After a pleasant walk along nearly deserted tree-lined avenues, past a number of closed shops and attractions, they came to the reindeer stables. Larry, Barry, and Mitchell were waiting on a bench outside, eating donuts and drinking milkshakes from cups shaped like Christmas tree ornaments. Larry looked puffy and red as though he’d run here, and Mitchell looked as sultry as he had yesterday, but Barry was ashen, his eyes drooping. Bonnie wondered how he was handling the stag holiday.
‘He all right?’ Debbie asked.
Larry grinned. ‘Couldn’t find anywhere selling Red Bull,’ he said. ‘Pub’s not open until twelve. Reckon a good sleigh ride’ll sort him out.’
‘I feel sick,’ Barry said.
A bearded man in overalls appeared out of the nearest stable and clapped his hands together. ‘Good morning, e
