Hey, Christmas murder fans, this is Katie a Cardo. Listen in while
I tell you the story of the Evergreen Murders. A McKenzie Monroe Christmas Mystery,
Part two. The dinner the next night, mackenzie dressed in her black
velvet Dior mini dress with the plunging neckline impaired it with a gold choker and
her Labutan heels. Nick pulled up in a red, mud stained Ford F
one fifty pickup truck promptly at seven. He was wearing nice jeans, a
button down shirt, and a green and brown woolblazer. The three day stubble
had disappeared. McKenzie had to admit he looked much better than at their meeting
the night before. He hopped out of the truck and went around to the
passenger side door to hold it open. McKenzie looked from the raised bench seat
to Nick and back. How are we supposed to? Yeah, sorry about
the seating situation. Guess you too will just have to squeeze in. Oh,
McKenzie won't mind. She can just sit on my lap, right,
Mackenzie, Cameron said, winking and pulling her along. I guess, But
how do I get up there in my heels, McKenzie was beginning to regret
the choice of shoes she had brought here. Let me help you, Nick
said, and suddenly he was behind her arms and circling her waist. Before
she knew what was happening, she felt herself being lifted off the ground and
plopped onto the bench seat. Oh my god, McKenzie exclaimed, tugging at
the bottom of her dress, which had ridden up. Not to worry your
light. I could bench probably twice your size back in my football days,
Nick declared, climbing up into the driver's seat and starting the engine. Assuming
you don't weigh more than two hundred and fifty pounds, No, I definitely
don't. Mackenzie's face flushed red with embarrassment. Relax, Mac, it was
a joke. What did you just call me, Mac? Nick looked over
as they drove out of downtown. Has no one ever called you Mac before?
Really? No, I've never had a nickname, mackenzie replied. I
don't think that's that weird. It's super weird, especially considering your first name
is about ten syllables long. Cameron snorted at the joke, attempting to hold
back a laugh. It's not ten syllables long, and I think Mackenzie suits
me just fine. I think I'm going to call you mac anyway, Nick
interjected, ignoring her, just because no one ever has before. It'll be
our thing, great, our thing, Mackenzie deadpan. Nick turned the truck
to the right down a long dirt path. On either side were more forests
of evergreen trees, with the snow falling slowly and catching on the branches.
It seemed like a real winter wonderland. Nick looked over to catch Mackenzie staring
out the window. Pretty, isn't it, he asked. Mackenzie shrugged and
crossed her arms tighter around her It's okay, she replied, Too cold for
me, Nick smiled. Straight ahead. At the end of a long driveway
loomed one of the biggest mansions Mackenzie had ever seen. As Nick pulled up
in front, Mackenzie could see two huge Christmas trees blanking the red door,
as well as a massive pine cone wreath. She unentangled herself from Cameron and
fell out of the truck. Store She smoothed the skirt of her dress as
she heard a loud barretne voice booming out into the cold night air. Come
in, Come in, welcome, the voice shouted. Before them stood a
good looking black man in his mid forties, with a bald head, rimless
glasses, and a mischievous look in his eye. He wore a checkered buttoned
down shirt, red sweater, and pressed trousers, and his hand was a
rocks glass filled halfway to the brim with an amber liquid. Nick took the
steps two at a time to give the man a warm embrace. Good to
see you, Nick, the man said, and let me guess these are
the new stars of Evergreen. He held out his hand to Cameron and shook
it vigorously. Denver Sebastian, please to meet your acquaintance. You must be
Cameron, Yes, sir, Cameron replied, oh please call me Denver.
I can't be that much older than you, son, and you must be
the lovely Mackenzie. Denver took Mackenzie's hand and held it lightly, so glad
both of you could come. Let's go inside and get out of this weather.
What can I get you both to drink? Denver led camer Nick and
Mackenzie into the grand foyer, which looked even more like a Christmas wonderland.
While the Evergreen Diner was decorated almost unbearably tackily, the Mayor's mansion was absolutely
breathtaking and classy. Sparkling garlands with red bows were strung along the walls,
and the double curving banisters glowed with tiny white lights. Brocaded tapestries featuring historical
winter scenes provided the art on the walls, and long stem candles glowed in
tall candelabras. Mackenzie could hear piano music softly playing. As they all made
their way into the living room, Mackenzie looked up to see the tallest Christmas
tree she had ever seen, spiraling up toward the twenty foot ceiling. Lights
twinkled from out of every branch, while the boughs dripped with colorful ornaments,
tinsel, and strings of popcorn. To the left of the tree was a
fireplace in which a fire was roaring. Figurines top mantle, along with decorative
trinkets. Hanging in front of the fire were two knit stockings that bore the
names Miranda and Denver. Sitting in a chair next to the fire was a
Youngish man with blondhair and blue eyes. He was wearing a pinstriped suit and
slowly sipping from a tumbler of scotch. A beautiful woman with long black hair,
dark eyes, alabaster skin, and fire red lipsticks stood by the giant
bay window talking to the man. She wore a floor length sparkly green gown
and long, dangly pearl earrings. In her hand, she hauled a glass
of red wine. McKenzie looked down at her own plane ensemble and suddenly felt
underdressed. The woman abruptly stopped speaking to the man. When Cameron, Nick
and mackenzie walked into the room, she turned to glare at McKenzie before her
gaze settled on Cameron, and then she broke into a wide smile. She
clapped her hands excitedly and scurried over to throw her arms around Cameron. I
can't believe I have a real life movie star in my house, she squealed,
stepping back from him but leaving her palms pressed inappropriately against his chest.
