A Winter’s Keepsake: Part Two by Anita Dickason

From my Author’s World to yours. Welcome back to A Winter’s Keepsake, a holiday interlude in the Tori Winters Mystery series. In this second chapter, the shimmer of Christmas begins to reveal deeper shadows. As Tori unpacks the meaning behind a mysterious gift, memory and emotion entwine with the quiet tension of the unknown. This is a story between the whodunits, where secrets surface, not in the grip of danger, but in the hush of a holiday spirit. I hope you enjoy this deeper step into Tori’s world, where even joy carries echoes, and discovery is never far behind.

A Winter’s Keepsake: A Tori Winters Christmas Mystery Part Two

Echoes In Glass

Relishing the early morning light, a welcome relief from the gloomy skies of the past several days, Tori was updating her gift list. Even though her original plan had been to ignore the holidays, Christmas gifts were on her to-do list. When Tina marched in, notepad under one arm and a steaming cup of coffee in each hand, Tori quickly closed the document. 

After setting a cup in front of Tori, she plunked into a chair with a satisfied sigh. “Okay, we’re all set for the tour,” she announced. “I stopped by the Chamber of Commerce and added the Red Door Inn. Needless to say, there was considerable excitement.” She took a sip from her cup. “Even though the schedule was finalized, the tour coordinator was ecstatic about adding the mansion. We even got the prime spot. First on the list.” 

Tori chuckled. Tina had a one-track mind, and when she locked onto something, it was like watching a train barrel down the tracks. There was no stopping her. So, it wasn’t surprising that she’d already set the inn’s participation in the Christmas Tour in motion. 

“Okay, so what’s next?” Tori asked.

Tina practically bounced in her seat. “You’re going to love this. Check your notepad. I turned our list into a spreadsheet with a timeline.”

Of course you did, Tori thought with a smile. She tapped her notepad, and a document titled Christmas Tour popped up.

Tina leaned forward, her voice quick with excitement. “I know it looks a bit daunting, but most of it, I can handle. It’s just a matter of scheduling the installation of the outside lights and ordering flowers and wreaths. We want the real thing, no fake greenery. I found a place in Fort Worth where we can rent larger items, such as the nutcrackers and a display for the front yard. And I added a trip to pick out two trees. A smaller one for the library and a large one for the living room.” 

Mia wandered in, followed by Heidi and Cammie. “So, you got the spreadsheet too,” she said, plopping into a chair. 

“What does everyone think?” Tina asked.

Heidi scanned the list on her notepad. “Great start. Nice work, Tina.” Her brow wrinkled. “Though I can already see we’ll need extra help. Think we can rope in David, Parker, and Colt?”

With a dry tone, Cammie said, “I doubt they’ll be thrilled at the idea. But I can sweeten the pot. Bribe them if we have to.”

Tori, who had been kicking around another idea in her head, said, “We need to add another activity to the list, a Christmas Eve party.”

The response was instant and unanimous. Four voices rang out. “Yes.”

Mia added, “With the house already decked out, throwing a party should be a breeze.” 

A flicker of anticipation swept through Tori. She had to wonder if this Christmas might hold more than just decorations. 

The doorbell chimed. Cammie, closest to the door, said, “I’ll get it.”

A few minutes later, she returned, followed by Parker Hayes. A homicide detective turned private investigator, Parker was head of security for the inn. With a theatrical flourish, Cammie declared, “Our first victim.”

A wary look crossed Parker’s face. “Do I really want to know what she’s talking about?”

Mia chuckled. “Before you learn your fate, I’ll get you a cup of coffee. You’ll need it.” 

Bemused, he asked, “That bad?”

Mia laughed again. “Depends on your perspective of the project.”

Parker glanced sharply at Tori, who just shrugged her shoulders. Tina wasn’t the only unstoppable train on the track. So were the rest of her team.

Once settled in a chair with the inevitable cup of coffee, Parker crossed one leg over the other and leaned back. He eyed each of the women over the rim of his cup. “Okay,” he said. “What are you up to now?” 

