TWISTED THREAD

Part 11: The Fallout

But sleep?

Not happening.

His phone buzzed.

He sighed, expecting Pond.

But when he checked—

Boom.

Santa frowned.

Boom: Trouble sleeping?

Santa hesitated before replying.

Santa: What do you want?

Boom: Maybe I just want to talk.

Santa rolled his eyes.

Santa: Not in the mood.

Boom: Not even if I have information about Perth?

Santa froze.

Because what the hell did that mean?

Santa: What kind of information?

Boom: Let's just say... Perth isn't as honest as he seems.

Santa's grip tightened around his phone.

Boom: Meet me tomorrow. I'll tell you everything.

Santa exhaled sharply.

He knew this was a bad idea.

But if there was even a chance Boom was telling the truth...

He had to know.

⸻

Perth had a bad feeling.

And when he had a bad feeling?

He was never wrong.

He checked his phone again.

Nothing from Santa.

Nothing from Boom.

And that?

That made him nervous.

Because Boom never did anything without a reason.

And Santa?

Santa was curious enough to take the bait.

Perth exhaled sharply.

He needed to fix this.

Before it was too late.

⸻

Santa met Boom at a quiet café.

Boom smiled when he saw him. "Right on time."

Santa sat down. "Talk."

Boom chuckled. "So impatient."

Santa glared. "I don't have time for games."

Boom leaned forward, smirking. "Alright. I'll keep it simple."

He slid his phone across the table.

Santa frowned, picking it up.

Then—

His stomach dropped.

It was a picture.

Of Perth.

With someone else.

Santa's fingers tightened around the phone. "Who is this?"

Boom tilted his head. "His ex."

Santa's heart pounded. "So?"

Boom smiled. "So... they never really broke up."

Santa froze.

No.

That wasn't possible.

Perth wouldn't—

He wouldn't.

Right?

Santa's throat went dry. "You're lying."

Boom shrugged. "Believe what you want. But if I were you? I wouldn't waste my time."

Santa's hands clenched.

Because what if it was true?

What if he was just some temporary distraction?

What if—

Boom reached over, tucking a strand of hair behind Santa's ear. "You deserve better, you know."

Santa jerked back.

Boom sighed. "Think about it."

Santa didn't respond.

Because his mind was a mess.

And his heart?

His heart was starting to crack.

⸻

Perth's hands were shaking.

He was outside the café, watching through the glass.

Watching as Boom touched Santa.

Watching as Santa didn't push him away fast enough.

Perth's chest tightened.

Because Boom was lying.

But Santa?

Santa was starting to believe him.

And that?

That was dangerous.

Perth exhaled, stepping forward.

Time to end this.

⸻

To be continued...

⸻

Part 11 is done! Santa is falling into Boom's trap, Perth is too late to stop it, and the drama is about to explode. Thoughts?!