Speaker 1: The Evergreen Murders returned to Evergreen, Part five the wedding,
Mackenzie looked at Nick in disbelief. Nick stared back at
her as a collective gasp went through the crowd in
the room. Had Roland really just told everyone that he
had happened upon Deputy Dave dead in the precinct By
the look on Roland's face he had. Roland sighed in exasperation,
and bub went to comfort the man. Here was their
prime suspect, relaying to everyone that he had just happened
upon another murder. But could anyone believe him? The man
seemed strangely and uncoincidentally connected to not one, but two
murders of two prominent police officers in town. Also, it
seemed as if the town of Evergreen had no real
protection left with a killer on the loose. Just two
days before Christmas, Just when Mackenzie thought things couldn't get worse,
they had, Finally someone spoke up and broke the silence
that once was festive in nature. It was George Diane's boyfriend,
not boyfriend. He set down his glass of wine and
made his way over toward the French doors, where Roland
bub Mackenzie and Nick were standing. He clapped Roland on
the back and spoke in a hushed tone, don't worry, son,
We'll get this figured out. Let me call some of
the boys over in Columbus. Nothing to worry about. We'll
get them down here and you can answer some questions
the boys, Mackenzie asked, confused, turning to George, some of
the Columbus PD. I still know a lot of them there.
I'm a retired SWAT officer from the seventh Precinct. I
didn't know that, Mackenzie said, impressed. George blushed. Forty years
on the job, you get to know the newbies and
up and comers. I'll call my buddy Tim and have
him send some officers and a forensics team. George nodded
at Roland and then asked for a cup of coffee
with sugar. Bub ran off to fetch it. Drink the coffee.
It'll help wake you up, and the sugar will.
Speaker 2: Help with the shock.
Speaker 1: After you're done, you and I will walk down to
the precinct and you can show me exactly what you saw. Okay,
Roland nodded solemnly. But I didn't kill him, I swear
I did it. That's all right, son, No one said
you did, George answered, steering Roland toward the French doors.
As bub came back with the steaming coffee in a
styrofoam cup. George looked back at Mackenzie and Nick and Diane,
who had come up to stand beside her. Son, you
all enjoy the party. Go on now, Roland and I
will take care of things on this end. No need
to ruin your special night. Mackenzie was grateful to the
sweet man for taking care of things, but she feared
the knight was already ruined. She turned toward Diane. Diane,
I'm impressed. Your boyfriend is a badass swat team for
forty years. Diane blushed a deep scarlet. He's not my boyfriend,
she retorted, not very convincingly, but I must admit he
does make me feel safe having him around. I should
say so, Mackenzie agreed. She looked at Nick, and then
at the room full of people who were starting to
mill about again and talk.
Speaker 2: He glanced at his watch.
Speaker 1: Well, it's a little after ten. I'm sure people are
going to want to be getting home pretty soon, especially
after that debacle. We should probably say our goodbyes and
get on home. Even though now Deputy Dave is dead,
we still have to get our sleep before the big
day tomorrow. Mackenzie nodded and agreed. She couldn't believe that
her wedding was tomorrow and there was still a killer
on the loose in Evergreen. In a daze, she and
Nick said goodbye to their guests, and one by one
they filed out. The couple did their best to assure
everyone that the nuptials were still on for the next night,
Christmas Eve, and that the ball would go on as planned.
After another hour, Nick and Mackenzie found themselves exhausted and
falling into bed. Fell asleep almost immediately. The next morning,
Mackenzie woke up bright and early at seven am. Nick
was our up and preparing a light breakfast downstairs. The
wedding was at six pm that evening, with the reception
to follow, so Mackenzie had just under twelve hours to
accomplish everything she needed to accomplish, and that was a lot.
Throwing on a sweater and jean, she ran downstairs and
kissed Nick. Good morning, Good morning, handsome Merry Christmas Eve,
Good morning, my beautiful bride. Today is the big day.
I know it is, and I'm so excited for the wedding,
but there are a few things I have to do
before we tie the knot. Let me guess, is one
of them procure a brand new wedding dress. That yes,
Mackenzie answered, although Cameron said he was working on it,
and Cameron is definitely not going to let me walk
down that aisle wearing anything less than what he deems
to be perfection. You know, I couldn't care less what
you wear. You always look beautiful. You could walk down
that aisle in sweatpants and I'd still think you were
the most gorgeous bride in the world. Thank you, Mackenzie said.
