Free Holiday Havoc by Terri Reed Page B

a long story. One I will tell you later.”
    The loud rap of knuckles on the wooden door shuddered through Lauren. She glanced at the door. Sean? Or…would Adrian knock? Did monsters keep to such civility?
    Cautiously, Lauren approached the door and peered through the peephole. She recognized the man on the other side and let out a relieved breath. She wrenched the door open. “Detective Jarvis, please come in.”
    The older man stepped inside. He was tall, with hair the color of salt and pepper, shorn close to his head on the sides and left a little longer on the top. His pale blue eyes always seeming to take everything in. “You okay?”
    Lauren offered him a smile. “Yes, thank you. Detective, this is Mary Shannon, my hostess. Mary, this is…” How did she explain him? “This is Detective Nate Jarvis of the LAPD.”
    Lauren noted the flare of interest in his gaze as he held out his hand.
    â€œGood of you to take Lauren in,” he said.
    Mary stepped forward and grasped his outstretched hand. “There’s always room here for those in need. And being that it’s Christmastime, it’s only fitting to offer shelter and comfort.”
    â€œI’m sure this isn’t the way any of us would like to spend Christmas,” he replied.
    â€œWhat brings you to Cannon Beach then?” Mary asked.
    Jarvis cast Lauren an inquiring glance.
    â€œI haven’t explained everything yet,” Lauren said.
    â€œAh. Is Mr. Matthews here?” Jarvis asked.
    â€œSean went to my cottage to get something,” Lauren explained.
    Jarvis frowned. “Not a good idea. He could lead Posar back here.”
    Contrite, Lauren grimaced. “We didn’t think of that.”
    â€œI have his cell number. Should we call him?” Mary asked.
    Jarvis nodded with approval at Mary. “Yes.”
    Mary led the way to the kitchen, where she picked up the phone, dialed and waited for Sean to answer.
    As Mary and then Jarvis talked with Sean, Lauren’s gaze went to the window. The telephone guy and his van were gone.
    Jarvis hung up the phone. “Mr. Matthews will take a roundabout way coming back.”
    â€œDetective, would you like a cup of coffee while you and Lauren fill me in on what is going on?” Mary smiled sweetly, but her determined gaze stated she wanted answers.
    Jarvis inclined his head. “Coffee sounds great.” To Lauren he said, “Have you heard from your mother? I went by her place but she wasn’t there.”
    â€œShe’s on a cruise but said she’d be back in time to celebrate Christmas with me here.”
    â€œConsidering Christmas Eve is only three days away, let’s pray we catch Posar before then.”
    Lauren’s mouth went dry. Three days. Could they find him by then? Would God make it happen? Did she dare hope?
    They moved to the kitchen and sat at the dining table while they told Mary the story. When they were done, Mary sat back with a stunned expression. “Oh, you poor dear. The attack at the beach was horrible enough, but this… Thank God above He sent Sean out jogging the other night.”
    Lauren couldn’t have agreed more. Even though God hadn’t stopped Adrian from coming after her, He at least provided her with some protection. That was definitelysomething to be grateful for. And now Detective Jarvis was here.
    â€œI’ve alerted the local law enforcement agencies all up and down the coast to be on the lookout for Posar. He can’t stay hidden for long. Someone will spot his scarred face and then we’ll be able to catch him.”
    â€œHow did he manage to escape?” Mary asked.
    Lauren wondered the same thing.
    â€œHe’s a wily man,” Jarvis said. “The arson investigators are pretty sure the blaze started in one of the supply closets in the prison infirmary. Apparently, Adrian had been complaining of stomach issues so he’d been taken to see the