By Timothy Lantz

“You’re not gonna shoot him, are you mister?”

Clarence froze at the sound of the kid’s voice, his finger twitching ever so slightly on the trigger. He looked into the eyes of the man in the Santa suit he had pinned against the wall with his left hand. They were pleading, sad eyes, turned away from his harsh gaze.

“No kid, Santa and me are just gonna have a little talk see?” He tried to sound reassuring, but there was a hint of anger in his voice that kept him from sounding genuine. He tightened his grip on Santa’s collar, forcing his hand against the man’s throat. “Isn’t that right?”

Santa coughed out weakly. “Yeah, we’re just talkin’. You run home and... and I’ll see you Christmas Eve, okay kid?”

Clarence looked down at the boy. He was seven, maybe eight years old. His coat was a threadbare collection of patchwork that was too small for his thin frame.

“But Santa, you know I ain’t got any home.”

Clarence’s face was turning red. “Look kid, Santa’s busy alright. Scram!”

“Easy, Clarence. He’s just a kid,” whispered Santa.

Clarence turned and looked him in the eye. “You think I can’t see that Benny? I know it’s a fucking kid for chrissakes.” He eased his grip and then slammed Benny in the throat causing him to hit his head on the brick wall. “This is all your fault.”

He lowered the gun and stepped away, moving a few steps in the direction of the kid. “If you ain’t got no home, where do you sleep?”

The kid pointed to a small stack of crates at the far end of the alley.

“Ho ho ho,” chuckled Benny.

Clarence gave Benny a stern look, then turned back to the kid. “You sleep here? In this alley?”

The kid nodded.

“I don’t believe this,” muttered Clarence.

Benny rubbed the back of his head. “When’s the last time you had something to eat?”

Clarence turned on Benny, his eyes burning holes right through him. The kid just shrugged.

“How about a nice big Christmas dinner? Huh? How’s that sound? Santa’s treat.”

The kid’s face lit up. “Really?”

“Now Benn... Santa, you’re a busy man. I don’t think you have time for this.”

Benny smiled as he laid his middle finger along side his nose. “Of course I do, Santa always has time for the children.”

Clarence walked over and leaned close to Benny’s face. “Don’t think for one moment that this little elf is going to save your ass.”

“Look, you want the money, you play along.”

“If you’re up to something...”

“What? Huh? What are you going to do? Shoot me? That kid’s seen your face Clarence. Think about it. Are you going to kill him too?”

Clarence bristled at the thought. He was a hard man, who had made a lot of tough decisions in his life. You don’t become the kind of man who carries a gun without having the willingness to use it. Killing double-crossers like Benny was no big deal, but killing children, that was something he wasn’t prepared to do. “Alright, we play this your way. But don’t push it.”

“Great,” bellowed Benny. He strode over to the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll take Santa’s car. It’s just around the corner.” He glanced back at Clarence, flashing a broad grin.

“Great,” mocked Clarence under his breath.

***

A well traveled, blue and white Cadillac sat alongside the curb. Unlike the other cars up and down the street, the snow had been cleared from the windshield recently. Only the light dusting of wind swept snow remained.

Benny stopped next to the car and fished in his pocket for the keys. The small boy frowned as he looked at the vehicle.

“What’s a matter kid?” Barked Clarence.

“I just thought...”

“The sleigh?” Benny asked as he unlocked the passenger car door.

”Yeah,” said the boy sheepishly.

“I only use that Christmas Eve, the Reindeer need their rest. It’s a big job traveling all over the world in one night.”

Clarence rolled his eyes, but the kid seemed to accept it. He climbed inside the passenger side door. Clarence shook his head as he waited for Benny to move into the driver’s seat then climbed into the back.

As Benny fired up the engine, the radio clicked on. “Police are still on the lookout for two men accused of robbing the downtown branch of...”

“How about a little Christmas music?” Benny tuned the dial to another station. Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, Ring ting tingling too... “There, that’s better.” He glanced up into the rear view mirror catching sight of Clarence’s scowl.

The car pulled away from the curb and Clarence sat observing the kid. The boy was shaking, his body trying to stay warm. The vinyl seat covering held the chill of the cold air and the kid’s ill-fitting jacket was obviously providing little resistance. He leaned forward over the seat. “You got a name kid?”

