When Mackenzie saw the poor horse, Chestnut, lying on the ground with eyes
wide open, foaming at the mouth, and unmoving, she leant out a
little cry and her hand flew up to cover her mouth. She couldn't believe
that in front of her was a dead thoroughbred, and it looked as if
someone had deliberately murdered the beast and left a sort of calling card with the
sprig of mistletoe that rested on a still gleaming coat beside her. Catherine started
to cry, and Alex let out a frustrated yell. Chestnut, He cried,
rushing over to the dead horse and kneeling down in the dirt. What
happened? Who could have done this to him? Yesterday I came out here
to water and feed him, and he was doing just fine. I think
someone killed him, Mackenzie said quietly. But who would want to do such
a thing? I have no idea, Alex said, shaking his head and
stroking the horse's mane. This horse was the only thoroughbread I kept to ride.
He was still winning plenty of competitions as well. He made me some
money. Mackenzie spoke up, suddenly, I have to tell you guys,
something I did see Maxwell walking quickly from the direction of the stables back toward
the house only a few minutes ago. You don't think that he would have
had something to do with it, Catherine wiped a tear from her face.
My father, she asked, incredulously. I can't believe that. I mean,
my father despised these horses, but I don't think he would have it
in him to kill one of them. Alex let out a cry of frustration.
Are you kidding me, Catherine? Of course it could have been father.
He hates my horses, and he hates me. He's not even leaving
his multimillion dollar business to me because he doesn't trust me and thinks I'm a
screw up. I have no doubt that he would have it in him to
murder my horse just to get at me. I'm going to go confront him
right now. And with that, Alex took off toward the house. Catherine
and Mackenzie looked at each other, and then ran after him. Catherine yelled,
Alex, wait, you're being too rash. You can't just go accusing
our father of murdering your horse. You have no idea who could have done
it. Alex surged ahead and yelled back to the woman, just watch me.
I've had enough of the abuse and disrespect from father, but killing Chestnut
is the last straw. And with that he barged into the side door of
the manor, Catherine and Mackenzie trailing behind. When Mackenzie ran into the manor,
she saw Louise and Nick speaking quietly to Maxwell in the grand front entryway.
She watched intrepidation as Alex ran right up to Maxwell and shoved him hard
back into the wall behind him. He then grabbed him by the collar and
shouted into his face, you bastard. I know you hate me and refuse
to give your business to me, but killing my horse, I mean,
that's a new low, even for you. Alex clutched Maxwell's lapel's harder and
shook him for emphasis. Maxwell's face registered shock and fear. Just then,
Magdalena strolled out of the library, clutching Missus Snowball, the cat close to
her chest. She was wearing another high necked dress and was clutching a pair
of reading glasses. She looked way too overdressed for the casual day. What
in the world is going on out here? She asked? Remaining calm and
stroking the cat's fur. What is all the yelling about, Alex, And
let go of your father. He is an old man with heart trouble.
You may kill him yet, Alex shot back at his mother. Well,
that would be fitting if he dropped dead wood in it. An eye for
an eye and all that. But Alex did release his grip on Maxwell,
who straightened up and brushed himself off. What are you talking about, you
lunatic, Maxwell asked. Alex shot back, chestnut is dead, murdered by
the looks of it. And you did it. I know you did,
he shouted, pointing a finger at his father. Magdalena put her hand up
to her neck. Dead. The horse has been killed. Yes, it
sure looks that way, Alex agreed. I fed and watered him yesterday and
he was just fine. And today we went to show Mackenzie the stables and
he was dead on the ground with a sprig of mistletoe over his heart.
And then Mackenzie said she saw father not ten minutes ago, running from the
stables toward the manor now, someone explained that to me, please, Maxwell
merely shrugged. I certainly had nothing to do with murdering your horse. I
would never do such a thing, and you have always had too much imagination
for your own good. I was coming from the stables because I had some
business to attend to on the grounds earlier this morning. But I certainly did
not kill any horse. Perhaps it was someone else, a criminal who snuck
onto the property, or the horse died of natural causes. Either way,
I do not appreciate you barging into my house and accusing me of such things.
