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@BagelL0ver55

You honestly think Santa of the Year is getting that much money?

@NikkiBlue22

You’d be surprised. Haven’t you seen her in those commercials for that new mobile company? “Santa needs cell service that will go as far as she does.”

@BagelL0ver55

And that energy drink one for powering those late nights in the workshop?

@SantaBaby77

Who wouldn’t want to win again? SOTY sounds like the best gig ever.

@MarthaGordonSingggs

Nate’s elf helper, lol. Someone had fun with the body glitter. [attached image of Nate Lambros and his helper elf wrapping presents]

@GarlandAndTinsel0102

She was really struggling, but #HotSanta was so patient and sweet. He’s still got my vote.

@SeattleliteTom

Can’t believe they made them wear elf costumes. That’s just cruel.

@ChristmasSparkles50

#HotSanta’s elf looked like she was really trying, and I respect her for that.

@ChristmasSparkles50

Also, her sparkles look cool.

Chapter 17

NATHAN

9 hours until midnight

We’re only able to stop four of the twelve volunteers. Hundreds of packages are now being distributed throughout the city.

While the Santa Wannabes eat, we’re in the loading dock area where the bomb squad and two explosive-detection canines go from one toy pile to another. I meet Scarlett after the elimination announcement, when she called in her theory.

“It had to be the board game,” Scarlett says. “Or that other one, the one we wrapped near the end—”

Her buzzing phone cuts her off.

“Did you find where the volunteers are headed?” she asks, putting the call on speaker.

“Got the list,” Bird says. “We’re coordinating with the different sites. They understand not to give out any presents until we’ve examined each one. Off-site’s handling the logistics.”

“Sadistic Santa’s made us the Grinch,” Scarlett says. “That’s good news, though. Tell me you’ve got something even better?”

“On the Lodge cameras, we got a face match.”

“For?”