I used to watch you on days of our lives. All of my friends
were in love with Jamie, but I thought Lucas was the best, she
continued, referring to Cameron's role on the long running soap five years before.
Thank you very much. Cameron responded that Jamie was such a jerk. The
woman looked at him warily, trying to determine if he was kidding or not.
When she realized that he was, she burst into a shrill laughing fit.
And he's funny too, she said, delighted by Cameron's nature. Denver
and Nick came into the living room, then, caring drinks for everyone.
Denver took one look at Miranda and Cameron and said, jokingly, I know
he's much better looking than I am, dear, but do you have to
flirt with the dashing movie star right in front of me? He laughed,
and Miranda made her way over to him and snuggled under his arm. You
know you're the only one for me, she replied, staring up at him.
Once Mackenzie was handed her wine, she made her way over to the
woman and stuck out her hand. Mackenzie Monroe Cameron's agent. I take it
you are missus Sebastian, Oh, darling, Yes, so sorry, I
didn't introduce myself. How rude of me, Miranda Sebastian, But just call
me Miranda, no exceptions. We are just so glad to have you all
here. Filming a movie in our little town. We invited the director for
tonight, of course, but unfortunately he won't be able to make it,
so it will just be us and Tom. She gestured toward the man who
was sitting in the chair. Upon hearing his name, he rose, Tom
DeWitt, the man said, shaking hands. Tom is one of my oldest
friends who has suddenly become my worst enemy. Denver said a smile, crinkling
the corners of his mouth. Oh, Denver, come off it, the
man replied, turning to accept a small or du from a caterer who had
just appeared at his side, brandishing a silver platter. You're just mad because
you're scared I'm going to beat you in the next election. I'm not scared,
Denver replied, I'm terrified. Miranda and Tom laughed. I'm not sure
I follow, Mackenzie said, waving off the server. Nick piped up Denver's
two years into his first term as mayor and doing a wonderful job, may
I add, but Tom has expressed interest in running in the next election,
and what is it you do currently, mister DeWitt, Cameron asked, biting
into an appetizer. I'm an accountant. I'm mister and missus Sebastian's accountant.
As a matter of fact, I'm also doing the finances for the town of
Evergreen, what with the movie being filmed here and all. And he's a
damn good one at that. Denver sings, on, raising his glass.
I still have no idea why this good man would want to dip his toe
into the vile and corrupt world of small town politics. But far be it
for me to discourage him. Tom straightened his tie. As much as I
respect and admire you, Denver, there need to be some changes made in
Evergreen. It's almost as if we're stuck back in time. I secured a
candy cane movie production here, didn't I, Denver asked, holding up his
glass to the group. Yes, Tom said hesitatingly, you did. But
I was referring to the business, financial and economical opportunities you keep turning down.
I'm just not sure you have the town's best interest in mind. I've
seen the financials and they are dire. Denver's eyes narrowed and darkened as he
took a long, slow sip of his drink. I do have the town's
best interest in mind, and always have the people of this county don't want
what you're proposing. We need to keep the integrity of Evergreen intact, and
that includes the forest. Besides, Tom, I think that's enough. This
is neither the time nor the place for a sustained disagreement. Besides, our
guests must be exceedingly bored with this little dispute. Denver took his arm from
around Miranda's shoulders and walked toward the barcart in the corner of the room.
He uncapped the decanter and poured more scotch into his glass. Tom spoke up,
then, I think, because these are esteemed Evergreen guests, that they
have a right to know what is actually going on in this town. Would
anyone care to hear the story? And uncomfortable silence ensued. Mackenzie took a
sip of her wine. Finally, Nick spoke up, Tom, I'm not
sure this is necessary, really, Why don't he just no, that's all
right, I'll tell them. Tom cut him off and wiped his mouth with
a cocktail napkin. Everyone listened awkwardly, curious. About three miles east of
here is the Evergreen Forest, a three hundred acre piece of land for which
Evergreen got his name that has been in Denver's family for eighty years. Eighty
five years. Denver piped in whatever Tom said, this forest is currently an
undeveloped piece of property that if and when developed, could become a cash cow
for the people of this town. Again, Denver cut in, this is
a forest that is a beautiful piece of nature that my great grandfather worked on
eighty years ago. He was nothing more than a poor black Christmas tree farmer,
basically a slave laborer who pulled himself up by his bootstrapped, worked his
ass off, and bought the farm from his white bosses. He was the
first African American to own property in this part of the state. And if
you think I'm going to give up that history just so those criminals at Matheson
and Matheson can build apartment buildings and a mall, then you are sorely.
