Holiday Spirits Read online

  For a moment, I flashed back to when my lanky boy was little as Kip threw his arms around my waist and rested his head on my chest.

  “Mom, I’m sorry. I really don’t want to disappoint you.”

  “I know, my Kipling. I’m not going to pretend to be okay with what you’ve done, but you’re a good boy at heart, and I want you to grow into a good man. I love you, and I believe in you.”

  Another moment and he reluctantly let go, and once again he was the lanky preteen, testing boundaries, and trying to find his own way in the world. Feeling like I was shutting the door on the past, I ruffled his hair, motioning for him to follow me downstairs.

  “Kip, wait with Joe. I don’t want any chance of that creature getting loose and coming up here while you’re alone.”

  “’K. Mom?”

  “Yes?”

  “Do you think Joe’s sorry he married you? Not ’cause of you but…because of what I did?” Again, his voice was tinged with fear.

  “No, Kipling. I don’t think that at all. In fact, Joe thinks the world of you, and he wants to be a good stepfather. Come on, now. Let’s go down there so I can kick ass on Santa’s evil twin.”

  That elicited a laugh from him and we headed down the stairs as the doorbell rang.

  MAEVE BLEW THROUGH the door like a storm, holding a large bag to her chest. A tall woman, she was slender but sturdy, and she was wearing a green Christmas sweater, embroidered with calico kittens playing with ornaments. Her black slacks were neat and tidy. Everything about Maeve always looked pulled together. Her boots—sensible black galoshes—came off at the door, revealing a pair of green ballerina flats.

  “Good evening, Emerald,” she said, blowing a quick air-kiss my way. “And hello, Kipling. You’re certainly getting taller, aren’t you?” Without missing a beat, she fluttered into the living room, greeting Joe warmly as she emptied the bag on the coffee table. There was a box of chocolates, wrapped in a bow, along with a bottle of rosemary vinegar that she had made.

  “Chocolates for the family, and vinegar for your windowsill to protect the house.” She also set out a jar of pale rose-colored water, along with a sprig of holly and a beautiful silver dagger. “These are to take care of your unwanted visitor.”

  I steered Kip over to Joe. “Don’t eat all the chocolates. Also, if anything gets out of hand, I want you to take Kip over to Horvald’s house.”

  “Sure thing, my lovely wife.” Joe winked at me and gave us a wave as we headed toward the basement.

  I still had my dagger on my belt, and I was wearing a protection amulet that Nanna had left me. Maeve was carrying her dagger, the rose water, and the holly sprig. She said nothing, simply followed me to the basement door. As I opened it, the scent of snow wafted up.

  “Krampus,” she said. “He carries the chill of winter with him. Unless, of course, you’ve developed a hole in your basement that magically lets the snow in.”

  “Somehow, I think we’d be better off if that were the case. No, it’s Krampus. I wonder why he appeared as Santa before showing me his real guise.”

  “Probably to lull you into thinking he wasn’t a threat. But Krampus can’t keep his identity hidden for long. He’s too egotistical for that. And too judgmental.”

  She went first, and she didn’t bother creeping down the stairs. I watched her nervously, as she just marched down the steps like she owned them. I followed her.

  “You can’t let them smell fear, Emerald. Remember that,” she said over her shoulder. “Creatures of evil can scent it out like pigs sniff out truffles.”

  At the bottom of the steps I looked around but couldn’t see Krampus and the elf anywhere. Maybe we had lucked out and they’d gotten bored? But no such luck, as the next moment, a roar echoed from the corner of the main chamber and Krampus leaped out from behind an old armoire, the elf following.

  Maeve shoved the rose water in my hand. “When he gets near enough, throw that on him. He hates all things that are connected with love. So you need to be thinking about how much you love your family, Emerald. How much you love Joe and the children. Love is Krampus’s downfall.”

  As the wight headed our way, looming darker and angrier than ever, I summoned up thoughts of Kip and how, even though he messed up a lot, I so much loved my son. And Randa, who would soon be on her way to college and how much I would miss her. And Joe, who had spun like a whirlwind into my life and upset the applecart in oh, so many wonderful ways.

