Brian_NP1 adjusted_VVD the_AT red_JJ stocking_NN1 cap_NN1 ,_, trying_VVG to_TO cover_VVI his_APPGE dark_JJ brown_JJ hair_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 'd_VHD bought_VVN the_AT costume_NN1 on_II a_AT1 whim_NN1 a_AT1 few_DA2 years_NNT2 ago_RA with_IW the_AT intention_NN1 to_TO play_VVI Santa_NP1 for_IF his_APPGE sister_NN1 's_GE children_NN2 ._. 
Due_II21 to_II22 unfortunate_JJ circumstances_NN2 ,_, it_PPH1 had_VHD never_RR been_VBN used_VVN ._. 
The_AT cheap_JJ red_JJ suit_NN1 came_VVD with_IW an_AT1 itchy_JJ white_JJ beard_NN1 ,_, but_CCB no_AT wig_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE own_DA black_JJ rubber_JJ boots_NN2 ,_, which_DDQ he_PPHS1 used_VMK to_TO wade_VVI through_II concrete_NN1 ,_, completed_VVD the_AT look_NN1 ._. 
Leaving_VVG the_AT hat_NN1 askew_JJ ,_, he_PPHS1 stepped_VVD back_RP and_CC studied_VVD his_APPGE reflection_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 needed_VVD a_AT1 haircut_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE costume_NN1 was_VBDZ "_" one_MC1 size_NN1 fits_VVZ all_DB "_" and_CC poorly_RR made_VVN ._. 
The_AT fuzzy_JJ white_JJ cuffs_NN2 of_IO the_AT jacket_NN1 did_VDD n't_XX reach_VVI his_APPGE wrists_NN2 ,_, the_AT pants_NN2 were_VBDR too_RG baggy_JJ ,_, and_CC the_AT black_JJ plastic_NN1 belt_NN1 gaped_VVD at_II his_APPGE waist_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 looked_VVD like_II Homeless_JJ Santa_NP1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 grabbed_VVD a_AT1 pillow_NN1 from_II the_AT mattress_NN1 on_II the_AT floor_NN1 and_CC stuffed_VVD it_PPH1 under_II his_APPGE jacket_NN1 ,_, fashioning_VVG a_AT1 jolly_JJ paunch_NN1 ._. 
There_RL ,_, that_DD1 was_VBDZ better_JJR ._. 
As_CSA he_PPHS1 headed_VVD outside_RL ,_, he_PPHS1 picked_VVD up_RP the_AT bag_NN1 of_IO gifts_NN2 and_CC put_VV0 the_AT Dear_JJ Santa_NP1 letter_NN1 in_II his_APPGE front_JJ pocket_NN1 ._. 
At_II 9:00_MC a.m._RA ,_, the_AT sun_NN1 was_VBDZ already_RR blazing_VVG ._. 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ going_VVGK to_TO be_VBI a_AT1 hot_JJ Christmas_NNT1 in_II Oceanside_NP1 ,_, California_NP1 ._. 
There_EX was_VBDZ n't_XX a_AT1 cloud_NN1 in_II the_AT perfect_JJ blue_JJ sky_NN1 ._. 
Brian_NP1 had_VHD spent_VVN most_DAT of_IO the_AT morning_NNT1 on_II his_APPGE surfboard_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT waves_NN2 were_VBDR in_II fine_JJ form_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 might_VM go_VVI back_RP later_RRR for_IF an_AT1 afternoon_NNT1 session_NNT1 ._. 
His_APPGE pulse_NN1 kicked_VVD up_RP a_AT1 notch_NN1 as_CSA he_PPHS1 approached_VVD the_AT house_NN1 next_MD door_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 hardly_RR knew_VVD his_APPGE neighbors_NN2 and_CC was_VBDZ n't_XX sure_JJ what_DDQ they_PPHS2 would_VM think_VVI of_IO his_APPGE getup_NN1 ._. 
The_AT single_JJ mom_NN1 who_PNQS lived_VVD there_EX had_VHD never_RR even_RR spoken_VVN to_II him_PPHO1 ,_, and_CC her_APPGE daughters_NN2 were_VBDR quiet_JJ as_CSA mice_NN2 ._. 