Do you think the people have Evergreen care about this, Denver, Tom cut
In, No one cares about your sob story. The people of this town
are ready to move on. They're ready for jobs, commerce, and luxury
living spaces. The fact that you won't sell even a fraction of your family's
land is part of why you're dragging in the polls. You've really made some
enemies around here, Denver, including me. Not to mention Rick Matheson at
the development office. He hates your guts and would do anything to get his
hands on that property. And what does your ex wife Wanda have to say
about it? Isn't she entitled to almost half of it? Yes she is,
but she can't sell her half unless I sign off on it. Not
this is any of your business, Tom. You don't mention my family ever
again, Denver said. Miranda fidgeted nervously as her face blushed. Crimson,
Well, I know your X has been pretty devocal about her wishes to sell
and move on. Not like anyone could blame her. There was a silence
in the room as the two men glared at each other. Nick turned to
address the group. What these two gentlemen are trying to say is that they
are at odds about whether or not Denver's family properties should be developed. A
big firm in Columbus, Matheson and Matheson, has been offering Denver a hefty
sum in order to hand over many acres of the forest in order for it
to be turned into luxury condos. And a giant shopping center Denver has refused
for years. Denver drained the rest of his drink. I think it is
important, he stated, for nature to be preserved in this case. That
Christmas Tree Farm still provides jobs for many people in the town, and the
local Christmas party is held every Christmas Eve in the barn on the property.
Tom guffond loudly, you still stand by the fact that the land shouldn't be
developed because of a stupid Christmas Eve party. Christmas is the backbone of this
town, Denver offered, clutching his glass so hard Mackenzie thought it might shatter.
Now, dear, please calm down, Miranda responded, patting Denver's hand.
Besides, Tom continued crossing over to stand beside Denver and pointing a finger
in his face. You want to talk about jobs, the Christmas Tree Forest
employs. What about twenty people if they were to build up that forest.
We're talking hundreds of well paying jobs for the people of Evergreen and the vicinity.
I just don't get how someone can be so selfish, Denver, his
eyes flashed with anger. I'm not selfish. You are, and so is
Rick Matheson, and so is my ex wife, all you people care about
is profits? What about integrity? What about history? What about Christmas?
Tom laughed again, set his empty glass down on a caterers tray and walked
back to the chair he was sitting on when Mackenzie, Cameron and Nick entered.
He picked up a woolcoat from the back of the chair and tossed it
over his right shoulder. He walked back toward the group and got right into
Denver's face. He grabbed his bicep and Mackenzie could see Denver's arms stiffened beneath
his grip. I would think long and hard about the decisions you have been
making, mister Mayor. I guarantee you will live to regret them, if
you live long at all. And with that, Tom brushed passed him and
headed for the foyer. They all jumped when they heard the door slam behind
him. Nick walked over to put a hand on Denver's back. You okay,
man, he asked the mayor. I'm fine, just more embarrassed as
all. Denver said, although he didn't look fine. He looked shaken as
he poured himself another drink. Miranda classed her hands together and ever the gracious
host escorted McKenzie and Cameron into the dining room, where a large mahogany table
had been set with the finest crystal in China. Nick stayed behind to converse
with Denver. May I apologize for Tom, Miranda said, as McKenzie and
Cameron took their seats behind place cards decorated with sprigs of holly and ivy.
Well, he can be difficult at times. Can I get anyone more wine
or something stronger? I'll take a vodka in the rocks, Cameron replied,
giving McKenzie a sideways glance. I'll do the same, McKenzie answered with a
smile. Miranda swept away, her dress swooshing behind her. Mackenzie and Cameron
were alone. What the hell is going on in this town? Cameron whispered,
glancing furtively toward the entrance to the dining room. Everyone is insane.
Yeah, I certainly wasn't expecting this much drama before filming starts tomorrow. Oh
honey, are you kidding? This is way better than any Candy Cane movie.
This is real life stuff. Let's just get this dinner over with,
Mackenzie offered. We need to get back to the inn before too long and
get some sleep before filming starts tomorrow. Okay, mom, Cameron said,
plastering a fake smile on his face, as Miranda walked in holding two drinks,
followed by Denver and Nick. Let's just forget about this, shall we,
Denver asked, taking a seat at the head of the table. Now,
who's ready to eat? When the meal was over, Nick drove Cameron
and McKenzie back to the inn. As they passed the Reindeer pub, Nick
waved toward the establishment, anyone interested in a drink. They don't have the
best selection of wine or the classiest decor, but I can guarantee a cold
one or a shot. Cameron sat up straighter in a seat about to respond,
but mackenzie beat him to it. No, I'm sorry, we really
can't. Cameron has an early meeting with the director tomorrow and I have to
be on the set at seven am. Right. Mom says, it's past
my bedtime. Cameron responded, hopping out of the car. Maybe some other
time. Then, Nick said, pulling away from the curb. Night Cameron,
Nightmac, and with that, his truck's tailights vanished into the inky blackness.
The Evergreen Murders is written, used, and performed by me Katie a
Cardo. Sound mixing provided by Jack Hire. Music provided by Jack Hire,
Jim Van Rieth, Steve Bain and the Angel Choir. Tune in next Tuesday
for Part three. See you then,