Page 24 of Christmas in the Shadows

“Very well. So, you said you didn’t notice anything was stolen?”

She shook her head. “I don’t really have anything of value that anyone would want to steal. But no, I didn’t see anything missing.”

“I didn’t see any security cameras out here. Is that correct?”

She nodded. “I keep thinking about getting them, but I haven’t done it yet. I usually feel so safe.”

“Anybody you can think of who might have done this?”

Tex waited, curious as to what she might say. This was her call, not his. Would she mention DJ?

After a moment of thought, she shook her head. “No, I don’t know of anyone.”

The officer put the notepad back into his pocket and took a step back. “We’ll see what we can do. But in cases like these, it’s often hard to track down the perpetrators. Make sure you check all your doors and windows tonight. Maybe even think about getting a dog.” He glanced at Tex. “Or a boyfriend.”

Tex slid his gaze toward Chelsea in time to see her cheeks redden. Even if she did have a boyfriend, she wasn’t the type to let him stay overnight. Unless something had changed with her in the years since she and Tex had been close.

He didn’t think that was the case.

“If you think of anything else, let me know.” The officer nodded at them. “In the meantime, I’ll be in touch.”

As he left, Tex turned toward Chelsea on the porch. The light from the small bulb beside the door illuminated her gorgeous face.

The sight of it made his throat go dry.

He cleared his throat as he tried to shift his thoughts. “You doing okay? If you don’t want to go back inside tonight and want to find somewhere else to stay, no one would blame you.”

“No.” She shook her head, her adorable chin jutting out. “I want to stay here.”

“Do you mind if I go inside with you and help you clean up some?”

She hesitated again. For a moment, Tex was certain she’d say no.

Then she nodded. “Yes, I’d love some help if you don’t mind.”

Chelsea should have told Tex to go home. Why hadn’t she?

But she knew the truth. Though he was dangerous for her heart, she didn’t want to go back inside her house alone. She welcomed the company, especially when that company was a big, strapping man who would scare away any intruders that might decide to come back.

Plus, she was still curious about him. She was kicking herself, however, for feeling the emotion. She didn’t want to be curious. But she was. She wanted to know more about the past twelve years of Tex’s life.

She hesitated before opening her front door and pushing herself inside. The sight of her destroyed living room made her stomach clench.

“How could someone do this?” She had meant it when she said she didn’t know who would want to cause her harm.

She really didn’t think DJ was responsible. She couldn’t throw him under the bus for no reason.

“Good question.” Then Tex quietly added, “I plan on finding out.”

Had she heard him correctly? Or had she just imagined those words?

She frowned as she said, “I don’t even know where to start.”

Tex glanced around. “It looks like the bookcase made the biggest mess. Why don’t we start there?”

“Good idea.”

On the way over, he reached down and carefully put the Christmas tree back on its stand. Numerous ornaments lay scattered on the floor. He picked several up and put them back on the evergreen branches.

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