“Yes sir. It’s Casey.”

“Casey? What kind of name is that?”

“It’s Irish,” stated Benny.

“Irish?”

“Yeah, just like Clarence.”

Clarence eased back into the seat, his mind turning over that fact. “Well I ain’t never heard of no one named Casey, other than Casey Jones. You ain’t Casey Jones are you kid?”

“No sir, just Casey.”

“Just Casey. Well who give you that name then huh?”

“Mother Muriel.”

“Your mother?”

“No, Mother Muriel, at St. Joseph’s. She gave me the name. I don’t have a real mother.” The kid shivered as a sudden chill wracked his frame.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy, And comfy cozy are we, We're snuggled up together, Like two birds of a feather would be...

“Jesus Santa, turn the friggin’ heat on would ya. Casey here is shakin’ like he got the DTs.”

Benny reached over and turned the heater on. “You cold son?”

“A little.”

“It’s cause you ain’t dressed proper for this weather. How’d you like a new coat for Christmas?”

“If it’s all the same Santa, I’d rather have the Christmas dinner.”

“And you shall. I promised you dinner didn’t I? We’ll just make a quick stop.”

Clarence cleared his throat. “You think we have time for that Santa?”

“We have all the time in the world Clarence. Besides, it just won’t due for young Casey to not have a proper coat. Why he’s hardly dressed at all. How are we going to find a nice diner with him dressed like that?”

Clarence pulled his coat close around him and stewed.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, Ring ting tingling too, Come on, it's lovely weather, For a sleigh ride together with you...

***

It was nearly six o’clock when Benny found a small tailor shop that was still open. He pulled the car to a stop and cut the engine.

“We’ll just pop in here and get you a new coat, then we’ll go have our big dinner. Okay?”

The kid’s eyes were lit up like the star on top of a Christmas tree. Even Clarence couldn’t help smiling a little at the sight, but he quickly remembered that there was business at hand. He pushed open his car door and waited for Benny to get out.

As the driver-side door opened, he grabbed Benny by the collar and pulled him out of the car. “What the hell is this?”

“Relax. I have a plan.”

“A plan? It was your plan that got us into this mess in the first place remember.”

“Let me get the kid squared away and I’ll fill you in.” He placed his hand on Clarence’s arm. “Trust me.”

“Never.” He let go of Benny’s collar. “But I’ll wait to hear this plan.”

Casey came around the side of the car. He gave Clarence a disapproving look.

“What? Quit looking at me like that.”

“Come along Casey,” stated Benny. “Let’s get you that new coat.” He placed his hand on Casey’s shoulder and led him inside the shop.

Clarence stood silently and watched them enter. He took a quick glance up and down the quiet street. A light snow was beginning to fall. He shook the powder from his coat and followed them inside.

***

The man behind the counter was a short, thin man with a pointed nose and equally pointed expression. Upon seeing Casey, he immediately frowned. The fact that Benny was wearing a ten dollar Santa suit, didn’t help matters any.

“Can I help you?” He seethed.

Benny leaned over the counter and got in the man’s face. “Look mack, this here is my sister’s kid. She’s been having a rough go of it lately.” He motioned a quick swig from an imaginary bottle. “You get my meaning? I promised to take the little nipper for awhile, at least till she can get back on her feet. Problem is, he ain’t got any clothes. Nones decent anyway. I want you to set him up.” Benny flashed a wad of bills in the man’s face.

The cash had the necessary effect and the man quickly made his way around the counter. “Right away sir, let’s see what we can do.” He took Casey by the arm and pulled him toward a back room.

“See if you can’t clean him up a bit too while you’re at it.” Benny shouted after them.

Clarence stood quietly behind him until the man was out of sight. “Alright, let’s hear it.”

Benny smiled. “You heard the radio?”

“Yeah. What of it?”

“Every cop in this city is looking for us. There’s no way we can get out of town.”

“Thanks to you.”

Benny sighed. “Let me finish.”

Clarence shut up and nodded for him to continue.

“By ourselves we’re a dead give away see. The cops are looking for two guys. Splitting up is out of the question because I know you’ll do something stupid and get caught.”

