A Chaotic Crimson Christmas: The Crimson Series, #7

By Georgiana Fields

A Crimson Series Novella

It's a week before Christmas, and all Edgar wants is to be with family. Is it so wrong for him to want a traditional Christmas filled with family and laughing children? As much as he yearns for it, he knows it's impossible.

His job with the FBI ruined his marriage. His sons now live across the country with their mom and new stepdad. His brother Raven lives in Scotland with his wife and children. So Edgar will be alone for Christmas.

A new investigation would pull him out of this holiday humbug. Called to the United Kingdom on Dhampir business provides a much-needed distraction. He lands in England to learn he is Raven's Christmas gift.

Edgar is ecstatic to spend Christmas with family and friends…But he needs to be mindful of what he wishes for.

Christmas can be chaotic at the best of times. Even more so when you add in six excited children, grandparents quite willing to spoil the children, seven unique kittens, drones, a troublesome neighbor, and a dead body.

Will Edgar have his family holiday and, perhaps, find a little something extra underneath the mistletoe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saphira Press
• Release date: Aug 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781736460078

Book preview

A Chaotic Crimson Christmas

A Crimson Series Story

Georgiana Fields

""

Copyright © 2019 Georgiana Fields

All rights reserved.

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, Georgiana Fields. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without the publisher's permission is illegal and punishable by law.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

ISBN: 978-1-7364600-7-8

Cover Design:  Gina Dyer

Photography: Gina Dyer

Depositphoto

Editor:   Mary Marvella

Dedication

To all of my readers. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Table of Content

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Chapter One

Edgar stared out his office window at the red and green traffic lights below. They added to the holiday color as snow blanketed the city. He sank into his chair, gripping his cellphone so hard it surprised him it didn’t crack. If he were Dhampir, it would have. With a week until Christmas, he now understood holiday depression. Never had he felt so alone in his life.

He got it. He honestly did. Joyce wanted this first Christmas with her new husband to be special for the boys. Because Edgar understood it didn’t mean he had to like it. He’d missed so many holidays because of his job, one of the reasons for their divorce. Was it wrong for him to want a traditional family Christmas filled with laughing kids? All he wanted was to spend time with family. He’d even take the in-laws. Next year. Joyce promised Edgar he could visit next Christmas. Perhaps there would be a homicide to take his mind off things. Merry bah-friggin’ humbug.

A sharp knock had him glancing up before his door opened. Charles Culpepper strode into the office as if it were still his.

What brings you here, Chuck? Edgar pushed from his desk then came around to shake his former boss’s hand.

I could tell you I was in the neighborhood, but it’d be a lie. Well, not really. I did drop Judy and Candice off to do some shopping. Culpepper shrugged. We have a situation. His lordship tried to call you, but your line was busy.

I was talking to Joyce. Fill me in.

Culpepper shook his head. I don’t have the details other than Royce said for you to get your arse on the bloody plane. Grab your go-bag, and I’ll take you to the airport. There’s a plane waiting. In all the years I did this job, I was never summoned to England. Lucky you.

Edgar grabbed his bag and passport. You sound jealous. He removed his sidearm, locking it in the drawer safe.

Me? No. I’m looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my girls. Culpepper winced. I’m sorry, man.

Edgar shouldered his bag, flipping off his office lights. Don’t apologize. You and Judy deserve to be happy. You both have given so much for this country. And Candice, the kid couldn’t get a better set of foster parents. He closed the door behind them. Naw, don’t apologize.

So, tell me about the big shindig of a wedding? I hear tell you were Quaid’s best man.

What’s there to tell? Edgar followed Chuck to his car. A few minutes later, they were in the middle of traffic. Simone made a beautiful bride. Quaid was your typical nervous groom. I did get to meet the rest of Quaid’s family along with Royce and some of the others from Europe.

So, what do you think of Royce?

A conundrum. He’s warm, friendly, a loving husband, and father. Considers Quaid a brother. Royce is also more terrifying than my worst nightmare.