  The elf was screaming now, “Go back! Go back up the stairs. I can’t hold him much longer.”

  It was then that I saw a chain attached to Krampus’s leg, a thin silver binding. The elf was holding the leash. “What are you? Who are you? How can you keep him in check?”

  Maeve gave me a look like I was crazy. They were getting closer and I really didn’t want to stick around, but I really wanted to know who the elf was.

  “I’m his jailor. The Holly King sent me over to keep an eye on Krampus, but my powers are limited. I try to keep him from making mistakes, but I can’t always control him. But you can call me the ghost of Jacob Marley if you want. Just get a move on! Go, before he gets free.” The elf’s cap jingled as he strained to hold the chain. I wanted to laugh, but one look at Krampus’s face put an end to my mirth.

  Just then, a noise on the steps alerted me. Krampus grunted, aiming his gaze up the stairs. I whirled around to see Kip standing there, eyes wide and fearful.

  “Kip, get out of here! Go back upstairs!”

  “Do as your mother says,” Maeve shouted. “You don’t want to be down here.”

  “But I started this. I know I did. I want to help!” Kip was crying, staring at the crazed spirit who was pulling against the leash. And then Krampus strained once more and the sound of breaking metal echoed through the basement.

  “No!”

  As Krampus broke free, his gaze focused on Kip, I threw the rose water on him and raced up the stairs to shield my son, dagger out and ready.

  Krampus had reached Maeve, who steadfastly held her dagger out, aimed directly at his heart. She lifted the holly sprig and began to chant.

  “By Holly Lord, by Snow and Ice,

  By love’s sweet water, by love’s sweet price,

  I banish you from house and home,

  Back to the depths from which you roam!”

  Her voice spiraled through the basement, ricocheting off the beams and drywall. The holly sprig began to glow as it burst into a shower of ice crystals, all shooting directly toward Krampus. He lurched around Maeve, trying to reach the stairs as I backed away, intent on protecting my son. Then, beside me, I felt a familiar presence. Nanna appeared, raising her hand. A silver light flashed from her palm to hit Krampus at the same time as Maeve’s ice crystals.

  The spirit swayed, roaring like a mad beast. The elf darted forward and slapped the chains on his leg again. Then, turning toward the wall, he traced a rune with his finger that I recognized as a protection symbol. Krampus turned on his keeper, but the elf was faster. With a blaze of light, he vanished, and the wight vanished along with him.

  The rune began to glow with a soft silver light.

  Maeve and I stared at one another. Nanna patted my arm, then Kip’s, and vanished. The basement began to shine, feeling comforting and protective again.

  “I think we broke the spell.” Maeve walked over to the rune and knelt by it. “Never wash this off. Recharge it every so often. But I do believe it will keep Krampus out of your house.” She glanced at Kip. “That is, unless somebody does something to invite him back in.”

  Kip shook his head. For once, my son was at a loss for words. I sent him back upstairs while Maeve and I poked around, making sure the basement was clear, but there was nothing hiding down here. Not even a mouse.

  Arm in arm, we headed up to the living room.

  “You know, Maeve, sometimes it would be nice to just have to worry about in-laws or what presents I’m going to buy my friends.�
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  She laughed, a rich, throaty laugh. “Oh, but my friend Emerald, it wouldn’t be nearly so much fun, now would it? Think of it this way: You actually got to meet Krampus, the fallen guard of the Holly King. How many people can say that?”

  I smiled, not answering. But as I put the kettle on for tea, I couldn’t help but wonder how many families had actually been visited by Krampus, and if their outcomes were as lucky as mine.

  MONDAY MORNING, WE showed up at the courthouse neatly dressed, with Todd at the helm. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and Kip was scared speechless. We were ushered into a small courtroom where Todd motioned for us to sit at the table on the right. The prosecutor was sitting at the other table along with Mrs. Standers. I looked around for Sly, but he was nowhere to be seen. A knot formed in my stomach. Had he taken a turn for the worse?