Now, if everyone will excuse me, I have pertinent matters to attend
to before dinner this evening with your uncle Miles and his date of the hour,
I expect to see you all at six sharp for drinks. And with
that, Maxwell exited the hallway and made his way into the study, where
he slammed the door. Nick looked over to McKenzie and mouthed are you okay?
To her, Mackenzie just shrugged. Finally, Magdalena broke the silence.
Well, I believe that is enough drama for one day. I am going
to go lie down before dinner. Louise, will you please phone the vet
and have him come dispose of Chestnut's remains. Alex, pull yourself together.
There will be no more whining and crying over spilled milk. And with that,
Magdalena swished out of the hallway, missus snowball, howling pitifully in her
arms. Alex spoke up again, that bastard my father killed him. I
just know it. And mother, well, she really is something else.
Catherine took Alex's arm and started to lead him up the curving staircase. Let's
just go upstairs for a little while. Why don't you just rest and cool
down before dinner. I'll bring you up a drink. Catherine shot a look
back at Nick, Louise and Mackenzie standing in the entryway. Sorry, but
maybe you could entertain yourself for the rest of the afternoon. I'd better look
after my brother. I'll see you at six for drinks with my uncle.
And with that, the siblings disappeared from view. Nick turned to McKenzie.
What was all of that? He demanded, pulling her into a hug.
I don't know, Mackenzie answered, finally starting to breathe normally again. We
went out to the stables to see Chestnut, and when we got there,
he was dead. He was lying on the ground and he had a sprig
of mistletoe over his heart, almost like someone had left a calling card after
killing him. Louise spoke up. I told you that mysterious things were going
on here and for you two to be careful. I need to go call
the vet, but Nick, i'll meet you around back in five minutes so
we can finish the lights. Nick nodded, and with that Louise walked away,
pulling out his cell phone. I'm so sorry that must have been awful
for you, Nick responded, hugging McKenzie again. That poor horse. Do
you think Maxwell really did it? Mackenzie thought, I mean, he certainly
has the motive. He hated the horse, and it seems like he hates
his son as well. And I did see him coming from the stables only
minutes before we saw a chestnut. But whilead the sprig of mistletoe, I
just don't see why anyone would want to kill the horse. Nick agreed,
right, But I mean it could have been anyone in the house or on
the grounds. Chestnut wasn't necessarily killed this morning. It could have been last
night or really early. It could have been anyone Catherine or Magdalena or Maxwell.
Hell, it could have been a stranger or an enemy of the Mistletoe's.
It doesn't seem like they are very popular with the locals or with themselves,
which is why I think I am going to go into town this afternoon
before dinner to see what I can find out about the Mistletoes. Detective mc
munroe is at it again, Nick said, shaking his head. But seriously,
he continued, Are you going to be okay? I don't like the
idea of you being on your own with a crazy pet murderer on the loose.
I would come with you, but I have to stay here and finish
helping Louise before dinner tonight. Mackenzie smiled, I'll be fine. I'm a
big girl. Besides, I wanted to explore the little town of Garland anyway.
It'll be nice. I'll get some coffee and walk around. All right.
Well, i'll see you tonight for dinner with this Miles character. Should
be interesting, Okay, Mackenzie agreed. I'll be back in a few hours.
Love you, Love you too, Nick said. Mackenzie pulled out her
phone and booked an uber. Before long, she was in the ride chair,
speeding down the driveway and into the town of Garland. Snow had started
to fall, and mackenzie pulled her coat tighter around her. Her first stop
was at a little coffee shop, where she ordered a dark hot chocolate.
As the decadent drink warmed her from within, she decided to walk down to
the little library on the corner of Main Street. As she walked, she
noticed the Christmas decorations that were up all around her. Little Christmas trees with
twinkling lights line the snowy path, and every store had sparkling snowflake and candy
cane figurines in front. When McKenzie reached the library, she pulled open the
heavy front door and was grateful for the rush of warm air that greeted her.