But the wedding dress is actually the least of my
problems today. I have less than twelve hours to solve
two murders. What's your game plan, Nick asked. I already
texted Jesse and Steve at six this morning and asked
him if I could review the footage from the cocktail party,
just to see if maybe they captured something that we
missed from that night before Sheriff Cutler was killed. Good idea,
Nick said, Sliding a plate of toast in front of Mackenzie,
who bit into the piece distractedly. I assume Roland spoke
to the police last night, but I don't know. I
actually believed the guy when he said he didn't kill
Deputy Dave. He seemed really shaken up and shocked. I
don't think he did either, Mackenzie said, chewing fully and nodding.
He seemed legitimately spooked. Also, one typically does not essentially
broadcast the fact that there has been a murder to
a room full of people celebrating a wedding if one
committed that murder, true, Nick agreed, but he could have
just been trying to throw us all off the trail.
He could have, but I don't think so. Is it
possible he could have killed Sheriff Cutler though that I
don't know. Nick answered, We definitely know that Roland Hayes
is into some criminal activity at the Bows, and I
think your theory about blackmail and Operation Sheep is solid.
But Roland has an airtight alibi for the night of
the murder. Remember he went to see his mother in
the nursing home. Yes, he did, Mackenzie mused, That's what
I can't figure out, and I agree with you. Roland
Hayes is definitely a criminal, but I don't think he's
a murderer. Who else would have had a motive for
killing both Color and Dave. We still don't know if
Miranda Sebastian and Tom de Witt are lurking around somewhere.
I still think they could be behind the break in
and the murders. We just have to be extra careful
today if they are really still around, what with.
Speaker 2: The wedding and all.
Speaker 1: Speaking of, Mackenzie said, looking at her phone, I need
to get going if I'm going to review the footage
from the cocktail party.
Speaker 2: Can I borrow your truck?
Speaker 1: Sure thing, Nick said, tossing her the keys, But be
careful and don't stay too long. I'm going to head
over to my mom's to make sure my text is
all ready to go. Love you, babe, Love you too,
Mackenzie sprinted out the door. As she climbed into the truck,
she received a text from Cameron telling her not to
worry that he was working on a dress for her
and he would have it to her by four pm
that evening before the wedding. Mackenzie sent him back a
thumbs up emoji, and just under half an hour, she
was being buzzed up into Jesse Thompson's apartment. Yet again,
Steve opened the door for her. Come on in, he said,
sweeping his arms in a grand gesture. Thanks a lot
for doing this, guys, Mackenzie greeted both Steve and Jesse,
who was hard at work at her desk scrolling through
the footage of the cocktail party. Jesse swiveled in her
chair to face her and broke into a smile. No
problem at all. I only hope that we may have
been able to capture some clue as to who might
have killed Sheriff Cutler. Jesse beckoned her over to the
desk and began slowly going through the video footage of
the night. Mackenzie leaned over her shoulder and watched the
video intently. Steve stood behind them and looked on. One
good thing is that Steve is an idiot, Jesse said,
moving the video along toward the end of the night.
Speaker 2: Hey, Steve said, defensively, how.
Speaker 1: Is me being an idiot a good thing? Not that
I'm an idiot, but if I were, how would that
be good? Jesse looped the video again and turned toward Mackenzie.
Remember how I said Steve had trouble with learning the
video equipment. While he was supposed to turn off the
recording device after the fight broke out and the party
wound down, but he didn't. He set the camera down
on the table in the back, and it kept recording
for the next hour or so, unbeknownst to us. In
this case, the fact that Steve is an idiot who
doesn't know what an on off switch is could have
really helped us here. Steve beamed proudly and crossed his
arms over his chest. See I could have solved two murders.
You're welcome, Mackenzie laughed. Well, that is great news. But
let's not get ahead of ourselves here, shall we, she asked,
squinting at the monitor. They were now at the part
of the video where the camera was just sitting on
the table recording the scene in front of it. Suddenly,
Mackenzie saw something and pointed at the screen. Wait, Jesse,
go back right there. Jesse looked up at her. How
far back? Go back about twenty seconds if you could.
