Some links may be affiliate links. We get money if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these links on our site.

Christmas All The Time is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Detective Masi, this feels very personal!

“Detective Masi, this feels very personal!” Veronica yelled as soon as the detective got out of her car.

“Okay, Ms. Montes. We certainly can’t discount the possibility.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do?”

“Stay well away from dance studios, for a start.”

Veronica looked around at the signs on the streets and gave the detective a confused look. “I’ve got restaurants and apartments and stuff. Where’s the dancing?”

“I know there’s no signage but second and third floors are leased to a dance studio. I took ballroom class up there.” Detective Masi said as she looked up at the roofline of the building.

A tall man with black hair and a navy blue overcoat approached with a shorter man with wavy brown hair and a brown leather overcoat. Detective Masi turned to address them. She noticed the Detective Shields fastened to their coat lapels.

“Detective Masi, Downtown South.”

“Rosen, Twenty-First. This is my partner, Detective DiNardo. What brings you way up here?”

“I caught the Krampus case this year.”

“Oh, that guy.” DiNardo grunted as he eyeballed the enormous Santa bag on the sidewalk. “Upping his game this year?”

“Unfortunately, he’s dialed it up from simple assault and criminal mischief to attempted homicide.” Masi said. “Ms. Montes over there is the apparent target in both of his attempts.”

“On this guy’s radar for sure.” Rosen said. “What’s the deal?”

“Last year it was throwing milk at maids, house cleaners and service aides. This year, he’s dropping two hundred pound bags of coal off of buildings. Apparently, straight-armed.” She held her hand out at arm’s length and simulated dropping a bag.

“Are we looking at someone the Sentinels need to deal with?” Rosen asked.

“I don’t know if he’s enhanced, but he’s definitely been putting in time at the gym since last year.”

“Anybody got eyes on him so far?” DiNardo asked, peering up at the roofline of the building.

“Unis are canvassing the foot traffic and the pizza place over there. Anybody with line of sight.” Masi said.

“Excuse me, Detective.” Bryce said.

They turned to look at him. Masi said, “Mr. Wescott?”

“Do you need us? Veronica and I were heading up the block for dinner when Krampus struck again.”

“Where were you going?”

“The Mediterranean place on the corner there.” Bryce pointed up the block. “We’ll stay around if you need us.”

“No, you go ahead and get some dinner. If I need anything, I’ll drop in for some Spanakopita.” Masi said with a smile. “We’ll get this guy. I promise.”

“I’m holding you to that.” Veronica said sternly. She took Bryce’s arm and they walked around the bag of coal. “Arm’s length? I’ll bet this jerk could give Captain Freedom a run for his money.”

Rosen and DiNardo looked at each other in surprise. Masi herded them across the street to check on the line of site of possible witnesses.

“Well, I don’t know if Krampus is in Captain Freedom’s league but he’s definitely out of ours.” Bryce said. “The last place was taller and the sight lines sucked. There’s a better chance that somebody saw him this time. She’s on the warpath, for sure. She’ll get him.”

“Well, I hope she gets him before he gets me.”

“It had to be a coincidence. How could he possibly know that we’d even be here?”

“I could believe that last week.” She pulled open the restaurant door. “Twice doesn’t feel like a coincidence to me. It definitely feels personal.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you.” Bryce said, stepping into the restaurant.

“Table for two?” The hostess asked.

“Yes.” Bryce smiled. “Do you have Dolmas?”

“Best in Empire City, made fresh every day.” She smiled and pulled up two menus. “This way?”

They enjoyed their dinner and were feeling more relaxed. Conversation turned away from Krampus and onto personal topics as they finished up with coffee and baklava. Bryce was smiling broadly until he saw dread steal the shine from Veronica’s golden eyes. He turned around to see Detective Masi entering the restaurant.

“She said she had a craving for Spanakopita. Cops need dinner too. Right?”

“She’s coming this way.” Veronica said with an edge to her voice.

Bryce turned around again. Detective Masi was approaching their table. She wasn’t smiling.

“Detective, what’s the matter?” Bryce asked.

“This guy has gone right around the bend.” She said, gritting her teeth.

“What does that mean, exactly?” Veronica asked with a note of fear in her voice.

“It looks like Krampus has taken a specific interest in you, Ms. Montes.”

“How do you know that?” Bryce asked.

“This bag of coal had a tag on it.” She pulled out her phone and showed it to them. It had a picture of a stamped leather tag. The tag had scalloped edges and old-timey stamped lettering that read ‘To: Veronica Montes From: Krampus’.

Veronica began shaking. Bryce slid his chair over so he could hold her. “How on Earth does he even know who she is?”

“Krampus seems to be very good at gathering information. He was able to identify eight different women with jobs that might be described as ‘maids’, track them down and dump milk on them last year.” Detective Masi said. “I still think the first incident was random. He has never missed before. It could be a matter of principle for him to get you before he moves on.”

“I’ve got a super-stalker?” Veronica grabbed on to Bryce.

“We’re going to have to operate on the theory that you do.” The detective said.

“So, what does that mean?” Bryce asked.

“Looks like you kids are going to need a chaperone.”

“You?” Veronica asked.

“No, I’m on offense. Defense is going to somebody who can deal with Krampus if he escalates.”

“Who?” Veronica asked.

Detective Masi pulled a radio off of her belt and said, “Send her in.”

Bryce craned his neck to get a look at the door. “Who’s ‘her’?”

A tiny woman with long chestnut hair, a galaxy of cinnamon freckles and large jade green eyes walked into the restaurant. Her hair was braided in an ornate tail that stretched down her back, exposing her pointed ears.

“Mary Christmas?” Bryce and Veronica said in unison.