The children must have been good this year. Very good.

Nick stood at the threshold of the family room. Across the space an artificial tree filled a corner, its tiny, twinkling lights bathing the room in a warm glow. Undernearth its sparse branches of twisted metal and plastic a veritable hoard of wrapped presents was piled high.

Jimmy was 13 and a devoted Nintendo fanboy, Nick knew, and that package in the front was just the right size for a Wii. The smaller gifts around it were likely accessories. Alex was three years younger and a devotee of the Microsoft camp. His largest present was also prominently displayed, undoubtedly a new Xbox.

Nick licked his lips in anticipation and adjusted the sack on his back before moving toward the trove. Almost immediately, a recorded voice shouted in alarm. Startled by the sound, Nick glanced around, gaze finally settling on the blinking motion sensor in the corner.

Cursing his ineptitude, Nick laid a finger aside of his nose, gave a nod, and rose back up the chimney.