A Christmas to Dismember

I get to pop the question.” He takes off after her.
“That’s not what happened,” I shout after him.
Leo chuckles. “I have a feeling his entire future will involve chasing her and wondering what ticked her off. See you inside.” He takes off, and I’m about to follow him when I spot a blonde with dark-framed glasses glaring at the trio of men by the tree with a look that could slice a mountain down the middle. She’s wearing a heavy red gown that looks as if it’s comprised solely of red rubies, and it glitters with her every move.
I step her way and smile. “Can I help you?”
Her affect brightens once I manage to steal her attention.
“Yes, actually. I’m Angelica Chatfield.” Her lips crimp. “I’m a part of the production tonight and wanted to see where I should go to prepare.” Her eyes stray back to Quinn and his guests as they share a riotous laugh. Prepare to kill perhaps. Or should I say, prepare to die? I’ll have your head on a platter tonight, my friend.
My lips part as a breath hitches in my throat at the ornery thought.
“Right this way,” I say, leading her away from those men, one of which has really lit her fuse. “The ballroom is waiting for you.”
Tonight promises to bring merriment and pleasure.
Let’s just hope it doesn’t bring murder, too.

Chapter 2
The ballroom at the Country Cottage Inn sparkles with holiday magic from both the crystal chandeliers to the three fifteen-foot tall evergreens festooned with every Christmas bauble and twinkle light this season calls for.
Quinn emailed me a list of instructions long before he ever touched down this afternoon regarding every last detail of today’s event, from the live reindeer out front to the stage he had Jordy construct in the front of the room, complete with black velvet curtains to close between acts. I’m going to keep the setup because it’s just so gorgeous, and I’m sure I can utilize it for many events to come.
Quinn hired a theater company to arrange all of the acts and deliver props and stage decorations, and they’ve been in and out all week working hard to make the magic happen. The backdrop set across the stage is a well-lit flocked Christmas tree with large boxes set around it, each wrapped in red and green foil. There’s even a crew here just for the lighting, and it looks as if we’re about to be treated to a genuine holiday extravaganza. It reminds me of when I was young, my mother would take us to see The Nutcracker every year. How I miss that, and now thanks to Quinn, I have some of that holiday magic back again.
“Here Comes Santa Claus” plays softly over the speakers as throngs of exquisitely dressed people mingle freely. I’ve never seen so many designer holiday dresses and men in suits with gleaming silk ties. The refreshment table is laden with Christmas cookies from the Country Cottage Café and, of course, the platters of Emmie’s peppermint bark are quickly being depleted. I’m sort of a disaster in the kitchen, contrary to my maiden name, but that’s what best friends are for, and quite literally in this situation, seeing that she’s the head baker and manager of the café. Rows and rows of chairs have been set out, some of which are already filled, and a thicket of people are milling around on the stage as well.
I spot Georgie and Juni near the front with a small crowd of women gathered around them. Most of the women are lavishing attention on Fish and Sherlock, both of which appear to be in back scratch heaven. And by the looks of it, Georgie has convinced Juni to put on one of her wonky quilt dresses as well. Juni pretty much is a duplicate of Georgie, but her hair is light brown with far less gray, and her face has a few less wrinkles. That quilt dress she’s donned isn’t Juni’s usual fare. She’s more of a leather and lace girl, but it’s nice to see her teaming up with her mama to peddle her wares.
But something to the right of them catches my eye, and I crane my neck to get a better look. Standing just behind the heavily flocked evergreen with its bright red ornaments, I see Quinn and that blonde woman with the dark-framed glasses, Angelica, having what looks to be a tense conversation. He sets his coffee down on the small table behind them laden with hot cocoa and a plate of sweet treats. They’re props for one of the acts, but I happen to know they’re real because Emmie and I placed them there earlier. Angelica picks up a cookie and takes a bite just as a one of the stagehands comes over and steals Quinn away for a moment. Angelica watches them go before quickly rummaging for something in her purse, and then her hand moves over Quinn’s coffee as if she were shaking something into it.
Every muscle in my body freezes.
Did she just spike his drink?
Quinn reappears and picks up his drink, taking a sip without missing a beat.
“Bizzy!” Macy strides up with her friend Eve in tow, and this time there’s a teenage girl with them who shares Eve’s glossy dark hair and almond-shaped eyes. All three of them have a small dessert plate filled with goodies but mostly with Emmie’s peppermint bark. “I must sell this in my shop.” Macy holds up a shard of peppermint bark my way.
Eve nods. “I want in on this deliciousness, too. My customers would buy boxes of this by the dozen. And this is the best I’ve ever tasted.” Her eyes drift over my shoulder and she gives a light gasp. And finally we meet again. Now to let him have it. “Would you ladies excuse me a moment?” She darts off, and I turn to see her heading straight for my dapper boss.
Macy shrugs. “Bizzy, this is Elsie, Eve’s