The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) by Kathi Daley Page B

If you view the displays from west to east, an original and charming story of small-town Christmas is conveyed. I knew the deadline for all the store owners to have their window displays complete was the day after Thanksgiving, but, like Trish, many get early starts on their masterpieces.
    “Is that a new gazebo?” I asked. The scene coming to life in Trish’s window depicted a park on the edge of the lake, much like our own little town center.
    “Actually, I’ve had it for a while, but until this year the window scenes I’ve been assigned haven’t really fit its inclusion.”
    “It’s really beautiful. I can’t wait to see the window when it’s completed.”
    “We’ve missed you at the events committee meetings the past few weeks,” Trish said, setting down the carousel and turning to face me.
    “I’ve been a bit out of sorts since I lost my job. I’m working with Jeremy at a turkey farm in the valley this week, but I plan to attend the dinner next week, and the meeting the week after.”
    “Hometown Christmas is scheduled for December nineteenth through twenty-second. That’s in just four weeks. The committee is counting on you to have everything ready and organized for the opening day,” Trish reminded me.
    “I know. Don’t worry. I’ve been working on it. Gabe Turner is planning to run the sleigh rides again this year. I’ve spoken to him several times and can assure you he’s dialed in and ready to go. Most of the food and craft vendors from last year have confirmed their intention to participate again this year. I have a few new recruits I’m still working with, but I should have all the contracts signed by the end of the month. I thought we’d set up the food court, kiddie games, and Santa’s village in the community center. That way if we get a storm, folks can still enjoy the bulk of the festivities without having to wander around outside.”
    “If the vendors are all in the center, visitors will miss the windows,” Trish pointed out.
    “I thought of that. The community center is on the west end of town and the park is on the east. The bulk of the businesses who participate in the window displays are between the two. I plan to have various local artists provide holiday music in the gazebo. The staging for the sleigh rides will be in the park as well. I’m looking into putting up a big tent and having a second smaller food court, as well as some of the craft vendors , located on the east side of town. Unless the weather is really bad, I’m betting folks will walk between the two venues.”
    “And the children’s play?”
    “In the high-school gym.”
    Trish smiled. “I should have known you’d have things handled. The committee was getting nervous when you missed so many meetings, but I knew you wouldn’t let us down. I’m glad to hear you plan to attend the community dinner as well. It’s nice when the whole town gets together to share a meal. I’m bringing my Frito Bean Dish to the dinner again.”
    “I thought I’d do my Chicken Tortilla Casserole,” I shared.
    “I ran into Zak today.” Trish continued to work on her window as we chatted. “He told me that rescue you adopted had her pups. Everything go okay?”
    “We have four beautiful babies,” I confirmed.
    “My collie is getting on in years and I’m afraid I won’t have her much longer. I’ve been thinking of getting a pup. I don’t suppose any of yours are still available?”
    “They’re all available,” I said. “Stop by any time and take a look.”
    “I will. By the way, did Hazel ever get a hold of you about the raccoon family that settled into her attic?”
    I glanced at my phone, which was, predictably, turned off. “I guess my phone is off. I’ll check my messages when I get home.”
    “She’d like to have them relocated before the snow we’re expecting next week.”
    “I’ll stop by in the morning and see what I can do,” I promised.
    Prior to my being fired, it was my job to monitor and