I’m probably losing my job anyways. I hope those guys don’t report the incident.
“Alright, Santa, you’re done for the night. That was the last customer,” I said, returning to where he sat in front of Santa’s workshop.
“You need help closing up?” Eddie asked from behind the big, fake beard. “’Cause if you don’t, I have a date tonight.”
“I got it. Go on your date.” I placed the bucket of candy canes on the counter. “See you tomorrow.”
“Thanks. I owe ya,” Eddie said as he walked away.
The mall was closing soon and I’d stalled shutting down Santa’s photo booth for as long as I could. All the families had gone, not that there had been that many to begin with. I didn’t care, I was happy and lucky to have gotten the job as Santa’s elf. I probably got it because no one wanted to work in this old mall with the big mall in the next town over.
“Have a good night, Paige,” Toby, the mall security, called out as he checked locks on the store across from me. “It’s starting to snow out there. Temperature is dropping too.”
“How exciting.” I put on a fake smile. “I guess I should leave my elf ears on, then.”
Snowing? That’s not good.
I walked around, shutting down the snow machine and the Christmas music. I looked down the corridor to see most of the stores had already shut their gates, and many were already leaving. I didn’t blame them for running out the door the minute the time hit nine o’clock.
“Good night, Paige.” Lilly, from the jewelry kiosk, waved.
I wonder how long I can drag this out. Toby won’t be back for another hour.
I slowly walked to the mall employee exit. Toby was right. It was snowing like crazy and I knew I was going to freeze to death tonight in my car. No way was I going out there until I absolutely had to. I went back to Santa’s workshop, pretending to look for something in case Toby came back.
I wonder if anyone is open still in the food court. They might have something hot to drink.
“Hey, Paige, what are you still doing here?” Brad, the teenager at the burger place, leaned on the counter, texting. “I didn’t see too many kids over there tonight. Must have been boring.”
“It was alright. At least the music is good.” I shifted on my elf slippers. “You have any food I can buy still? I’m starving.”
“We closed out the register already, but there are some burgers back there if you want them.” Brad stood from the counter. “Just take ‘em. I was gonna toss ‘em anyway.”
“Thanks. Any chance there’s something warm to drink?” I asked, looking at the menu above me. “I see you sell hot chocolate.”
“We sell instant. The hot water is always on back there.” Brad waved me behind the counter. “Go ahead and grab a cup. The packets are on the back wall.”
“You’re a lifesaver. Did you see how much snow is coming down?” I made conversation. “Toby said it’s gonna get colder tonight, too.”
“Glad I don’t have to drive. My mother is picking me up, so the car will be warm already.” Brad checked his cell. “She just texted she’s here. Hey, do you want a ride to your car?”
“Oh, that’s sweet, but I still have some locking up to do.” I smiled and turned to leave. “Thanks for the burger and hot chocolate. I guess tomorrow I better come over before closing time.”
“Nah, just come over at closing and I’ll give you whatever we have left,” Brad shrugged. “I usually take some home too.”
I went back to Santa’s workshop, plopped down in Santa’s throne, and sat eating my burger. It was cold but edible. I was absently looking around when I spotted something shiny inside the little doorway to Santa’s workshop. I finished my burger and then got down on all fours to see what it was. It was out of my reach from the doorway, so I crawled further inside.
Now how did a cell phone get inside here? I’ll bet one of the kids crawled in here earlier. Someone’s going to be looking for this. Wow! I had no idea it was so big inside here.
I sat inside the workshop on the floor for a minute, looking at the cell phone. It was locked, so I couldn’t get any information out of it. I crawled back out, pulled my purse onto my shoulder, and headed for the security office. I knocked on the door but no one answered, so I tried the handle.
“Paige, is something wrong?” Toby asked, startling me.
“No, I was wondering if anyone lost anything today?” I started to pull the phone from my pocket but stopped.
“Come on in.” Toby unlocked his office.
I followed him inside. “No monitors in here? How do you see what’s going on in the mall?”