Free Town in a Wild Moose Chase by B. B. Haywood

behind her and turned back toward the crowd. The workers were gathered around one of the ice mountains—the one that would soon become a dragon—and were cheering about something. After watching them for a few moments, she realized what was happening. They’d put the last block into place. The forklifts were powering down. A mini celebration swept through the crowd.
    Wanda Boyle was at the center of the scene, snapping photos with a small digital camera, like a seasoned pro.
    She’s right where I should be
, Candy thought as a strange feeling swept through her. She realized that Wanda was moving in on her territory, and that her place in town was in danger of being usurped.
    She knew she should probably be upset about that, but instead she just shook her head and sighed.
You have to give the woman some credit
, Candy thought with grudging admiration.
    “I’ve got to get back over there,” she said as she turned back toward Justice. But he was gone—as she should have expected.
    She scanned the park and thought she saw his black peacoat disappearing between the trees. A moment later any remaining sign of him was blocked by a group of oncoming tourists excited about the events going on in the park.
    Judicious had said his piece and made an inconspicuous exit—again.
    And once again, he’d left her with more questions than answers. She put her hands on her hips and let out a breath. “Okay, so… can anybody tell me what that was all about?” she said to no one in particular.
    Strangely enough, she received a reply. “Talking to yourself again?”
    Candy twisted around. Maggie had come up behind her.
    “Oh, hi, Mags. No, not really. There was someone here a few moments ago—though not right then, when I said that last sentence. I suppose I was alone then, wasn’t I? So yes, the answer to your question is yes, I
was
talking to myself. But not the whole time.” She paused and made a face. “I don’t suppose that makes any sense, does it?”
    Maggie tilted her head. “You know, strangely enough, in a Candy Holliday sort of way, it does. If you were anyone else, I’d recommend a really good psychiatrist. I’d even call and make an appointment for you. But given what’s happened around here the past few years, I’ve learned to avoid snap judgments. So I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.”
    Candy drew her head back. “Wow, good answer. But I’m not sure if I should be impressed or depressed.” In a lowered voice, she added, “Do I really sound that crazy?”
    Maggie laughed. “Maybe just a little, but around here I don’t think anyone will notice. So what’s up?”
    Candy shook her head. “You know, I’m not really sure. But it looks like we’ve got another mystery on our hands. And that’s what’s got me worried.”
    Maggie gave her a sympathetic smile and pointed with her eyes to the inn off to their right. “How about a glass of wine, and we can talk it over?”
    Candy clapped a hand on her friend’s shoulder and looked around for Ben. “You’ve been reading my mind.”

EIGHT

    “So you think it’s happening again?” Maggie asked.
    Candy took a thoughtful sip of her second glass of white wine. She’d just told Maggie about her encounter with Judicious, and she needed a few moments to formulate an answer. Finally she let out a tense breath. “To be honest, yes. I’ve been trying hard all day not to overreact. I mean, that’s the smart thing to do, right? To try to keep a level head about all this? But after talking to Judicious, I have to agree with him.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Well, we should have heard something about Solomon by now, right? The police can’t seem to find him. Why not? Where is he?”
    “Maybe he’s just lost,” Maggie said, trying to be helpful.
    “Maybe. Or maybe he really is in trouble. Maybe, like Judicious said, someone’s after him. Maybe he’s hiding out in the woods, afraid for his life. Maybe he’s injured and needs our