The 12 Tales of Christmas season 2: A Scrooged up Legacy
Hello everyone, well it’s that time of the year again. It's time for another edition of the 12 Tales of Christmas. After the success I had last year, I wanted to do something like it again. I’m fortunate this year to bring a collection of previous volunteers and newbies.
Now for this year’s first entry we have Liam101 with Humbug. Thank you so much for your help. Now let me show you what I created.
For our first story let’s follow up on the future generation of a certain family from A Christmas Carol. Henry Cratchit is a descendant of the family of Bob Cratchit. He's on his way to a charity gala for autistic and handicapped children. All because Henry's family never forgot their roots. But traffic and scheduling problems plague the CEO.
But his life is about to change in an unexpected fashion. Get ready for a Scrooged up Legacy
Henry Cratchit sighed as he sat in the middle of Houston Texas traffic that afternoon. The head of the Cratchit Financial Services sighed in consternation. “God damn it,” he growled.
“Here I am stuck in the middle of traffic like an idiot! There is no way I’ll be able to make it to my family's big regalia at The Houston Plaza! Aren't I the one who's supposed to be hosting the big event?
"All this because my meeting ran late and once again I didn't pay attention to the traffic report!"
The 36-year-old CEO’s head dropped down as he hit his steering wheel again. He wore a very dapper tux that his butler kept pressed and ready for occasions like this. But as he checked his watch he knew there was no way he'd make it to the Cratchit charity gala in thirty minutes. He pressed his control device on his luxury sportster. The screen brought up three pictures with one person in each.
He looked on the pictures as a sad expression crossed his face. The first picture showed an elderly man, Ebeneezer Scrooge. The second was a respectable looking maple brown haired man in 1800's business attire. It was Robert Cratchit, who had taken over after Ebeneezer retired. The third was a blonde-haired boy whose eyes while hard were not without kindness.
Henry looked over the picture of his ancestor Timothy Cratchit. "Apologies to you all," Henry said. "I let you down because of my own lapse in judgment."
Then the CEO saw the traffic move and that was when he first noticed the exit. A faint flicker of hope raced through him. If I can make it to that off ramp, I may be able to make it yet.
The time seemed to slip away as Henry had no choice but to play patience. Yet finally he managed to reach the exit and took it. It wasn’t long before he was off the freeway and on to a neighborhood street. He went past several shops and local business offices. I may make it after all, The CEO thought to himself.
And that’s when he heard the motorcycle engine, siren, and saw the flashing red lights. “God damn it not now!” he groaned before he pulled over.
“Looks like the world's saying bah humbug to my little plan. All I wanted to do was make this a special Christmas for all those kids at the regalia.” He muttered.
Henry pulled over to a sidewalk and shut off his engine. He slumped in his seat as he watched the officer stop and get off their motorcycle. the officer walked up to his driver side window. This motorcycle police officer’s definitely female. But what a time to get pulled over, he thought to himself.
The female officer walked up to his window and knocked on it. Henry pressed a button and rolled it down. “Is there a problem officer?” He asked in a polite tone.
The woman looked to be a little younger than him. He noted she had blonde hair cut very short. Wow, this cop looks like a knockout, he thought.
The woman wasn’t a supermodel type beauty. But there was an earthy beauty about her. She gave him a stern look and said, “Sir, you realize you were going 60 in a 30-mile an hour zone?”
The CEO flashed a sheepish smile. “Um, I do apologize for that but I was in a rush to get off the freeway. You see I’m due at a major gala event at the Houston Plaza downtown.”
“Uh-huh and may I ask why?” she asked in a tone of skepticism.
“I’m due there for a charity event for kids with handicaps and autism," He explained.
"It’s part of a pledge my family has had for a long time.”
“Family pledge?” she asked looking like she wasn't buying it.
She doesn’t believe me, Henry thought in annoyance.
“Yes, believe it or not I’m Henry Cratchit CEO of Cratchitt Financial Services. My company is putting on this major charity gala.”
The woman’s face furrowed in thought. “Wait, Henry Cratchit?” she asked examining him closer almost as if they'd met before.
The maple-haired man nodded his confirmation. “That's me, this is a promise my family has had since the time when my ancestor Timothy Cratchit was able to walk again. So, I have to get there quick otherwise who knows what might happen. "
And then her eyes widened in recognition. “Oh my God Henry, it is you!”
At which point the CEO’s face furrowed. “Um...I’m sorry do I know you?”
The woman flashed a wry smile. “I see some things haven't changed, you can still be a bit forgetful with people's names. It’s me, Candace Moore, or rather Officer Candace Moore now.”
At the mention of her name memories sprang into the businessman's head from Harvard. "Holy," he gaped.
"Candace, Candace is that you?!" He squawked.
The CEO's face furrowed as he remembered something from their graduation.. "What are you doing on the police force? I thought you went to join your brother Alex in the military?"
A pained expression came over her face. “Um...did I say something wrong?” He asked.
She cleared her throat as if she were trying to avoid crying. “No-no it’s not that. It’s well… Alex died eight years ago.”
“He...oh my God how?” Henry asked in a hoarse whisper.
“Died in the line of duty while in Afghanistan,” she answered.
His eyes widened before he grimaced. “Oh my God, Candace I’m so sorry.”
