The alley was dark and damp, illuminated only by the flickering fluorescent light above the back door. Molly checked her watch, counting down the minutes until showtime. "Alright Bill, you sure you remember the plan? In, grab the presents, out the front door before anyone notices." Bill wiped his brow, adjusting his oversized hat. "You're tellin' me like I'm some kinda amateur here, Molly. I've done this dozens of times." She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, with about as much success. Which is why I'm the brains and you're the brawn." The back door creaked open. A caterer poked his head out, tossing a trash bag into the dumpster. "Okay, here's our chance. You ready?" Molly asked. Bill swallowed hard, nodding. "Ready as I'll ever be." The pair slipped inside, silent as shadows. The party was in full swing, kids laughing and screaming as they played games and devoured cake. Molly pointed to the present table, piled high with colorful packages. They approached stealthily, reaching for the bounty. Suddenly, a voice called out. "Hey you! Wait!" Molly and Bill froze. A little blonde girl stared at them, cake smeared on her face. "Santa's helpers, we called you to give out the presents, not take them!" Bill stammered, "Oh, uh, that's right, little one! We just forgot to bring our sack." Molly jabbed him in the ribs. "Right, and that's what these big bags are for! Silly us, mmhmm." She grabbed a fistful of gifts and shoved them into Bill's arms. "Let's go." They high-tailed it out of there, presents in tow. Once outside, Molly burst out laughing. "Did that really just happen?" Bill grinned sheepishly. "Told you I was the brains. Now let's get these puppies to the fence." The two slunk off into the night, another successful heist under their belts, and another valuable lesson learned: always bring your own sack.|f_ll