Merry Murder and Small Town Santas: Katy Cross Murder Mystery, #4

By KC Hart

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas as Katy Cross, along with the other fine folks in Skeeterville, celebrate Santa Shopping Days dressed from head to toe in their finest Kris Kringle attire.

Merry soon turns to scary, however, when a Santa is found dead on the floor at Sweet-Ums Bakery. Katy would love to stay away from the festive foul play, but when an obvious frame-up causes the wrong man to be arrested, she quickly gets pulled into the middle of the Christmas calamity.

Katy has her very own nightmare before Christmas when her husband John goes from being the lead witness to the lead suspect. Can Katy find the real killer in time, or will she be having a blue Christmas without him?

This humorous holiday cozy mystery contains no graphic gore, foul language, or sexual content. It is a great book for those readers who enjoy southern charm and a Christian world view.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KC Hart
• Release date: Nov 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9798223791911

KC Hart

KC Hart is the award-winning author of best-selling Christian cozy mysteries, contemporary inspirational small-town romance, and has also dabbled in historical romance as well. KC is an independent publisher and released her first title, book one of the Katy Cross cozy mystery series, the summer of 2020. KC’s goal is to seamlessly bring entertaining stories full of small-town life to her readers that gently weave in the faith and the love of Christ. KC lives in rural Mississippi with Mr. Wonderful, her husband o forty years. When she is not writing, she is playing her piano or guitar, reading, or spending time with her family, especially the grandkids. You can keep up with KC by joining her monthly newsletter:  http://www.kchartauthor.com/newsletter.html KC is also on Good Reads, Book Bub, Amazon and Facebook: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20570083.K_C_Hart https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kc-hart?list=author_books www.amazon.com/author/kchartauthor https://www.facebook.com/KCWRITESBOOKS

Book preview

Chapter One

M awmaw, Sadie Mae ran off with Baby Jesus again.

Katy raised her hand to her forehead to block out the mid-morning sun and looked down from her perch on the ladder propped against the front porch. Drew, her five-year-old grandson, stood in front of the life-sized nativity stable with his hands on his hips. Sadie Mae, his rambunctious pet schnauzer, raced away with baby in tow.

See if you can chase her down and get him, Katy called. I’ll climb down as soon as I get Santa’s sleigh tied on.

She wound the colorless fishing line around the base of the inflatable Christmas scene’s corner and anchored it to a small nail on the porch overhang hidden by dangling Christmas twinkle lights. She secured the tedious wire with a triple knot, then looked across the porch roof at her work. This sleigh won’t be dashing away anywhere unless a tornado happens to touch down before the twenty-fifth, she thought with satisfaction.

The metal ladder swayed slightly as Katy climbed back to the ground. She should have waited until she had some help before setting up the inflatable scene on their roof, but waiting was not her strong suit. At least John had put the yard ornaments up before he left this morning. She looked across her big front yard toward the street. The wise men were coming to see Baby Jesus from the west side, while Rudolph and Frosty were doing their thing on the east. That wouldn’t do. They would have to fix that when she got back from town this evening.

Here, Mawmaw. He’s naked again, Drew said, walking around the corner of the carport to where Katy stood. He held the plastic doll up then pulled up his own shirt. Look, he’s got a bellybutton like mine. Suzie Q has an outie, but me and Jesus have innies.

Yep. Your momma is an outie, too. Everybody’s a little different, Katy said, rubbing the top of his curly black head. I’ve got to remember to spray the swaddling clothes with a little ammonia so your ole dog won’t like the way they smell. Then she’ll quit trying to take Baby Jesus to the back yard to bury him.

Do you want me to wrap him up in my jacket? Drew asked. He turned the doll over to examine its backside. It ain’t right to put him to bed with no clothes on.

No. Katy reached down and took the thirty-something-year-old plastic doll from her grandson’s young hands. I’ll put him back later when we find where Sadie Mae hid the swaddling clothes. Right now, I’ve got to get on my Santa suit so I can meet Pawpaw at the park.

Every year on the first Saturday in December, the Skeeterville Chamber of Commerce hosted the Santa Claus Shopping Day. Anyone who entered a local business in a Santa suit received special discounts, free gifts, special coupons, and other well-planned promotions to help boost local commerce during the holiday season.

Santa attire ranged from folks in red sweatshirts and sweatpants with left over Halloween beards, to the over-the-top velvet suits with white fur trim and real leather boots. John and Katy’s fell somewhere in the middle of both extremes. She’d found their suits on clearance at the big mall in Baton Rouge about ten years ago and snatched them up.

Katy herded Drew inside and left him in the living room playing with matchbox cars while she went to her bedroom to change into her costume. After a little tugging and tucking, she stared at the reflection looking back at her in the bathroom mirror. The pillow stuffed under the red velvet coat was already causing her to sweat. She grabbed the matching hat and beard from the bed and walked up the hall.

Drew stepped out of the guest bedroom with his red cap on and gazed up with a toothy grin. You look funny, Mawmaw, he said, poking her padded middle.

