Frozen Body Christmas Mystery, page 1
FROZEN BODY CHRISTMAS MYSTERY
VICTORIA MATTSEN CRIME SERIES
BOOK 9
IFEANYI ESIMAI
Copyright © 2023 by Ifeanyi Esimai
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
eISBN: 978-1-63589-811-8
Print ISBN: 978-1-63589-812-5
Audio ISBN: 978-1-63589-813-2
Cover design by coveredbymelinda.com
Published by ShotReads, an imprint of
Ciparum LLC
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For Chinwe…Always.
The wind beneath my wings.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My heartfelt gratitude goes out to my family and friends, whose unwavering faith in me fueled this project from the very start.
I also want to extend a special thanks to a group of incredible individuals whose generous spirit has made an indelible impact on this project, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Erik S
Nneka Anaebonam
Craig Martelle
Jenn Davidson
Chinwe Anyamele
Obioha Emezie
Renee
Okechukwu Obua
Romeo Richards
Ikenna Emeghara
Charles Onunkwo
Adaeze
Every one of you has helped shape this journey in your own unique way, and I couldn't be more thankful. Your support has not only made these books a reality but has also inspired me as I continue to tell Detective Vikki Mattsen's story.
To all the readers, thank you for inviting Detective Vikki Mattsen into your lives. It's been a joy to share this adventure with you.
Here's to the stories yet to be told.
CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Next in Series - Her Last New Year’s Eve
About the Author
PROLOGUE
Mindy watched snowflakes float like feathers through fogged windows. She was dressed for rolling around in the snow, and the blast from the car’s heater made her feel like she was trapped in a sauna.
She glanced at her six-year-old brother playing a hand-held game wearing a puffy red jacket. Underneath it, she knew, he was a sweater and tee shirt like hers. He had a red scarf around his neck. He must be toasty in there.
Mindy’s outfit was similar but a different color. Her jacket was pink with abstract designs of Christmas trees, snowflakes, and Santa. A purple beanie with a single white pompon perched on her head of shoulder-length blonde hair. She had on blue jeans and snow boots.
They were dressed warm enough to walk to the North Pole to see Santa. She’d be this miserable if Lisa, their nanny, had taken them to see Santa in the mall. Now she’d left them in the parking lot, in a sauna of a car, and dashed into the mini mall, with an ‘I’ll be back’ spoken over her shoulder as she’d run off.
The air in the car smelled of burned plastic and sweat—like her school changing room after PE. Mindy glanced at the dashboard and wished she knew which button to push to turn down the heat and its noise.
Lisa had left the radio on to keep them company. Nat King Cole’s “Merry Christmas to You” blasted from the speakers. This was the last straw. Their parents must know about this once they returned from their trip today. She’d tell them herself. Lisa would be fired.
She’d tell them about Lisa’s boyfriend. He’d drop in once her parents left, and they’d be making kissing sounds in the guest bedroom. And worst of all, she didn’t let them see Santa at the mall and left them in the car for hours while she went off on her own.
Mindy knew which of her parents to tell. Not her dad. He’d laugh and say he’d talk to her and never would. But Mommy—she’d call the cops on her.
Mindy knew all about the anti-child lock. There was no getting out of the car from the back. She climbed over to the front passenger seat.
“What are you doing?” Andy asked, focusing on her face, his Nintendo Switch held up in front of his face.
“I’m getting out of the car before we roast in here. You can come if you want. We can go to the pond and skate.”
Andy leaned forward, his eyes wide. “We’ll get in trouble with Lisa. And she’ll tell Mom and Dad.”
Mindy was two years older than her brother and sometimes pushed him around. “Don’t be a crybaby. She won’t tell. She left us in the car on our own. We can always say it was too hot, and we got out. But we’ll be back before she comes out. We’re only going to skate.” She opened the front passenger side door and stepped out.
Cold air slammed into Mindy. It took a few seconds to go from uncomfortable warm to okay cool. She opened the back door for Andy. “Grab the skates.”
“Mimi, are you sure?”
“Do you want to skate or not?” Mindy asked.
Andy grumbled. “All right.” He dropped his Switch, picked up his skates, and exited the car.
Mindy rolled her eyes. “You should have brought mine, too.” She leaned in and took her skates from the backseat.
She led the way, snow crunching under their feet.
The pond was in a small playground close to the mini mall. They’d been there a hundred times. She shot a look at the white Honda Accord. It was sandwiched between two cars in the parking lot, and their footprints were on the freshly fallen snow. Lisa had breadcrumbs to follow to find them whenever she came out.
Nobody was in the playground. The slides, swings, and monkey bars all had snow on them. Mindy sat on the snow and tried to take off her snow boots. With her mittens on, it wasn’t working. She took them off and got a better grip.