“Hey! It’s your fault that they’re even looking for us to begin with.”

Benny shrugged. “Beside the point, I just don’t trust you not to squeal. Just like I’m sure you don’t trust me.”

“So?”

“So, we take the kid with us out of town. Use him as a cover to get us past any road blocks. It’s perfect, they cops surely won’t think twice if we have a kid with us.”

“That is the stupidest thing I ever heard.”

“What?”

“We’re already in it for a bank heist and now you want to add kidnapping?”

“It ain’t kidnapping. He came with us willingly. Besides, he’s an orphan, ain’t nobody even gonna know he’s missing.”

“I don’t like it.”

“You got a better idea?”

“No. But I still don’t like it. What about the kid? What are you gonna do with him once we clear town?”

“Hell, I don’t know. I got a sister in Cleveland. We can dump him off there.”

“Cleveland?”

“You got a problem with Cleveland?”

“No, it’s just... Well, what if Casey don’t want to go to Cleveland?”

Benny just looked at him incredulously.

Casey and the tailor emerged from the back room. The boy was cleaned up and wearing a brand new set of clothes. The tailor had a small suitcase in his hands.

“I took the liberty of putting the rest of the things in this bag. I hope that’s okay.”

“It’s fine.”

Clarence looked Casey over. The boy actually looked human now and he liked this plan even less. He caught sight of a small hat rack at the rear of the shop. “Don’t forget a hat. A young boy needs a hat in this weather.”

Benny and the tailor both looked at him. He ignored their stares and walked over to the hat rack. “Come over here and pick out hat Casey.”

Casey looked up at Benny, who nodded his approval, and then walked over to the rack with Clarence. Together they picked through hats to find the right one.

***

The snow was falling faster as they pulled away from the tailor shop. Benny switched on the wipers and looked up into the rear view mirror. Casey was now all alone in the back seat. His new suitcase full of clothes sat beside him. He was quietly looking out the window at the passing streets.

Clarence, likewise, sat looking out his passenger side window.

Benny broke the silence. “Well I don’t know about you two, but Santa’s pretty hungry. How about it Casey? You ready for the Christmas dinner?”

Clarence looked into the back seat and saw Casey listlessly looking out the window.

“Yes sir,” he stated with little enthusiasm.

Benny didn’t seem to notice his lack of interest and kept right on going. “Good, I know a place that serves the best Turkey in Lake City. We’ll be there in just a short while.”

Clarence, however, noticed Casey’s demeanor. He was starting to get worried. Perhaps Benny was right and this plan would get them clear, but that didn’t make him feel any better about it. He faced forward again and reached for the radio. Maybe some music would clear his head.

Bless all the dear children, In thy tender care. And take them to heaven, To be with thee there...

Or maybe it wouldn’t.

***

A half-hour later, Benny pulled the Cadillac into a small service station. Clarence gave him a questioning look.

“Need to gas up before we hit the Interstate, and I gotta get out of this suit.” He rolled the window down as the attendant hurried over to the car.

“Rough night to be out driving.”

“Tell me about. Just fill it up okay.”

“Sure thing. You want I should check the oil?”

“Nah, don’t trouble yourself. I could use the restroom though.”

“Help yerself.”

“Thanks.”

Benny turned and caught sight of Casey looking at him. “Casey, it just ain’t right for people to be seeing Santa out traveling around so close to Christmas. I’m gonna go into the restroom and put on a disguise. That way people won’t know who I am.”

Casey frowned. “But...”

“Now I know what you’re thinkin’, but trust me it’s for the best. See I’m actually out here checking up on people. There’s a few on the naughty list that still have a chance and well, I’d like to give ‘em an opportunity to make good. But if they see me as Santa, they’ll sure as nothing put on a good act. You follow me?”

Casey just sat there.

“Good.” He turned to Clarence. “I’ll be right back.” Without another word he threw open the door and headed off toward the station.

Clarence sat silently watching him through the passenger window, when a sudden tapping on the glass startled him. He looked up seeing the smiling face of the attendant and quickly lowered the window.

“That’ll be three twenty-five. You wanna pay or should I wait?”

“No, you get yourself back inside where it’s warm.” He handed the man a five dollar bill.

