Page 40 of The Santa Claus Con

That’s the Santa they switched out last minute.

@CoffeeAndCruellers5938

Switch-outs happen all the time. I remember watching the 40th anniversary Santa Claus Con and there were, like, six last-minute dropouts. That had to be a record.

@MarthaGordonSingggs

They got Maux and the Harmonies to perform this year?!? Think they’ll sing Snowflake Wishes this year? It’s a need.

@VioletChaobreaker

So jelly of all you in-person lucky ducks who are about to get a surprise performance by the Chao Brothers on the ice-skating rink! Christmas in NYC really is the most magical time of year.

Chapter 12

SCARLETT

14 hours until midnight

The letter is… not great.

We’ve made Sadistic Santa very, very mad.

At least we now know what the communications are going to be: good old-fashioned, handwritten letters. This one’s been scribbled on two pages of the hotel’s letterhead.

Dear Scarlett,

I know when you’re sleeping,

I know when you’re awake.

I know when you’ve been bad or good,

And you’ve been bad for badness’ sake.

When I said I know a game to play,

I meant for me and you.

And now there’s not one agent,

instead, there are now two.

You must make it to midnight,

I’ll not have it any other way,

Or else a landmark will ignite,

that’s a game you don’t want to play.

You’ll get a little gift

for every game you make it through:

The Who, What, When, Where, and Why,

but for this one, it’s on you.