Andy was struggling with his boots, so she helped him. She took off her boot and slipped on her skates. By the time she was done, her fingers were hurting from the cold.
Andy walked with slow strides to the frozen pond. He was a good skater.
Mindy had planned to get on the ice first to ensure it was hard enough, but her brother was too eager.
“Andy…wait.”
He stepped on the ice, smiled, and took off toward a bush in the pond.
Mindy examined the surface—frozen, with a dusting of snow. She could tell other kids had skated earlier from the blade marks on the ice. She smiled, safe enough. Now, it was their turn.
“Mimi!”
Mindy’s head jerked up. “An-Andy?” Her heartbeat sounded like drums. “Andy!” She skated toward the bush. Did he fall in? Now she’d be dead for sure. Their parents wouldn’t spare the rod if anything happened to Andy.
Mindy let out a sigh of relief. Andy was gazing down at something.
“Mimi! I-I think Santa is under the ice.”
“What?” Mindy came closer. A big red object was partially covered with ice and snow. A bearded white face with blue eyes stared at her.
“Mimi, I think Santa fell off his sleigh and landed in the pond. Now he’s frozen.”
Mindy had only seen a dead body on TV. A scream ripped through her lips.
CHAPTER ONE
Vikki and Ted met for a quiet, late lunch at Ziti Plus, a restaurant in Milton. Away from St. Ives for some privacy. In the background, an instrumental version of “Jingle Bells” provided a musical backdrop, mingling with chatter, mirthful laughter, and the clattering of utensils on plates from patrons already immersed in the holiday spirit.
The receptionist ushered them to a table. “And what drink should I get you?” The question was directed at Vikki.
They both ordered water since they were still on the job. Vikki’s entree was chopped mixed salad and grilled chicken in a balsamic sauce. Ted ordered a well-done Angus beef burger served with seasoned fries.
Vikki rearranged the hem of her cream turtleneck sweater over her black pants. She preferred that her Glock 19 remain out of sight. Her Carmel jacket was draped over the back of her chair, her gloves and hat in the pocket. On her feet were ankle leather boots with rubber soles. Vikki was ready for whatever the weather had to bring.
Ted had on a long-sleeved tee shirt under his scrubs. He unzipped his puffer jacket but did not take it off.
Their food came, and they dug in.
Outside, it had stopped snowing. It wasn’t enough accumulation to clog the roads with snowplows. There was already snow on the ground, and the new snow added a fresh dusting of white on cars, trees, and houses, enhancing the white Christmas ambiance.
&n bsp; The waiter removed their plates and dropped off their dessert. Velvet cake for Vikki, coffee for Ted. Once she left, Vikki leaned forward in her chair.
“What should we do for Christmas?”
Ted took his time adding a teaspoon of sugar and stirring the coffee.
Vikki cocked her head. “Is it a hard question?”
Ted chuckled. He had a glint in his eyes and ran his palm over his clean-shaven head. “I was thinking of getting a train set and you helping me put it together over the holiday.” He stroked his goatee. “Then watch a Christmas movie marathon on TV and participate in any other marathon two people can do together.”
Vikki batted her eyelids. “Like a two-person marathon? Elite runners finish in two hours. Do you have the stamina?”
“I’ll do better. I’ll finish in four—more time to enjoy the local scene.”
About to shovel some cake into her mouth, Vikki dropped her fork and fanned herself. “It’s getting hot in here.”
Ted raised an eyebrow.
Vikki picked up her fork. “I like your plan, minus the train set.” She was thankful he hadn’t given up on her when she was proving a hard nut to crack after he took over as medical examiner. She was happy, and it reminded her of other happy Christmas holidays in the past.
She, Alexis, and Alexi’s dad, Mike, had enjoyed Christmas lunches together, shopping, and attending end-of-year parties.
Her mind drifted to the first time she’d met Edward Brandon. It was at a bar and a one-night stand. Then she was into one-night stands, a holdover from her rookie days.
The next day, Vikki was shocked to find out he was somehow involved in a homicide she was investigating. When the case was solved, they’d enjoyed each other’s company before things got complicated. In those early days, all she’d wanted was the release. Now, she had something better.
Vikki realized she’d been staring at him. Feeling shy, she battered her eyelids again and smiled.
Ted’s eyebrows shot up. “What?”
Vikki looked down at her plate and shrugged, her smile widening. “Nothing.” She glanced up, and their eyes met again. She took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’m thankful and happy we’re together.”
“Remember the first time we met? Then and now, you’re in it for the sex.”
“What!” Vikki cupped her mouth, heat rushing to her cheeks. She lowered her chin and curved her back, trying to appear small.
Other patrons glanced their way and returned to their food and discussions. A man, eating alone, lifted his wine glass to them before sipping.