The attendant made change and then wished him a “merry Christmas” before hurrying back inside.

Clarence turned to see Casey watching him.

“He’s not really Santa is he?”

Clarence felt a lump in his throat. He tried to think of some smooth talk, some fancy story like Benny might tell, but he had nothing. He wasn’t especially fond of lying to begin with – a matter of personal pride which got him in trouble more often than not – and lying to this kid seemed all the more wrong. “No. He isn’t.” He looked out toward the station and saw Benny making his way back to the car. “His name is Benny and he’s a lousy con-man. But he’ll keep his word to you. He bought you those fancy new clothes and he’ll buy you the big Christmas dinner just like he said.”

Casey’s eyes started to well up. Clarence felt his heart ache. “Look Casey, I know this doesn’t seem right, but I promise you I won’t let nothing happen to you. Okay?” He tried to smile.

Casey sniffled.

Clarence reached over the seat and straightened Casey’s hat. “You’ll be okay kid.” He winked, as Casey stifled the sobs.

Another tap on the glass.

Clarence spun round to find Benny leaning down, looking in the passenger window. He rolled down the glass.

“What?”

“Open the trunk, I’m gonna throw this suit inside.”

“Alright, make it snappy.”

Clarence rolled up the window and then reached over and found the trunk release.

Benny walked to the back of the car and waited as the trunk sprung open. Inside, he placed the Santa suit in a small plastic bag. Then as quick as his hands could move he pulled a small .38 from out of a canvas bag he had tucked beneath the spare tire. He slipped the gun inside his jacket with his left hand as he closed the trunk with his right. He hoped he had pulled off the maneuver quick enough that Clarence wouldn’t take any notice. Through the rear window, he caught sight of the back of Clarence’s head. Seemingly, he had pulled it off.

He resisted the urge to pat his pocket in triumph as he slipped round to the driver’s door and piled inside.

“Alright, let’s blow.”

***

“When are we gonna eat?”

Benny glared at Clarence. “What? Are you hungry?”

“As a matter a fact, I am. And you promised Casey too.”

“Just as soon as we get on the Interstate. There’s a little roadside I know. Food’s better just about anything you’d get in town.” He glance at Casey through the rearview. “How you holding up son? Everything okay back there?”

Casey shifted nervously as he spotted Benny’s eyes on him in the mirror. “Yes sir,” he uttered.

Benny noticed the kid’s uneasiness and tried to smile. “Just a few more minutes and you’ll be having more turkey than you’ve ever seen.”

Casey offered a weak smile back at Benny.

Clarence could feel the tension between the two. He shifted in his seat so he could see the both of them. “My aunt used to make the best turkey dinner in all of Lake City. Why kids from 5 blocks away used to come play on our street whenever she cooked. Just so as they could smell what she had on the stove. Her pumpkin pie was always my favorite. How about you Casey? You have a favorite?”

Casey turned away from Benny’s gaze to look at Clarence. “Stuffing. I like the stuffing the best.”

“Better than pie?”

“We had pies all the time, but we only got stuffing on Christmas.”

Clarence watched as Benny eased up and returned to eyeing the road. “Well I’m sure they’ll have stuffing at the diner. You can have as much as you want.” He turned back to look out the windshield. “Won’t be long...”

Ahead, were the unmistakable flashing red lights that could only mean one thing. There was a roadblock.

Clarence turned to look Benny in the face.

“Relax. Just be calm, let me do the talking.”

Clarence felt his pulse race. He looked back at Casey who was just now seeing the red lights. He tried to hide his concern and pulled his hat low as he sunk into his seat.

“Casey,” stated Benny. “There are some policemen up ahead. We can’t give away Santa’s secret.”

Casey looked imploringly at Clarence, who nodded his agreement and whispered that everything would be okay.

“It is important for you to stay quiet and let Santa do the talkin’. Understand?”

Casey nodded.

“Alright.”

Benny pulled the car to a stop and lowered his window. A tall police officer walked slowly over to the car. He was dressed in a heavy winter coat and had a rain slick draped over his hat. In his hand was a bright silver flashlight. He swept the beam inside the car stopping once on each occupant.

