Chapter 20

“All right, kids, let me through.” Vic tried unsuccessfully to wade through the children crowding him. When he couldn’t move, he tried a different tactic. Raising his voice, he bellowed, “I said line upor I’m going to put you all down as naughty!”

The words were magic. Instantly the children disappeared, scrambling over each other in their haste to line up for a chance to talk with Santa. As Vic headed for the stage, Matt caught his elbow. “Knock ‘em dead, babe. I’m going to grab something to drink.”

Though he wasn’t a drinker, Vic wished he could swig back a shot or two of something strong enough to get him through the dinner. The line of children waiting to speak with him seemed to stretch the length of the room. He allowed himself one low growl in the back of his throat, a pitying sound, then he straightened his shoulders and stepped up on the stage beside Morrison.