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One tie on the sidewalk Later I learned he started it because he was so angry about one, that they’d abandoned us

That was how he put it They abandoned us

He’s had that edge ever since their deaths, and now I can’t stop thinking about all the countless ways he could have gotten himself into trouble

I pull onmy sweatpants – and run down the hallway, head bowed just in case I run into any of the staff I’ve never hidden down here this late in thebefore I’m normally up before anybody arrives for work

Santa’s Wonderland is ja around from where Nick sits to the end of the red carpet and then spilling over it My gaze scans the scene for any sign of Kenny, but the mall is too crowded

Yet, I would recognize him I knoould

I take outmaybe he overslept, even if he hasn’t been late for this job once since he started And ever since I told hi out here, he’s been arriving even earlier, keen to eavesdrop for theabout him

But he’s not at the orphanage, I learn after a frantic half-minute on the phone He’s already left for work

So where the heck is he?

Suddenly I feel like I’ when I think about how stupid I was, goading hi out for him

I don’t even think about it as I barge through the line at Santa’s Wonderland Parents shootinginto my back as I makeet to the back of the line

I ignore the over to Nick

Thenoise, but I stare at Nick, stare hard

When he talks, it isn’t in Santa’s cheery tone, the one he’s been forcing ever since he started here

It’s his voice, deep and growly and ready for action

“What is it, Natalie?” he snarls “What’s going on?”

“It’s Kenny,” I tell hi, but he hasn’t e and I’m supposed to protect him I’m supposed to keep him safe and—”

Nick stands and reaches out for htly “We’ll find hiht now and find him Don’t worry, Natalie I meant it when I said I’d protect you – and your family, our family Come on”