Uh-huh. My take on the man as well. Chuck made the turn off to the airport. He followed the road around, turning off where private planes landed.

Why are we here? I’m not flying commercially?

Nope. When Royce called, he said he already made arrangements. Chuck parked the car. I’ll pick you up when you get back.

However soon that will be. The only time Edgar had been on a private jet was to search it for evidence.

I’ll expect you when I see you. The powers that be know you are away on special assignment. Chuck nodded toward the plane. Don’t keep him waiting any longer.

Edgar opened the car door then grabbed his bag. The second he closed the door, Chuck pulled away. Edgar stared at the plane. For some reason, he knew getting on it would forever change his life. He shivered against the cold as he bounded up the steps. The little boy side of him was giddy, the detective side of him wondered about the pending case.

Two men stood inside the cabin.

Good evening, sir, one of the men greeted as the other entered the cockpit area. I’m Steve Jones. I’ll be your pilot. Your co-pilot is my brother Frank. There is food in the gallery for you once we achieve altitude. We should be landing in England at approximately 8 a.m. their time. If you take your seat, we’ll be on our way. Steve nodded, then entered the cockpit.

Edgar took in the lush interior of the plane. He’d searched his share of aircraft, but this one was...wow. Royce didn’t spare any expense. Whatever was up, it had to be bad.

Edgar sat on the couch as the plane started to move. He could catch some shut-eye during the flight. A few moments later, they were airborne. Blanketed in white, the city below created a stunning black and white photo. He pulled out his phone and snapped a picture. Perhaps he’d call Raven, see if he knew what was up. No. If his brother knew, he would have contacted him.

Edgar enjoyed a meal better than some of the five-star restaurants he’d visited for dinner. Breakfast was Eggs Benedict. He wiped his mouth, watching the sunrise as they came in for landing. This was worth whatever trouble he faced.

The plane bumped down on the tarmac before coming to a smooth stop. Looking out the window, Edgar noticed a black limo shrouded in fog and rain. So much for his vision of a white Christmas. He shouldered his bag and stood. Both Steve and Frank emerged from the cockpit.

Edgar shook hands with the men. Thank you both for a safe trip.

You’re quite welcome, Frank said. Have a happy holiday.

And you, as well. Edgar nearly stumbled down the steps at the sight of his brother emerging from the limo. Raven! Edgar rushed toward him and embraced him in a hug. It had been years since he hugged his brother. Raven hadn’t aged a day.

Caitlin, Raven’s wife, also emerged from the car. Edgar, how are you?

I’m good. He kissed her cheek. With her strawberry blond hair and peaches and cream complexion, Caitlin was as beautiful as ever.

Let me get a look at you. Raven stepped back, perusing Edgar and frowned. You’ve lost weight. His brows furrowed even more. Where’s your luggage?

I was told to grab my go bag and get my butt on the plane. What’s going on? Something was fishy.

Ah, let’s discuss this in the car. Raven shot Caitlin a look as he opened the door.

Ladies first. Edgar waited for her to settle in then slid across from her as the rain fell harder.

Raven closed the door then settled beside his wife. The fake grin on his face added to Edgar’s suspicions. He hadn’t seen his brother in several years, but he knew Raven. Something was up.

What are we dealing with? WikiLeaks? Tabloids? The Council? What?

Raven’s eyes widened, and Caitlin gasped.

It’s...ah, nothing like that. Raven pushed his hand through his hair. What did Royce tell you?

Nothing. I was on the phone with Joyce when Culpepper walked in, telling me to grab my bag and get on a plane. He only said there was a situation, and Royce had called him.

Yeah—No. Caitlin laughed. Unless you consider Christmas with six children, two of whom have never experienced the holiday, add in a bunch of grandparents set on spoiling the kids rotten, and a healthy dose of sugar then, yeah. We have a situation.

