A.L. Kaplan is the readers’ choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge.
The winning entry is rewarded with a special feature here today and a place in our collection of winners which will be published as an e-book at year end.
Without further ado, here’s the winning entry:
Special Guests
by A.L. Kaplan
“Santa?”
Mable stared at the man in the red coat passed out on her lawn and the overturned sled, ignoring the reindeer munching on her shrubs. Empty beer cans, cookie crumbs, and scraps from her Christmas ham littered the ground. The man’s eyes cracked opened, then slammed shut.
“Hey. Wake up.”
“Turn off that damned light,” he groaned. “Let me die in peace.”
“I can’t turn off the sun,” said Mable. “Get up before a kid sees you.”
“Quit nagging. You sound like Mrs. Clause.”
“Well, she’s probably worried sick about you.
Santa belched. “I doubt that very much. She threw me out after the company party last week. All because of one little kiss. Okay, maybe a bit more than a kiss, but it’s not my fault. Someone spiked my milk and covered the ceiling with mistletoe. I couldn’t stop kissing everyone.”
Mable didn’t believe what she was hearing. This was not how she pictured jolly old Saint Nick. “So explain that to Mrs. Clause.”
“I tried, but she just can’t get past the surveillance video. Neither can the elves. The restraining order says I can’t go within 500 miles of the North Pole.” Tears ran down his face. “I’m never drinking milk again. You have to help. I’ve been set up.”
“Me? What can I do?”
“You’re the one who wants to be a detective. Here’s your chance, detect. Clear my name.”
Instead of being happy, Mable winced. Her first case was going to be a doozy.
What a great way to end 2015 and start 2016. Thank you all for the votes.
Congrats! Way to go!