Mall Santa Murder: A Cozy Christmas Mystery (Gemma Stone Cozy Mystery Book 1) Read Online Free

goodness Holly’s mom Brenda had offered to help during the week days.
    “There are some discrepancies in the numbers,” Holly said, clicking her pen rapidly - a sure sign that she was worried about something.
    “Maybe we just miscounted,” Gemma suggested.
    “Maybe you miscounted,” Holly said, a smile softening her words.
    “It’s a distinct possibility,” Gemma agreed.
    Despite her creative, artistic nature, Holly was deadly with numbers. She counted everything two or three or more times until she was absolutely sure she was correct. But they’d been there for two days and the big shopping weekend was almost over. It was entirely possible that Gemma had miscounted something. Or that Holly was tired.
    “Eat first. We’ll worry about that later,” Gemma said, offering the sandwich she’d purchased for her friend’s lunch.
    They talked about how to divide up their schedule beginning Monday morning. The mall didn’t open till ten but was staying open till ten every night in the attempt to draw in more business. Gemma volunteered to come in early and open up the kiosk. Then Holly’s mom, Brenda, who knew their product as well as they did, had agreed to work in the slower middle of the day, with Holly coming in around mid-afternoon. Gemma would come back to help Holly with the busy evening hours. It was a grueling schedule but both women knew they were in for a long, rewarding December.
    While the evening wore on, Gemma watched their customer closely. One or two picked up the rings they’d put out on the counter for display and for more serious customers to try out. It would be easy for someone to slip a piece of jewelry in their pocket when no one was looking.
    Later, as they were closing up, Edna and Bill came over to their kiosk. They both looked distressed, Bill more than Edna. He kept glancing over his shoulder at Santa Land, where Santa was telling some fantastical story to the last of the children.
    “What’s wrong?” Gemma asked.
    “Someone stole some of our things,” Edna said softly.
    “Not someone...”
    Edna held up her hand cutting him off. “We don’t know that.” And then she turned to Gemma. “We were wondering if you guys were missing anything.”
    Holly joined them just in time to hear her question. “I believe we are missing some things. Not a lot but enough to get my attention.”
    Edna and Bill exchanged glances.
    “Some of the other kiosk owners are complaining, as well as the manager of the GNC, Mona over at Mona Joys, and the Bath and Body Works lady,” Edna told them.
    “You want to know what I think.” Bill began.
    Edna tried to stop him but this time she was unsuccessful.
    “I think it was that drunken Santa, Sam McLear, who managed to steal from us.” Bill said, his face turning red as his anger flared.
    “That’s a pretty strong accusation,” Holly said.
    “It was either him or one of those guys pretending to be elves,” he snorted.
    Gemma didn’t think Santa was sober enough to steal from anyone, but she kept that thought to herself.
    “I’ve seen him hanging around over here,” Bill said, as if to prove his point.
    “He just keeps asking me out,” Gemma said. She didn't know why, but she felt the need to defend Santa. “I think he’s harmless - just annoying.”
    “Have you talked to security?” Holly asked.
    “I mentioned it, but G.I. Joe blew me off,” Bill said, rolling his eyes.
    Gemma almost giggled at that description of Grady Jackson. He certainly was all spit-shined and sharp creases, down to that buzzed haircut.
    “Maybe if we all went to him at the same time...” Edna suggested.
    Holly looked at Gemma. “I’m sure we’re missing some rings, a pendant and at least one of those watches,” she said.
    Then Gemma remembered what Nick had told her about the thefts downtown. “Okay, let’s find Mr. Jackson.”
    They didn’t find the head of security until they were locking up for the night. Gemma saw Bill and Edna walking with him