“The Christmas party is still on at the White House. Lizzie said the president called her at six o’clock, which would be nine o’clock our time. The party for the children will be in the Blue Room, whatever that is. The sleigh arrived this afternoon and is on the South Lawn, with a cover over it. She didn’t know anything about the reindeer.

“She also said Cosmo cut down a giant tree, and they were getting ready to decorate it. She sounded incredibly happy, girls. Oh, she also said that just before she headed to the shower, she tried calling Maggie, but there was no answer. She knew about Bert sending the truck that’s sitting outside. She said he is fine and will be at the White House tomorrow for the party. You all heard my end of the conversation as I told her about Bell and Newsom.” Yoko laughed. “That’s it.”

“That means everyone is present and accounted for,” Annie said. “I think we’re all relieved, so it’s time to crack those four nuts in the dining room. Let’s rumble, girls!”

Myra raised her hand. “Since Charles has never been…privy to what we do, and since he looks dead on his feet, I suggest that we send him off to bed before we commence our activities. I want to tuck him in personally, so while I’m doing that, girls, you can…warm up our guests.”

“That’ll work, Myra. Tootle on and don’t be too long,” Annie said, an evil glint in her eye as she advanced toward their four guests.

Myra led Charles down the short hall to one of the bedrooms. “You look exhausted, dear. I’ll turn on the bed warmer while you get ready. The medicine cabinet has everything you need. Everything is new, so don’t be afraid to use it. Thank you for coming, Charles. I was so worried about you.”

Charles was so weary, all he could do was nod as he trotted off to the bathroom. When he was snug under the covers, he said, “Don’t let me sleep too long, Myra. Keep my phones with you just in case they start working. Updates will be coming in quick and fast. I want your promise, old girl.”

Myra moved her hand out of sight and crossed her fingers. “Okay, my dear. Sleep tight.”

“Myra, are you really going to…learn how to use that…pole?”

“Of course. Go to sleep now.”

“Will you tell me when the recital is?”

Myra giggled. “Absolutely.”

“What are you going to wear?”

Myra really hadn’t gotten that far in her thinking. “Oh, a little of this and a little of that.” She leaned over to kiss Charles good night, but he already appeared to be sound asleep. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, my darling.”

“I don’t either, old girl.”