Maelstrom Excerpt: Christmas

Continuing with the Christmas excerpts from Maelstrom, we find Ricky having Christmas with his family. The band has been generous (they can afford to be, since immortality allows one to make a killing on long-term investments) and Ricky is having fun showing off to his snobby brother and SIL.

It was Christmas Eve, and for the first time in years, Ricky was enjoying it. His niece and nephew had liked their gifts enough to actually hug him, and Mike and Joanne smoldered with annoyance.

“I hope this didn’t set you back too much,” Joanne said in her catty way as she examined her new Coach bag for evidence that it was a fake.

“This was more than we expected,” Mike added, waving a hand in the direction of his new golf clubs. “Especially when the payments on your new ride must be costing you a pretty penny.”

“Actually, the Lexus is paid for,” Ricky said, relishing the disbelief on their faces. “The insurance is a little high, but it’s within my budget.”

Ricky’s mother leaned toward him. “This is all lovely, dear, and we’re glad you’re doing so well, but we’re a little concerned—” she glanced toward the front door and frowned.

Ricky heard the sound too, and his momentary bewilderment became a sinking feeling.

Adela jumped to her feet. “Carolers?”

“Don’t open that door,” Ricky called after her, but it was too late. Adela flung open the door and there on the doorstep, looking for all the world like ordinary humans in winter coats and scarves, were Nevin and Kalila, harmonizing “Adeste, Fidelis,” while Bo and Vic stood behind them strumming guitars and Lazaro tapped a silver triangle.

Adela and Little Mike clapped their hands and urged “Grandma” to come see. Meanwhile, Ricky came to the door and gave the band the fiercest glare he could manage. It did no good. They finished the song and Bo shouted, “Happy Christmas!”

“It’s ‘Merry Christmas,’” Kalila reminded him. She turned her best smile on Ricky and his family. “You get one more song,” she said. “Do you want traditional or modern?”

“Kalila—”

Mike looked at Ricky. “You know these people?”

to be continued...