Nick of Time. Elle James

were newlyweds.”

      “We are. I—we just recently found each other again.”

      Nick glanced up and caught Mary’s gaze.

      Her long blond hair framed a pale face and beautiful blue eyes glassy with tears.

      He found himself drawn to her, crossing the floor to her side before he realized what he was doing. The tug of concern pulling at the muscles in his chest was foreign to Nick. He didn’t know this woman.

      Until yesterday, he didn’t know a man named Santa Claus existed other than in the movies and fantasies of children. Why should he care about how the woman next to him felt about her missing father? His primary focus should have been on finding Santa Claus. The man and his daughter were nothing more than another assignment. Emotions weren’t part of an SOS agent’s authorized equipment list.

      “This whole situation is crazy. Santa is probably fine. Perhaps he stayed at a friend’s house or something. In the meantime, I have to let people know the scheduled deliveries might be delayed if we can’t find my husband soon.” Kim sniffed and dabbed at her eyes, moving toward the checkout counter. “If you have any more questions concerning my husband, ask Officer Baskin. I have calls to make, and I need to close the shop.”

      The front door to Christmas Towne slammed closed and everyone turned to see who entered.

      A stout man with gray hair and brown-black eyes hurried through carrying a microphone in one hand. He was closely followed by a man hefting a camera on his shoulder with NEWS printed in large block letters on its black plastic casing.

      “Ah, Mary. I’m so glad you’re here,” the man with the microphone said.

      A soft groan escaped Mary’s mouth. “Please, not now, Silas.”

      He crossed the floor to stand in front of the petite blonde.

      Too close for polite conversation. His stance appeared more threatening than casual.

      Nick took a step forward before he could catch himself.

      “As soon as I heard the news, I hurried over.” Silas waved the cameraman closer.

      “With the media?” Mary closed her eyes, her lips moving as if she were counting to ten.

      The man she’d called Silas raised his brows. “The public has a right to know the most famous man in North Pole is missing.” He rubbed his hands together like a kid anxiously awaiting a new toy. “What we want to know is why? After thirty years of playing Santa, why has he disappeared? Could it be a mysterious criminal past caught up with him? Is Santa on the run from the law?”

      Mary threw her arms in the air. “Good grief, Silas! My father is not on the run from the law. He’s not the criminal. More likely he’s the victim. Now get out of here before I have you thrown out.”

      Kim Claus stood a few feet away, her lip curled in an amused smile. “Really, Silas, that’s a pretty pathetic attempt to slander my husband. Santa is a good man. Everyone knows it.” She crossed her arms over her chest and turned to the man in uniform. “Don’t you agree, Officer Baskin?”

      The officer nodded. “Silas, now’s not the time to be a pain. Leave quietly, please.”

      “I have a right to know about a man who pretends to be Santa. Imagine all the children who’ve been fooled by a potential criminal. Parents will be up in arms.” He shot a narrow look at Mary as she inhaled deeply. “Notice I said potential. I’m not accusing your father of anything. I’m just a concerned citizen.”

      “Silas Grentch, you’re only concerned about getting your hands on the best moneymaking business in town. I thought you couldn’t stoop lower, but you never fail to amaze me.” Mary looked to Officer Baskin. “Can you make him leave?”

      The officer smiled dangerously and stepped toward Silas.

      “I’m leaving.” Silas held up his hands and backed up a step, one eye on the cameraman. “Are you getting this?”

      “Out.” Mary pointed her finger toward the door, her blue eyes flashing.

      Nick almost laughed out loud at how quickly Silas Grentch scurried for the exit. “I’m leaving, but the truth will come out. Mark my words. It’ll be a dark day in North Pole when Santa Claus is brought to justice.”

      The cameraman paused at the door with his camera pointing at Mary. “Miss Christmas, with Santa missing and Christmas getting close, what will happen with Operation Santa?”

      Mary’s eyes narrowed, her fingers curling into tight fists. “We’ll find Santa before the planes leave. Children in the remote villages will see him.”

      The cameraman nodded, lowering his camera before he left.

      After the door closed, silence reigned inside the cheerfully decorated Christmas store.

      “I’m sorry you had to come home to Silas’s shenanigans, Mary.” Betty took Mary’s hands and pulled her into a tight hug.

      Nick witnessed the entire strange scene, his mind ticking through all the slurs and innuendos flung at the missing Santa and his family. One thing stood out like a shining beacon. These people knew Mary Christmas, and from the looks of it, they cared about her. His gaze slid to the new Mrs. Claus. Well, almost all of them cared. Kim Claus warranted some looking into.

      Officer Baskin touched Mary’s arm. “If you hear, see or even smell anything, please pass it along to me or one of North Pole’s police officers. I’ll start checking with Santa’s friends in town.”

      A tear slipped down Mary’s cheek. “Thanks, Trey.”

      Nick resisted the urge to reach out and brush the tear away, clearing his throat instead. “I’m new to town. Is there a hotel where I can get a room?”

      The police officer dropped Mary’s hands and zipped up his parka. “Try Christmas Towne Bed-and-Breakfast. It’s just two blocks east of here. I’ve got to get onto this. The temperature is supposed to drop down to minus twenty tonight.” Although the officer didn’t add that a man couldn’t survive in that kind of temperature, he didn’t have to. As he left, a chilling wind gusted through the double doors.

      Mary’s gaze followed the officer, her skin even paler than a moment before.

      Nick’s gut tightened. “Do you have a place to stay?”

      “When I left Seattle, I thought I’d stay with my father. I didn’t make any other arrangements.” She turned toward her stepmother.

      “I’m sorry, Mary.” Kim’s mouth twisted into a weak smile. “I’d let you have your old room, but I didn’t know you were coming, and I’m in the middle of a huge remodeling effort. Your room is stacked with boxes, the bed is dismantled and leaning against the wall. You could have the couch, but it too is stacked with boxes. You’d be better off getting a room at the B and B as well.”

      Mary stared at Mrs. Claus for a long moment, her shoulders stiffening, her mouth pulling into a thin line. “I see.” Then she smiled and turned to Nick. “Thank you for the ride.”

      Not that he had any responsibility for the woman, but Nick couldn’t leave her without transportation. “If you’re going to the B and B, you might as well let me take you.”

      “It’s only two blocks. I can manage on my own.” She buttoned the front of her coat and tied the sash around her middle with a hard jerk. Then she turned to Mrs. Claus, her expression as serious as a firing squad. “If you had anything to do with my father’s disappearance…you’ll have me to answer to.”

      “Mary Christmas!” Kim Claus pressed a hand to her red velvet dress and tears welled in her eyes. “You don’t realize how much I love your father. I’d do anything for him. I crossed oceans and continents for him. I love him more than life. How could you even imply such a thing? I want him back just as much as you do.”

      Mary