reached for her hand. She pulled away quickly, making the hairs on my arm stand straight.

“Oh, no. I can’t do that. I need to stay here and watch the turkey in the oven.”

I glanced past her, noticing the oven wasn’t on, nor was there the familiar smell of one cooking.

“Okay. It’s fine. I can go real quick and come back.” I leaned in to hug her and whispered quietly in her ear. “Mom, you’re scaring me. What’s going on.”

“Leave now,” she whispered, pushing me away with tears in her eyes.

My blood turned cold as I noticed a small cut above her eyebrow.

“Where’s Brock?” I whispered, forgetting that he was supposed to be joining us. Why hadn’t he protected her from whatever was going on?

Tony stood at my side, and I noticed the moment his hand reached for his holster. His body angled close to mine as his eyes constantly scanned the room.

“He had to go to work today.”

Something was wrong. Very, very wrong. Brock had the day off, which was why we were having lunch together.

“Okay. I’ll go get the fruit cake, and then we can figure out lunch when I get back.”

I turned and faced Tony, my eyes wide and brimming with tears. He gave me a subtle nod, confirming he knew something was wrong as well. He leaned his head to his shoulder and spoke quietly into the microphone.

Within seconds, the front door flew open, and Patrick grabbed me, moving me to the kitchen before a handful of security guys rushed through the house. I reached for my mom, thankful when one of them guided her to me before sweeping the house.

“Drop your weapon now!” Tony yelled from the back of the house.

I closed my eyes and hugged my mom, terrified over what was happening.

There was a heavy thud and then a few other loud noises as more security rushed inside.

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