I want to see what I think I just saw.
Jesse obliged, but gave Mackenzie a look of weariness.
Speaker 2: Everything looks normal to me, but sure thing.
Speaker 1: Jesse rewound the tape and Mackenzie saw again what she
thought she saw in the very corner of the tape,
pointed near the exit where Sheriff Cutler had left the
Reindeer Pub. She nodded in affirmation and cocked her head
to the side.
Speaker 2: What she saw was.
Speaker 1: Someone sneaking out the back entrance, following Sheriff Cutler out
into the cold. That someone had also slipped wine opener
corkscrew surreptitiously into their coat pocket. All of a sudden,
Mackenzie knew who the murderer was. As it all clicked
into place. She lunged for her coat and hurriedly put
it on Jesse. She said, can you make me a
few copies of that tape? I'm sorry to run, but
there's no time and I have to go. Sure, Jesse agreed,
But where are you off to? Did you see anyone
or anything suspicious on the tape? Did it help? You
have no idea? How much of a help that was?
Mackenzie answered, I'm pretty sure I know who the murderer is.
Mackenzie was quickly heading toward the door.
Speaker 2: Keys in hand. Who is it? Steve? And Jesse asked
in unison.
Speaker 1: I can't tell you because I don't know for sure,
and besides, I don't want to put the two of
you in danger.
Speaker 2: But let's just.
Speaker 1: Say I have a pretty good idea. Okay, I go
see you two tonight at the wedding. Mackenzie slammed the
door behind her, leaving a stunned Steve and Jesse behind.
She ran to the truck and called Nick. As she drove,
she discussed her theories with him and told him everything
she had found out. During the call, she heard a beep,
signaling her call waiting. She looked down and saw a
number she didn't recognize with the Central Ohio area code. Hey, Nick,
I gotta get this other call, she said to him,
promising to call him back. She clicked over to the
other call, and the voice she heard on the other
end of the line was barely audible and sounded frightened,
also as if the caller had been crying. It was
Bernadette Roberts, the front desk manager from the Bow's Bed
and Breakfast. Hello, Mackenzie asked again, looking down at her phone,
and then quickly switching to the hands free car feature
on the phone. Since she was driving, and snow was
once again starting to fall, ice forming on the slick roads. Bernadette,
is that you? She could barely make out the woman's voice, Mackenzie.
She whimpered, a little louder this time. Yes, it's me, Bernadette.
I'm at the Bows Hotel, in the small building behind
the back entrance. It's where we do the laundry, where
the washing machines and dryers are kept. Okay, Mackenzie answered,
Is everything all right, No, it's not. Bernadette started crying again.
I'm here because I'm hiding from Roland. He just threatened me,
and I think he's dangerous. I think he's been stealing
from clients at the hotel and I just found out.
And Bernadette hiccuped and drew in a deep breath, and
I think he killed Sheriff Cutler and Deputy Dave. Mackenzie
thought for a moment and then said to the girl, Okay,
calm down, Bernadette. What you need to do first is
called the police, called nine one one.
Speaker 2: I did.
Speaker 1: I called them, but I'm worried that they won't make
it here in time because they are coming from the
next town over. I got scared and didn't know what
to do, so I called you. It's just a matter
of a few minutes before Roland finds me in here.
Speaker 2: He was really mad and he had.
Speaker 1: A good Bernadette trailed off again. Mackenzie was just exiting
off the highway to Evergreen by that time. It would
only be another three minutes or so until she was.
Speaker 2: At the bows.
Speaker 1: She told Bernadette to sit tight and lock the door
to the laundry facility until she got there, and knocked
three times as a signal that it was her. She
pulled into a parking spot at the back of the
hotel and shot off a quick text to Nick, telling
him the situation. She also told him to come as
quickly as possible, that there could be a dangerous murderer
on their hands threatening people. She ran around to the
back of the hotel, where she saw a small shed
surrounded by woods on three sides. She had no doubt
that that was where the washing machines and dryers were
kept to do the laundry for the guests of the hotel.
She clumbed through the snow in her boots and noticed
that the temperature had dropped significantly. The snow continued to fall,
making it difficult for Mackenzie to see even a few
feet in front of her. She finally reached the door
and knocked three times. She checked her phone to see
how long it had been since she had taken the call,
only a few minutes. It was just before three pm.