She took a moment to calm down before she continued. “At least he went out in a way he wanted to. Since then, I’ve been working as a cop to help with supporting my niece's medical needs.”
“Medical needs?” Henry asked.
“She has a severe form of autism that requires specific medication to handle.” The female police officer explained.
“My Mom, Dad and sister-in-law do what they can but it’s hard.”
Henry said, “I understand but I still have to get to that gala event.”
“The fact still remains you were going over the speed limit.” Candace stated.
“I know-I know but I have to reach that gala event. "
And then he looked at his GPS and sighed. “And from what I see the freeways are all jammed with cars.”
The policewoman thought for a moment. “I know these streets Henry so I can help you reach your destination. But as I understand this big charity gala is your family's idea?”
Henry smirked and said, “Like I said CEO of Cratchit Financial services. My family's been doing this gala event since the 1800's when Timothy Cratchit was CEO."
She nodded in approval at this. "You always were a very giving kind of guy Henry. That's why I liked you."
And then her face flushed. "Oh my God that came out sounding wrong."
Henry wasn't taken a back by her comment. Truth told I was never able to tell her but I had a crush on Candace back in college. I never acted on it cause I'm so damn bad with women.
He waved it off and said, "It's fine, it's fine."
“I’ll be happy to let you off with a warning, but what's a big shot businessman doing driving his own car?” She asked.
Henry sighed and said, “Thank you I'll take the warning. As for the car I prefer to drive myself to work if it’s all the same.”
She nodded and said, “Follow me.”
Candace walked back over to her motorcycle and got on. Henry rolled up his window and sighed in relief. Okay this night won’t be such a complete loss after all, he thought.
She drove past him as she started her siren blaring and lights flashing. And it looked like she was on the radio. “I'm betting she's talking with Central.” Henry observed before he started the car and pulled onto the road.
Their journey took them down several busy streets and past many buildings. Finally, there before them stood the Houston Plaza in all its glory. And it looks as though the press is itching for a story. Henry noted from the eager looks on their faces.
The CEO heard his cell phone ring and pressed a button on the GPS control pad. “Hello?” he answered.
“Boss, boss where are you?” called the familiar yet worried voice of his assistant Janice Harrington.
"I’m out in front of the venue Janice. Traffic proved a real issue but I’ve got a police escort. What do you need me to do?"
The woman sighed in relief. “Oh thank God, some of the guests are getting a little concerned. Have this police escort bring you around to the garage entrance.”
Henry nodded and said, “Efficient as always Janice.”
“No disrespect intended boss, but someone has to keep you on the right path.”
He pulled up beside Candace and pointed her towards the garage. It wasn’t long before they’d climbed down into it. A set of well armed security blocked the way after the two vehicles entered. Henry got out as a brunette woman in business attire came his direction relief visible on her face.
The CEO turned to Candace and said, “Thanks for the help getting here. I’ll let security know to let you out,” he told her.
The blonde woman nodded at this. Janine asked, “Uh, sir who’s this?”
“This is Officer Candace Moore she’s a policewoman and a friend of mine from college.”
Janice thought for a moment then spoke to the other woman. "Wait, Candace Moore, you were in the Army and made Sergeant first class right? Your brother was sergeant first class Alex Moore. He died in the line of duty while in Afghanistan.
"As I recall you have a niece who has a severe form of autism."
Candace looked surprised at this. "Wait how did you know that?" She asked in suspicion.
"Before I answer your question..." Janice stated before turning to the CEO.
“Boss I'll need you to head up to the stage. I'll be with you in 20 minutes with a little surprise. " she said a wry smile forming on her face.
“Janice what are you up to? " he asked.
But rather than protest he headed backstage. About 20 minutes later Janice approached. And with her was a transformed candace. The makeup on her was minimal. But still it gave her a striking look.
The form fitting long dress she wore emphasized the curves of the woman. Her hair while it looked somewhat rushed still looked very nice.
"Okay Janice what are you doing?" The CEO inquired.
Candace rolled her eyes and approached. "Long story short Janice's uncle it seems is my station's Captain. I'm now assigned as your escort for this evening. And it seems Janice and I share the same dress size."
"She's playing matchmaker and it seems your Captain's in on it." The executive observed.
But why do this? " Candace asked.
"Janice is like a sister to me, and she knows I'm not very good with women."
On a hunch he decided to state what he thought. "And truth told um...I remember what you said earlier. I had a crush on you in college and never acted on it."
That took Candace off guard but then she flashed a gentle smile. "Let's say we enjoy the evening and take this one step at a time huh?"
Henry nodded at her suggestion. "That's a deal I can agree to."
And there you have it folks, there’s story 1 of the 12 Tales of Christmas season 2. It was a bit of a rush job I admit. But it still turned out very good, with a real fascinating idea. I hope you enjoyed this story. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.
Did I do good or does my writing need improvement? Constructive criticism is always welcome here. Your input helps me become a better writer.
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Well, the 12 tales of Christmas have begun. And there’s more great stories to come. Until next time this is Animeman73 signing off. Stay true to yourselves, stay classy, and God bless you all. See you soon and enjoy the Christmas season.
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The 12 Tales of Christmas season 1
Next: One for me and one for her