Page 17 of The Grinch Who Stole Orcmas

Joy’s face falls. “Evidence? But… we need these presents before Christmas.”

The officer shakes his head. “Doubt it, ma’am. That isn’t how the P.D. works.”

As Joy’s shoulders slump, I feel a strange ache in my chest. Damn it, I actually care about this. About the kids, about Christmas… Oh shit. I can’t deny, I care aboutJoy.

“We’ll figure something out,” I mutter as I follow one of the cops to give my statement.

An hour later, we pile into the SUV, a somber mood settling over us. As Thornn pulls away from the curb, Emma announces, “When they weren’t interviewing me, I did a Google search. That goon was right. Sykes is the head of the probation department, has been for the past fifteen years.”

She’s holding a laptop. Where did that come from?

Emma looks up and must see the shock on my face. “What? I always carry my laptop in my bag.” She pats the oversized purse that’s now near her feet.

Sarah leans forward. “So he’s using his position to blackmail parolees into committing crimes for him? Our truck full of toys was just in the wrong place at the wrong time?”

“Looks like it,” Emma nods. “Give me some more time to investigate this, but a truckload of computers isn’t penny ante, and those hoods said he had half a dozen more parolees doing his bidding. It sounds as though this is way bigger than a truckload of stolen toys.”

Her fingers are now flying over the keys.

A heavy silence falls over the car as we all process this information. Finally, Thornn speaks up. “So… what do we do now? Turn this information and our suspicions over to the police?”

Kam snorts. “The same police who are too busy to process evidence so kids can have Christmas presents? Fat chance they’ll go after someone high up in local government.”

“Yeah,” Thornn adds, “we all mentioned the Sykes connection during our interviews, not one of those police even wrote down our suspicions.”

“We could pursue it ourselves,” Joy’s tone is eager, as though she’s suggesting a new Christmas carol to listen to for days on end.

“And how do you propose we do that? We’re not exactly trained investigators. And…” I clap my lips shut before I scold her again for running out in front of those dangerous thugs. I’ve alreadysaid it, but my guts are still cramping at the thought of her getting gunned down in that shitty alley.

Emma’s face lights up. “Actually, I might have an idea. I hacked Sykes’s desktop calendar. He’s going to be at the Frost King Gala this weekend.”

Joy’s look of shock must mirror mine. “You hacked his desktop calendar? Emma, that’s way more serious than the street camera. I don’t want you to get into trouble over all this.” Joy’s look of shock morphs into concern for her new friend.

“In for a penny, in for a pound. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. If I’m careful, they can’t trace the hack back to me even if someone was trying to. Their security isn’t very good. He must feel really sure that no one is going to try to stop him.”

Joy still looks worried but nods her head for Emma to continue.

“The Frost King Gala? The charity event?” Sarah asks. “That’s perfect! We’re already going.”

Joy looks confused. “What’s the Frost King Gala?”

“It’s this big fancy fundraiser,” Emma explains. “This year the proceeds go to the Integration Zone. We all got tickets. EvenGrum, although he refused his pair. Had quite a few choice words about our human holiday. But, Grum,” she singsongs, “we still have your ticket,plus one.” She gives Joy a pointed look.

All eyes turn to me, and I feel my stomach sink. “Oh, no. No way. Do I look like the kind of guy who wears a tux?”

Joy’s eyes widen. “A tux? As in… a formal event?”

“Come on, Grum,” Kam needles. “You’d look dashing in a monkey suit.”

I bare my tusks at him. “I’d rather wear an actual monkey.”

“But think about it,” Joy says, her voice soft. “We could gather intel, maybe even confront Sykes…”

“Confront him?” I sputter. “Have you lost your mind? Again?”

Thornn chuckles. “Face it, buddy. You’re outnumbered.”

I look around the car, meeting five determined gazes. Even Sarah, usually the voice of reason, seems on board with this insane plan.

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