The Christmas Stalking by Lillian Duncan Page B

shoes.
    Wishing for sunglasses, she squinted at the snow-covered countryside as she drove. It was more desolate than she remembered. Or maybe she was so used to Nashville and wall-to-wall people that she’d forgotten what it was like to live in a rural area.
     
    ****
     
    Holly struggled towards her car, arms full of bags. It would feel good to take off her ruined shoes and put on a pair of warm wooly socks.
    Serenity’s gazebo had been transformed into a huge nativity scene. On both sides of the giant manger stood decorated pine trees.
    Her ears tingled from the chill, even though she’d only been outside a few minutes. She juggled packages, trying to reach into her bag.
    “Looks like you could use a hand.”
    Holly’s stomach lurched, and she turned. “Robby. Are you stalking me?” Visions of the dead cat in the box popped into her mind’s eye. Brushing away the memory, she smiled up at him. “You keep turning up.”
    “Just like a bad penny, but that’s my job. I get paid to help damsels in distress. Can you believe that?” He held out his arms. “Here, give those to me. What are you’re looking for, anyway?”
    “Thanks, I’m looking for my keys.” She handed him the shopping bags, and then rummaged in her purse.
    “What did you do, buy out the stores? They’re going to love you.”
    “My shawl wasn’t exactly the right clothing for the season. So I bought a few things to keep me from freezing to death while I’m here.”
    “How long are you staying?”
    “I’m not sure.” She opened the trunk, and let him dump the bags in it.
    She reached into a shiny red bag and pulled out a lavender mohair stocking cap. Holly tugged it over her head, making sure her ears were covered, and then pulled out matching gloves.
    With her hands protected, she unzipped the garment bag and lifted out a plaid ski jacket. Stuffing the shawl into the bag, she zipped into her new coat. “Now, I look like I belong.”
    “Hardly. Your beauty puts the locals to shame.”
    “Is charm school part of the police academy curriculum?”
    “I’ll tell you all about it when you have that hot chocolate with me.”
    She pointed at the snowflakes falling. “Maybe later, Robby. I’ve got other errands to do and all this snow makes me nervous. I’m not used to driving in it.”
    “No way. It’s either hot chocolate or that speeding ticket.” He pulled out his ticket book and arched his brows at her. “Take your choice.”
    “You wouldn’t.”
    He winked. “What’s it going to be?”
    She sighed and held her hands up in surrender. “Fine. It’s not like I can’t grocery shop later. Lead the way.” She picked up a boot box, tucked it under her arm, and then slammed the trunk closed.
    He took her elbow as they walked across the street. “Wouldn’t want you to fall.”
    “And I thought southern men were the only ones with charm. Doesn’t it ever stop snowing here?”
    He put his palm up. Little white flakes decorated it. “What, this stuff? It’s not snow; it’s barely a sprinkle. The weather guy is predicting a snow storm sometime next week. Just in time for Christmas.”
    “Wonderful.” Hopefully, her stalker would be in jail by then, and she’d be back where the weather wasn’t so brutal.
    He held open the diner’s door.
    She was greeted with the scent of fresh-baked bread and bacon. After another deep whiff, her smile grew and her mouth watered. Her stomach rumbled. She’d skipped breakfast.
    A grocery store was next on the list, since the cabin’s cupboards were empty.
    Holly looked up at Robby. “I don’t think a cup of hot chocolate’s going to do it. I just realized I’m starving.”
    “I could eat a bite myself.” Robby unsnapped his jacket. “They make the best breakfast in town. Of course, they make the only breakfast in town. But still the best.”
    A waitress rushed over. After a smile and a curious glance at Holly, she tossed two menus on the table. “Hey, Chief. How’s it