She walked up to the lone librarian manning the front desk and asked if
they had any microfiche machine that she could use. The woman, who was
about sixty five with gray hair and glasses, cheerfully said that they did down
in the basement and led mackenzie downstairs. After telling McKenzie to just holler if
she needed help, the librarian left McKenzie alone in the darkened basement. McKenzie
didn't really know what she was looking for, but she decided to start by
looking up any new articles that had to do with the Missletoe family. She
started searching and came across a few boring articles from way back in the nineteen
hundreds about the Misletoe family's exporting business. As she got to the more recent
articles, she found birth and wedding announcements and a few death records, but
nothing out of the ordinary or extraordinary. Just as she was about to give
up, mackenzie clicked past one more newspaper article from the Garland Gazette, dated
from late December two thousand and eight. The headline read local man dies and
fiery car crash. It was pertaining to a twenty two year old man named
Hunter Leyland who died on Christmas Eve fourteen years ago after his car crashed into
a tree on the side of a country road just outside of town and caught
fire. McKenzie scrolled down the article until she saw what she was looking for.
There at the bottom of the print was a picture of a handsome young
man with his arm around another handsome young man. Although the other one was
familiar, it was Alex Mistletoe. McKenzie clicked off the microfiche machine and raced
up the stairs The librarian looked up from the book she was reading as McKenzie
started toward her. Can I help you, dear, she asked, I
hope so, McKenzie said. I came across an article downstairs that mentioned something
about a fiery crash on Christmas Eve back in two thousand and eight, a
local man named Hunter Leyland. Oh yes, the librarian responded, setting down
her book and letting her glasses fall to her chest because of the chain around
her neck. Hunter was a nice boy. Such a shame. What happened
to him? What happened, mackenzie asked, leaning over the desk. Well,
he died on Christmas Eve, like you said, after he lost control
of his car. It ran off the road into a ditch and then hit
a tree and caught fire. He died almost instantly. I noticed that there
was a picture of him with Alex Mistletoe. Did they know each other?
Oh, yes, dear, They were the same age in school and grew
up together. They were best friends, those two thickest thieves. And then
the librarian trailed off. Then what mackenzie pressed, Well, they had a
falling out, the woman continued. Alex's longtime girlfriend broke up with him suddenly
and started dating Hunter. Hunter swore that the two of them hadn't been seeing
each other behind Alex's back, but Alex didn't believe him. On the night
he died, Hunter and Alex were seen together screaming at one another, and
then Hunter got into his car and drove off. When the police investigated the
scene of the accident, it was determined that Hunter's break lines had been cut
and that is why he lost control and drove off into the ditch. It
was set around town after that for years that Alex was the one who had
cut his brakes, but the police never had enough evidence against him to arrest
him. Mackenzie gasped, that is awful, it really was. The librarian
agreed, but life goes on, I guess, and the Hunter's family moved
away that next year. Never did discover what became of them. Mackenzie thanked
the librarian for her time and checked her watch. It was approaching five pm.
The skies were darkening and the snow began to fall harder. Mackenzie decided
she needed to call an uber and get back to the manor to get ready
for dinner, and she had to tell Nick what she had just found out.
When Mackenzie rushed into the front door of the manor, she flew up
the stairs and into Nick's room. She found him getting ready for dinner,
pulling on a pair of dress pants and a sports coat. Breathlessly, she
told him about what she had found out about Alex mistletoe at the library.
Nick listened and then shook his head. But that doesn't make any sense.
Why would Alex kill his own horse, Mackenzie responded, I don't know,
Maybe to throw us off the trail, or so he could pin it on
his father and make him look guilty. We know that Alex wants very badly
to take over the family mistletoe business, but that Maxwell is giving it to
his brother. Alex was, in fact cold blooded enough to kill his own
best friend. Who knows what else he is capable of to get his way.
Well, you may be right, but I think we should be extra
careful tonight when we meet Maxwell's brother, Miles. It seems this family is
cursed. Mackenzie agreed and hurried to her own room to get ready. She
picked out a long green velvet dress and a pair of dangly earrings and heels,
and met Nick in the hallway right as the grandfather clock struck six.
