Amber Crewes [Crewes - Jingle Bells and Deadly Smells

It was going to be a white Christmas in Sandy Bay, and Meghan Truman could hardly contain her excitement as the glittering white snowflakes tumbled from the sky. Meghan shivered as she adjusted the pink tartan scarf around her neck, thankful for its comfort as she stepped outside into the chilly evening. Meghan set off down the street toward Spark, a new boutique in town. She was ten minutes late for her shopping date with Jackie, her close friend, and Meghan trudged through the snow in her knee-length brown boots.

Can you spare a dime, Miss?

Meghan bit her bottom lip as a homeless man on the corner beckoned her toward him. She nervously ran a hand through her long, dark hair, shaking her head as she passed.

Im sorry, Meghan muttered as she looked down at her boots. I dont have any cash.

Her heart sank as she walked away from the homeless man, and her cheeks burned with shame. She truly did not have any cash on her, but Meghans chest tightened with guilt as she considered the mans plight. Perhaps I could have given him my gloves, she thought to herself. Or I could have dashed home and fetched some treats for him from the bakery.

She was the sole owner of Truly Sweet, a wildly successful bakery in Sandy Bay. She had opened the bakery after moving to Sandy Bay from Los Angeles less than a year ago, and now, after months of persistence and perseverance, Truly Sweet was one of the most popular bakeries in the Pacific Northwest. Meghans orders had more than quadrupled in the last three months, and she was thankful for the help of Trudy, her assistant, and Pamela, the high-school girl she had hired to help with the heavy workload.

I have so much stale bread and old pastries sitting in my pantry, she murmured, still distraught by her interaction with the homeless man. It is so cold tonight, and he needs to eat. I will just have to be a few more minutes late to my shopping date.

Meghan turned around, treading back through the heavy snow. She unlocked the front door of the bakery, smiling as the familiar sound of the little silver bells attached to the door jingled merrily. She heard her little twin dogs barking upstairs in her apartment, but she ignored them, sprinting into the kitchen of the bakery and removing a bag of old pastries and breads from the closet.

Perfect, Meghan said, satisfied as she filled a cloth sack with the food. I can drop these off with that man, and hopefully, he will go to bed with a full belly tonight.

She raced out of the bakery and back onto the slippery streets. She nearly fell as her feet slipped beneath her, but she regained her composure and marched off toward the corner where she had encountered the homeless man.

Oh no, Meghan sighed as she arrived to find the man had vanished. Hes gone. I was too late.

She hung her head, wishing she had had something to give the man when she first met him. Maybe Ill see him again someday, Meghan considered as she rested the bag of food down on the side of street. Maybe hell come back. Ill leave this food here for now. I hope he finds it.

Jackie chastised Meghan as she entered the shop. Where have you been? You are too late, girlfriend. This is the second time this week youve been late to a hang out.

Meghans cheeks burned, and she sheepishly apologized to Jackie, explaining why she was late.

Oh, Meghan, Jackie said kindly as she saw the tears in her dark eyes. You were full of the holiday spirit. Im proud of you. What a good person you are.

Meghan shrugged. I just think everyone deserves a full belly and a warm bed.

Jackie smiled. Your heart is truly sweet, Meghan. Hey, speaking of Truly Sweet, are you doing the desserts for Jacks holiday party?

Meghan grinned at the mention of Jack Irvin, her handsome detective boyfriend. No, she explained to Jackie. Chief Nunan reached out and asked me to do the desserts, but I decided to pass the chance up; I want to go to the party as a guest, and I think dealing with the desserts would be a lot of stress.

Jackie nodded. That makes sense, she told Meghan. Well, the Sandy Bay Police Department Christmas Party is always a huge event in town. Everyone dresses up, and there is mistletoe, and its just magical.

Meghan smiled. I need to find the perfect dress; do you think I would look nice in red velvet?

Jackie squinted her eyes at Meghan, looking up and down at her curvy frame. Yes, she finally replied. I think with your dark hair and olive skin, you would glow in red velvet. Come on! Lets see what this shop has to offer.

Ladies!

Meghan and Jackie turned to find Kirsty Fisher beaming at them, her blonde bob sitting elegantly just above her shoulders, and a strand of tiny pearls wrapped around her thin neck. Kirsty was a dedicated philanthropist and organizer in the community; if there was an event or party, it was likely that Kirsty had planned and put on the event, and she was always looking for favors as she dreamed up new functions for the town.

So good to see you girls, Kirsty cooed as she gave Meghan and Jackie air-kisses on both cheeks. In fact, I was just thinking of you, Meghan. What are you doing next weekend?

Meghan grimaced. Why do you ask, Kirsty?

Kirsty adjusted her red and green sweater set and smiled warmly. Im organizing a celebration of Christmas carols, and I would love if you could help me.

Meghan paused. She had intentionally slowed her schedule over the last week, and she was looking forward to some much-needed rest and recuperation after such a busy, eventful year in Sandy Bay.

Kirsty, Meghan began. Im not really taking on new orders right now; Im not evening doing the desserts for Jacks holiday party. Its been a hectic year, and I am trying to give myself, along with Trudy and Pamela, some time to catch our breath.

Kirsty shook her head. I dont want your treats, she informed her. I need your voice. I am trying to recruit anyone and everyone to participate, and for a small donation, you can join in the fun.

Meghan raised an eyebrow. I have a terrible voice, she told Kirsty. Its horrendous; I was actually cut from my middle-school choir because I am tone-deaf.