Page 23 of This Christmas

Chapter Six

Joe had just parked across from the grocery store when he noticed Ally’s car pull into the parking lot. He was here to get a few things he’d need while staying in the hotel. He’d been surprised to see them. Surprised and happy.

He watched Charlotte’s bright pink hat bob beside her as they entered the store. It should’ve been a normal stop, a mom and daughter picking up dinner, but the moment he spotted the man who followed them inside, he knew it wasn’t going to be normal.

Peterson. Roy Peterson was his competition in the business. The man was shady as hell and had several complaints about his tactics, including a few lawsuits. He was a shark. Someone who didn’t stop until he got what he or his clients wanted.

Joe’s gut clenched. This was obviously the man Ted had hired to sniff around Ally now. He was probably the one who had seen him go to dinner at Ally’s place the other night and reported it to Ted.

Without hesitating, Joe left his car and entered the store, scanning the aisles until he found them in the frozen section. Ally was clutching Charlotte’s hand while Peterson loomed close to her, his voice low but sharp.

“…just a few questions, ma’am.”

“I don’t think the lady wants to at the moment,” he said evenly as he approached them. His tone was calm but carried enough weight to make Peterson step back.

He’d only met the man face to face twice, but Peterson knew who he was.

Peterson turned and Joe saw his jaw tighten. “Dalton?” His eyes narrowed. “Stay out of this.”

“That’s not going to happen. This conversation is over.” Joe’s stance was casual, but his eyes didn’t waver. “You’re upsetting the kid. I think it’s time you backed off.”

“She’s a potential witness in an ongoing case I’m working,” Peterson said, trying to sound official. “I have the right to⁠—”

Joe stepped closer, cutting him off. “You have the right to walk out of this store. May I remind you that even private investigators can’t cross legal lines.”

That seemed to land. Peterson’s nostrils flared, and he turned without another word and stormed out, the automatic doors hissing shut behind him.

He watched him go and tried to get his muscles, which were coiled tight, to relax. Then he looked back at Ally. Her face was pale and her hands were trembling slightly on Charlotte’s shoulders.

“Are you two okay?” he asked gently.

She nodded, swallowing hard. “Yeah. I just… he came out of nowhere.”

Charlotte clung to her leg. “Mommy, he was a bad man.”

“No, he was just trying to do his job, but he was doing it wrong.” Joe crouched to the little girl’s level. “You did great, kiddo. Some people forget their manners, that’s all. Were you guys grabbing dinner?” He glanced at the frozen pizza in the cart. “Oh, it’s a great night for pizza.”

Charlotte’s eyes lit instantly. “We’re having movie night. Mama says we can get popcorn and maybe ice cream.”

“I didn’t say ice cream.” Ally chuckled, and he saw her relax a little.

He grinned. “Wow, what a great way to spend a Friday night.”

“Can Joe come to movie night, Mommy? Please? Please, please, pleeease?” She turned to Ally, pleading.

Ally blinked, still processing everything, then laughed weakly. “I, uh, well, if Joe doesn’t have plans… and wants to watch Frozen.”

Joe met her eyes. “I think I can make time for movie night. I love Frozen. I’ve seen it at least six times. How about you?” he asked Charlotte as the little girl took his hand in hers and tugged him toward the ice cream.

“More than that!” Charlotte squealed. “You can pick the ice cream flavor. No peanuts though.”

“Right, because you’re allergic.” He let her lead him toward the freezer aisle. “That’s a lot of responsibility, picking the flavor,” he teased. “I guess I’d better choose wisely.” He glanced over at Ally who was smiling now.

The tension began to melt as they picked out another frozen pizza, some popcorn, and a big container of mint chocolate chip ice cream.

He was happy when Ally’s color returned to normal, and she even smiled when Charlotte insisted on getting sprinkles.

When they reached the checkout line, Joe caught sight of the black SUV parked across the street. Peterson was still watching them.