Mall Santa Murder: A Cozy Christmas Mystery (Gemma Stone Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Willow Monroe Page A

there beside her. If she screamed or fainted, at least he would try to catch her.
    Then she saw Santa, lying in his coffin, hands resting comfortably across his chest, his long, white beard looking even more beautiful than before, in stark contrast with his red Santa suit.
    “They’re burying him in his Santa suit?” Ross hissed.
    “Why not?” Gemma said, pleased that she was shaking only a little. “He loved being Santa.”
    They shook hands with Rosalie, her mother and ex mother-in-law and wished them well. Then, thankfully Gemma was outside where it was cold but at least the air was fresh and clean. She took a deep breath and turned to say something to Ross. He was still talking to Rosalie and her mother.
    A quick glance at her watch told her she really needed to get back to the kiosk so Brenda could take a break. She would catch up with Ross later, she was sure. Hurrying to her car, she got out her keys, unlocked the door and climbed inside. Thankfully it started right up. She reached out for the door to close it but a hand like a vise on her wrist stopped her.

Chapter Eleven
    “L eaving so soon?” Jackson said.
    Gemma couldn’t see his eyes because he wore dark glasses. “Yes, I need to get to the mall,” she answered, pulling her hand out of his grip. “Why are you here?”
    “Just paying my respects,” Jackson said. “Even if he was a thief.”
    “I’ll reserve judgment on that, the thief part,” Gemma said, unable to stop the words from coming out. She shifted her car into drive. Maybe that would give him a hint.
    The car didn't budge.
    Gemma put her foot on the brake, pushed the lever into park and then slid it into drive again.
    Nothing.
    “Car trouble?” Jackson asked. He hadn’t moved, so she couldn't even close her door.
    “It just...sometimes it won’t go into gear,” she explained.
    “Happen often?”
    Gemma shrugged. Did he know he was making her nervous? Scaring her just a little bit even though she tried to hide it? Somehow she thought he’d like knowing that.  She put the car in reverse, let it settle there and then back into drive.
    Nothing.
    “You can ride back with me if you like. I’m going that way,” he said.
    “It’ll be fine,” Gemma said. “If I just give it a few minutes.”
    Just then she saw Ross step out of the funeral home and into the sunshine. He looked both ways and finally spotted her with Jackson. Frowning, he started in their direction.
    When Jackson saw Ross coming, he moved away from her car. “Detective,” he said in greeting, holding out his hand.
    Gemma slammed her car door and sat there watching the two men talk, their body language giving away more than either one realized. Could Jackson have killed Santa? And why? Suddenly, the car went into drive and she was glad she had her foot on the brake.
    ***
    F or the next couple of days, they settled back into their schedule.  One evening, Gemma returned to the mall to help Holly with the evening rush.  Her pretty friend was poring over paperwork, clicking her pen rhythmically. Never a good sign. Gemma was suddenly glad she had brought Holly one of the pumpkin spice lattes they both loved. Holly did not look happy.
    “Here you go, bestie,” Gemma said, sliding the warm cup against Holly’s hand.
    “Thanks,” Holly said without looking up.
    Gemma took her time, putting her purse away and shrugging off her coat. She was wearing an especially festive red sweater that felt so soft and comforting. It was a sweater her mom had given her two years earlier and it made her feel warm and safe and closer to her mother.
    “We’re missing some items,” Holly said, finally looking up.
    “Are you sure?”
    “Yep, I’ve gone over the inventory three times.”
    “Holly, the only time I put items out on the counter for people to try is when I’m standing right here so I can keep an eye on it,” Gemma told her.
    “Mom and I do the same thing,” Holly said, lost in thought again.
    “So, how