“What’sthe first room we should check?” Alice asked.
I swear that I felt like the three of us were a trio of Elmer Fudds chasing rabbits. We moved slowly, creeping along, one foot at a time to make sure that we were silent. After all, it wouldn’t do for us to grab my father’s attention—or even Sable’s. This plan would work best if every part of it occurred in order. And the first bit that needed to happen was for us to find Lucky.
“We’ll take one room at a time,” I said quietly. We’d just left the solarium, so it was on to the hallway and then the snow room.
Alice opened the door. “What is this?” she asked, her voice filled with delight.
“Santa’s workshop,” I answered dryly.
She looked at me in confusion. “But that’s in the North Pole.”
“For goodness’ sake, Alice,” Ruth chastised, “it’s just a room that looks like his workshop, complete with reindeer and elves.”
Alice walked up to one of the nutcrackers and knocked on its chest. “Solid wood. Why is all of this here?”
I shrugged. “Zelda either hosted a kid’s picture day with Santa or she just liked it.”
“I think it’s creepy.” Ruth bent over to study one of the elves holding a snowball. “I’ve never seen anything like this in someone’s home.”
“I doubt you ever will again,” I said.
She shivered. “Fine by me.”
“I think it’s charming,” Alice said.
“You would,” Ruth mumbled.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Nothing.”
Alice sniffed. “Do you think this fake snow will pack?”
“Like into a ball? Why, Alice,” I said, feeling like Alice was up to something, “would you ask that?”
“Just curious.”
“Leave your curiosity at the door,” Ruth grumbled.
Alice pouted. “It was just a question.”
As two of them grumbled with one another, I walked along the path through the room. There were parts of it that Roan and I had missed when we’d been in here before.
Lucky could be hovering nearby, watching. It was a chance worth taking to call out to him. I reached the very back, where the light didn’t illuminate as well.
“Lucky,” I whispered, “can you hear me?” I waited, but there was no answer, so I kept on. “I know we got into an argument earlier, and I’m sorry. Look, I want to help you. Ido. I have to speak to you—are you here?”
The house creaked in response. The heat kicked on, sending flecks of snow darting around my face. A nearby elf stared at me, its plastic face marred by dots where the paint had peeled off.
But even still, the elf smiled, always watching.
I shuddered.
In the background I could hear Ruth and Alice talking in low murmurs.
“It won’t pack up well,” Ruth argued.
“Yes, it will. Hold my purse, and I’ll show you.”
