Page 5 of A Raging Merry Christmas
“Nothing about elves whatsoever,” Cody added.
“A snowman doesn’t seem too bad,” Jared mused.
“Eight snowmen costumes coming up.” Harley began tapping on his phone.
“Hey, stop, look at that. And they come in big fucker sizes, order some of them,” I exclaimed, leaning over his shoulder and pointing at a picture.
“Nobody could say we disappointed Dad.” Aaron laughed as Harley placed the order.
“They’re being delivered to Grey,” Harley said. “We don’t want the nosey fucks around here finding out what we’re up to.”
“Nope, because they will fuck us up. Order the elf costumes because some idiot will have to wear them,” Grey suggested.
“We better make some back-up plans,” I added, glancing around. “Because without us, this will go to hell in a handbasket.”
“With that lot? Damn right. Thank Christ, we’ve got years of experience on them,” Cody agreed.
The eight of us conspirators swapped glances, and all high-fived before laughing. Payback was a bitch, and for once, the prospects would win over the brothers.
Cody
“Mom? Have you seen Mrs Ames?” I called as I exited the hallway.
“She’s having a break before the stampede,” Mom shouted back.
“Thanks,” I replied and walked into the kitchen. I poured a cup of tea and one mug of coffee and headed to the small lounge that Mrs Ames liked to use.
The Ames’s had full access to everything in the house and the estate and were regarded as family. If they wished to eat with us, they could. If they wanted to use the sauna, pool room, or bowling alley, they were welcome to. Security staff living on site were treated similarly.
“Cody, what do I owe this pleasure to?” Mrs Ames questioned as I entered and found her.
“Christmas, Mrs Ames. Have you heard what’s happening?” I asked.
Mrs Ames grinned and began laughing. “Yes. This is going to be fun.”
“It’s gonna be a shitshow,” I replied, and she laughed again.
“Yes, I know. Why are you here?”
“The prospects have a back-up plan. First off, did Mom book the catering staff?” I inquired.
“Yes. Phoe books them each Christmas, when she pays their bonus. So, they’re already booked. Zara will be here on Christmas morning to prepare breakfast, and they’ll stay through to the evening buffet,” Mrs Ames said.
“That’s one problem solved. Mrs Ames, will they also bring food?”
“Do they need to?” she asked, puzzled.
“Consider how many are coming, and then think about who’s buying it,” I replied.
Mrs Ames winced.
“How short are they going to fall?” she questioned.
“Let’s go with three-quarters,” I suggested.
“Okay, Cody, let’s get our heads together. I could have our suppliers order the extra, and if we don’t need it, I’ll donate to a shelter,” Mrs Ames said.
I nodded happily. The food would be organised, if nothing else.