Page 12 of Garr

“Are you okay, Grip? Are you lonely? I mean, I know that some of the other ghosts have found their loves. What about you?”

“I had my love, and I hid him away like a secret prize,” frowned Grip. “I should have introduced him to everyone and had a life with him. A good life.”

“But you did have a good life, and thanks to you, he’s having a good life now as well.” Grip nodded.

“Yes. Yes, he is, and I am happy for him and Miguel. I promise I am.”

“But you want something for yourself as well?”

“Maybe. I tell you what, if you come across any middle-aged, gay ghosts, send them my way. I’m always around.”

“I’ll do that,” chuckled Garr. “Hey, Grip? Thanks for keeping an eye on her. If she needed you, if she needed help, you can touch others like the rest of them, right?” Grip stared at the young man, walking slowly toward him. He lifted his big, wide palms, gently settling them on the bare flesh of Garr’s shoulders. He squeezed and nodded.

“If she needed me, I would die a second time, Garr.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

“We’ve got a lot of children this year that need us,” said Matthew, looking across the table at Irene, Ruby, Sven, George, and Mary. Claudette and Jake were preparing lunch for everyone, but they would be in soon enough.

“We’ve always got a lot of children that need us,” smiled Ruby. “We’ll manage, Matthew.”

“There are more this year, and I don’t like it. Children without their folks, without siblings. Children in trouble. We’ve got adults in trouble. It’s gonna be a busy night.”

“Tell us what to do, and we’ll do it,” said Sven. “I know how to drive reindeer.” They all chuckled, nodding at the big man.

“Maybe get Grip involved,” said Irene.

“Grip?” frowned Matthew.

“He’s been feelin’ down lately, and I’m not sure why. I want him to get out more. See somethin’ other than all of us.”

“He is free to go off the grounds,” said Matthew. “They all are, technically. They’re not prisoners here. I think Grip is afraid that if he leaves, he won’t be able to get back. Maybe you’re right. Maybe he needs to get off the property and see other things, other people.”

“He was always a good, protective soul. I think that’s what he needs to do. Protect.”

“This could be a good opportunity for him,” said Sven. “I’ll speak with him and see if he can check on a few of these homes for us late at night. Give him a job to do.”

“Good. That’s good,” nodded Matthew. “What about the animals? How are they doing out there on their island?”

“They’re just fine, my darling,” said Irene, kissing his cheek. “They’re happy, and the boys are starting to come around to all of them. Even your eldest son.”

“He’s your eldest too,” laughed Matthew. “He is a stubborn one, but he makes me so proud. How about the food baskets?”

“We got that taken care of,” said George. “Me and Mary have been workin’ with Claudette and Jake. More than seven thousand this year. Lots of folks needin’ a helpin’ hand, and we’re gonna give it to them.”

“Where are they being stored? The Sugar Lodge isn’t big enough for all of those,” said Ruby.

“Don’t you worry,” smiled George. “We’ve got them secure and safe in a temperature-controlled holdin’ cell. They’re all good.”

“I trust you, George,” laughed Ruby. “We’ve got twelve more families to buy for. I think we need to head into town and pick up the rest of what we need and get those wrapped.”

“Sounds like a plan,” said Matthew. “We’ll have one of the boys drive us, and another bring the extra SUV for all the packages.”

Although everyone was busy, Luke sent his brothers with the older folks to get their shopping done. Carl, Ben, and Adam were grateful for what they considered easy duty. Following the elderly people around the mall should be an easy task.

It was not.

“Grandma! Grandma, wait up!” yelled Adam.

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