Read Online The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson - Free Book Online Page A

Today . Only it’s online. The local news stories slowly disappear, and the hometown papers all end up homogenized and boring.”
    “Really?” He frowned. “He never told me any of that.”
    “I already emailed you some of the websites,” she said.
    “Thanks, I’ll be sure to check them out.”
    “Now?” She looked at him expectantly like she wanted him to jump right on it.
    “Not right now.” He took a sip of coffee.
    “Why not?”
    He glanced at the clock above the stove. “Because I’m on my way to do an interview.”
    “An interview?” She looked skeptical. “Don’t tell me Matilda Honeycutt finally gave in to you?”
    He shook his head.
    “Who then?”
    “The new city manager.”
    Her eyes lit up. “Susanna Elton?”
    “That would be the one.” He took another sip, avoiding her eyes.
    “I met her daughter last week. Nice girl.”
    “Yes, I’ve met her.”
    “I also met that mother-in-law.” Helen’s eyes got wide. “She is a real piece of work.”
    “Yeah . . . I met her as well.”
    Helen studied him closely. “You certainly look handsome today, Tommy. I noticed you’re finally wearing that sweater I got you last Christmas. About time. Looks very smart too.” She narrowed her eyes. “Why are you suddenly so concerned about appearances? Does it have anything to do with the city manager?”
    “What do you mean?” he asked innocently. “Isn’t she married?”
    Helen’s mouth twisted to one side. “I don’t really know. I thought I’d heard she was divorced. But why would she have a mother-in-law in tow if that were true?”
    “Good question. I’m sure before the interview is done, I will find out the answers for inquiring minds like yours.”
    “Didn’t you do any research on her at all?” Helen sounded suspicious. “You know, there is this tool we use nowadays, Tommy. Some folks call it the World Wide Web. Really handy too.”
    “I was busy . . . with other things.”
    She nodded. “Oh yes, that’s right. You’ve been busily trying to dismantle a newspaper that your father and grandfather worked hard to build from the ground up, a newspaper that the good citizens of Parrish Springs have grown to depend on and appreciate. You’ve been busily making dirty deals behind closed—”
    “Yeah, yeah,” he said quickly. “Please, spare me the drama. I’m already running late.”
    “Well, you better check out those websites I sent you, Tommy.” Her voice held the same warning he remembered from childhood whenever he came close to treading in her beloved flower beds. “Because I’d sure like to know who I’m working for before I head out to Julie’s house for Thanksgiving next week.”
    “That’s right!” He smacked his forehead. “I nearly forgot. What days are you taking off again?”
    “If you’d read your email, you’d know.” She shook her finger at him.
    “I do read it. Just not yet today. When are you leaving anyway?”
    “I’m taking all next week off,” she said with exasperation. “Not that I’ll be missed much by someone who plans to sell the place right out from under me. Good grief, will you even be here by the time I get back?”
    “Oh, Helen!” He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I’ve got to go.”
    “Well, it’s been nice knowing you, Tommy. Don’t forget to write. And don’t forget to read your email!” she yelled after him as he left the kitchen.
    “I told you I’m on it, Helen.” He hurried back to his office to gather his jacket and notebook. Not his computer notebook either. Tommy still liked doing interviews the old-fashioned way, taking notes via shorthand in a little black notebook. He pulled on his brown leather jacket, tucking the notebook and his favorite pen in the roomy chest pocket. Traveling light is what he liked to call it. Free from the bulk of a briefcase or computer. But the truth was he was traveling with a very heavy heart.

Despite Rose’s best efforts to be clandestine when it came to anything