Buddy, Veronica and Jolene arrived at Mr. Claus’s house and headed straight for the door. Buddy was a step ahed as they went up the stairs and onto the porch. The door opened and Mr. Claus stood with one hand on the door knob and the other on Peanut’s collar.
“Buddy and Veronica come to spread more holiday cheer I see,” said Mr. Claus.
Buddy walked straight forward and put his left arm out so that Mr. Claus couldn’t slam the door. He raised his right arm and pushed Mr. Claus solidly in the chest back into the house.
Mr. Claus stumbled backwards from the blow and righted himself by grabbing hold of a hook he used to hang up Peanut’s leash.
“We’re done asking politely, old man,” said Buddy.
He pushed Mr. Claus backwards again. Mr. Claus was ready this time and withstood the blow.
Mr. Claus let go of Peanut’s collar and yelled, “Kill!”
Peanut looked up at him imploringly.
Veronica laughed and said, “I guess there is more poodle than pit bull in her.”
Mr. Claus muttered, “Damn. That’s one spoiled princess.”
“Are you talking to me?” asked Veronica.
“No, not this time. It’s Peanut. I was too easy on her.”
“Nonsense, it’s probably just not in her,” said Veronica.
Buddy interrupted, “Veronica, please. Let’s focus here. Take Peanut.”
“Javel,” she answered.
“Knock it off with the German,” said Buddy.
“Yes, sir. And it’s Danish.”
“Whatever,” said Buddy and pushed Peanut toward Veronica and Jolene.
Buddy stuck his right hand into the inside of his jacket.
Mr. Claus realized what was happening and quickly said, “Hey, hey, hey. It doesn’t have to end like this. I have a wife and millions of kids who depend on me. Let’s see if we can find a reasonable solution. I am a reasonable man.”
Buddy pulled a pistol out and stuck it up against Mr. Claus’s chest.
“Reasonable man?,” said Buddy.
“You just have to get over that first impression thing,” said Mr. Claus.
Buddy remained silent with his pistol pointed at Mr. Claus.
Mr. Claus said, “Come on, man. It’s just a little harmless fun on social media. That can’t be worth all of this.”
“Into the living room, Mr. Claus,” said Buddy and nodded his head in that direction.
“No. I ain’t going out like that,” said Mr. Claus defiantly.
Buddy snickered.
Mr. Claus stared back at him.
“Really?” asked Buddy.
“Really,” said Mr. Claus.
“Well, you leave me no choice,” said Buddy.
Suddenly a large cloud of glittery powder rained down on both Buddy and Mr. Claus. As it settled over both men they took in a big breath each and collapsed to the floor.
“I said I would take care of this,” said Veronica triumphantly.
And I said no potions— and it wasn’t a potion and it was certainly old school, she thought to herself and smiled.
She let go of Jolene, pulled a roll of duct tape out of her jacket pocket and got to work.