You look cute, she replied as they continued up the hall. She grabbed her purse from the counter. We have to hurry if you want pizza before I drop you off with your mom and little sister.

Do I need to get my toothbrush and bag? he asked, pushing the Santa cap out of his eyes. I wish I could stay until tomorrow and go to church with you and Paw.

Your momma is coming back by the house to get the dog after we meet her, Katy said. She’ll get your stuff, too. She locked the patio door, and they walked to the carport. I wish you could stay, too, but you have practice. You’re one of the wise men and have a speaking part. That’s pretty big stuff.

I already know what to do, he said, climbing in the back seat of her car and slamming the door. I don’t need to practice.

Katy slid behind the wheel and adjusted the rearview mirror. Drew buckled his seatbelt then turned his sky-blue eyes toward her. She knew for certain that Kelly Ann wouldn’t let him stay longer, but decided to take the coward’s way out. Ask your momma and see what she says. If she’ll let you, I guess we can take you home tomorrow.

Hot dog! he said, smiling wide. I’m gonna see if Paw will let me help pass out bulletins in the morning at the front door.

Katy backed the car out of the carport. You locked Sadie Mae in the backyard with Moose and Belinda, didn’t you? she asked, looking out the side-view mirrors. If not, we better get out and do it.

Yes, ma’am, she’s back there, Drew said, but I didn’t see where she hid Baby Jesus’ blanket.

Don’t worry. Katy turned onto the street and headed toward the center of town. It’ll turn up.

They pulled into a parking spot in front of the pizza place, and Katy turned to the backseat. Don’t forget to put on your beard and to say please and thank you.

I won’t, Drew answered. He unbuckled his seat belt and grabbed the beard lying beside him. And Mawmaw, you still have to put on your beard, too.

Katy turned around and pulled the beard and hat from her purse. The hat wasn’t too bad, but the beard smothered her. She could endure it once a year, though, to help put everyone in the Christmas spirit.

They went in the restaurant and ordered Drew’s slice of thin crust with extra cheese. Both of them received a free medium drink for wearing their get-ups, and Drew would get a free ice cream cone. They sat at a small round table at the storefront window so they could see all the Santas coming and going up and down the busy sidewalk.

Look at that one, Drew laughed, pointing across the street to a man entering the hardware store. He’s a beanpole Santa. He forgot his belly stuffing.

He sure did, Katy laughed, watching as the man disappeared inside the building. She tried to guess who it was, but he was out of sight before she could figure it out. My belly stuffing may have to disappear soon. It’s extra hot with all this padding on.

It’s a good thing that the real Santa don’t have to wear it, then, Drew said, eyes stretched wide. His belly is ginormous. The counter boy called their number over the loudspeaker, even though they were the only ones in the place. Drew jumped up and retrieved his slice of pizza, then he returned to the little round table.

How did the picture taking go this morning? Katy asked as she handed him a napkin. Did Suzie Q show out?

She did okay, but I had to sit on Santa’s knee with her so she would stay there, and Santa’s belly is so big that we could barely fit. He pushed his sleeves up and bowed his head while Katy blessed the food. When she said amen, his head popped back up and never missed a beat. Momma said that next year I’ll just have to write him a letter, and we’ll get our picture made with Pawpaw in his red suit.

Katy pushed the white beard from her face and let it hang around her neck. Bob Martin had played Santa for the kids to have their picture made ever since he and his wife moved to Skeeterville five years ago. A Christmas backdrop was set up at the fire station by members of the PTO, and after the kids had their picture taken with Santa Claus, they were served milk and cookies by some of his helpers. The small fee they charged went to buy supplies for the school band. Kelly Ann always drove over from the neighboring county to get the kids’ pictures made. She said it was easier than waiting in line for four hours at her local mall.

Did anything else happen? Katy leaned over and wiped a dab of red sauce from Drew’s face. Your momma’s never complained about Santa’s belly before. Maybe she was just tired. Your little sister can be a handful.

Santa was real sleepy, too, Drew said. I told him he looked tired, and he said he needed a nap because taking care of reindeer is a tough job. He took a sip of his drink. Susie Q pulled his beard, but he said it didn’t hurt.

Katy smiled as a group of teenagers passed by the window in their band uniforms. The Skeeterville high school band was scheduled to play at the gazebo at six this evening, and the Methodist Church choir would perform tomorrow afternoon at two. Different groups from around town would perform every weekend up to Christmas day.

Local organizations and charities had booths and displays spread through the little park, with the gazebo at the center where the concerts were held. Her church did a live nativity scene, complete with animals, every year. This year she was helping serve free hot chocolate to people as they came through the little tour, and John was one of the shepherds.

They both looked out the window as an ambulance raced by with the sirens blaring. A few seconds later a police car flew by with the blue lights on. Christmas in the park started this evening. Katy hoped no one had gotten injured putting the twinkle lights in the trees.