If_CS the_AT girls_NN2 had_VHD n't_XX left_VVN a_AT1 letter_NN1 in_II Brian_NP1 's_GE mailbox_NN1 last_MD week_NNT1 ,_, he_PPHS1 would_VM n't_XX have_VHI considered_VVN buying_VVG them_PPHO2 gifts_NN2 ._. 
When_CS he_PPHS1 found_VVD the_AT envelope_NN1 ,_, addressed_VVN to_II the_AT North_ND1 Pole_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 'd_VHD opened_VVN it_PPH1 to_TO investigate_VVI ._. 
At_RR21 first_RR22 he_PPHS1 'd_VHD assumed_VVN that_CST the_AT girls_NN2 had_VHD mistaken_VVN his_APPGE mailbox_NN1 for_IF their_APPGE own_DA ,_, because_CS the_AT two_MC were_VBDR side_NN1 by_II side_NN1 ._. 
Then_RT he_PPHS1 read_VVD the_AT letter_NN1 and_CC realized_VVD that_CST they_PPHS2 had_VHD n't_XX wanted_VVN their_APPGE mother_NN1 to_TO see_VVI it_PPH1 ._. 
The_AT girls_NN2 had_VHD penned_VVN the_AT note_NN1 to_II Santa_NP1 in_II simple_JJ words_NN2 and_CC neat_JJ sentences_NN2 ._. 
Judging_VVG by_II her_APPGE careful_JJ signature_NN1 ,_, Mandy_NP1 was_VBDZ the_AT older_JJR daughter_NN1 ._. 
Her_APPGE sister_NN1 ,_, Alyssa_NP1 ,_, had_VHD scrawled_VVN her_APPGE name_NN1 at_II the_AT bottom_NN1 of_IO the_AT page_NN1 in_II pink_JJ crayon_NN1 ._. 
They_PPHS2 asked_VVD for_IF a_AT1 couple_NN1 of_IO moderately_RR priced_VVN toys_NN2 that_CST "_" Mommy_NN1 ca_VM n't_XX buy_VVI this_DD1 year_NNT1 ._. "_" 
Brian_NP1 could_VM easily_RR afford_VVI the_AT extra_JJ gifts_NN2 ;_; he_PPHS1 had_VHD very_RG few_DA2 family_NN1 members_NN2 to_TO shop_VVI for_IF ._. 
But_CCB the_AT last_MD item_NN1 on_II the_AT list_NN1 was_VBDZ something_PN1 that_CST no_PN121 one_PN122 could_VM deliver_VVI --_NN1 not_XX even_RR Santa_NP1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 'd_VHD been_VBN touched_VVN by_II the_AT request_NN1 and_CC felt_VVD a_AT1 powerful_JJ compulsion_NN1 to_TO make_VVI his_APPGE neighbors_NN2 '_GE holiday_NN1 a_RR21 little_RR22 brighter_JJR ._. 
Cold_JJ sweat_NN1 beaded_VVD his_APPGE forehead_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE back_NN1 and_CC shoulders_NN2 throbbed_VVD as_CSA he_PPHS1 clung_VVD to_II the_AT nylon_NN1 rope_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB he_PPHS1 schooled_VVD himself_PPX1 to_II absolute_JJ stillness_NN1 ,_, knowing_VVG even_RR the_AT slightest_JJT shift_NN1 could_VM move_VVI a_AT1 prong_NN1 on_II the_AT grappling_JJ hook_NN1 ,_, drawing_VVG the_AT royal_JJ guards_NN2 '_GE attention_NN1 to_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
Behind_II him_PPHO1 ,_, a_AT1 cool_JJ breeze_NN1 swept_VVD down_RP the_AT slopes_NN2 of_IO the_AT Pyrenees_NP1 Mountains_NNL2 ,_, the_AT slow_JJ ,_, rhythmic_JJ clanking_NN1 of_IO cowbells_NN2 tightening_VVG his_APPGE nerves_NN2 ._. 
"_" You_PPY 're_VBR not_XX seriously_RR going_VVGK to_TO smoke_VVI that_DD1 ._. "_" 
The_AT man_NN1 's_GE voice_NN1 came_VVD from_II the_AT wall_NN1 walk_VV0 above_RL ._. 
