Sacked and Sleighed (Stolen Obsessions, #1.5)

by Aurelia Knight

“Bianca, where are you? Your shift started twenty minutes ago.” “What do you mean? Ralph is dead. There’s no Santa.” I’m too shocked to be gracious, and her disbelieving sigh follows down the phone. “We replaced him. Get down here for your shift.” “You’ve already replaced him? Why didn’t you call me?” My voice is quiet as I start the car and head to the mall, my costume already in my bag in the back. “I replaced him that day. I just thought it was in bad taste to open before they could clean everything up, but we lost out on one of the most valuable days of the season. I didn’t think I had to tell you to follow your schedule.” “Typically, no, but after my coworker is murdered, yes.” “Fine, fair point.” She blows out some of her steam, her voice softening. “So get down here and help me make up for the lost sales, or we may not be opening next year.” I don’t bother to tell her I wouldn’t give half a crap, and I’m dying to be done with the Christmas industry permanently. “Alright, I’m on my way. I won’t be more than twenty minutes.” “Good.” She’s clearly not angry anymore. I’ve worked for her long enough and always been dependable. I’m not really surprised she’s a morbid bitch of a capitalist, and at least I won’t lose out on the hours. “One thing, Bianca.” “Yeah?” “The guy I hired is a little unusual. Don’t stare, okay?” “Why would I stare?” I ask aghast, assuming she means something is different about his appearance and that I don’t have the social graces not to make him fe...

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