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“Exactly. There’s always elves helping Santa.”
“Did you see the new decorations?”
“I did. The trees look great. I took a picture for you.”I answered and sent a picture.
“No one knows how they got decorated. I think it was a magical elf.”
“Are you saying you believe in magic and elves?”
“Maybe.”
The cell phone went dead. One thing I hadn’t thought about was the need to charge it. Kim has a cell phone, so I was sure I could use her charger. The last thing I remembered was looking out the little window at the tree lights.
“Hi. Can I help you with anything?” I heard Santa Aaron say. “We’re not open just yet but should be any minute.”
“That’s okay. I was just looking to see if the elf that works here was in this morning,” the same male voice from last night asked. “How many elves are there? I’ve seen at least four.”
“Yes sir. There are, I believe, six, but I only know the few in the morning,” Santa Aaron said. “Did you need something specific?”
“No, nothing important. I’ll stop back by later this morning,” the voice said. “Thank you, though.”
I stuffed my elf outfit into my purse and slipped out the doorway of the workshop, pretending to fix things. “Morning,” I called out to Aaron. “I gotta change into my costume. Be right back.”
I basically ran from the area before he could ask questions. Karen was already in the family bathroom, so I grabbed the handicapped stall for more room. I wiggled into my stockings, threw on the rest, then clipped on my elf ears. One quick look in the mirror made me realize I needed one of my wigs. I only had two of them in my purse. I opted for the pink one for this morning.
“Paige, is that you in there?” Karen tapped on the door. “I’m done in the family restroom.”
“Thanks, Karen.” I smiled when I opened the door. “No cleanup today, I overslept.”
“I left you a breakfast sandwich on the counter in there, though. You go get it.” Karen started changing the toilet paper rolls.
“Karen, what would I do without you?” I hugged her from behind. “When are you bringing the grandkids with you for a Santa picture?”
“I think I’ll wait ‘til they’re done decorating. My grandbabies will love those giant gumdrops.” Karen went into the next stall. “I heard they’re putting a playground in today.”
“That would be fun for the kids.” I put on my lipstick in the mirror. “Is there anything else that they’re doing?”
“I haven’t heard.” Karen continued cleaning. “I did hear the security guy talking with a man in a suit about magical elves in the mall overnight.”
“Really, that’s interesting.” I washed my hands, not looking in her direction.
“You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
Chapter 22
Asher
Itossed and turned all night, thinking about seeing what looked like an elf. I’d obsessed on it long enough that I was now convinced something was up. Now I knew that the first time I thought I saw something it must have been the same elf I’d seen last night. I walked into the mall minutes after it opened. I was determined to figure out what was going on, even if it meant finding out I was losing my mind.
“Asher, what’s the big concern that I had to be here this early?” Johnny walked up to me standing in front of the Santa workshop.
“Early? It’s like nine in the morning. That’s not early,” I chuckled. “Did I really just say that?”
“Yep, and I’m just as shocked as you are.” Johnny put his hand on my shoulder. “Are you gonna be alright?”
“No, that’s the problem. I’m seeing elves and thinking nine in the morning isn’t early.” I shook my head.
“Whoa, let’s back up to the ‘I’m seeing elves’ part.” Johnny laughed. “Explain yourself.”