"_" Why_RRQ not_XX ?_? "_" a_AT1 second_MD man_NN1 asked_VVD ._. 
His_APPGE voice_NN1 had_VHD a_AT1 belligerent_JJ edge_NN1 ._. 
"_" It_PPH1 's_VBZ not_XX going_VVGK to_TO kill_VVI anyone_PN1 ._. "_" 
Except_CS Rafe_NP1 ._. 
"_" The_AT hell_NN1 it_PPH1 wo_VM n't_XX ,_, "_" the_AT first_MD guard_NN1 said_VVD ._. 
"_" You_PPY heard_VVD the_AT boss_NN1 ._. 
Anyone_PN1 who_PNQS screws_VVZ up_RP tonight_RT gets_VVZ fired_VVN ._. "_" 
"_" Yeah_UH ,_, yeah_UH ._. "_" 
Rafe_NP1 's_GE heart_NN1 galloped_VVN against_II his_APPGE rib_NN1 cage_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 'd_VM be_VBI dead_JJ if_CS he_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX move_VVI ._. 
Now_RT ._. 
In_II a_AT1 few_DA2 precious_JJ seconds_NNT2 ,_, the_AT searchlight_NN1 would_VM pass_VVI ,_, illuminating_VVG him_PPHO1 like_II a_AT1 dark_JJ bug_NN1 splayed_VVN on_II a_AT1 silver_NN1 wall_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB cigarette_NN1 smoke_NN1 wisped_VVD past_RL ._. 
More_RGR crucial_JJ seconds_NNT2 ticked_VVD down_RP ._. 
Rafe_NP1 gritted_VVD his_APPGE teeth_NN2 ,_, his_APPGE biceps_NN2 trembling_VVG ,_, every_AT1 survival_NN1 instinct_NN1 screaming_VVG at_II him_PPHO1 to_TO go_VVI ._. 
But_CCB he_PPHS1 could_VM n't_XX move_VVI ,_, could_VM n't_XX even_RR change_VVI positions_NN2 to_TO relieve_VVI the_AT pressure_NN1 on_II his_APPGE now-numb_JJ hands_NN2 ._. 
"_" Hombre_NP1 ._. 
Would_VM you_PPY come_VVI on_RP ?_? "_" the_AT first_MD guard_NN1 said_VVD ,_, echoing_VVG Rafe_NP1 's_GE thoughts_NN2 ._. 
"_" The_AT next_MD rotation_NN1 's_VBZ about_RPK to_TO catch_VVI up_RP ._. "_" 
"_" Fine_JJ ._. "_" 
Disgust_NN1 tinged_VVD the_AT smoker_NN1 's_GE voice_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 glowing_JJ cigarette_NN1 butt_NN1 streaked_VVN over_II the_AT wall_NN1 ,_, barely_RR missing_VVG Rafe_NP1 's_GE head_NN1 ._. 
The_AT guards_NN2 finally_RR pushed_VVN away_II21 from_II22 the_AT ledge_NN1 ,_, the_AT thud_NN1 of_IO their_APPGE receding_JJ footsteps_NN2 fading_VVG into_II the_AT night_NNT1 ._. 
Rafe_NP1 eased_VVD out_RP a_AT1 breath_NN1 ,_, but_CCB forced_VVD himself_PPX1 to_TO wait_VVI ,_, counting_VVG off_RP several_DA2 vital_JJ heartbeats_NN2 in_CS21 case_CS22 they_PPHS2 circled_VVD back_RP ._. 
Then_RT he_PPHS1 powered_VVD up_RP the_AT rope_NN1 in_II a_AT1 surge_NN1 of_IO adrenaline_NN1 ,_, glad_JJ he_PPHS1 'd_VHD kept_VVN up_RP the_AT brutal_JJ workouts_NN2 that_CST enabled_VVD him_PPHO1 to_TO make_VVI this_DD1 climb_NN1 even_CS21 though_CS22 he_PPHS1 'd_VHD retired_VVN from_II a_AT1 life_NN1 of_IO crime_NN1 ._. 
Until_II now_RT ._. 
He_PPHS1 reached_VVD the_AT medieval_JJ battlement_NN1 and_CC paused_VVD again_RT ._. 
Stiii_NN2 ciear_VV0 ._. 