Mackenzie knew at this time of year it would start
to get dark in a matter of minutes. As she
pulled her coat tighter around her and was just about
to knock again, the door swung open and Mackenzie was
jerked inside by Bernadette. She surveyed her surroundings. It was
a typical outhouse, with a line of washers and dryers
against the wall. Every dryer was busy spinning and the
washers were humming, so the clank and were of the
machines was very loud. A snack of towels were lined
up against the far wall, and bed sheets occupied the
shelves to Mackenzie's left. As Mackenzie was about to reach
out and comfort the girl who had been so scared
just minutes before, she heard the unmistakable click of the
cocking of a pistol. She turned ever so slightly to
face the woman, and when she did, felt the cold
metal of the gun pressing against her temple. Bernadette's smile
was wide and maniacal as she held the gun to
Mackenzie's head. Come on in, Mackenzie. Nice of you to come,
Bernadette said, with a smirk. Bernadette Mackenzie said, trying not
to panic as she turned her head ever so slightly.
Bernadette turned her head and motioned with her free hand
to yell to someone in the back of the laundry shed, Babe,
can you come on out here please. Mackenzie then Sawland
Hayes walked slowly out from the back of the shed
behind the towels. He wore a grimace of an expression
and seemed uncomfortable, his feet shuffling as he made his
way toward the two women. I know what you did,
Bernadette Kenzie said, slowly and carefully, And I know what
Roland did. This whole story about him threatening you was
just deployed to get me here, Am I right? And
I'm guessing you didn't actually call nine one one, Bernadette
smiled again. That's right, Nancy drew, And of course I
didn't call nine one one. But tell me, how are
you so smart to find out what we did. I
thought we had the perfect plan. It would have been
more perfect if you hadn't been caught on camera. Steve
Shapiro didn't turn off the video camera on the night
of our cocktail party, and so the camera captured everything
that night, including you sneaking out the by the kitchen exit.
After Sheriff Cutler left. You were crying and told me
that you needed to go to the bathroom to freshen
up your makeup. You made your way toward the bathroom,
but then doubled back to the kitchen exit behind Sheriff Cutler.
Speaker 2: When no one was looking.
Speaker 1: I saw you take the corkscrew and place it into
your pocket as you followed him. Very good, Bernadette nodded,
tightening her grip on the pistol. Roland wrung his hands nervously.
But what I can't figure out, Mackenzie said, trying to
stall for time is why.
Speaker 2: Well, see, that's the thing.
Speaker 1: Bernadette answered, Like I said, I thought it was the
perfect plan. It was all my idea, she continued, looking
extremely proud of herself.
Speaker 2: My mom worked at the.
Speaker 1: Bows for almost forty years as a housekeeper. She spat
out the word disdainfully, and they paid her next to nothing.
We never had any money growing up. We were always
poor around all of these fancy people in their fancy homes,
and I got sick of it. I decided to take
matters into my own hands. So I convinced Roland we'd
make a great team. I worked my magic on him.
I always knew he had a crush on me, didn't you, Roland.
Roland winced, but remained still well. Rolie did, and so
I decided to seduce him with my wily charms. So
Sheriff Cutler was right when he called you Roland's girlfriend.
Mackenzie asked, I guess you could call it that. Bernadette agreed.
Accomplice is more like it. So I seduced Rollie here
and then convinced him that we should skim a little
money off the top from all of these hotel guests
that had more money than.
Speaker 2: They knew what to do with.
Speaker 1: So it was you who installed the camera on the
credit card machines, all me, Bernadette singh, sond do you
know how easy it is to buy those things off
the dark web and install them. It only takes a
few YouTube videos to find out so you installed the
technology and were stealing from the guests. But why kill
Sheriff Cutler and Deputy Dave? Why resort to murder? Well,
so there was a little snaffoo involving Sheriff Cutler and
Deputy Dave. Bernadette answered, tell her Roland, considering that part
was all your fault. Roland signed and looked up from
the ground for the first time he spoke. Sheriff Cutler
found out about our little scheme somehow and came to
me about it. He pretended to look into it and
named it Operation Sheep, But instead of arresting me and
Bernadette for the illegal activity, he promised to keep us
out of prison in exchange for a cut of the
money he was blackmailing you. Mackenzie said that cop was
just as corrupt as we are. Bernadette cackled, But this idiot,
she spun around quickly to face Roland, pointing the gun
in his direction, did the deal and cut him in
on it, practically without even consulting me.
