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I found the stairs to the basement and went in search of the rest of the Santas. Maybe they all went to count their stash, and my team was forced to go with them. I shoved my hand into my Santa pants, searching for my gun, but nothing was there.

“That’s weird.”

Ducking into a dark corner, I pulled down my Santa pants, searching my tactical pants for my thigh holster, but it wasn’t there. Neither was my side holster. I even got down on one knee and searched around my ankle, but it was empty.

I’d been stripped of all my gear.

And redressed in my Santa suit. Something was seriously fucked up about this.

Voices filtered through the basement, and I slowly got to my feet, slipping through the darkness. The deeper I got, the louder the voices grew until I could hear everything clearly.

“I want to set up over there for the first shot,” a female said.

There was something familiar about her voice, but I couldn’t place it. Then again, I’d hit my head pretty hard. It was entirely possible I made it up in my mind that I knew this woman.

“I’m telling you, he’s not going to go along with this.”

“Trust me. I’ve got this all worked out. It’ll be fine.”

All what worked out? Was someone else running another operation from inside the church? And where were the sisters? Were they being held against their will somewhere?

Heavy chains dragged across the floor, drawing closer and closer to where I was hiding. I had no weapon and no way to subdue whoever was on the other side of the wall, but I wasn’t about to just run away either.

“This better work.”

“Trust me, he’ll be putty in my hands,” the female chuckled. “He’s right outside. We should invite him in and get this started.”

Who was right outside?

I looked behind me, but I was the only one here.

“Yes, we’re talking about you, Edu.”

My head whipped around, and I peeked in through the window in the door. I didn’t see anyone, but I hadn’t made up those voices in my head.

“It would be easier if you’d just come in so we can get started.”

Again, that voice was so familiar, but I couldn’t place it. I knew I’d heard it before, but the pounding in my head was making it impossible to figure anything out.

Finally, I stepped through the open double door and looked around for the mysterious voices.

“It’s about time.”

I jerked my head to the right and saw Lock sitting on a table, his leg propped up on a chair. “What⁠—”

“We have a lot to get through, so maybe you want to take a seat.”

“What are you talking about? Where’s Moreno?”

“Moreno?” He snorted in amusement. “Like he matters.”

“He’s the job!” I snapped. “What the hell are you sitting around here for?”

“Uh…forgive me if I’m mistaken, but I believe it was you who went and got yourself injured on the job. By a Scottie dog, no less.”

“Hey, it wasn’t my fault. The dog wrapped his leash around me.”

“Yeah, well, still, I think you could have at least kept your balance. I did warn you.”