As the couple stepped into the library, much like the night before, they
were greeted by quite the sight. Alex sat slumped in an armchair, a
tumbler of whiskey in his hand, looking very drunk. Catherine was perched on
a window ledge with a glass of wine in her hand, wearing a shimmery,
flapper looking tunic. Maxwell Mistletoe sat in the leather winged back chair that
he had been in the night before. Magdalena, in another long black gown,
sat on the fainting couch, dutifully stroking Missus Snowball, who let out
yet another pitiful yowl. But to the right, over by the barkrt were
two new people, a man and a woman, and Mackenzie heard the man
before she saw him. You must be the famous Nick Tannenbaum and Mackenzie Monroe.
The man bellowed so loudly that Mackenzie almost shrank in fear. Please to
meet you. I'm Miles Mistletoe, Maxwell's younger and better looking brother. And
this here, he indicated, the woman beside him is Kim Carson, my
elegant and sophisticated date for the evening, Mackenzie took a look at the couple.
Miles was short, only about five foot seven or so, with a
small frame but a protruding belly. He was wearing a horrendously ugly and colorful
Christmas sweater and jeans. He had a red face and beady little eyes that
squinted when he talked. The woman next to him was neither elegant nor sophisticated
looking. Kimmy Carson had poofy blonde hair, bright red lipstick, garish blue
eyeshadow, and was wearing a shimmery red sequined dress that was so tight Mackenzie
thought it looked painted on. She wore sky high platform heels and a dangly
necklace that nestled into her ample cleavage that was spilling out over the top of
her dress. Nick and Mackenzie crossed the room to shape Myles's hand, and
Nick poured them two glasses of wine. So I hear you two are in
town to help out with the festivities here at Mistletoe Manor. Myles continued eyeing
Mackenzie up and down. Kimmy just stood and smiled and gulped at her martini.
Yes we are, Nick answered, it's a pleasure to meet you both.
My brother Maxwell piped up from the corner chair, graces us with his
presence for dinner every week so we can catch up and talk business. Yes,
Magdalena agreed, continuing to stroke the cat as she turned her gaze toward
Miles and Kimmy. And he always brings a girl, she sneered, casting
her eyes on Kimmy. And he always drinks too much, which is odd.
He drinks at all, because you see, Miles is a diabetic.
That is true, Myles retorted, smiling and patting his belly. But Magdalena,
as we all well know, I keep it in check with my handy
dandy insulin. He held up a clear plastic bag with a small syringe and
a bottle of medicine. Don't worry, dear, except for the diabetes,
I'm in perfect health. None of you are getting rid of me that easily.
Wonderful, Magdalena droned, stoically. What great news. She turned once
again to Kimmy. And now, Cindy, what was it that you do
again? And how did you meet dear old Miles here my very favorite brother
in law. Magdalena sounded less than enthusiastic. It's Kimmy, the woman corrected
her, and I am the front desk receptionist at a doctor's office downtown.
Miles came in yesterday for a refill on his prescription, and I met him.
Then he took me out dancing last night and then invited me here for
the dinner tonight with all of you nice people. He is quite the gentleman.
Alec shifted in his seat and laughed derisively. He's something, all right,
he slurred, casting a glare at his uncle. Catherine laughed as well
and muttered something under her breath sarcastically about nice people. So Kimmy started again,
looking around the room and taking another huge sip of her martini. What
is it you all do again? I told you, babe, were mistletoe
farmers, Myles said, patting her arm. With each pat, Kimmy's cleavage
rose up and down to try to take away the awkwardness in the room.
Nick spoke up next. I'm actually an attorney in Ohio and Mackenzie here,
He put his hand on the small of her back, as a talent agent
in Los Angeles. At that, Kimmy his eyes brightened up. Billie,
she squealed, almost dropping her drink seriously with like famous people and stuff.
