The Christmas Caper

by Sharon Hart Addy

About the Author: Sharon Hart Addy's stories for adults appears in anthologies from Superior Shores Press, Blunder Woman audio books, and the periodicals of Saley Publications. Her work for children is published in Highlights, Cricket, Spider and Sunday School magazines.

Excerpt

“Perfect!” Bailey mumbled to himself. The empty parking space next to the side entrance of the downtown community center suited his needs. He eased his car into it.

Twisting to look in his back seat, he checked to make sure the doors weren’t locked. He didn’t want to mess around unlocking them if he had to stash the loot in a hurry.

Satisfied, he opened his door and swung one leg out. The sight of his thick thigh in a green leotard stopped him briefly, but the black pointed shoes that came with the outfit brought his lopsided grin and reminded him of the makeup on his face.

Bailey sat back to check it in the visor’s mirror. White face paint accented the rosy circles on his cheeks. A fringe of red beard along his jaw and almost completed the disguise. He didn’t expect to run into anyone he knew on this side of town, but, if he did, he was sure they’d never recognize him.

After stepping from the car, he scanned the parking lot. Although every space was full, no one was around. Reaching into the back seat, he grabbed the wad of black plastic garbage bags. He unbuckled the costume’s wide, black belt and stuffed the bags under it to make a belly. He adjusted the bundle so he could retrieve a bag easily, then redid the belt to hold them in place. After slapping on the green felt hat with the jingle bell tip, he felt ready.

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