  “Kip, stay here. I want to talk to Todd privately.”

  Todd and I moved away to one side of the room.

  “Where’s Sly? I heard he was in the hospital, but I thought he might be out by now.”

  “Oh, he won’t be here. He’s being tried separately, since he was arrested on charges that include assault with a deadly weapon. But he’s still in the hospital, Emerald. He’s had a rough weekend. The prosecutor told me that the kid will recover, but he’s got an uphill battle against addiction.”

  “Is he a ward of the court now?”

  “No, actually. His grandmother is on her way from Oregon. She’ll be appointed his guardian since Katherine isn’t fit to manage right now. The grandmother’s already petitioned to take him back to Portland. She mentioned military school as an option. And if he gets sentenced to time, she’ll ask the court to transfer him to a Portland detention center. The judge will probably approve, given she’s taking such an active interest in his upbringing and this is Sly’s first offense. Well, not counting minor infractions.”

  “I see. I’m glad he has family to look after him.” I still felt like I had somehow failed the boy. I wasn’t his mother. I wasn’t his aunt. But he was my son’s best friend and as much as I disapproved of the friendship, Sly had needed more help than I ever realized.

  Todd met my gaze, holding it for a moment. “Emerald, you could never handle him. He would disrupt your family. You did everything you could. Let it go. Let him go. Sometimes, you just have to walk away. His grandmother is made of stern stuff.”

  I let out a long breath, nodding. “Yeah, I will. But it’s just so sad.”

  “Focus on Kip. Guide him through this and make sure he doesn’t follow in Sly’s footsteps.”

  “I think we’re on track with that.” I smiled then, glancing over at my son.

  We returned to the table as court got under way. Mrs. Standers was good to her word and explained how Kip had tried to stop Sly from hurting her, and how he volunteered to stay until the police got there.

  When the judge asked Kip if he had anything to say, Kip rose and faced Mrs. Standers.

  “I’m so sorry for what I did. I don’t have any excuse. I knew it was stupid. I knew it was wrong, but I was dumb. I didn’t think. I just did. I’m really sorry and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it better. I can clean your yard and help repair stuff.” He turned to the judge. “I let my mom and my stepdad down. Mrs. Standers is a nice lady. I’m sorry. I won’t ever do it again.” He straightened his shoulders. “I’ll do whatever I have to in order to make it right.”

  The judge stared at him. “So you plead guilty to vandalism and attempted burglary?”

  Todd gave Kip a nod.

  “Yes, sir. Your Honor. I do.”

  With pent breath, I waited as the judge stared at my son. Judge Weathers’s wife came into my shop now and then. We had never said much beyond pleasantries, but this man now held my son’s fate in his hands.

  “Kipling O’Brien, since this is your first offense, and you have shown both remorse and bravery in attempting to stop your cohort from using a weapon, I hereby sentence you to the following punishment. One: You will pay a fine in the amount of five hundred dollars to the county clerk. Two: You will pay restitution in the amount of one thousand, eight hundred, and twenty-two dollars to Mrs. Myrna Standers. Three: You will be responsible for completing two hundred and eight hours of community service, helping with meals for the homeless. You will serve this time at the Bridle Inn Shelter in increments of four hours per week. Four: You will not converse nor have contact with Sylvester Chase during the next two years, unless it’s for a school function, during which time you will be supervised. Five: You will also serve two years on probation. If you do nothing in that time to land yourself in court again, your record shall be expunged and cleared.”

  I let out my breath, so relieved I wanted to cry. Kip wasn’t going to have to serve time.

  Judge Weathers leaned forward and crooked his finger toward the witness box. “Step up here, young man. Right now.”

  Kip glanced at Todd and me. Todd nodded. Shaking—Kip was throwing off fear like a wet dog shaking off water—my son uneasily settled into the witness box. The judge motioned for him to face him, then leaned down, staring at him.

