Bernie huffed toward the fountain, candy canes falling from his pockets as he went.
Bud jumped up, looking frantically around.
I pushed free of McLerrison, ran after Bernie, my feet sliding through the candy canes and my arms windmilling to keep my balance. “Bernie, stop,” I yelled, trying to catch his Santa sleeve in my hand.
He shrugged me off. “I’m gonna kill you,” he bellowed, looking up.
Earl stood, panic in his eyes. The beard covered most of his face, and his suit was a little too long, going past his black boots. He looked wildly around.
Bernie ran toward the stairs, and two mall security guards blocked him, both looking confused.
People scrambled around, watching him, several getting out of the way. Bernie threw his gloves down to the ground, marching toward the fountain.
Bud rushed toward him and tripped on the gloves, grabbing for Bernie’s shoulder.
Bernie pivoted and shoved Bud in a surprisingly smooth motion, pushing the cop against the edge of the fountain. Almost in slow motion, Bud’s arms windmilled, and he fell backward right into the pool. Water splashed up in every direction, turning the white tiles green.
“Wait,” I yelled, rushing after Bernie.
Bernie jumped into the cotton batting and started roaring up the slide, using his hands and feet, his boots slipping and squeaking loudly.
Earl moved closer to the edge and pummeled Bernie with candy canes and what looked like rubber balls, hitting him in the head and shoulders.
Bernie swore in graphic detail, ducking his head and trying harder to get up the slide.
The choir sang louder, now belting outSanta Claus is Coming to Town. Their teacher looked over her shoulder at the ruckus and then moved her wand faster, no doubt wanting to keep the kids focused and not watching the mess. Their voices got louder and the tempo even faster as they switched into a wild version ofGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
I clambered after Bernie, snatching his boot and pulling him down the slide. A candy cane hit me in the face and I snapped, shoving Bernie out of the way and climbing quickly. Unlike Bernie’s boots, mine had plenty of traction, and I also didn’t have a Santa suit holding me back.
Earl pelted red and green rubber balls at me, making me lose my grip. I slid back down and swore.
Bernie tried to catch my leg, but I kicked him away. Enough of this crap. Earl had tased Bud and scared me, and I was done with this. I climbed quickly, ducking and dodging the balls, reaching the top. Earl tried to kick me, and I grabbed his ankle, yanking hard.
He fell flat and emitted a loud and painedoof.
Coughing and swearing, I hitched up and crawled over him, grabbing his lapels and shaking him. “You tased my friend!”
“And he killed Lawrence,” Bernie yelled from down in the cotton batting.
That, too. Sucking in air, I stood and tried to haul Earl up with me.
Bud pushed past the two security guards, running up the stairs.
Earl stood and grabbed my arms, his eyes wild behind the Santa spectacles. “I love her,” he yelled.
Then he pulled a knife out of his pocket.
Time paused. Everything moved in slow motion. He stabbed toward my stomach, and I grasped his wrist, pivoting like Aiden had taught me and forcing Earl to drop the blade.
He screamed, captured me in a bear hug, and then propelled us both off the high stage.
Chapter 37
The fall down felt like it took an eternity, although it had to be only twelve feet. I screamed, panicked as I flew through the air. I hit first, flat on my back, and he landed on top of me. The wind whooshed out of my lungs, and pain exploded down my back. It took me a second to realize that we’d landed in the cotton batting.
He shoved off me, and I grabbed for him. The bastard punched me in the cheekbone, and I lost it, punching up at his face with all that I had, my vision cloudy.
Bud yanked him away and flipped him around to quickly cuff, shoving him toward the security guards. “Watch him.” Then he turned and crouched down, leaning over me. “Hold still. What hurts?”
