Read Online Wicked Night Before Christmas by Tierney O’Malley - Free Book Online

Florida enjoying a fresh wannabe Miss Universe. Now turn around."
    Where the hell did Cara go ? Lucas looked around. Last time he saw her she sat alone at the table. Fishing his cellphone out of his coat pocket, he dialed Amy's number. His sister answered after the third ring.
    "Hey Sis, have you seen Amy?"
    "No. She said she'd sit down for a bit. Her foot is sore."
    "Where are you?” Lucas started walking toward the ladies bathroom.
    "Over by the coffee stand. Is Cara missing?"
    "No. She probably went home. I'll find her. I'll call you."
    Standing by the ladies bathroom, he peeked in. The bathroom was empty. He called Cara's name. No answer.
    Walking as fast as he could, he headed back to the cabin. The sound of a snowmobile had him turning around. The vehicle passed him then turned around to stop in front of him.
    "Sir, need a ride?"
    The driver was the medic he met when he went searching for Cara at the Devil's Jump. The cabin was just walking distance from the town center. But if he could save a minute from riding the snowmobile, why not. “Yes."
    A few yards away from the cabin, the medic received an emergency call. Lucas understood. “I can get off here. Thanks, man."
    "No problem.” The medic turned the snowmobile around with its siren on and took off.
    The only part of the house that was lit was the receiving room. He remembered turning all the lights off. So someone was inside. Instinct had Lucas checking the tracks on the fresh snow. Two sets of boot prints were visible. Cara wasn't alone.
    Did she leave the center without telling anyone because she and whoever was inside planned to rendezvous here? Impotent rage and jealousy had him kicking the hard snow. It hit and knocked one of the dwarves his mother placed on the walkway. He bent to straighten the dwarf when he glimpsed movement. Stepping closer to the window, he saw Karsen with his gun pointing at Cara. What the fuck ! The adrenalin to charge in, to smash Karsen's face with his fist, surged in his body. There was the slim chance Karsen would miss Cara, but he wouldn't take it. Years of training had him using his good sense instead. He circled the cabin and used the side door. Using his Dyno Kwik lock pick he carried in his pocket, he managed to open the door without making a single noise.
    Lucas kept his eyes on Karsen. He listened while Karsen talked. The fucking pig was Rivera's runner. When he told Cara to turn around, he made a quick decision. He moved in, gun drawn, pointing at Karsen.
    "Drop your gun, Karsen.” Damn, damn. He'd been in a situation like this before, but never, not even once had he felt like this—scared. So many different scenarios started running in his head. What if he hadn't noticed her gone? She'd be dead by now. Focus, Lucas. She's still here. Focus . “I'll blow your fucking empty head off to feed to the pigs, Karsen. Lower your gun."
    "Ah, the dashing hero. Good, two jobs in one night. This'll be good. You, dickhead, are the one going to lower your gun. But if you don't want to see her pretty face anymore then don't."
    "No Lucas. He'll shoot you."
    "You okay, Cara?"
    "I am fine Lucas. He's not. He's shallow and evil and not even handsome."
    "Shut the fuck up.” Karsen aimed his gun higher. The barrel pointed directly at Cara's heart.
    "Take it easy, Karsen. Let's talk. You shouldn't do this. Testify against Rivera and I promise you protection and less time in jail."
    "Ha! Couldn't get anything from Rochelle? Isn't that why you're clinging to her like a leech hoping to suck out information from her? Oh yeah. You're not a slick Agent, you know. Rochelle told us everything she knows about you in exchange for a hit. She's a fucking cocaine addict. Now throw your gun on the floor, Lucas. I am done talking."
    "No! Lucas, don't do it. Hey, cabbage head. Have you seen Paris in winter? Take a look."
    Before he could understand what Cara was about, she grabbed the snow globe sitting on the table and threw it at Karsen. But she wasn't