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Mac nodded as she listened to Kossman, holding the phone to her ear on her way to the kitchen. It was good to be home. “Thank you for the position. I’m sorry the bounty call didn’t work out.”
“I’m just glad you weren’t with Brewster when someone hit the van.”
She didn’t want to remember that again. “I’m glad they were both okay after the accident. I am surprised to hear about Seth not returning. That’s ... shocking.” She rolled her eyes.
“Just shows his lack of commitment. His family had some excuse about needing him in their European operations.”
I bet. And that family would be one of the first groups Mac investigated.
Kossman added, “I’m not sure Seth really believed in my project, but you do, correct?”
“Absolutely.” Her sincerity should have been easy to hear, since she did believe. And now she would have to find out what Kossman had seen at one time in his life. “Too bad for Seth, but I’m happy to benefit from his poor decision. I’m definitely in.”
“And you say the bounty call was only a ploy for the money? No glowing eyes?”
“Sorry, sir, but that woman had no integrity.” Mac did not feel guilty about letting Kossman think Bernie’s ex-girlfriend, who’d tried to sell him, had lied. “As for the eyes, no, the man I saw at that house did not have glowing eyes.” Truth. Tristan’s eyes had been normal at that time.
“I hope the gentleman contacts me so I can make amends. I’ve got to revamp our team’s protocols. I don’t want innocent humans terrorized. You’ll be a big help with that. I owe you more than the bonus you received.”
“I’m very pleased with that bonus and to have my job, Mr. Kossman. I’m celebrating by buying a Christmas tree this weekend.” And a security system for Miss Wilma’s house. The bonus had been generous, and protecting Miss Wilma and her home was the first proactive step Mac was taking to stop Brandon’s interference in her life and the lives of people she cared about.
“That reminds me ... I’m sending you something.”
“What?”
“It’s a surprise. Enjoy. See you Monday.”
She ended the call and watched the rain now pouring down. The temperature was high enough it wouldn’t freeze, but the cold wet was so nasty she did not look forward to bundling up and leaving this nice warm fireplace. “I am getting Miss Wilma a tree today. End of discussion and excuses.”
Good time to do it while Miss Wilma and her Dachshund were sound asleep upstairs. That would give Mac time to drag the tree in, set it up, and get the basic trimming and lights in place.
Someone tapped at the back door.
Mac wondered who would come to the back, and tiptoed there cautiously. When she moved the curtain aside to expose the windowpanes, a young man with a nice smile stood there.
He asked, “Are you Miss Mackenzie?”
“Yes.”
“I have a delivery for you.”
She stretched her neck to see what he had, and a green fir tree came into view.
Mr. Kossman’s surprise! Mac had expected one of those stacked gift box towers full of edible goodies.
This was way better.
She opened the door and stepped back. “Please come in. I’m so excited.”
He smiled brightly, hoisted the tree as if it weighed nothing, and walked in.
She watched him, thinking about the people she’d met with extraordinary power, but then shook her head, muttering, “He’s just a young, strong delivery boy.”
He turned to her as he reached the living room. “I see a spot next to the window. Will that work?”
“Yes. I moved everything for the tree.”
“If you’ll wait just a moment, it will be a nicer surprise once I set it up.”
“Okay. Go ahead.”
She walked over to rinse the glass she’d just drunk eggnog from, then she turned to offer the young man a glass, but he walked back in as if he had finished. She asked, “Did it fit?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be going now.”
“Wow, you have it set up already?” How had he done that so quickly? “Wait, let me grab my purse.”
“Oh, no, ma’am. My uncle Otto would have my hide if I took money from you.”
Her jaw dropped.
When he walked past, she saw pointy tips on his ears, sticking out of his thick, wavy brown hair.
She ran into the living room, and the tree was trimmed with glowing strings of old-fashioned, multicolored lights.
How did he do that so quickly?
One round copper ornament hung close to the bottom. She squatted and turned it toward the light to see a circle enclosing the shape of a gryphon with green eyes.
Words engraved around the bottom said, Until next time, T.
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