Tori uttered one word. “Christmas.”

His lips twitched. “Not much mystery there.”

“Maybe not,” Tori replied, her tone dry. “I’ll add the Granbury Christmas Tour.”

Parker excelled at connecting dots, and this was no exception. “Ah, now it makes sense. The mansion’s part of the tour.”

Grins spread across Mia, Heidi, Cammie, and Tina’s faces. 

With a resolute air, Parker said, “I take it you need help.” He took a deep swig of coffee. 

Mia laughed. “Yep. We’re doing the decorating.”

Parker gave her a guarded look. “Let me know what you need, and when,” though his tone suggested he was less than enthusiastic. 

“It won’t be that bad.” Heidi chuckled. “And … we’ll have lots of goodies.”

Parker just grunted, though his face brightened. 

Once everyone drifted back to their various jobs, Parker and Tori were left alone. 

“You really don’t have to help if you don’t want to,” Tori said.

He laughed. “No, I don’t mind. I just like to yank their chains now and then.” He took another swig of coffee. “I imagine David and Colt are also on your hit list. Have they learned what’s in store for them?”

“Not yet,” she said with a mischievous grin. David Tucker was a special friend, though their relationship hadn’t started that way when she first arrived in Granbury. Colt McLean, the contractor she hired to renovate the house and grounds, had soon become a valuable member of her team.

After Parker left, Tori’s thoughts drifted back to the mystery of the star. She reached inside a drawer and removed the wooden box, setting it gently on the desk before lifting the lid. The star gleamed, as if lit from within. 

“What secrets are you hiding?” she whispered. Her gaze fixed on the shimmering keepsake, she was certain it held another piece of the puzzle that was her grandmother. But how could she find out?

Then the answer struck. Ethel Morris. Of course, if anyone would know it would be Ethel. The woman had known Elly since childhood and had been her housekeeper until retiring to a senior center.

Tori jumped up, grabbed the box and her tote bag, and headed to the kitchen.

Cinnamon and nutmeg greeted her as she walked in. Cammie was pulling a tray of Christmas cookies from the oven, while the others gathered around the table and watched. 

“Oh, those smell good,” Tori said.

“A new recipe, cranberry and walnut with a dash of orange zest.” She set the pan on the counter. “Once they’re cool, I’ll frost them with a cranberry glaze and tiny drops of cream cheese frosting.”

Tori shot a meaningful look at the group. “Just make sure there are a couple left when I get back,” she said, her voice firm.

Mia laughed. “No promises. Especially if David and Colt show up. And don’t count Parker out. When he left, he knew Cammie was working her kitchen magic.” 

Cammie grinned. “Tori, don’t worry. There’ll be more than enough. Where are you taking the star?”

“To Ethel. I want to find out what she might know about it.”

Mia nodded. “If anyone would, it’s Ethel.”

With a wave of her hand, Tori headed toward the back door. As she passed the utility room, she grabbed a canvas grocery bag and slid the box inside.

The traffic was light, and Tori made good time, soon pulling into a parking spot near Ethel’s apartment. At the front door, she gave a light tap. A moment later, it opened to reveal a bright smile on the lined face of a small, frail woman.

“Tori, what a wonderful surprise. Come in.” She stepped back. “I was about to have tea.”

After setting down the bags, Tori reached for Ethel, carefully wrapping her arms around the fragile woman. She kissed her cheek before moving away. “How have you been feeling?”

Ethel shrugged. “For the most part, good. No point in complaining. Doesn’t change anything. Sit, and I’ll get the tea.”

“I’ll help,” Tori said, though she already knew the answer. Ethel was still fiercely independent. 

As expected, Ethel waved her off. “It will only take a couple of minutes. The water is already hot.”

While she waited, Tori removed the wooden case from the bag and placed it on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

Moments later, Ethel returned carrying a tray. She froze when she saw the box. The cups rattled in her trembling hands.

Tori jumped up, reaching for the tray before it could tip. She set it gently on the coffee table.

