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The reindeer rose and fell. Santa’s arm fell and rose.

Alice turned to the Raskins and smiled a Cheshirish grin. She pulled back her shoulders with her chest out and stood tall. She tilted her head. “Get your cold weather coats. Christmas is going to come early. But first, we’re going to need some help from Ez.”

Chapter 14

Party Crashers

Max tugged on the leash as she explored the new scenery of The Coven Club bar. The patrons gawked and murmured amongst themselves as they clutched their drinks and observed the golden retriever winding her way through the crowd. Alice tugged on the leash to redirect her impulsive nose. After some protesting, Max relinquished and followed Alice, Carol, and Oliver through the crowd.

The Coven Club was well decorated for the season. Green garland wrapped the gold hand rails encircling the center pit. Gold and silver Christmas bulbs hung from the light fixtures. The floating instruments on the stage played soft jazz versions of Christmas carols. The waitstaff wore festive red Santa hats.

“Your dog can’t be in here,” a bartender yelled.

The crowd turned their attention to the offending party.

“She’s on the list,” Alice retorted.

The party crashers made their way through the crowds, weaving in and out of the patrons holding conversations. Alice led the Raskins toward Esmerelda Honeydew at the front of the club. She stood next to a tall, lanky man.

“First, you bring the dog into the library, and now into the club. You do know we have a strict, no animal policy in the club,” Ez said.

“This is an emergency,” Alice said.

“What an exquisite animal,” the man said with a high-class British accent.

Max hunched low. Her nose twitched, and the left corner of her lip snarled. She backed up and hid behind Alice’s legs. She peeked her head around and gave a low growl, which grew into a bark.

“Max, what’s gotten into you?” Alice said.

“Alice, this is Gavin Munteanu, Leader of the Vampiric Conclave,” Ez said with a motion of her hand.

Gavin was dressed in a simple black suit with a gray overcoat and cape. His black hair was slicked back with a thin mustache. He carried himself with the presence of authority, his shoulders pulled back and head held high. He wore black gloves and held a cane in one hand. Fixed atop the cane was a ruby jewel. He didn’t use the cane to keep his balance, instead, it was more of a fashion accessory. Gavin appeared to be a man out of time, belonging to a different age.

Gavin reached for Alice’s free hand, raised it, and kissed the top. “Esmerelda’s description of you is not as nearly as stunning as witnessing you in person.”

Alice pulled her hand away and scowled at the man.

“You mean he’s one of those vampires?” Carol asked.

Oliver strode up to the man, pulled his fist back, and with one motion, slugged him right on the jaw. Gavin reeled back, dropping his cane. He covered his mouth with his hands.

“Oliver!” Alice said.

The commotion stopped the music. All eyes focused on the party crashers.

“Alice! I can’t have people assaulting my guests,” Esmerelda yelled.

“It’s okay. It’s okay,” Gavin said as he rubbed his jaw. He collected his cane and stood tall again. “I may have deserved a punch to the jaw.”

“Damn right you do,” Oliver said.

“Oliver, will you calm down?” Carol said.

“No, I won’t. Those things killed our Hugo,” he responded.

Ez turned her attention to the crowd, commanding them with ease. “Folks. Folks. This is all a misunderstanding. Please go about your business. Next round is on me. Bartenders, stack them up. Please enjoy your evening.”

Ez snapped her fingers, and the instruments played their festive jazz music once more.