Five Equals One, Vol. 2 — Mary Korte

MITZI, feeling responsible for her husband's ensuing troubles, sets out to fix him. Despite being forewarned of possible failure, she plows ahead. Overreacting, misusing her authority, she finds herself in one pickle stew after another. Still, nothing deters her. To help Santa, she needs help. But, she has alienated everyone around her. In her darkest hour, she turns to the only other person who knows about Santa's problem. Together they come up with a solution, but she can't implement it until she regains everyone's trust. This takes some doing. Later, Santa, during his helper stint in Seattle, meets his match in stubbornness -- Sam Toddle, a cocky reporter. One night, under the watchful eye of this reporter, an unusual request by a guilt-ridden parent magically lifts one problem off Santa's shoulders, but sets him spinning when he realizes he can't produce what she wants. Who saves his neck?