Speaker 2: We went from making lots of.
Speaker 1: Money to making less money, and that wasn't good enough
for me. So you took matters into your own hands
and killed him on the night of the cocktail party.
That's right, Bernadette said, I saw an opportunity, and I
followed him out. That loser was so out of shape
and so drunk that he never saw it coming. I
stabbed him with the corkscrew and left him to die
in the snow and slipped back into the party and
the break in at Nick and my and my wedding dress.
That was me as well. Bernadette seemed more and more
proud of herself. While you were talking to Roland in
the conference room, I slipped out, pretending to get my lunch,
but really went to Nick's and slashed her wedding dress.
You can also easily buy a lock pick kick and
watch YouTube videos on how to do that too.
Speaker 2: Who knew?
Speaker 1: I tried to get you to back down, but you
just don't listen, do you, McKenzie Monroe. Bernadette swung back
around and leveled the gun once again at Mackenzie's head.
And now, because you're so nosy, now it's time to die.
But wait, Mackenzie yelled, what about Deputy Dave? Did you
kill him too? No? That was Roland, wasn't it, babe?
Roland nodded his head somberly. As a tear fell down
his face, he spoke up again. I was happy to
go along with the credit card fraud scheme as long
as no one had to die. I did it for
Bernadette because I love her, and she promised once we
got enough money, we would run away and have a
great life together. But then Sheriff Cutler found out, and
Bernadette killed him. But she had to. It was my fault.
It was your fault, you moron, Bernadette screamed, waving the
gun in the air. I wouldn't have had to kill
him if you hadn't given him a cut of our money,
so Roland continued sobbing. Now, to prove my loyalty to Bernadette,
I had to kill Deputy Dave. He was getting too
close to the truth of Operation Sheep and Sheriff Cutler's murder.
I went to the precinct under the guise of talking
to Dave late at night last night and brought along
the gun. He gestured toward the gun in Bernadette's hand.
I shot him from the back before he even knew
what was happening. Then I ran to the party and
pretended to I've just found him. I'm Roland stammered, I'm sorry.
Bernadette rolled her eyes and swung the gun. You are
such a pathetic loser, Roland, you really are. This is
all your fault, and now it will be your fault
that Mackenzie Monroe has to die too. She steadied her
hand with her finger on the trigger. Mackenzie closed her
eyes and silently waited for the shot that would surely
kill her.
Speaker 2: But at the.
Speaker 1: Same time, Roland looked up from the ground and a
look of pure anger crossed his face. No, he shouted forcefully. No,
I won't let you kill again, he shouted at Bernadette,
and suddenly he lunged toward the woman, reaching out for
the gun in her hand. Mackenzie hit the floor as
she heard the gun go off and someone screamed in pain.
Moments later, Mackenzie, who had her hands over her head
lying on the ground, heard the door to the lawn
shed burst open and twenty Columbus Swat Team agents burst
into the room, guns drawn. Shouting, hands up, they yelled,
pointing their guns at Roland and Bernadette. Mackenzie opened her
eyes to see Bernadette writhing on the floor in pain.
Clutching her thigh, where bright red blood.
Speaker 2: Was streaming out of it.
Speaker 1: Roland put his hands up defensively as a swat team
member expertly cuffed him. You shut me, you jerk, Bernadette
screamed to Roland as another swat team member cuffed her.
A second attended to her gunshot wound. You guys can
fight about that later on in prison, but for now,
you're both under arrest for the murders of Sheriff Cutler
and Deputy Dave, said yet another officer. Mackenzie recognized the
voice and looked up to see George reading the two
their rights. Seconds later, she saw Nick run through the
door and take her into his arms. Thank god, you're
all right, Nick exclaimed, hugging her tightly. Mackenzie hugged him back, relieved.
Speaker 2: To be alive.
