Page 31 of A Trident Christmas Baby

Everyone rushed back to their seats, the elves hopping into their respective vehicles. Ace practically dove into the passenger seat, pulling out his phone to call Derek.

“Derek,” Ace said, breathless, as the line connected.

“How’s it going? Are you close?”

“We are about fifteen to twenty minutes out,” Ace said, his voice laced with determination.

Derek exhaled. “Good. She’s doing the best she can, but it’s not going to be much longer. Everyone is here at the hospital.”

“I’ll be there,” Ace said, punching the hospital address into Sparky’s GPS.

“How’d you manage to get a ride?” Derek asked.

Ace hesitated, glancing at Sparky, who gave him a thumbs-up and a cheery grin. “It’s… a long story. I’ll explain when I get there.”

Derek let out a low chuckle. “Judging from the tone of your voice, I can’t wait to hear about it. See you soon.”

Ace ended the call and turned to Sparky. “The hospital is in the GPS. Step on it.”

“You got it, boss!” Sparky said, slamming the pedal to the floor with surprising gusto.

As the van pulled out of the lot, Ace allowed himself a moment of hope. He was so close.

In the back, Twinkles started singingSanta Claus Is Coming to Town.

“Not again,” Potter groaned.

Ace shook his head, a small grin tugging at his lips. No matter how absurd this journey was, he’d do whatever it took to get to Alex—even if it meant being serenaded by elves all the way to the hospital.

Five minutes later, Ace’s jaw tightened as Sparky steered the sputtering van to the side of the road and threw it into park.

The elf frantically turned the key in the ignition. The van gave another weak sputter before falling silent for good.

“What happened?” Ace barked, panic bubbling in his chest. They were only seven miles away.Seven miles!

“I don’t know! It just died!”

The team exchanged glances before filing out of the van. Ace followed, running a hand through his hair as the cold night air nipped at his skin.

“Pop the hood,” Irish called out, already reaching for the latch.

The team crowded around, each of them peering into the engine like a group of mechanics on a deadline. The elves stood off to the side, Sparky looking particularly guilty as Twinkles and Skippy exchanged worried glances.

“Anything?” Ace asked, pacing behind them. His heart was racing. Alex needed him.

“Everythinglooksfine,” Stitch muttered, wiping his hands on his jeans.

“Battery’s good,” Dino added. “Belts are tight.”

Irish straightened up, rubbing his chin. “I don’t think it’s mechanical.”

There was a moment of silence before Twinkles raised her hand like a schoolgirl. “Um, Sparky… did you check the gas gauge?”

Sparky blinked at her, confused. “No. Why would I? It’s a rental. Rentals are always filled up.”

Skippy snorted, shaking his head. “Sparky, the agentliterallytold you this van had just been returned and hadn’t been filled yet.”

Ace froze, his fists clenching as the realization hit. He turned and looked at Sparky. “Are you saying that we’re out of gas?”

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