“Something I can do for you officer?” Benny asked politely.

“This your car sir?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Can I see your licence and registration please?”

“Sure thing.” Benny reached for his wallet and pulled out his licence. He handed it to the officer. “Hand me the registration from the glove box.” He ordered Clarence.

Clarence opened it up and found the paperwork.

“Lousy night for travel, where are you headed?”

“Just heading to my sister’s. My nephew was in for a visit and we’re taking him home.”

The officer shined his light on Casey once again, then back to Benny as Clarence passed over the registration.

“I’m going to have to run these. It’ll only take a minute.”

Clarence’s eyes grew wide as he looked at Benny.

“Is that really necessary officer?”

“I’m afraid...”

“Uncle Benny, are we almost home yet?”

Everyone froze at the sound of Casey’s voice, especially Clarence, who knew he was going to hear it when Benny found out that he had told Casey the truth.

The officer looked down at the licence, then back at Benny. “Well, I guess it’d be okay.” He handed the documents back to Benny. “You folks move along and be careful, this weather is supposed to keep up all night.”

“Thank you officer.” Stated a relieved Benny. “And you have a pleasant holiday.”

“You too,” stated the officer as he stood back and waved them on. He was already heading for the next car as Benny pulled away.

“Whew, that was close huh Santa?” Stated Clarence.

Benny said nothing, but he gave Clarence a look that would have humbled the devil.

***

The snow continued to fall heavily as they motored down the Interstate. Visibility had become an issue and they were making little time as the slick roads kept them from going too fast. It had been several hours however since they’d seen another car or any sign of civilization. Casey had fallen sound asleep in the back.

By ten o’clock, despite Benny’s promise, they still hadn’t stopped for dinner. Clarence knew better than to say anything though, but finally after having passed nothing resembling a roadside diner. He could stay silent no longer.

“That place you mentioned, is it much further?”

Benny, still fuming, glared at him. “We’ll stop when I’m ready.”

“When’s that gonna be?”

“When I say so. Not a moment sooner.” As if to further punctuate his point, he stepped on the gas. It was a bad move. The car began to swerve wildly on the icy road.

Benny fought the wheel, bringing the sliding car under control but not before the rear tire scraped the edge of the highway. A loud pop, followed by a pulsating thud, spelled out doom in no uncertain terms. They had a flat.

Benny turned to give Clarence an earful when suddenly the spinning car struck something. It hit hard throwing Casey forward against the back of the seat. He awoke shaken, startled, but otherwise okay. Clarence wasn’t quit as fortunate. He had hit his forehead off the dash, cutting his temple above his right eye. It wasn’t deep but the blood was flowing freely. Benny meanwhile, had smacked his head off the steering wheel and now lay unconscious. The car continued it’s slide, finally coming to a halt in the middle of the two lane Interstate.

Clarence’s first thought was of Casey. He looked back to see the frightened kid staring dumbly but otherwise alright. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and held it to his head. “You okay Casey?”

Still dazed, Casey nodded.

“Alright, you sit tight. Everything’s gonna be okay.”

Clarence reached out a hand and pulled Benny back from the wheel. His nose looked broken, but he was still breathing. Given the mood Benny was likely to be in when he woke, secretly Clarence wasn’t so sure that his state wasn’t a good thing. Then came the realization that they were still on the Interstate. While he hadn’t seen so much as a single car in hours, it was a bad idea to just sit out in the middle of the road like this, especially with the visibility so poor. He rolled down his window and took stock of the situation. From what he could see, it really didn’t seem so bad, though he couldn’t tell what it was that they had hit.

He turned back to Casey one more time. “I’m gonna check out the car. Don’t move.” He then opened the door and stepped outside.

First he looked back and saw the rear tire. As expected it was flat and now pulled from the rim. It looked changeable though and could have been worse. For that at least he was thankful.

As he started to move around the car, he became aware that the engine was still running – another small miracle, for which he offered a silent prayer.

The front of the car was heavily dented and now he saw the cause of the damage. The remains of a deer lay splattered across the road. Clarence couldn’t believe the odds. Not only had they blew a tire but hitting the deer at the same time? It was enough to make him laugh and he wanted to, only laughing increased the throbbing in his head.

