Page 57 of Mail Order Christmas (Hawthorne Billionaire 5)

Gunner sent me the log-in instruction for the cameras. I was going to be able to watch what they were doing without being there. Alexandra had invited me over to dine with her and her husband. I felt I had to accept, even though I knew she was also inviting a friend of hers. She seemed to think I needed help. I messaged her I was on my way, then went back to texting Gunner.

“Thanks for the info.”I texted back.“I’ll be watching and letting you know if I see an elf.”

“Just message my cell if you see your elf.”Gunner sent a picture of him holding up cuffs. “We’re catching this elf tonight.”

I looked up from the back of the limo to find Alexandra looking in the window.

“Ash, get out of there. I’m starving.” Alexandra banged on the window. “You know it’s not a good thing when I’m hungry.”

I exited the limo and filled her in on watching the elf hunt from far away. Alexandra grabbed my hand and pulled me inside. She was talking a mile a minute to her husband about watching the hunt without introducing us. He put his hand out and welcomed me to their home.

“I’m Spencer. She hasn’t stopped talking about this since she camped out with you,” he laughed. “It sounds like it was fun. I look forward to watching along with you.”

I liked him. He was laid back and kind to Lex and she deserved that. Not to mention, what kind of man lets his beautiful wife spend the evening in a mall with a known playboy?

“Come on, let’s get it up on my big screen so we can all watch.” Lex left without a response from either of us.

“I believe we may be dining in the theatre room,” Spencer chuckled. “She is too much, relentless when she gets excited by something. Do you mind dinner being informal?”

“I’m not really a formal guy.” I followed him. “I’d take flip-flops and a swimsuit any day over a suit.”

“That’s right. You were living on an island with your cousin.” Spencer gestured for me to join him at the theatre room bar. “What’s your drink?”

“Just water for me.” I waved off a glass of wine. “I have to be alert for elf-watching.”

Chapter 36

Paige

Plan B was scream. Since that wasn’t gonna work inside a mall, I had to move to Plan C. The workshop wasn’t closed yet and Sherry offered to stay ‘til the end of the night to help me. At this point, I just wanted to crawl into a bed with the covers over my head and sleep for a few days.

That’s it! I’ll just get in the workshop now, before closing. But can I get in there without being seen?

There were only three groups in the line. Now was my chance to get in there. It would mean I couldn’t go to the bathroom the rest of the night, or eat, but neither of those things were as important as not freezing to death in my car.

“Hey Sherry, I’m gonna go to the restroom and grab some food before the food court closes,” I said after I took the pictures of the group on Santa’s lap. “Be back in, like, ten minutes.”

I wonder if Toby is in his office. Maybe I could get a peek at how much of the workshop can be seen.

I looked behind the counter for items people had left. The little teddy bear was a good one to bring to security. I needed an excuse to be there. I stuck it in my purse and made my way to the security office. I could hear people talking just before I knocked, and I knew the voices.

I knew those guys were involved. Maybe they’re the new owners.

“Hey, what are you doing out here?” Toby asked from behind me. “Were you looking for me?”

“Someone left this teddy bear. I thought they’d come back for it, but then I thought ‘what if they don’t know where they lost it?’.” I pulled the teddy from my purse. “Has anyone reported it?”

“I don’t think so, but I haven’t been in the office a lot today,” Toby frowned. “Those big guys have been in there and they’re scary.”

“Who are they?” I asked as casually as I could. “Are they the new owners?”

“I’m not sure. I know they’re not the new owner. I’ve met him, but they are with him.” Toby shifted on his feet. “I hope they’re not here to take over my job.”

“I doubt it. Why would this mall need that kind of security?” I tested the water to see if he knew anything. “Have they said anything?”

“Nope. But they seem to be looking for someone, cuz they spend a lot of time looking at the monitors.” Toby reached for the doorknob. “Come on in, let’s see if anyone called on a bear.”

The knob was turning in Toby’s hand, someone was coming out, and it had to be them. I turned on my heels and started walking toward the bathroom.

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