Lucky Jim’s Christmas

Lucky Jim’s Christmas

By Paul McCann

 

Jim was desperate , he needed some money for Christmas and decided to rob a post office .

All he had was a screwdriver in his pocket but he told the girl behind the counter that he had a gun in his pocket and asked her to empty the till . The girl followed his instructions and handed over all the money , but it was Jim’s unlucky day . On the way out the door Jim met a policeman coming in . Jim had a handful of cash and as then they bumped into each other the money fell on the ground . Jim

panicked and ran with the police officer in pursuit. Jim ran inside a building that was having some construction work done and hid behind a wall . Then police officer had already called for support . 

In a short time police with dogs arrived . As he sat there out of sight

he heard the police getting closer , in their search for him .

 

“ Come out now or  we will set the dogs loose. “  they said 

Jim had no choice and give himself up to the police .

He was handcuffed and taken to the police station for questioning .

The girl from the post office identified him as the person who held up the post office . Jim was put into a holding cell to await his court appearance .

As he sat there in his cell he shook his head regretting  what he had done . The police brought an old man and put him into the same as Jim . With no one else around the old man started to talk to Jim .

“ How did you end up in here ?”

Jim replied 

“ I robbed the post office .“

The old man nodded his head and said .

“ So did anyone get  hurt ?

“ No I  told her I had  gun but it was only a screwdriver  in my pocket”

The old man giggled a little and said ,

“ you must be desperate ?”

Jim bowed his head and said ,

“I lost my job last week . It’s nearly  Christmas and my kids are expecting some toys. “

The old man laughed and said ,

“They do call it the silly season .“

“What did you do ?”

Jim asked .

“ Too much of the Christmas Spirit , they thought I was drunk but actually all I was doing was sharing a little Christmas cheer on the streets . I suppose they were worried about me walking my reindeer around town “

Jim looked at the old man , who smiled .

“A reindeer . You’re kidding , right ?

“ Don’t you believe me ?”

the old man asked 

“ Why wouldn’t I , as you said it is the silly season . “ Jim said and they both  laughed .

“ Well it’s not as bad as the time 

 they saw me on a roof and arrested me for trying to break into a house “

Jim looked again at the old man .

There was something kind about him and his face looked so happy .

“Do you live around here then ?”

he asked and the old man replied .

“No I live a long way from here . My home is  in the North Pole. “

Jim said , 

“I know this sounds silly , but it is the silly season right . Are you really him , the man they call Santa ?”

The old man nodded his head and said 

“Thought you would never ask me young Jim . Now tell me what would you like for Christmas this year ?”

“Could you bring me a key to walk out of this place Santa  “

Santa laughed and took a key from his pocket and said .

“ I have a list and know who has been naughty and nice . Do you promise to be good from now on Jim ?”

“I promise not to do any thing bad from now on . I’ll make a brand new start Santa “

Jim said as Santa put his key into the door of the cell . The door opened and Santa looked at Jim and smiled .

“Well then let’s go , it’s almost Christmas and there’s so much we have to do .“

Santa and Jim walked past all the 

police who had fallen  fast asleep .

“Thank you for giving me the best Christmas gift I’ve ever had .“

Jim said and Santa laughed .

“You’re a good man who loves his children and you deserve a break . Remember your promise .“

Santa and Jim shook hands and went separate ways as the snow started to fall .

Suddenly there came a man running down the street with a brief case in his hand being chased by another man who shouted ,

“ Stop , please stop that thief. “ 

Jim tackled the man to the ground who banged his head on the ground  and went unconscious  .  The  other man arrived and said  , 

“Thank you kind sir , he stole all  the wages for my employees . It was their money for Christmas . I am indebted to you . I’d like to reward  you for your bravery ,”

The business man took the brief case and opened an envelope and started counting out some cash  .

Jim got up slowly and said ,

“Your kindness is going to help my family have a nice Christmas . I’ve just lost my job and we don’t have much to eat at home. “

The businessman handed Jim some money and a business card and said ,

“”After Christmas come and see me . I need a good man like you in my warehouse . I can offer you a job packing boxes . If you’re interested”

“Thank you for giving me a go . I’ll be there “

Jim returned home to his wife and family and told them the good news that he found a job and he promised them that things would be better from then now on .

The next day Jim and his wife went out shopping with the reward money that filled their cupboards with food and that Christmas Santa was very generous with the gifts he brought for all their children . 

The End