  “Your mother is a fine woman. Your stepfather is a fireman. A real hero. Look up to them as role models. Your friend Sly is headed down a dangerous path, and it’s one you do not want to travel. I don’t ever want to see you standing in front of me, in trouble, again. Do you understand me, Kipling?” Judge Weathers seemed to balloon into a massively powerful figure. He looked intimidating, that much was for sure.

  Kip nodded, eyes so wide he looked like an anime character.

  “Answer me, boy.”

  “Yes, Your Honor.”

  “You promise, on all you hold dear?” Again, the judge’s voice held an element of command that startled me.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Then return to your seat.”

  Once Kip was in his chair, the judge made certain the sentence was entered into record, and he dismissed the court. I sat there, thinking how lucky we were compared to what could have happened.

  TWO WEEKS LATER…

  The snow was falling again, and Randa and Kip were making a snowman in the front yard. Winter Solstice was a day away, and then Christmas a few days after that. We celebrated both—Yule as a family, and then Christmas when my parents came to town to visit the kids. We were waiting for Murray and Jimbo to show up. They were going to spend the evening playing board games with us. Murray was sporting a new diamond ring on her left ring finger, and Joe couldn’t wait to badger Jimbo about joining his ranks as an old married man.

  Sly had left for Portland, bound for a military boarding school that would be better for him than detention. Kip hadn’t been allowed to speak to him, but neither had he asked. Joe was in a walking cast, but we kept the wheelchair. When we were inside, the cast was fine, but the ice was thick and the snow deep, and a wheelchair was safer than him trying to walk with a cane or crutches.

  I was sitting by the bay window, watching the kids play in the deepening twilight. Joe slid behind me, leaning against my back as a fire crackled merrily in the hearth.

  Krampus had vanished. Maeve, Nanna, and I had broken his spell. But I couldn’t help but dwell on the spirit. He had so much anger and hatred locked within him.

  I was feeling a little melancholy, to be honest. Even though my shop’s business was booming, and everything seemed to be working just fine, it had been hard to surface after all the shocks of the past few weeks.

  “Are you okay, Em?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m feeling a little sad, and I’m not sure why.”

  “Missing Harlow?”

  I ducked my head. Harlow, my other best friend besides Murray, was on an overseas trip with her husband. Truth was, I did miss her, but that wasn’t the cause for my sadness.

  “Yes, but that’s not why. I guess it’s just that Randa’s going to be leaving in a year. How can I protect my daughter? She won’t even be eighteen an
d she’ll be hundreds of miles away at college. And Kip is growing so fast. I don’t expect we’ll see any more trouble out of him, not like what we’ve just been through, but he’s growing up, Joe. Pretty soon neither one of them will need me.”

  Joe laughed. “They’ll always need you, Em. There’s no telling where Randa will choose to go to college. Yes, she will eventually leave for Cal-Tech or some big fancy place, but we both know that she’ll always love you. And she’s going to do wonderful, incredible things. And Kip? He’s eleven. You’ve still got seven more years to hover over him and drive him crazy.”

  “Maybe so.” I paused. The thought hadn’t occurred to me earlier, and it sounded crazy, but I suddenly couldn’t think about anything else. “Joe, what do you think? We’ve only touched on the subject before, but do you want any children of your own?”

  He sat up straight, staring at me in the glow of the firelight. “Emerald O’Brien, are you asking what I think you’re asking?”

  I bit my lip. “I don’t know. I really don’t. But should we?” And then, as I looked at him, I could suddenly see them there, standing beside him, waiting for us to make up our mind. Twins. A boy and a girl, with Joe’s hair and my eyes. I didn’t want to say anything, didn’t want to break the spell or jinx it or prejudice him into making a decision.

  Joe took my hands. “I love you. You and me? We’re enough. But I also love Kip and Randa, and if you want to have a baby, I’ll happily change diapers and get up at two in the morning to feed her—or him. I’ll rub your back when it hurts, and get you pickles and ice cream when you have cravings.”

  As we sat there, in the light of the fire, I realized that we were on the brink of making a life-changing decision. “We could create a nursery down at the shop. One of the storage rooms.”