Free Elvis and the Blue Christmas Corpse by Peggy Webb Page B

moon, and kill a chicken.”
    “If somebody is really out to kill all the Santas, Daddy needs to know. He could still be in danger.”
    She’s right, of course. Telling Lovie I’ll meet her at her cottage, I sprint toward my pickup holding Elvis’ leash with one hand and punching in Mama’s speed-dial number with the other. No need to call Fayrene. Mama never does anything without letting her know.
    After I explain what happened to Wayne and tell her that Lovie and I are going to put our heads together, I say, “Stay in the hospital with Uncle Charlie so I’ll know you’re safe.”
    “Flitter.”
    “Mama, what does that mean? Flitter’s not even a word.”
    I might as well save my breath. Mama has already hung up. No telling what’s she’s fixing to do. I don’t even want to know.
    Elvis and I get to Robins Street just as Lovie is pulling into her driveway. For once I don’t tell Elvis to wait in the truck. I’m in no hurry to head out after a killer, and besides, I feel safer with my dog at my side.
    When we get inside, Lovie already has the coffee on. She emerges from the kitchen with a platter of doughnuts, three kinds of cookies, a bag of potato chips, three Snickers bars for her, and a Hershey bar with almonds for me. She knows it’s my favorite.
    “Good grief, Lovie. It looks like you’ve prepared for a siege.”
    “Never go into battle on an empty stomach.”
    “I don’t plan to go into battle. Just do enough sleuthing to find out a few things and keep my family safe.”
    “We can tend to our own little red wagons, thank you very much.” Mama sweeps into the living room with Fayrene right behind her. I’m so upset I didn’t even hear her drive up.
    “I told you to stay at the hospital, Mama.”
    “Since when do I take orders from my daughter?”
    “Never.”
    “Precisely.” Mama flops down beside me on Lovie’s blue velvet sofa and proceeds to grab my Hershey bar. I wouldn’t tell her it was meant for me if you hog-tied me and threatened to cut my hair with a hacksaw. That’s how stubborn I am when I’m upset. I admit. It’s a flaw. But not fatal, and not one of many.
    While Mama and Fayrene snack and commiserate with Lovie over the loss of Wayne, I pull myself together. With Uncle Charlie in the hospital, I’m the only one left to head up the Valentine family. Mama’s too flighty, Lovie’s too hotheaded, and Jack’s got a shattered leg.
    Why did I even include Jack? I guess it’s because he’s half in the family and half out, and it’s all up to me whether he goes or stays. Maybe I ought to be the one asking Darlene to predict my future by the stars.
    I go into the kitchen and pour coffee for everybody. No need to ask who wants cream and sugar. The good thing about friends and family is that everybody knows how you like your coffee.
    I set the tray on the coffee table then return to my seat beside Mama. She winks at me and I wink back. Two stubborn peas in a pod, looks like.
    “Who do you think this killer is after?” Mama asks.
    “That’s anybody’s guess,” I say. “He could be out to get the mall’s regular Santa. Or maybe he was after Lovie’s fiancé.”
    “If he was out to get Charlie, he’ll get him over my dead body.” Mama looks fierce.
    “Everybody loves Daddy.”
    Lovie’s right. Up to a point. I know things about Uncle Charlie’s past that nobody in this room does. But I’m sworn to secrecy. One word about his involvement—and Jack’s—with the Company, and there’s no telling who would die.
    “Rudolph and Santa were killed by electricity passing through the throne. And Rudolph died only because he had reached out to grab Uncle Charlie’s hand when the power was turned on.” I hate to think how close I was standing. “I think Santa’s the target.”
    “Yeah, but which one?” Lovie has a Snickers bar in each hand. Who can blame her? It’s not every day you lose a fake fiancé.
    “I did a little sleuthing earlier,” I say, “and found