Page 16 of I Saw Krampus Kissing Ms Claus

“Where what went?” Santa asks.

“The Cheer.” I sigh. “The thing that you need to make your big run tomorrow night.”

“Well…” Santa takes a long pause. “Why would someone take it? There must be somebody who has something to gain. You wouldn’t go through all that trouble without a good reason.

“Christmas Cheer isn’t worth anything though, it’s completely useless to anyone but us.” I say.

“Is there someone who might want to take Santa down a peg? To knock Christmas out of the top spot?” Krampus suggests.

“Who would want that?” I shake my head.

“One of the other deities?”

“That Frost boy always gave me the shivers.” Santa mutters.

“Jack?” I ask. Santa nods. “I don’t think it was Jack.”

“We used to be on good terms. But I’m not sure anymore. Not since he and Nikki broke up.” Santa tells Krampus.

“You dated Jack Frost?” Krampus narrows his eyes.

I roll my eyes.

“For years.” Santa says.

“Off and on.” I add lamely.

“Never liked the guy personally. He’s cold.”

“He’s winter personified. Of course he is cold.” I mutter.

“He lives right on the edge of the Cheer Silos. He has the motivation, and probably has the means to rob us,” Santa continues.

“Should we pay him a visit?” Krampus asks, his eyes sparkle with mischief.

“He’s all the way across town. Christmas Eve is tomorrow. It’s a waste of time—”

“Jack used to rule winter, but since the Clauses came on the scene, he’s been going downhill.” Santa snaps his suspenders proudly across his chest.

Krampus shoots me a look and I surreptitiously shake my head in disagreement.

“And he was never really good to Nikki,” Santa continues.

“Kris.” I scold.

“They had a messy break up.”

“Firstly, none of your business. Secondly, it’s exactly why I don’t think I should go see him!”

“You won’t be alone! You’ll have Vikram with you!” Santa says. “Right?” He asks, looking between us.

“If she’s going to talk to Jack, I’m going with her.” Krampus leans his chin on one of his fists while he watches me. His tail whips furiously through the air.

“You have to figure out what happened to the Cheer, Nikki. It’s very important.”

“I know it’s important! I keep telling you just how important it is! That’s why I borrowed it from Krampus!”

“Yes. Borrowed. As in. You have to pay me back. One way or another.” Krampus gives me a grin that shoots heat straight down to my core. I do not want to owe this demon anything for any longer than I have to.

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