Santa's Secret

“I read about what happened to you. I’m sorry, but that man doesn’t deserve someone like you. I hope you find some happiness. I’m not normally like this, but you looked sad, and I wanted to cheer you up.”

“Thank you,” I tell her as we shake hands. “I really appreciate your company.” I didn’t know at first, but I’m thankful she kept my mind occupied elsewhere.

Four

Aiden

Being a police officer in Ramona Falls can be boring. I’m not complaining. I know the big city guys have it much harder, but I’d love to investigate something other than a missing bike, an overdue library book or someone skating on a frozen lake when they shouldn’t be.

Right now, I’m parked inconspicuously on the outskirts of town, drinking warm coffee and listening to the chatter from the police scanner. Burlington is dealing with a drug bust, fire, and burglary, while I’m hiding in the bushes at the speed zone sign, waiting to catch someone with a lead foot.

I aspired to work for a bigger force, but when you have a family, you tend to make sacrifices, and when Heather… well, being a single parent really keeps you grounded. You’re no longer making decisions for yourself, but also for your child and what they need. Their needs always come first.

My radar gun points at the oncoming traffic, calculating the speed of the people driving into town. Most of them are tourists, coming to check out our quaint little town and the massive amount of decorations our mayor insists we put up. Honestly, though, I like them. They help me get into the spirit for the most part and they make Holly smile. Seeing Holly smile can really change my outlook sometimes.

I laugh when vehicles suddenly change their speed. It never fails. They ignore the change of speed warning and partially slow down after the speed has changed. Most of them do, except for this car coming toward me. Not only is the speed excessive, but also they’re talking on their cell phone, which is against the law.

My adrenaline pounds as I flip the switch for my light bar, opting to keep my sirens off. I don’t like to use them because it strikes curiosity in the neighbors, and more often than not, they’ll come outside to be nosy. It’s like getting a gold medal if you’re the one to start the rumor mill in town. Unbelievably, women vie for this position, driving us men crazy.

Pulling out onto the two-lane highway, I press the accelerator, mostly because I can, to get behind the offending car. I radio in the license plate and hold my position until the driver pulls over.

Finally, the driver signals to pull over and I do the same, slanting my SUV a little to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic.

“It’s registered to a rental agency. Hold, and I’ll have a name for you.”

“Thanks, Eileen. They’ve stopped, so I’m going to go have a chat.”

“Roger that.”

Every step I take toward the car is methodical. I’m checking for anything suspicious, listening for any odd sounds coming from the trunk or seeing if there’s any recent damage done to the car, considering they were speeding away from something.

I tap on the window and lean down. The piercing green eyes of the woman in the driver’s seat knock the wind right out of my sail. These are orbs I would know anywhere, yet I haven’t seen them in ten plus years, not since our high school graduation. She smiles, and the simple act increases my adrenaline rush. For a moment, I feel like I’m a grasping for air.

“Fish, is that you?”

I take a step back, looking up and down the road, waiting for my colleagues to come out of the bushes to tell me they’re playing some sort of practical joke on me because none of this makes sense. Why would Ramona Falls’ biggest celebrity speed through town?

That’s when it hits me, like a ton of concrete blocks. Not only have I pulled over the town sweetheart, but I’m going to be public enemy number one for doing so.

Placing my hands on her door, I lean in, trying not to stare at her out of fear I might fumble my words. “Laney?”

“Yeah. Don’t you recognize me? I know it’s been—”

“About ten years,” I inject. I think every teenage boy in Ramona cried when she packed her bags and left for Hollywood. Each of us had aspirations of marrying her. Of course, I have the dubious title of saying I’ve dated her, even if it were only for a few months. Back then it felt like an eternity.

“Of course I do. I’m just a little taken back by seeing ya. What’re doing here?”

“I’m home for Christmas,” she says, holding her hands up as if it’s no big deal. It’s a huge deal. Massive, really. Once word spreads, people from all over will flock to our little town, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Not to mention, the mayor will likely have us increase our police presence to protect her, which means overtime.

“Well, it’s really good to see you. I bet your parents are happy to have you home.” As soon as the words come out of my mouth, I realize I should’ve known she was coming back. It’s not possible her mother kept this a secret. If you want to know anything about everything, Astrid Du Luca can tell you. “I’m surprised I hadn’t heard you were coming back.”

“Spur of the moment. The mill probably hasn’t reached you yet.”

I nod in agreement. “I’m gonna need your license and your rental information, Laney.”

“What?”

I run my hand over my beanie, moving it back and forth until it’s in a comfortable place. “You were speeding and talking on your cell phone. I gotta call it in.”