When Ivan, Skip, and Hotchkiss walked into the room, every head turned toward them. Looks of curiosity and surprise peppered the faces of the group of employees hired to fill the roles of Santa’s elves and helpers. There were about two dozen in all. From what Ivan could see there were only two men besides him and Skip. The rest were women. In addition there was a band dressed as toy soldiers. They, too, looked askance at Ivan as he strode in.
The woman standing at the podium at the front of the room, looked at Hotchkiss, eyebrows raised.
Skip headed for a seat with the other elves. Ivan stood awkwardly for a moment then found a chair as far back as he could. Still, necks craned to get a look at him. Hotchkiss went to the front and was engaged in animated conversation with the woman at th