Speaker 1: I did just as you said, Nick continued. I called
George right after you got the call from Bernadette and
had him send the swamp team over. You got here
just in time, Mackenzie said. I was so worried, Nick said,
hugging her again. You know I can take care of myself,
Mackenzie reassured him, but she continued, I have to admit
that was a really close one. Just then, George made
his way over to the couple. George, we can't thank
you enough, Nick said, reaching out a hand to shake
the man's own. We owe you our lives literally, George
shook his head. When I got the call from you, Nick,
I jumped into action. I knew we didn't have much time,
so I got my guys over here as fast as
they could. But thanks to Mackenzie, two criminals are going
to prison, probably for life. The trio turned as they
heard Bernadette's screaming obscenities at Roland. As they led both
of them away in handcuffs, Roland simply hung his head
and was pushed along by an officer. Mackenzie almost felt
bad for the guy. True, he was a murderer, but
he seemed to be more of a pushover, roped into
something he never really wanted to do by an evil
and greedy seductress. Mackenzie shuddered thinking about how close she
had come to being shot by the woman, which reminded
her of something. She turned to George and Nick. Wait
a minute, what about Miranda Sebastian and Tom de Witt.
They clearly weren't behind any of this, including the break
in at Nick's and the destruction of my wedding dress.
That was all Bernadette. So whatever happened with them, are
they still on the loose? George shook his head again.
I got a call over the radio earlier today saying
that they were apprehended down in eastern Tennessee on the run.
We think they were heading down to Florida and then
ultimately out of the country. So don't worry. They are
safely back in prison, where they will stay for a
long long time. Mackenzie sighed with relief and then checked
her phone. It was after four pm and she had
less than two hours left until her Christmas Eve wedding.
She had to find Cameron and desperately hoped that he
had found something for her to wear.
Speaker 2: Anything would do.
Speaker 1: At this point, she was just happy to be alive
and ready to marry the love of her life. She
turned to Nick. I have to get going, she exclaimed.
I need to find Cameron and hope that he has
a makeshift wedding dress for me. Nick smiled, I'll go
home and change and meet you at the church. Isn't
it bad luck?
Speaker 2: Though?
Speaker 1: To see the bride before the vows. I think in
this case you two can make an exception, George said, smiling.
And don't don't worry, he said to Nick, I didn't
tell your mother about any of this. He swept his
hand around the shed that was being cordoned off with
crime tape. We can maybe fill her hand after her
only son gets married, he winked. Thanks, George, You're the best,
Mackenzie said, as she and Nick headed toward the truck.
See you at the wedding. Mackenzie ran into Nick's house
and took a quick shower. She texted Cameron asking him
what the deal was with the dress, and he texted
her bag, telling her to come to the church that
she could get dressed there. In just under half an hour,
Nick was dropping her off at the church in town.
The town was all lit up with brightly colored decorations
and twinkling lights, and the snow was still falling softly,
but Mackenzie barely noticed as she ran into the church
and to the dressing room in the back. She had
only forty five minutes until Cameron would walk her down
the aisle and stand up with her while she married Nick.
As she careened into the room, at top speed. She
was met by a smiling Kevin and a beaming Cameron
holding up a beautiful wedding dress. It was cream and
off the shoulder, with lace trim and long sleeves, and
just a few sequins placed strategically around the low back.
A small train and long veil completed the gown. Cameron
thrust the dress into Mackenzie's hands as Diane appeared from
behind the corner of the room. But it's beautiful, Mackenzie said,
how did you She trailed off as Cameron winked at her.
It's my old wedding dress, dearie, Diane said, from almost
fifty years ago. Now, I'd be honored if you'd wear
it for your big night. Mackenzie looked at the three
of them in disbelief as a tear ran down her cheek.
I'd love to wear your dress. It's gorgeous, Thank you,
But do we know if it will fit? Cameron silenced
her by holding up his hand.
Speaker 3: Not to worry.
Speaker 2: I called Suzanne over.
Speaker 1: At Wedding Wonderland and got your exact measurements. Diane spent
the whole morning playing seamstress and making alterations. It should
fit you. Perfectly. Cameron turned to her with a sly smile. See,
I told you I'd find you a wedding dress, didn't I.
Cameron winked at Diane, and the two high fived. Mackenzie
was speechless and hugged Diane, Cameron, and Kevin. She then
went into the dressing room and tried on the dress.
