Page 108 of Mistletoe and Malice
Chapter Forty-Four
Another week. And nothing.
Colton’s mind kept drifting back to the case when he should be taking part in all the Christmas morning festivities. It wasn’t as if they didn’t have the evidence. It seemed to mount by the day, making them more and more confident Warren Everett was the guy.
If only they had an inkling where he might be.
“Uncle Colton, look!”
Quinn’s voice pulled his attention to her, holding up a brand-new dress from Grandma.
He blew her a kiss. “You’re going to look like a princess in that dress, sweet pea.”
Her giggle warmed his chest. Time to put work aside. This was family time.
The holidays had been difficult the past few years, since Theresa left. And his faith seemingly went with her. He couldn’t wait to get through the days from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, when the world would finally get back to normal.
But this year … this year had been different. Redeeming. Soul-filling. Thanksgiving at the shelter, followed by the evening with a blending of families from all walks of life at the Hudson estate. The bone marrow donor drive that exceeded all expectations. Spending a good chunk of yesterday cooking at the shelter. Giving folks at least one day they didn’t have to worry about where their next meal would come from. Or if they’d have gifts for their children.
Now, Colton sat on the floor of his parents’ living room amidst the remnants of wrapping paper and bows, boxes and packing material, as Lisa’s kids tore into their gifts. He’d already unwrapped his, including a hefty monetary donation from his entire family for Theresa’s foundation.
These were his favorite people. The ones who’d kept him together after Theresa died. Loving him through the darkest time of his life. By last Christmas, he’d finally found contentment in his singleness, choosing that over the idea of ever finding another. Even watching his sister’s children squeal with glee over their gifts, having finally accepted he would never have his own.
Why, then, was he at such a losstoday? When he’d come back to God and found joy in serving others? Where had that contentment gone?
After the last gift had been opened, he stood and walked over to peer out the big bay window in his parents’ living room. Gray clouds hung low, and a light rain fell on the front lawn. A great backdrop for his mood. Not at all Christmas-like.
He sipped from a mug of hot chocolate and turned when a hand clapped on his shoulder. “Dad.”
“Son. You seem a little distracted today. Anything I can help with?”
“No, sir. A lot on my mind, I guess.”
“Riley?”
“Riley?”
“Her case. I know you’ve been putting in a lot of hours on it.”
“Right. Her case. Yes, we’ve been working day and night on it. And we know we have the guy. We just can’t find him. I hate that we have to wait for him to do something and hope we catch him before he can …” Looking down into his cup, he shook his head.
“She must be frightened. Poor girl.”
“She is. But she’s a trouper. Won’t let him keep her down. I know she’s canceled some of her non-essential outings, which for Riley are few. Everything she does is essential to somebody.”
“She’s a jewel, that’s certain. The whole family is rather special. In fact, her parents sent us an invitation to their New Year’s Ball, with a handwritten note. They’re nice folks. Very down-to-earth for people who have so much.”
“You’re going to the ball?”
“Planning to. Could be rather fun, your ma and me hobnobbing with the cream of Houston society, getting all decked out for the evening, eating gourmet food. Sent back our response last week. We’re going shopping tomorrow for a gown for your mother. I’ve never bought your mom an evening gown. I’m quite looking forward to it.”
“You need a tux?”
“Renting one. Figured you’d be wearing your own.”
“I have two. I’ll go grab it later, and you can try it on.”
“All righty. Thanks.” They stared out the window, listening to the rain splatter against the glass. “So, the last time you talked to Riley, she was doing well?”
