Chapter 1

“Good morning, Bert.”

“Good morning, Kid.”

Bert Thomas had been the sheriff of Middletown forever. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. He was loved and respected. He was a big man, six feet four inches and nearly two hundred pounds. He wore a belt around his middle that sported a sidearm, ammunition, handcuffs, a walkie-talkie, and keys.

The small town’s police force consisted of him and Nick Wallace, his young deputy. Bert had nicknamed him ‘Kid’ since he was assigned to Middletown years ago. Nick fell in love with the small-town life and never left.

“I brought you a double espresso, Bert.”

“What’s the catch, Kid?” Bert asked, watching the coffee cup as if it was a rattlesnake.

“I like pampering my chief,” the deputy answered wearing a seventy-five-watt smile. “So, what are your big plans for the holidays?”

“Well, as you know, my plans involve a fine dinner at The Jammed, and then a couch, a balloon of cognac, and a man named George Bailey.”

“It’s A Wonderful Life. A classic.”

“An old Christmas movie for an old guy,” Bert sighed. “It fits.”

Christmas was never an easy time for the sheriff.

“You’re not old at all, Bert.”

“Well, sometimes I feel older than I am,” Bert said tapping his forehead. He took a sip of his coffee and went on, “Now, Kid, stop stalling and say whatever you have to say. I’m not stupid.”