Mawmaw, Drew said, tapping Katy on the arm, bringing her out of her wool gathering. Pawpaw’s calling you. He pointed to her bag where Hello Darlin was blaring from somewhere unseen.

Katy reached in her purse and grabbed her cell phone. Hey, we just saw an ambulance go by the pizza place.

You need to get Drew to his momma and come here. John said.

Why? Katy wiped Drew’s face one more time and motioned for him to go throw away his empty plate and cup in the trash can. She didn’t’ like John’s tone. What’s going on? Are you okay? Where are you?

I’m fine, John said, but I need your help, and Drew doesn’t need to be here. He paused, and Katy could hear people talking in the background. I’m at the bakery, and the ambulance and the sheriff just pulled up.

Katy stood up and slipped her purse on her shoulder. What’s going on? She grabbed Drew’s hand and walked out of the store. Kelly Ann was walking up the sidewalk, pushing a baby stroller with two-year-old Suzie Q strapped in. Both were decked out from head to toe in Santa attire.

It’s a hot mess over here. John paused and took a deep breath. I just found Bob Martin in a bathroom stall dead.

Dead? Katy gasped. She let go of Drew’s hand and pulled off her Santa hat. What happened? Did he have a heart attack or a stroke? She looked at Kelly Ann and then at her grandkids who were all staring at her as she tried to paste on a smile.

No, he was stabbed. John’s voice turned to a whisper. There was blood all on the floor, and now it’s on my shoes and clothes where I tried to see if he was still breathing. They just shut down the store and won’t let me or none of the others who are in here out.

Mawmaw, Drew said, tugging on the corner of her red coat, you forgot my ice cream cone.

I’ll be right there, Katy said, swallowing hard. Kelly Anne just walked up. I’ll see you in a few minutes. She hung up the phone and pulled out her wallet. Here, get a cone for your mom and your sister, too. She handed Drew a ten-dollar bill and looked at her daughter. I’ve got to leave. Your dad needs me. Drew’s bag and your dog are at the house. She paused and licked her dry lips. Oh, and I’m afraid you can’t spend the night tonight, baby, she said, looking down at her grandson. Something’s come up and Paw’s going to be busy.

Mom, Kelly Ann said, looking from Drew back to Katy, are you okay? You’re as white as a ghost.

I’m fine, honey, but say a prayer for your daddy, she said, reaching down to adjust the pillow around her middle. He may have just stepped off into a heap of trouble.

Chapter Two

Katy drove slowly past the bakery to the corner stop sign. An ambulance, Sheriff Reid’s patrol car, Todd’s truck, and the coroner’s car were all parked in front. John’s truck and three other vehicles were also there. She turned left and drove to the end of the block. The library parking lot only had a few vehicles in it. She pulled in there and took a deep breath to calm her scattered nerves.

The Santa padding had to go. She pulled the pillow out from under her red velvet jacket, threw it in the back seat, and got out of the car.

She had promised Drew that he could help her with the Christmas decorations this morning. That’s why she’d asked John to run by the bakery to pick up the doughnut holes she would be handing out tonight at the nativity. That’s why he was stuck inside the bakery with a dead Santa and the police. It should have been her.

She quickened her pace as she walked up the street toward the small crowd of onlookers standing in front of the UPS store across from the bakery. The tall, skinny Santa was among them, and Katy now recognized him as her mailman.

Hey, Mr. Wooly, she said, looking up at the scant amount of face showing from behind the beard and connecting mustache. Have they let anybody go in over there since the police showed up?

Hey, Katy. He nodded in her direction, not taking his eyes off the bakery. I just walked up, so I’m not sure. I came out of the hardware store, heard the sirens, and headed this way.

John’s over there, so I’m gonna see if they’ll let me talk to him.

Do you know what happened? Mr. Wooly asked, finally looking down at Katy. He reached up and adjusted his long, curly beard. It had shifted to the right, and the mouth hole was working its way across his chin toward his right ear. It looks pretty serious from all the vehicles that have shown up.

Another Santa that Katy didn’t recognize stepped up behind them. Somebody said there was an accident.

Katy left the two men talking and walked across the street to the bakery. She looked through the giant picture window and found John sitting at a booth, sipping from a Styrofoam cup. His beard and hat lay on the table in front of him, and he was wearing his t-shirt and red Santa pants, no jacket. He looked up and saw Katy just as Todd stepped out the front door.

I can’t let you in, Aunt Katy, Todd said, but we’ll be through here in a couple of hours. Just come back then.

I need to talk to John, Katy said, looking from Todd then back through the window at John. Can he at least step out here for a second and talk to me? You can stay and chaperone us if you need to.

No, ma’am, Todd said, shaking his head. He told me that he called you. He said to tell you to bring him some clean clothes to the station and to call the preacher and get a backup shepherd in case he doesn’t make it to the park tonight.

Katy looked through the window as John sipped from his coffee cup, casually watching as the sheriff and other people in authority moved through the room. He seemed as calm and collected as he would be at a cattle auction or