Christmas of Hope

Maverick Black, the owner of The Phoenix and The Bawd, was sitting in his office mulling over the bills and amounting debt that laid before him. 

“This is going to be the last season I’m open. I can’t pay off all this before tax season.” He lamented as he rubbed his eyes. He let out a frustrated sigh as he placed the back of his hands on his forehead and stared up at the off white ceiling. A soft ticking from an antique clock could be heard next to him. 

As he sat there lamenting as to what could be done, he heard a knock at the door. He groaned as he glanced over at the clock that said 12 AM. “Who could be out there at this time?” He pondered as he rose from his seat and headed towards the main door. As he shuffled down the foyer, the knocking grew ever so aggressive. “Oy, I’m coming, I’m coming. Please keep your bridges on.” He said before opening the door. 

There in front of him was a menacing looking man with a scruffy beard glaring at him. “Where’s my payment, Black? You know, that your 10 days overdue on the rent and I can’t keep on extending your deadline. Either pay up or get out. You have until the end of the day.” He demanded with a snarl. The man threw some papers at him and slammed the door. Maverick, who was already under enough stress, collapsed to his knees as he started to sob into his arms. The first paper that landed on the floor stated “EVICTION NOTICE”.

“What am I going to do? I’m not going to get 2,500 pounds before 6.” He wailed. He slowly rose from his spot and started to make his way towards his room. As he was about to trug himself upstairs, another knock came to the door. He let out a defeated sigh as he turned around wearily and walked back. 

“Look, Dickson, I’ll have---.” He started to say angrily as another man with a white beard, sapphire blue eyes, and a round belly stood before him. He was wearing a long, fur white robe that wrapped around him comfortably. “Oh, I’m sorry, sir. Please excuse my anger. Come in, come in. How may I be of assistance?” Maverick asked as he ushered the man in.

The older looking gentleman, cleared his throat as he gave the young innkeeper a smile. “It’s quite alright, sir. I am here to see if you have a room for the night.” He stated, perking up the other man’s attention.”Why, yes. Of course, I have a room.” Maverick replied as he darted off towards the main desk to draw up a contract. “The rate is 50 pounds an---.” Before he could continue the man dug into his pocket and pulled out a rather large sack filled to the brim with gold. “I say this will be more than enough.” He said before he turned and walked out the door. 

“Wait, sir! Your money!” He shouted as he made a beeline towards the door. “Keep it. That should be more than enough and then some to keep this Inn running. I shall send people here throughout the year to ensure that this never happens again.” The man stated before he turned and left into the night without a word. Maverick opened the bag and found it filled with 30,000 pounds worth of money. The young man stunned, stood there wondering who that mysterious man was as he overheard a ho, ho, ho and Merry Christmas come from outside.