Cameron was right, it fit perfectly. Diane had done an
impeccable job. When Mackenzie stepped out of the dressing room,
the three of them let out an audible gasp, and
Diane and Cameron wiped away tears. All right, Cameron said,
clapping his hands, enough of this mushy stuff. It's time
for you to get married. Diane and Kevin ran to
take their seats in the pews, and Cameron, straightening his
bow tie, took Mackenzie's arm, ready to walk her down
the aisle to the waiting nick. The ceremony went off
without a hitch. Shockingly, everyone was in attendance, and no
one was any the wiser about what had just transpired
over the past few hours. They would all find out
in due time. But that night, Christmas Eve, it was
time to celebrate. Mackenzie and Nick entered the reception hall
where the Christmas eve ball was and were met with
a chorus of cheers and whoops of congratulations. Mackenzie couldn't
believe that she was actually married. She scanned the crowd
and saw all of her friends and family enveloped and
celebrating in a Christmas wonderland. She couldn't have asked for more.
Mackenzie and Nick were soon swept up in the festivities,
dancing and drinking and eating. There were speeches and revelry
until just after ten pm, when Mackenzie finally got the
chain ants to speak with her boss, Harriet Hirsh beautiful
wedding darling and gorgeous dress, she said to Mackenzie, clad
in her fur coat and sunglasses, thank you for coming, Harriet.
Mackenzie said to the woman, I know it's a little
different than La. Harriet pulled down her sunglasses and addressed Mackenzie,
it is definitely different, but this town has charm. I
can see one why one might like it here. Mackenzie
was shocked to hear the woman say that if she
pulled her sunglasses back up her nose, that being said,
have you decided on where you and Nick will be
living after the new year. Mackenzie sighed she had been
so sublimely happy during her wedding and reception that she
had completely forgotten about the fact of where she and
Nick would live. No, she admitted, we're still working that out. Well,
Harriet continued, I was meaning to speak.
Speaker 2: With you about that. Harriet.
Speaker 1: Hirsh Agency will be expanding and I'm going to need
a presence in the Midwest. I would like you to
head up the satellite office here in Ohio. Mackenzie bonked,
Wait a minute, are you serious? Well, of course, dear
Harriet continued. The Candy Cane Network has scouted many locations
here for the filming of their next movies, and I'm
going to need someone to find and represent the talent here.
You're the best person for the job. We'll speak more
after the new year, but I'm looking to expand in
February or March. Before Mackenzie could stop herself, she reached
out and enveloped Harriet in a tight hug.
Speaker 2: Thank you, that's.
Speaker 1: Wonderful, I happily accept well, excellent, Harriet said, patting Mackenzie
on the back, awkward and straightening her fur coat. Congratulations again.
Mackenzie beckoned Nick, who was talking to Diane and George.
She also grabbed Cameron and Kevin and raised a champagne
flute high in the air. I would like to make
a toast, she said, looking at her closest family and friends,
to well myself, I guess the newest head of the
Harriet Hirsch Talent Agency Midwest Satellite office. Everyone cheered, and
Nick took her in his arms and swung her around happily.
I've never heard better news in my life, he said,
I know, it's pretty great. Mackenzie agreed, well, I'd like
to make a toast to this magical Christmas wedding and
to my new wife, Mackenzie Tennenbaum.
Speaker 2: Nick said.
Speaker 1: The two shared a long kiss, and when they broke apart,
the cheers and congratulations continued around them. Nick wrapped her
in his arms and whispered in her ear. Merry Christmas,
mac he said. Mackenzie smiled, Merry Christmas, Nick. The Evergreen
Murders returned to Evergreen. A Mackenzie Monroe Christmas Mystery is written,
produced and performed by me Katie Accardo, sound mixing and
editing by me. God rest you Merry Gentlemen. Instrumental music written, recorded,
and performed by Jack Hire, Steve.
Speaker 3: Babe, Jim Vanreeth, and the Angel Choir.
Speaker 1: Make sure to check out our first and second seasons,
The Evergreen Murders and Murder at Mistletoe Manner, available wherever
you get your podcasts. And for you true crime fans,
check out both seasons of True Crime in the fifty
podcast for some crazy true crime stories from all of
the great states throughout this country.
Speaker 2: Thank you so much for listening.
Speaker 3: Merry Christmas, never would add of it.