Molly peered around the corner, spying on the festivities through a window. "It looks like the goose is cooked," she remarked. "The parents are all distracted, the brats are occupied. Now's our chance." Bill grinned, rubbing his hands together gleefully. "Aye aye, Cap'n. Time to get crackin'!" He hefted his duffel bag and sidled up to the door, picking the lock with nimble fingers. It clicked open and he ushered Molly inside. "Pssst, over here," Molly stage whispered urgently. "Quick, before someone spots us." She scurried over to the present pile, Bill following close behind. They rifled through the gifts, shoving the most valuable ones into their sacks. Just then, a child's shrill voice pierced the air. "Hey, what're you doing with my toys??" Molly froze. The little girl stomped over, pointing an accusatory finger. "I saw you steal them!" "I... uh... I'm not stealing anything, you silly girl," Molly sputtered, stammering nervously. "These are just some extra presents for you. What a thoughtful mommy and daddy you have!" The girl narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Liar! You're stealing!" She opened her mouth to yell for help but Molly clamped a hand over her mouth. The girl writhed and whimpered. "Shhhh, just keep quiet and no one will get hurt," Molly hissed. She looked pleadingly at Bill who was already halfway out the window, clearly abandoning her. With no other choice, Molly hauled the kicking and screaming child over her shoulder in a fireman's carry and barreled out after Bill, the duffels bulging with pilfered presents slung under her other arm. "I'm taking her hostage until we get clear of here!" Molly shouted breathlessly as they ran for their getaway car. The girl's muffled cries and Bill's maniacal laughter echoed behind them as they sped off into the night, the heist a wild success. The presents would make for a fine haul indeed.