Mackenzie felt embarrassed. She met this type of person all the time, the
wannabe actors, the star struck individuals. Yes, with Hollywood actors. Most
of my clients aren't super famous, but they get work. He would probably
recognize some of them from TV and movies. Do you know Cameron Stack,
Nick asked Kimmy, while winking surreptitiously at Mackenzie. Mackenzie swatted his arm in
frustration. Oh my god, Cameron Stack. Of course I know who that
is. You know him, you represent him? Oh my god, I
am so jealous. He is so hot. You have to introduce me.
Kimmy was jumping up and down, her boobs jiggling ferociously. Miles made a
face and sucked at his drink. Hey what am I chopped liver? Who
is Cameron Stack? He's like this super famous TV actor. He's been in
everything, sitcom's dramas and a bunch of holiday movies on the Candy Cane Network.
Those are my favorite. Why does this not surprise me? Catherine responded,
getting up to refill her wineglass. How is he in real life?
Kimmy continued, directing her question toward Mackenzie. Is he a jerk? Tell
me he's not a jerk. Tell me he's nice. Oh, I bet
he's nice. Mackenzie laughed in spite of herself. He's really nice. But
he's a character. He's actually one of Nick and my really good friends.
He's a good guy. Nick agreed. He took my sixty five year old
mother to her Christmas Eve party in Ohio last year. Told me it was
the best day of her life, even better than when she married my dad
or had me. Kimmy bounced again. I knew it. I just knew
it. That is such a great story. I bet your mom died,
you know. She lowered her voice conspiratorially, and Mackenzie knew just what was
coming. It's what always came from people like Kimmy, you know, she
repeated, narrowing her eyes. I used to act too, like I was
an actress. Catherine let out a laugh and had to put her hand over
her mouth. Alex finally looked up from his drink and seemed to notice Kimmy's
breast for the first time. He became enthralled. Maxwell had taken out his
cell phone and was not paying attention to the scene around him, and Magdalena
sat on the couch, rolled her eyes and continued petting missus Snowball. Oh
did you, Mackenzie asked the woman, pretending to be interested. What kind
of acting did you do? Oh? Not anything super serious, Kimmy answered,
taking a second Martini from Miles's outstretched hand. Just you know, I
was in a local commercial for a furniture store here in Garland when I was
like ten, and I was in the play in high school. I had
a minor role. And she trailed off, pointing her eyes skyward as if
trying to think of what else. Oh right, and I did some modeling,
you know, nothing big modeling. Alex sat up, looking interested.
You're a model, well kind of, Kimmy said, excitedly. I mean
I did some modeling at a car dealership here in town, and I was
in a runway show for a local boutique, Kimmy finished, proudly, holding
her martini glass up in a cheers like pose. Alex slumped back into his
chair and took a sip. He looked disappointed by Kimmy's modeling experience. Anyway,
Magdalena decided scooping up missus Snowball and swishing out of the library French doors.
As exciting as this conversation is, let us all retire to the dining
room where dinner will be served. As everyone began trailing behind her, Myles
and Maxwell lagged behind. Are you coming, dear brother in law, Magdalena
asked, glancing behind her, missus Snowball still in her arms. Myles reached
out his hand to pet the cat, who bared its teeth and hissed in
his face. Nice pussy you have there, Magdalena. Myles retorted, she
hates men and insolent and immature boys. Magdalena retorted, giving him a glare.
You won't go on ahead, Maxwell said, to their retreating backs,
Miles and I have some matters of business to discuss. I'm sure you do,
Alex said, lumbering near to his father and his uncle. But I
sure as hell am not a part of any of it, because you,
he spat the word out and pointed at Miles, are taking over my rightful
share of the business. Actually, son, Miles responded, it's my rightful
share of the business. I'm next in line after your father. So the
Mistletoe fortune will be all mine. It's a pity you couldn't be a better
and more responsible man that would be capable of taking over a multimillion dollar business
such as this. Besides, you have your silly little horses, don't you.
If you must know, my horse is dead. We found him murdered
in the stable this morning. I thought surely it was father who did it.
