‘Tis the night before Christmas and hardware store owner Harry Pettit was all alone in his store with only his accounts and a recording of La Boheme for company. When someone knocks at the shop’s door, Harry is surprised to see a knight in full armour. Thinking it’s a drunken prank or a hold up, Harry is reluctant to let the knight in. However, upon discovering the knight’s helmet is stuck closed, Harry’s good nature and the fact it’s Christmas has him invite the stranger inside. Once freed from the helmet, Harry is immediately captivated by the shy man underneath the armour. Seems George White was destined to attend a fancy-dress party with his brother, but when the brother cancels, George, like Harry, finds himself with nothing else to do on Christmas Eve. So why not spend it together? Can St. Nicholas deliver a happy Christmas and a good night to both men? Warning: this short holiday-themed story contains romance, poetry, snow, and a can of WD-40.

The Knight Before Christmas

“Maybe some WD-40?” the armoured man suggested.


Harry smiled. He was reminded of the Hippocratic Oath. “First do no harm.”


“I put my life in your hands, doctor.”


Harry laughed. “Don’t think doctors would use WD-40. But I agree, I’d rather start with something like that that won’t do any harm to the helmet…or you.” He was embarrassed to realise he’d said that last out loud. To cover his slip, he moved away to retrieve a spray bottle of the requested product.


Returning, Harry debated where to stick the spray nozzle. The makers of the helmet had done a great job. It was all smooth lines and curves, no doubt designed to lessen the impact of any blows to the head. He studied the surface till he found what could have been the ends of the visor’s hinge pins. “Ready?”


“Definitely ready to get out of this thing. Wish now Toby hadn’t talked me into it.”


Chapter 2