Read Online Rose and Helena Save Christmas: a novella by Jana DeLeon, Denise Grover Swank - Free Book Online Page B

 
    “I assume the two girls are the occupants, right?”
    “You got it.”
    “The only other person who entered was wearing a server’s uniform, but he didn’t have a tray. Medium height, thin, but he kept his face turned away from the cameras.”
    “Probably a pro.”
    “Looks like it.”
    “Thanks, Jimmy. I owe you one.”
    “Nah. Heck, this doesn’t even make us even. But dinner and a movie might.”
    She laughed. “Let me think on that one, and thanks. You’re a lifesaver.”
    Helena stared at her, eyebrows raised, as she slipped the phone back into her pocket. “Jimmy, huh? How come you haven’t told me about him?”
    “Because he’s just an acquaintance.”
    “Acquaintances don’t usually erase security footage for people.”
    “They do if you provided the evidence that got them off a murder rap.”
    “Okay, maybe then. Hey, do you think it’s smart to go after the diamond thief?”
    Taylor shrugged. “Probably not, but it’s a better option than turning those diamonds over to Savoy. Do you think he’d believe we came by them accidentally?”
    “But the clerk had to have seen Madame Serafine give Neely Kate one of the bags.”
    “What if more than one bag had diamonds in it?”
    “Oh, right. I’m just worried is all. They seem like nice girls.”
    Taylor nodded. “Which is why you and I are going to make sure this is all cleared up and they’re home for Christmas.”
    “Good. What do you want me to do?”
    Taylor pointed to the corner she’d mentioned earlier. “I want you to wait on that side of the street on the far end of the café near the trees. We don’t know which direction the purse snatcher will come from or escape to. I’ll wait across the street at Jackson Square. If he goes your direction, do your best to keep up with him and I’ll catch up as quickly as I can. If he runs my direction, then back me up.”
    “I hope he comes my direction. That’s a lot less running.”
    “For you.” Taylor had the exact opposite hope. Counting on Helena to keep up with anyone for very long was an expectation she’d be foolish to have. If Taylor couldn’t get across the street quickly, the purse snatcher would be in Canada while Helena was rounding the first corner.
    “Oh, the smell of beignets in the air,” Helena said, sniffing the air. “I’m going to head over to my spot.”  
    “No stealing food,” Taylor called as the ghost hurried across the street.
    Helena waved a hand in dismissal, as if the warning didn’t need to be repeated. Every five minutes or so.
    Taylor headed to Jackson Square and found a streetlamp near one of the starving artists who sold their paintings in the square. She leaned against it and pulled out her phone, then pretended she was reading something on it while scanning the street for anyone who looked as if they were going to steal a purse. Rose and Neely Kate entered the café and took a seat next to the railing. Both of them were doing a good job pretending to do the normal tourist thing, but Taylor could tell they were slightly uncomfortable.
    Neely Kate got up to leave the table and Taylor wondered how long they’d have to wait for the purse snatcher to strike. The answer was not long.
    Taylor saw the man in the hoodie approaching the café, his gaze locked on the purse. She bolted across the street, dodging cars and praying that all those hours on the treadmill had paid off. The hooded guy hurried past the railing, snatching the purse with the moves of a pro, then he took off down the street. Taylor turned on the afterburners and set off after him.
    After two blocks, her thighs and calves burned and the purse snatcher showed no sign of slowing. As they approached the French Market, she caught sight of something out of the corner of her eye. She glanced over and saw Helena on the other side of the French Market. Stunned, she slowed slightly for a harder look. No way the ghost had maintained that speed for two blocks.  
    But something was off.