CHAPTER 43
“Mama! Mama! Wake up!”
Jade opened her eyes. It was already light out. How long had she slept in?
“Mama! Look. Santa’s here.”
“It’s not Christmas yet. Go to sleep, baby.”
“No, Santa really is here. He just knocked on the door.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Go see for yourself.”
Jade glanced at the time. She threw on her slippers, tossed a dirty sweatshirt over her flannel pajamas, and peeked out the window.
Dez crossed her arms and jutted out her hip. “See? Told you it was Santa.”
“That’s not Santa, baby. I don’t know who it is.” Jade stared at the dressed-up man on her porch, wondering if she should call the troopers. The squad car that had been parked outside all night was gone. The man on the porch turned and caught her staring at him from the window. Smiling, he
