The Winter Order

Just three days into the Christmas season in LaMoure, North Dakota, Santa Abe recognized the Saldana family bringing up the end of the line for the night of photos. Young Ricky posed dutifully on Santa's knee for the photo. "Merry Christmas, Ricky. Feliz Navidad!" said Santa. Ricky looked both ways and leaned in, "Santa, I need your help." "Of course, what I can do? Did you want something special for Christmas?" "I need a stake and a hammer," he said quietly, his face gone deadly serious. "I'm sorry, Ricky, a stake? Is this some sort of game?" Ricky's shoulders slumped as he shook his head. He looked straight into Santa's eyes. "No, a vampire is eating my sister." "Um, okay Ricky. Santa will see what he can do." The young boy nodded happily, gave Santa a heartfelt hug, and then jumped off his knee, candy cane in hand. As Abe watched the family go, he wondered why he didn't say more. The rest of the shift flowed past. But as it did, Ricky's words kept floating up in his brain. "A vampire is eating my sister."