But now I'm thinking then maybe it was you, Uncle Miles. Maybe
you're the killer. Miles's face turned bright red, and he slammed his tumbler
down on the glass bar. Me a killer, Miles laughed, a maniacal
laugh. I believe the only killer in this family is you. Isn't that
right? Son? What was it that happened to your friend all those years
ago? On Christmas Eve? His brakes were cut? Wasn't that right?
All because your little horror of a girlfriend didn't want you. Mackenzie grabbed Nick's
arm and gasped when she saw Alex lunge at his uncle for the second time
that day, Alex was attacking a family member. Miles's eyes bulged as Alex
placed his hands around the man's neck and started strangling. I'll kill you,
Alex yelled, I sw where I'll kill you, you pathetic imbecile. Before
the strangling could go on any longer, Maxwell tore his son's hands from his
brother's throat and pushed Alex. Alex was so drunk that he fell down in
a heap on the floor. Catherine rushed over to help her brother up.
While she looked on seemingly uncaringly, Magdalena spoke up, I have had quite
enough of this barbaric activity for one day. Alex, straighten yourself up.
We will all convene at the dinner table now. Myles, who was smoothing
his clothing and coughing trying to save face, said don't worry about me.
I'm all right, although no one, not even Kimmy, had inquired if
he was. You all go on ahead, he finished, catching his breath
and reaching for his diabetic insulin kit. I need to take my shot before
dinner anyway, and Maxwell and I have an important business matter to discuss.
As the rest of the guests filed out of the library, Maxwell slammed the
doors together behind them. Mackenzie, Nick, Magdalena, Katherine, Alex,
and Kimmy all made their way to the dining room table, which again was
set with a festive Christmas feast. As they all resumed their small talk,
James and Lucy began to pour the wine. But right as the grandfather clock
struck seven, the guests all heard another noise coming from the hallway and library
beyond. Startled, they all looked up. What Mackenzie saw next made her
drop her fork in surprise. It was Miles coming out of the library through
the hallway, or should she say, stumbling through the hallway toward the dining
room. His face was ashen gray, and he was coughing and holding his
throat. Soon foam started coming from the corners of his mouth, and he
clutched desperately at the nearest table in the living room. As he fell forward,
he was followed by his brother, who was shouting for someone to call
nine one one. Myles, gurgling and coughing, placed his hand on the
end table and it fell forward on top of him. As he also fell
to the ground. He let out one final whimper and his hands dropped to
his sides. Then he was silent. Kimmy screamed. Everyone rushed out of
their chairs and over to Maxwell, who stood trembling next to Miles's lifeless body,
his eyes open and staring. Catherine walked into the kitchen with her cell
phone to dial nine one one. What on earth happened? Magdalena asked,
eyes wide with surprise as she stood over Miles's body. Missus Snowball, quite
apathetic to the most recent disturbs, sleeping in her arms. I don't know,
Maxwell stuttered, clearly, upset and bewildered. He went to inject his
insulin. Everything was fine, and then he started coughing and clutched at his
throat. When I asked him what was wrong, he couldn't speak. Then
he stood up and headed for the door. I followed him out, and
then you all saw the rest. Nick spoke up. You said he started
choking and gasping for air right after he injected himself with his insulin. Maxwell
nodded, Yes, he always has it with him, and he must do
it multiple times a day. Nick continued, but look at the foam around
his mouth. That looks just like what happened to Chestnut earlier today. That
can't be a coincidence. Mackenzie spoke up, No, I don't think it
is. I think she continued, crowding down toward the body, to take
a better look. I think Uncle Miles has been poisoned. Murder at Mistletoe
Manor is written, produced, and performed by Me Katie Accardo, Sound mixing
and editing by Me God Rescue Married Gentleman. Music written, recorded, and
performed by Jack Hire, Steve Bain, Jim Vanreath and the Angel Choir.
Tune in in one week on Tuesday, December thirteenth for the finale of the
season and part five of the Mackenzie Monroe Christmas Mystery Series. Make sure to
check out our first season, The Evergreen Murders, available wherever you get your
podcasts, as well as True Crime in the fifty podcast for some crazy true
crime stories from all of the great states throughout this country, Alabama through Wyoming.
Thank you so much much for li