I was about to get ticked off with you for having Aston kill Santa but he squeezed out of that one nicely. Fun story, Todd. I loved it. Carol
Carol McPhee | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 8:14 am | #

I figured killing him off might be a bit too brutal...

Thanks for stopping by!
astonwest | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 9:23 am | #

I want to know why Santa needed Ashton's help.

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com
Linda LaRoque | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 10:24 am | #

Too bad Aston shot him, huh...we might have found out. :-D
astonwest | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 12:21 pm | #

Too bad Aston didn't make friends with the old elf. Maybe he would have brought Flyboy a hot chick who wanted to jump his bones and wouldn't take no for an answer! :-o
Joyce Scarbrough | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 4:40 pm | #

Aston's always had a knack for screwing up his best chances for fun and excitement...

One might have thought from my last short story ("Obedience") that he'd be rolling in the dough.

Alas, he screws that up too...just waiting for a magazine to publish the continuation of that story.
astonwest | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 5:35 pm | #

Sheesh. Wonder what kind of present Santa has in store after that little bit of blaster diplomacy. A surly bunch of elf mercs looking for a nice payday?

Nice one!

Kerry
KMTolan | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 5:58 pm | #

A lump of coal probably wouldn't work...he'd just get Jeanie to make it into a diamond.

He might be calling in favors with some of the mercenaries and other evildoers that start giving Aston trouble in the next few stories out on submission...never thought about that possibility. Hmmmmm...
astonwest | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 6:07 pm | #

You let him shoot Santa! Todd, how could you? LOL Great little read--enjoyed reading it, but like the other reader--I'd like to know why Santa needed Aston's help.

Mary
Mary Veelle | 11.04.08 - 6:09 pm | #

Maybe when Santa gets his revenge, we'll find out...

Mwaaaahahaha

Thanks for stopping by, everyone!
astonwest | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 6:39 pm | #

What a unique story, Todd. Had me laughing to gasping--how could anyone kill Santa--to oh, not kill, just stun. That's ok, Kris was getting too big for his red britches anyway.

Rose
Rose Lerma | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 7:49 pm | #

Maybe he'll have some fun recuperating with Mrs. Claus...
astonwest | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 7:53 pm | #

Too funny. Poor Santa. And sheesh, Aston is a really naughty boy to shoot the poor ole man. No wonder he didn't get any gifties. Ha ha.
Ciara Gold | Homepage | 11.04.08 - 10:52 pm | #

Yup, sometimes Aston is a bit too naughty for his own good...

Thanks for stopping by!
astonwest | Homepage | 11.05.08 - 6:50 am | #

Sheesh!I was furious with Aston. But, 'fraid if a little old man started talking to me about sneaking around a house at night with kids there... I'd probably called for the police and a straight jacket for the guy.

Allison
Allison Knight | Homepage | 11.05.08 - 11:14 am | #

That was apparently what Aston figured as well...but decided waiting for the straitjacket would take too long.
astonwest | Homepage | 11.05.08 - 6:16 pm | #

I loved it. And I agree with the others, what help did Santa need from Aston. It could be the next book with Aston West. Oh, and the Vladarian liquor. Great name.
Kat Hall | 11.06.08 - 10:56 am | #

Glad you enjoyed it! Santa's desperate need will just have to remain a mystery...maybe we'll find out next year?


astonwest | Homepage | 11.06.08 - 9:01 pm | #

OH WHAT FUN. That's what I love about Aston. He can be so darned naughty. yes, I'd also like to know why Santa needed Aston's help. Better write a follow up so your fans can find out what Santa's revenge might be. Good story!!
Lollyj | Homepage | 11.07.08 - 9:37 am | #

Maybe the Easter Bunny will crack the case as to why Santa needs help (chowing down on milk and cookies at every house has to be a sign of something)...

Thanks for stopping by!
astonwest | Homepage | 11.07.08 - 6:17 pm | #

Good story, first one i've read i'm afraid but promise i'll read more. Kind of scary santa lookin' for help in a bar, lol. Anxious to read more of your stories !
Krista | 12.15.08 - 9:22 pm | #

Thanks for stopping by! Plenty of (links to) free stories to read over at my site, under http://astonwest.com/works_shorts.html
astonwest | Homepage | 12.15.08 - 11:09 pm | #

Thanks a bunch, i'll definitely check it out !!
Krista Plott | 12.16.08 - 9:02 am | #

That's the funniest X-mas story ever!
I loved it.
Meta | Homepage | 12.28.08 - 2:54 pm | #

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by!!!
astonwest | Homepage | 12.29.08 - 9:43 pm | #