Veronica pulled the van into the garage. After the clanking of the old motor for the door stopped when it had shut, she could hear muffled sounds in the back and knew that the effects of her powder were waning. She hurried around to the side of the van and let the dogs out and into the house.
She started with Mr. Claus this time and dragged him into her workshop in the back of the house. She chained him in a sitting position to one of the solid wooden posts on her workbench. Even with his girth there was no way he could move it because of its solidity plus the added weight of a thick, black slate countertop.
Buddy was next and he was more awake than Mr. Claus but still sedated enough to easily chain to another post on her long workbench.
She pulled the duct tape off the mouths of both men. The workshop was soundproofed so she wasn’t worried about them making noise.
“You two have both disappointed me,” said Veronica.
Mr. Claus shook his head and said, “Where are we?”
“In her private lair,” said Buddy groggily.
“Lair. Like Batman?” asked Mr. Claus.
“No. Well, maybe. I thought it was all just a harmless hobby,” said Buddy.
“She’s a witch, my friend. That was some badass glitter,” said Mr. Claus.
“Tell me about it,” said Buddy and shook his head.
“Shut up!” yelled Veronica.
“Okay, okay. I must admit that I thought you were just vain and annoying. But I guess there was a very solid reason to not want your picture taken,” said Mr. Claus.
“Very solid reason indeed,” replied Veronica.
“Alright, baby, you can untie me now. We’re all good here,” said Buddy in the most convincing voice he could muster.
Veronica laughed and replied, “Nice try Buddy. I think your usefulness has run its course. It’s a shame to lose a man of your talents, but your lack of belief is simply unacceptable.”
Buddy laughed and said, “Alright, but you’ve made me a believer. My faith in your abilities has taken a quantum leap.”
“Too little, too late,” said Veronica.
“Okay, great, it’s nice to know that Buddy has some hidden talents. Thanks for that bonus info,” said Mr. Claus.
“That’s enough, old man!” snapped Veronica.
“I’m just saying,” said Mr. Claus.
“So what are you going to do Veronica?” asked Buddy.
“You won’t have to wait long to find out,” said Veronica.
Mr. Claus looked up at her and said, “So why don’t you let us go? At least let me go. Give me Peanut back and I’ll be on my way. I can stay away from the dog park and just leave you in peace.”
“That ain’t gonna happen,” said Veronica.
“But you realize that millions of people are depending on me, right?” said Mr. Claus.
“I am aware of that, but it doesn’t bother me in the least. You know that belief in Santa Claus drops off a cliff at about the age of 10 or so,” said Veronica.
“I am fully aware of that, Veronica. It’s not the presents part of it that is important. It’s the magic of Christmas I represent,” said Mr. Claus.
“The magic of Christmas my aching butt,” said Veronica.
“I can help with that ache, honey,” interjected Buddy.
Mr. Claus laughed and said, “Sounds like you two still have some unresolved issues.”
“Shush, old man, and don’t encourage Buddy— or me. You can be thankful that you are still in one piece. Stick that in your Christmas pipe and smoke it,” said Veronica.