Oh, and don’t forget Mishenka, Sara, and Matilda, Raven replied.

I added them in with grandparents.

"Yes, but they are in a class all by themselves when it comes to spoiling. At least your parents won’t be showing up until Christmas day. Raven grinned at Edgar. The sight sent chills down his back. Don’t worry, Ed. I’m sure Percy will lend you some Kevlar.

So, there is no severe problem. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact I get to see you, but what gives?

Raven turned his attention to Caitlin, who grinned, turning her hand palm up as if saying, you tell him. Raven rolled his eyes, then nodded.

Edgar looked from one to the other and laughed. You know it’s kinda rude to have a mental conversation about me when I’m sitting right here.

What can I say, bro? Raven leaned back in his seat. Royce asked what I wanted for Christmas. I said you. This morning, Royce asked Caitlin and me to pick up a visitor who would be staying for two weeks. He didn’t say who. He pointed to the duffel. Don’t think you packed enough for two weeks.

Two weeks?

Through Hogmanay.

New Year’s. Edgar sat back and laughed. I’ve noticed you’ve kept the hair long.

I like it. Caitlin ran her fingers through Raven’s hair. It’s taken me five years to get rid of his just-the-facts-ma’am detective persona.

Edgar nodded, wondering how others perceived him. So, fill me in on the boys. How are Ethan and Ian?

The boys are a mess. Raven slipped his arm around Caitlin’s shoulders. Growing like weeds. They, along with Vaughn’s little boy, George, have taken Michael under their wings. The four musketeers.

You mean, showing him how to get into trouble. Caitlin shook her head, rolling her eyes. This morning we caught them trying to slide down the banister after they’d been told no. It wouldn’t have been so bad, but the staff was attempting to upright the massive tree Alan insisted on for the entry. Those boys, it seems the closer to Christmas, the worse they behave.

Edgar chuckled. Sounds like you, Usher, and me. Lenore was always the good one. Thinking about their sister didn’t hurt as much as it had when she first died.

True, Raven agreed. The boys were—

Don’t you say being boys, Caitlin snapped. Sorry. She held up her hand. Last night Kimber tossed George over the stair railing. It frightened the ever-loving daylights out of me.

You didn’t know he’d learn to fly? Edgar laughed harder, watching his brother and Caitlin.

No. No, I didn’t. She eyed him. How did you know this?

I was on a video chat with Royce. Nothing says supernatural, like seeing a three-year-old hovering. However, the poor kid hadn’t learned how to land. George came down hard on his rear. Royce tried to comfort George, which only made him cry harder.

George is a little actor, Raven added. You have to watch him, he loves attention.

Edgar laughed. Perhaps this was what he needed to get out of his funk. Hate to say, but I’ll need to do some Christmas shopping. This year my boys only wanted Amazon cards. So, yeah, didn’t have to fight the crowds this year for my Christmas shopping.

A sad expression fluttered over Raven’s face. Well, we’ll be at Wyvern House before you know it. Once you get settled in, we’ll run to the village, but you don’t have to get us anything. Having you here is enough.

Yes, well, I want to get the kids something. Any ideas?

Ethan is seven and learning to play cricket. So a bat or some pads. This week Ian wants to be a polo player. He wants a pony. No. Caitlin’s eyes shimmered with amusement. Last week he wanted to be a race car driver. Lord only knows what next week will bring.

He does like Lego’s, Raven volunteered.

Lego’s. Those I can do. What about the other children? Hope, Michael, George, and Kimberly.

Caitlin frowned and tapped her chin. Wow. Let’s see. George is three and three quarters. She smiled. "So, four. The same age as Michael and Ian. All the boys love toy cars and Lego’s. As for Kimber and Hope, they’re ten. Shopping for tweens is perplexing in itself but add in the girl factor, and it's hard as heck. Rose took back the doll she’d purchased and brought Kimber a Lego kit. Percy and Viktor have brought Hope a jewelry making kit, clothes, and some