“Oh, my,” Ethel whispered, her eyes locked on the box as she slowly lowered herself onto the couch.

“You recognize it?” Tori asked. She picked it up and handed it to Ethel. 

“Oh, yes, though it’s been years since I last saw it,” she murmured. Her eyes glistened with tears as her fingers stroked the wood. 

“I found it among the Christmas decorations in the attic.”

Ethel nodded. “Elly always kept it up there, hidden away. It was only at Christmas that I ever saw the star. Every year, she’d hire someone to decorate the house and the tree. They’d unpack the ornaments and hang them. After everyone had left, she’d put the star on the tree. Many a time, I’d find her in a chair, staring at it and quietly crying. Once I asked her about it, but she only shook her head, saying it was just old memories.”

She opened the lid. “What’s this?” she asked, picking up the envelope lying on top.

“I was hoping you could tell me,” Tori admitted.

“I’ve never seen it.” She opened it, reading the small card tucked inside. A flicker of something, a shadow flashed across her face, gone in an instant, leaving only a haunting sadness in Ethel’s eyes. With a shake of her shoulders, she laid it down.

Tori poured the tea, handing a cup to her. “Do you know who wrote that note and gave her the star?”

“No. But I know when she got it.” She sipped, but her eyes still lingered on the box.

Tori waited, not wanting to rush her. 

She set the cup down. “Elly was nineteen when she and her mother, Irene, left to visit France. They planned to be gone for three or four months. The boat trip alone took several days. But something happened. They came home early, and Elly had this box. She was never the same after that trip. She wasn’t happy, though she never complained.”

Her voice turned bitter. “Shortly after they got back, she married your grandfather, Henry Winters, a man older than her mother. I think her mother and her attorney, Hamilton Greer, forced Elly into the marriage. Back then, women didn’t have the freedom they have today, and Elly was still underage. After Elly’s father was killed in a shootout on a Dallas street, Irene and Greer controlled the estate.”

She picked up her cup and took a sip. “I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, but Henry Winters was a hard man, just like your great-grandfather, Frankie. Greer wasn’t much better. They were part of Frankie’s illegal gambling syndicate.”

 “Did Elly ever talk about her trip to France? Mention anyone she met over there.”

“No, she never did. Which was odd, because she’d been so excited before they left. Whatever happened, she kept it locked inside her, except for her moments with this.” Her eyes drifted toward the case.

With a sigh, Tori realized she wasn’t any closer to solving the mystery behind the ornament. The conversation shifted to Ethel’s queries about the house and renovations. 

When she learned about the plans for the tour, Ethel said, “Elly always loved the tour. Said it gave her a reason to decorate the house.” 

Tori finished the tea and the cookie she’d nibbled on. “I’ll take care of these before I leave.”

“No, no. I’ll do it,” Ethel protested.

Tori laughed. “No, ma’am, I will. It’ll only take a minute.” And before Ethel could protest further, she hopped up, picking up the tray and dishes. As Tori headed into the kitchen, disappointment gnawed at her. 

She quickly washed the dishes and placed them back in the cupboard. Tori also subtly checked the refrigerator, making sure it was amply stocked. 

As Tori strolled into the living room, Ethel was holding the star. 

“It really is beautiful,” Ethel said. “And so unique with the way the color inside is shaded and that clever chime.”

“I wonder who made it? Since it came from France, how many glass blowers would have been in business back then?” Tori’s eyes lit up. “Maybe I can find out.” 

That odd look from earlier flickered across Ethel’s face. Her brow furrowed as she gently placed the star in the box, laid the envelope on top, then pressed the lid closed with a surprising firmness. “Sometimes … it’s best to leave the past in the past,” she murmured. 

A chill rolled through Tori. Was Ethel still hiding Elly’s secrets? And was she protecting Elly—or protecting Tori from the truth?

The mystery continues in Part Three. Don’t miss the heartwarming conclusion.

Want more Tori Winters’ stories before next week? Check out the Tori Winters Mysteries.

About Anita Dickason