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Lucky nodded somberly. "Absolutely."

"The Nashville cops say that they don't have any suspects or any reason to think that anybody up there would have wanted to kill Darryl. They did some investigating and found out basically that he was as annoying at home as he was here, but they didn't find any evidence or even any rumors that anybody cared about him enough to kill him. I get the feeling they weren't going to put any real effort into it, what with bare-bones holiday staffing hours." Andy rocked back on his heels, frowning. "Darryl's parents have arranged for the body to be transported to Nashville for the funeral. Emeril and Harold are going up too, I'm sure."

I shot a look up at Jack. If Emeril had actually had anything to do with Darryl's death … Should I tell Andy my suspicions now?

Jack moved one shoulder in a barely there shrug, leaving it up to me. I fidgeted for a moment or two while Andy and Lucky talked about the meeting, but ultimately, I just couldn't do it. What had I really heard, after all? I needed to at least talk to the Petersons before I snitched on them to the police, even Andy.

Deputy Underhill walked over to us when the crowd had dwindled to only a few people chatting—the temperature had probably had as much to do with it as anything—and Andy introduced her to Lucky.

"And you remember Tess and Jack, of course."

"Yes. Hello. Thanks for the help in there," she said, giving me a look filled with open curiosity but no judgment or disgust. "Miss Callahan, I know it's not my business, but I just wanted to say I researched you."

I sighed. Of course she had. I steeled myself for what might be coming. Hopefully she wasn't one of the zealots who thought I was a devil spawn because of my gift.

"Anyway, I just wanted to say how much I admire you. It must be a tough road to travel, with an ability like that. I, ah, I know a bit about that. So, anyway, thanks again for your help."

"I—thank you. I appreciate it. A lot. It's definitely been not the most fun thing in the world," I said, surprised and touched. "If you're still assigned here after the holidays, maybe we could have lunch? And call me Tess."

It was her turn to look surprised, and her wide smile—the first I'd seen from her—lit up her entire face.

"I'd love that. And I'm Lizzie." She turned to face Andy. "I'm off duty now if you don't need me for anything else. I've got a long drive ahead of me."

"About that," Andy said. "My mom has a newly renovated guest room she's been dying to try out on someone. She asked me to tell you she'd be pleased to host you while you're on duty here."

"Oh, but … I couldn't impose …" Lizzie looked flustered. "I mean—"

"Trust me," Andy said, grinning. "The imposition would be if you say no. She's already bought all the ingredients for a huge breakfast. Do you have the stuff you'd need to stay?"

"Yes, I always keep a bag, but … are you sure? It would really be great not to have to drive the hour back and forth every day while I'm here."

"You should stay," I told her. "Mrs. Kelly makes the most amazing biscuits."

"She really does," Andy confirmed. "And she has homemade apple butter."

Lizzie smiled again and gave in. "You had me at biscuits. I will, then. Thank you. I'll just get my stuff from the station and clock out. I'll see you later, everyone."

We said our goodbyes, and she headed off with a spring in her step. I should know better than to let first impressions turn me against someone. I had a feeling I was going to enjoy getting to know Deputy Underhill.

Lucky said his goodbyes, too, after promising to come into town the next day to make a full report on the intruders who'd attacked his business. When it was just the three of us, I asked Andy what was next.

"I honestly don't know. I'm going to keep digging into Darryl's interactions with people around town and investigating. Somebody has heardsomethingthat might give me a lead, even if they don't realize it." Andy shook his head, looking defeated. "Maybe those people in the meeting were right. Maybe this job is too much for me, especially when Susan is gone."

"That's not true," I said hotly, guilt churning in my belly. Jack and I had both overheard things that might give Andy not just one suspect, but two. But I just wasn't ready to throw friends under the bus on such slim evidence. "You're doing a great job. You'll figure this out, and we'll help."

Jack nodded. "We definitely will. Call me tomorrow and let me know what you need. Just until Susan gets back, and you're fully staffed, okay? But until then, I'll help if you want me."

Andy squared his shoulders. "Thanks, Tess, Jack. You're right. I won't give up so easily. Okay, I'll call you, Jack. Tess, good luck at the shop tomorrow. Final shopping day blowout, right?"

"Yep. Stop by and pick up a present or two, if you need any. Sale prices all day. Oh! And we need to talk about that enchanted tree. I'm worried that it still may be stealing presents from kids in town, but now the bad guys are getting them."

More guilt. I should have burned the tree the second I figured out what it was doing. My stomach twisted into a pretzel. A big, acidic, pretzel.

"Did you get anything on your security footage?"

"What?" It took me a moment to shake off thoughts of pretzels. "Oh. No."

Jack told him about the interference.