Page 14 of Clued in to Love
His speech was far from heartfelt, but at least he kept the crowd pumped up and enthusiastic.
“All right, that’s more like it.” His baritone voice echoed in the mic. “Who’s ready to kick off the holidays?”
Cheers and applause broke out.
Time to get racing.
Marissa jumped up and down like the little kids as the band began playing “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus emerged from the gazebo. A spotlight shone on them as everyone turned and cheered louder. Santa let out a signature, “Ho, ho, ho, happy holiday hunting!”
Kids rushed to get in line for a picture as Darby used a giant pair of scissors to cut the ribbon strung across the stage. The next few minutes were chaotic. Teams that already had their members in place were directed to one side of the amphitheater, whereas participants waiting to be assigned teams were told to come forward and wait for their names to be called.
Marissa pressed forward with the small group needing assignments. There were fewer unassigned participants by far. She scanned faces, wondering if there was a chance she might get partnered with someone she already knew. Maybe an old classmate or a former co-worker from the hospital.
An older, distinguished gentleman wearing parks and rec gear took the mic. “Hi, everyone, I’m Samesh. I work for the parks department, and we will be helping with coordination this year since we have the biggest turnout in Passport to the Holidays’ history. Over one hundred sixty-two teams will race through our great city for ten days. My staff and I will send you text updates and some bonus clues, so make sure you’ve downloaded the app. If you encounter any technical issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to make this a holiday memory and hopefully a tradition for many more years to come.”
A handful of people clapped.
Marissa scanned the park. It was hard not to be in the holiday spirit with the earthy scent of the bonfire mingled with sugar cookies and steaming apple cider. A horse-drawn sleigh, complete with bells, cut through the center of the park. Ice skaters swirled in colorful costumes on the seasonal rink. Carolers serenaded shoppers as they perused the vendor market.
Samesh reached for his iPad. “Now, what you’re here for—your team assignments. As you probably know, each participant is assigned a character role. Do whatever you like with your character. This is my first year, but I’ve heard that in the past, some teams go all out and dress up as their characters. Rumor has it that even some friendly trash-talking goes down.” Samesh chuckled. “None of that is necessary, but you do need to make sure you accept your role and check the app. Also, be on the lookout for each of the challenges for the Passport to the Holidays candy canes. These markers will indicate that you’re in the right spot. Each challenge is well-marked. You’re in the wrong spot if you don’t find a candy cane that looks like this.” Samesh paused to hold up an image of the candy cane that teams should look for. “One last thing to note is that there will be specific bonus clues and mini-quests for each of the six characters this year—Cupid, Jack Frost, the Snow Princess, the Grinch, Happy the Elf, and the Ice Queen.”
A woman raised her hand and said, “What if we’re only a team of two?”
“Good question.” Samesh smiled at her. “It doesn’t matter. Each mini-adventure assigned to character roles will be weighted based on the number of team members. In other words, we want everyone on a team to have a chance to do a solo puzzle or solve a special clue to make it as interactive as possible, but two-member teams won’t be penalized. Does that make sense?”
The woman nodded.
“Excellent.” Samesh tapped his iPad.
Marissa’s stomach felt like it was being swarmed with butterflies. She was eager to meet her partner and strategize how to win. Fifty thousand dollars was within her grasp. Well, technically twenty-five thousand since she would have to split her winnings with her teammate. But twenty-five thousandbought a lot of Trader Joe’s Manchego and would easily give her enough for first and last months’ rent and a nice buffer in her bank account.
Samesh called out names. She watched as newly formed teammates greeted one another with awkward handshakes and half hugs.
It felt like it took forever for Samesh to get to her. When she finally heard her name read, she placed her hand on her stomach to stop it from swirling.
“Marissa Henry, you are a Snow Princess.”
Snow Princess, okay.
That has a nice ring to it.
“And your partner, with the role of Jack Frost, will be William Graff.”
Marissa’s stomach dropped like she was free-falling from a roller coaster.
William Graff, as intheWilliam Graff?
No.
No way.
This wasn’t happening.
What were the odds of being paired with the most insufferable man on the planet?
And why the hell was William Graff competing in Passport to the Holidays? He was one of the wealthiest people in Bend. He didn’t need the cash.
