The party was in full swing, the shrill laughter of the kids and the blaring music echoing through the street. Molly peered through the window, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she surveyed the colorful array of gifts piled high on the tables inside. "Jackpot," she whispered to Bill, her partner-in-crime. Bill nodded, cracking his knuckles. "Time to make this the best Christmas ever... for us." They crept around to the back of the house and picked the lock with practiced ease. Slipping inside, they made a beeline for the presents, stuffing their sacks to the brim with toys, chocolates and games. Suddenly, a shrill voice rang out. "What are you doing here?" Molly spun around to see a little girl staring at them wide-eyed, her face streaked with cake. Molly forced a grin. "Oh hi sweetie! We're the Toy Santa and Mrs. Claus. We got a little mixed up but we'll get these presents to the right children, don't worry!" The girl's brow furrowed. "But... you don't look like Santa and Mrs. Claus. And Santa only comes tonight." "Ha! Well, he called in sick so we're filling in for him. It's like an early visit, how lucky are you? Now scoot, we have lots more houses to do!" Molly shooed her away and they hauled their bulging sacks out the door, breaking into a run. Behind them, a woman's voice cried out. "Stop those thieves!" "Run like the wind, Bill!" Molly yelled. They sprinted down the dark street, presents clattering, as the sounds of pursuit faded behind them. At last they collapsed against a wall, gasping for air. "Merry Christmas to us," Molly wheezed. Bill held up a plush teddy bear, grinning. "And a merry Christmas to me!" They burst out laughing, the night's ill-gotten gains piled high between them under the glow of the streetlights. <|end_header_id|>