Acting quickly, he pulled open the driver’s side door and found that Benny was still out. Reaching around the man, he shifted the car into neutral and pointed the wheel toward the side of the road. He then moved to the rear of the car and started pushing.

It was rough going and his feet kept slipping out from under him but after a couple of rocks to and fro, he got the vehicle lumbering slowly off toward the side of the road. When he was sure it was safely out of the middle of the highway, he leaned against the car, resting against the bumper. Hopefully, there would be a jack and a spare in the trunk.

He dabbed his head again with the handkerchief. The blood seemed to be flowing more. “Probably a result of the exertion,” he mused. In his ears he could hear the pounding still. He was going to have to rest before he changed the tire. He turned to look back inside the car to find Casey pounding on the back window. The noise wasn’t in his head after all.

Clarence spun around quickly to find Benny standing there, the .38 in his hand was shaking, but pointed clearly at his midsection.

“Benny?”

“End of the road Clarence.”

“What are you sayin?”

“This,” Benny waived his free hand around in the air, “is all your fault. You been blaming me for what happened on the job, and I ain’t sayin’ you didn’t have a point. But this,” he paused. “This is all on your head.”

“You’re talkin’ crazy Benny. That hit on the head must have rattled you.”

“No Clarence. I’m seeing everything clearly. You told the kid didn’t you.”

“Benny... please. He’s just a kid. He ain’t gonna say nothin’.”

“I know he won’t. You know how I know?”

“You can’t... he’s just a kid Benny. I won’t let you.”

“I know and I almost feel bad about it... almost.”

“Benny after all this time... you’re gonna shoot me?”

“Don’t give me that crap! You were gonna’ plug me in that alley.”

“I wasn’t...”

“That’s the thing about you Clarence. You’re so pent up about lying that even when you have to do it, your heart ain’t in it.”

“So you’re just gonna pull the trigger, right here on the road?”

“Of course not, I’m not a fool.” He threw the keys at Clarence’s feet. “You have a tire to change first.”

Clarence frowned, but he didn’t have much choice. Besides if he played along, it would keep him alive for another few minutes. Maybe he could find an opening.

“It’s not getting any warmer out here. Unless you want me to start with the kid, I suggest you decide pretty quick.”

That was too much, he couldn’t stand the thought of Casey being hurt, especially since it was his willingness to follow Benny’s plan that got the kid into this in the first place. Why the hell did he ever listen?

He bent low and scooped up the keys.

“That’s a good boy.”

Clarence turned and caught sight of Casey in the back seat. It was tearing him up to think about what Benny would do to the kid once he was no longer there to hold him off. Better to try and take him down quick, maybe if he got the drop he could overpower him, get his own gun into play. He opened the trunk and took stock of the contents. Besides the spare, there was a jack, a small toolbox, a plastic bag and a canvas sack full of money. It had been the money that started this whole thing. His greed had finally led him to this point, and now as he looked down at the bag it all seemed so absurd. His life and that of a small child, would soon be forfeit and for what? A lousy bunch of paper.

Clarence pulled the spare tire out and set it down on the ground. He chanced a look at Benny, who stood smiling. The gun was still pointing at him. The distance was five feet, not very good odds if he chose to rush him. But then something caught his eye. Behind Benny, and to his left, stood Casey. The kid had something in his hand, but what?

It was Clarence’s gun. He knew instantly as his hand felt for it’s weight in his pocket. He tried to catch Casey’s eye, to wave him off. He shook his head and shouted.

Surprised, Benny turned to see Casey holding the gun on him.

It was the opening Clarence was hoping for. He dove into Benny and the two men tumbled into the snow.

The move frightened Casey and he dropped the gun to the ground.

There was a sudden crack as two gunshots erupted, their bark muffled by the air full of heavy snow.

***

“That’s some shiner you got there mister.”

Clarence looked up at the waitress and smiled. “Hit a deer. I smacked my head on the wheel.”

The girl winced. “Terrible night to be driving, where you headed?”

Clarence looked across the table at Casey, a smile forming on his lips. “Home I suppose.”

“Home? Well you two be more careful. Can I get you anything else before you leave?”

“Yeah, bring the kid another plate of stuffing.”