By J. M. Allison
Felix counted down the seconds as he adjusted his glasses and glanced at his clipboard.
Sloppy notations filled the margins: Displays bitterness and regret. Reluctant to engage. Replies with Humbug when upset. Bright red letters reading Unchangeable branded the top of the file.
A tinny gong echoed around the room, its tones vibrating through the air. Show time.
Felix pushed through the veil dividing the spirit world from the human realm, and the details of the room slid into sharp focus. Felix surveyed the stark and gloomy atmosphere of the subject’s bedchamber. A few embers glowed in the hearth beside a large four-poster bed, a pale figure blending into starched white sheets under a worn wool blanket.
“Scroooooooge.” Felix gave the name an extra warble. A classic technique proven to send shivers down many a spine. “Scroooooooge… Scroooooooooooge!”
Scrooge sniffed and scratched at his nose, then gave a loud snore and rolled over.
Felix frowned. Visitation notes clearly stated the subject had received a call from Marley, his former business partner. This was Scrooge’s last chance.
Drastic times… Felix stuck one hand into Scrooge’s head.
Scrooge bolted upright, drawing the covers up like a shield. “What is the meaning of this? Startling a man from his slumber in such a rude manner, you ought to be ashamed of yourself!”
“Shame is something you should feel, Scrooge!” Felix’s voice echoed around the room, deep and ominous.
“And what have I to be ashamed of?” Scrooge squinted at Felix, lowering the covers a smidge.
“Your life is one filled with greed and selfishness. If you—”
Scrooge dropped the covers into his lap. “Greed and selfishness? I think you have the wrong man, sir.”
“—don’t—Wait! What?” Felix frowned, the forced bass in his voice evaporating. “What do you mean ‘the wrong man’? You are Ebenezer Scrooge, correct?”
“Indeed.”
Felix frowned. “Sole proprietor of Scrooge and Marley Counting House?”
“It’s Scrooge and Cratchit, now, but…”
Felix flipped through his notes. “Marley did visit you?”
“Of course.”
“He did tell you to expect more visitors?” Felix chewed at his lip.
Scrooge smoothed out the covers. “Yes. The last was awful, and the first was quite a shock, but the second wasn’t so bad. At least he brought refreshments.” A hopeful gleam lit Scrooge’s eyes. “I don’t suppose you brought any…”
Felix glanced up and frowned. “Any?”
“Refreshments?”
“Oh. No.” Felix offered an apologetic smile. “Afraid not. Management frowns upon such things.”
Scrooge’s face fell, then his brows knit together. “Last year, that happy spirit brought a whole feast with him.”
Felix grimaced. Christmas Present always found a way to bend the rules and be the most popular spirit of the season. Guess being related to Father Christmas had its benefits. “Unlike some spirits, I do things by the book, so if you don’t mind…”
“Of course.” Scrooge motioned for Felix to continue.
“Now…” Felix fixed Scrooge with a stern glare over his glasses. “Your greed and selfishness have caused tremendous suffering—”
“I beg your pardon… You don’t have a name or title, do you?”
“I am the Ghost of Christmas Next.”
“Ah, very good. Now, just what are you referring to, dear chap?”
“Your soul, Mister Scrooge. I’m here to put you back on the right course and steer you toward kindness and—”
“So sorry to keep interrupting, dear fellow, but no need. I’m quite reformed from the miserly old grump of last year.”
“Reformed?” Felix’s brows shot up. Had Christmas Future forgotten to update the file? Again. It’d be a paperwork nightmare if this got classified as an unneeded visit.
“Indeed. Are you here as a follow-up? Very sensible, if so.”
“Follow-up?”
“I’m happy to report, I give regularly to those in need around town. Dear Mr. Cratchit is now a full partner at the firm. He lives near my own dear nephew, Fred. Quite a comfortable arrangement. And have you seen little Tim? The dear boy has never been so happy. His condition is much improved, thanks to the assistance of the physicians I have employed to help him.” Scrooge puffed out his chest and beamed.
“And your bitterness over the past?”
“Well…” Scrooge’s smile faltered and he chewed at his lip. “Some scars always remain. We can’t always undo what’s been done. But I’m pleased to say many of the old wounds are healing nicely.”
Felix studied Scrooge. The man appeared to be giving an honest account. Could someone truly change so much? Perhaps a quick test.
“Then I present two options to you, sir. At this very moment, your nephew is throwing his annual pre-Christmas party.”
Scrooge chuckled. “That boy certainly adores throwing parties.”
“And an investor is looking for a partner in a venture that I can promise will pay off tenfold.”
“Quite an excellent return.” A calculating gleam lit Scrooge’s eyes.
“You may attend either meeting, but you may only pick one. Which do you choose?”
Scrooge sat back for a moment, his face wrinkling in thought. “Only one?”
Felix nodded. His eyes narrowed, noting every frown, twitch, and mumble Scrooge made as he considered the choice.
“…not dressed for such an important….”
Felix blinked, releasing his spirit magic. Suddenly, Scrooge sat in his best suit, the picture of business respectability.
“Tenfold profit guaranteed…” Scrooge muttered, completely oblivious to his outfit change. “They’d understand… Not like I haven’t… It’d be for them… Tenfold return… Humbug.” A calculating smile spread across Scrooge’s wrinkled face.
“Your choice, sir?” Felix clenched his clipboard. Redemption or relapse… either way, his visit could now be classified as necessary.
“Guess I’ll be needing my party hat! Do me a favor…Visit Mister Cratchit and tell him about the business venture. Be a shame for a deserving man to miss out on such an opportunity, eh?”
With a merry chuckle, Scrooge snatched his cloak off the hook and hurried out the door.
Felix smiled, his eyes dropping to the red Unchangeable label. Now, where did he leave the whiteout…
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Loading...ABOUT THE AUTHOR
If my experience with telemarketers is any guide, Felix will call on Scrooge again next Christmas. And the next. And the next…