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“Saint,” I said, as Roman and Ruger opened the gate.
He was a tall man with blond hair sprinkled with white and blue eyes with a full beard. When I first started helping on Christmas Eve, he always reminded me of a Viking Santa. A very hot older Viking Santa whose lap I would have never minded getting on.
“Do you have my gifts?” he asked.
“Yes, would you like to sample them?”
“That won’t be necessary,but my men need to check the truck. I would also like a word with you, Noelle,” Saint said.
I nodded. The triplets glared at Saint as I shook my head at them. They didn’t need to piss off this man.
As our crews left us alone, I expected him to start talking right away. The silence was annoying and unnerving. Just as I was about to say something, he spoke.
“I was surprised you took the reins from Kris,” he said. “I really shouldn’t be, the asshole was so high and drunk last year that if you hadn’t stepped up, the deal would have fallen through.”
“That was how Kris was most of the time,” I said, as snow started to fall. “Ruling the town within an inch of his life.”
“Until a girl he captured had had enough,” he smirked. “I was proud that you killed him and took over. He needed to go, and you were already running the place. I hoped that the Mayor would let you run it. You seem to be doing well for yourself.”
I huffed.
“Am I wrong?” he asked.
“Five days ago, I was locked away by people who said they cared about me while people were fighting for control of my town,” I scoffed. “It doesn’t feel like I’m doing so well.”
“Is it true, you have the men of Halloween under your thumb?”
I laughed. “If you think anyone could bring those men to their knees then you’ve been misled.”
“Oh, young Noelle, men are simple creatures,” he said, turning to look at me. “Sometimes stupid, but very simple.”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “Surely you aren’t lumping yourself in with that sentiment?”
He chuckled. “Sometimes, but back to King and Boogie.”
I rolled my eyes. “Please don’t tell me they have enlisted your help too.”
“Sometimes we need to band together, and while I don’t condone their methods to keep yousafe, I will say King and Boogie?—”
I held my hand up. “I can’t believe they reach out for your help, Saint.”
He chuckled. “King called and he pleaded with me to put in a good word. I also owe him for saving my wife and our lover.”
“For a moment I thought this was going to be something good for our relationship, but I can see Boogie and King have to also sabotage that,” I said sternly. “You can tell them you made your plea for them, but I really don’t want to hear it. Now if you have something to say about business, I’m open to talk about it, but if not, I’ll be taking my leave.”
Saint took a deep breath as I steeled myself for some kind of rebuttal
“I see they have their work cut out for them,” he grinned. “I think you are doing a remarkable job and that’s all I have to say. Keep up the good work. I’ll see you in July.”
He nodded, turned and left for his car.
“Oh, and Noelle?”
He looked over his shoulder.
“If you ever have anyone else give you a hard time, give me a call. My wife would love to help you out,” he said, leaving me with more questions than answers, but I felt good about standing up for myself.
I watched Saint’s men take the truck as my men came back to me. I might not be the leader I imagined myself to be, but it was a start and that’s all I needed to focus on.