Ted continued to smile as if he hadn’t said anything.
Vikki recovered and sliced off a chunk of velvet cake. She raised the spoon toward Ted.
“What are you doing?” Ted said. A devilish smile danced on his lips. “I thought there shouldn’t be any public show of affection.”
She let out a breath. “Christmas is in the air. Now say, ah.”
Ted opened his mouth wide.
“Now chew, and don’t make me blush again.” Vikki spoon-fed him until her cake was gone, not caring whether anyone saw her. She was happy at the same level or more when her family had been alive. The thought of what had happened to Alexis and Mike and that she hadn’t done anything to avenge them soured her mood.
Ted nodded. “Now, that was the most delicious—”
The words froze on his lips. Vikki knew he’d noticed the change in her demeanor.
“…dessert I’ve had in a long time,” Ted said, finishing the sentence. “What’s wrong?”
Vikki pursed her lips and shook her head. “Trust me to spoil a happy moment. I still haven’t heard from New York about the case files.”
Ted fanned himself.
Vikki guessed he was beginning to get warm. He’d kept his jacket on when they’d come into the restaurant.
Ted rested his elbows on the table and made a steeple with his hands. “Something is not adding up. I’m beginning to suspect that someone in New York doesn’t want you investigating the case.”
Vikki was quiet momentarily, then said, “Who could it be? Why?”
“I don’t know. But you’re a cop. It shouldn’t take this long for a colleague to help out a colleague. Nobody likes someone else snooping around their work and maybe discovering a slip-up. But you’ve been getting the turnaround. My spidey senses are tingling.”
Vikki nodded. “It’s taking too long.”
Ted took a deep breath and exhaled. He held her gaze. “Perhaps it’s time I dusted off my PI license and dove into this.”
“Are you sure? Running the ME’s office is not a walk in the park. It gets busy.”
Ted nodded. “Well, the overdose cases we’d expected during Halloween didn’t happen.”
“Kids getting colored Fentanyl as candy,” Vikki said. ‘Thank goodness it didn’t happen. But—”
Vikki’s phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She fished it out from the pocket of her Carmel jacket. It was Captain Levin. “Mattsen.”
“Detective, where are you now? Don’t answer that. We need you ASAP.”
“Homicide? Vikki asked.
Ted's eyebrows shot up.
Vikki nodded.
“Two children skating in the pond at Circle Street discovered a frozen body in the lake,” Levin said.
“Did you say two children?” Vikki asked. She braced herself for more. She hated it when children were involved.
“Yes,” Levin said. “We still don’t know how they were left out there alone. Could you take a look? I’ll have Gomez meet you there.”
“Yes, sir, thank you, sir. I’ll get over there as soon as I can.” She hung up.
Ted’s eyebrows went higher. So high they’d leave his face if he got any more surprised.
Vikki nodded. “Two children skating in a pond on Circle Street found Santa’s body.”
“Like Santa Clause?”
“That’s what I said.” Vikki caught the server’s eyes and waved him over. “Your phone is going to ring soon.”
Right on cue, Ted’s phone rang.
CHAPTER TWO
Vikki got in her dependable Ford Explorer and drove to Circle Plaza. The parking lot was packed, and cars were circling, waiting for someone to drive off.
She drove past the parking lot toward the playground, past a large heap of snow probably cleared from the lot. The drive was bumpy, and the road to the playground wasn’t cleared at all. Moreover, who went to a children’s playground in winter?
Three police cruisers were on the scene, plus two unmarked cars, probably CSUs. A yellow police line kept the public away. Despite the cold weather and snow, a few lookie-loos gathered, braving the cold and craning their necks to see what was happening.
Vikki stepped out of her car. The cold wind sounded like whispered harsh words in her ears. Her jacket and scarf kept them at bay. The smell of fresh dough from the pizzeria, mixed with woodsmoke, resurrected a nostalgic Christmas feeling. She hoped the things she cherished and associated with Christmas were not marred by whatever she’d see.
She approached the police line, glanced at the crowd that had gathered and hoped it didn’t get any bigger.
“Good afternoon, Detective Mattsen,” said a uniform standing in front of the line. He pushed a logbook toward her.
Vikki wrote her name, signed, and dated it. “Merry Christmas.” She bent low to duck under the yellow tape.
“Hold on, Detective. What size do you wear?”
Vikki stood upright. Her nostrils flared. “Excuse me?”
“S-sorry. It’s to compensate for your winter jacket.” He thrust a clear plastic-wrapped crime scene overall toward Vikki. “This is large.”
Heat rushed to Vikki’s cheeks. She felt foolish. “Oh…thank you.” She walked back to her car, placing her hand on it for support as she wriggled into the suit. By the time she was done, she felt like she was in a NASA space suit about to board the shuttle.