His_APPGE arms_NN2 aching_VVG ,_, the_AT desperate_JJ need_NN1 to_TO hurry_VVI flogging_VVG his_APPGE brain_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 hoisted_VVD himself_PPX1 over_II the_AT edge_NN1 ._. 
Then_RT he_PPHS1 yanked_VVD up_RP the_AT rope_NN1 ,_, pulled_VVD the_AT grappling_JJ hook_NN1 from_II the_AT wall_NN1 ,_, and_CC ducked_VVD --_JJ just_RR as_CSA the_AT searchlight_NN1 skimmed_VVD overhead_RL ._. 
Too_RG damned_RG close_JJ ._. 
His_APPGE heart_NN1 pounding_NN1 ,_, that_DD1 addictive_JJ rush_NN1 of_IO danger_NN1 streaming_VVG through_II his_APPGE veins_NN2 ,_, he_PPHS1 crawled_VVD to_II the_AT ancient_JJ watchtower_NN1 ,_, careful_JJ to_TO keep_VVI his_APPGE head_NN1 under_II the_AT light_NN1 's_GE wide_JJ range_NN1 ._. 
Then_RT he_PPHS1 coiled_VVD the_AT rope_NN1 and_CC tucked_VVD it_PPH1 against_II the_AT wall_NN1 for_IF his_APPGE descent_NN1 ._. 
The_AT high-powered_JJ beam_NN1 swept_VVD back_RP over_II the_AT cylindrical_JJ tower_NN1 ,_, past_II a_AT1 planked_JJ oak_NN1 door_NN1 dotted_VVN with_IW iron_NN1 studs_NN2 ._. 
Now_RT ._. 
He_PPHS1 leaped_VVD up_RP and_CC sprinted_VVD to_II the_AT door_NN1 ._. 
Skidding_VVG to_II a_AT1 stop_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 whipped_VVD the_AT lock-pick_JJ gun_NN1 from_II his_APPGE back_NN1 pocket_NN1 ,_, inserted_VVD a_AT1 tension_NN1 wrench_NN1 into_II the_AT lock_NN1 and_CC applied_VVD the_AT gun_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 series_NN of_IO sharp_JJ ,_, rapid_JJ clicks_NN2 rent_VV0 the_AT air_NN1 ._. 
The_AT lock_NN1 gave_VVD way_NN1 ._. 
Rafe_NP1 squeezed_VVD through_II the_AT door_NN1 ,_, careful_JJ not_XX to_TO let_VVI the_AT hinges_NN2 creak_VVI ,_, into_II the_AT darkened_JJ alcove_NN1 that_CST adjoined_VVD the_AT diplomat_NN1 's_GE room_NN1 ._. 
At_II this_DD1 height_NN1 he_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX worry_VVI about_II triggering_VVG an_AT1 alarm_NN1 ._. 
No_PN121 one_PN122 got_VVD past_II the_AT armed_JJ guards_NN2 ,_, surveillance_NN1 cameras_NN2 and_CC intrusion_NN1 detection_NN1 devices_NN2 on_II the_AT castle_NN1 's_GE lower_JJR floors_NN2 --_NN1 except_II a_AT1 third-generation_JJ master_NN1 thief_NN1 like_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
But_CCB he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ n't_XX out_II21 of_II22 danger_NN1 yet_RR ._. 
He_PPHS1 had_VHD to_TO find_VVI the_AT historic_JJ signet_NN1 ring_NN1 and_CC get_VVI back_RP down_II that_DD1 wall_NN1 --_NN1 before_II the_AT reception_NN1 ended_VVN and_CC the_AT American_NN1 returned_VVN to_II his_APPGE room_NN1 ._. 
Flicking_VVG on_II his_APPGE penlight_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 padded_VVD across_II the_AT antique_JJ rug_NN1 to_II the_AT Baroque-style_JJ bureau_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 checked_VVD the_AT drawers_NN2 ,_, peeked_VVD behind_II the_AT huge_JJ gilded_JJ paintings_NN2 on_II the_AT medieval_JJ wall_NN1 ._. 
No_AT ring_NN1 ._. 
No_AT hidden_JJ safe_JJ ._. 
He_PPHS1 turned_VVD toward_II the_AT bedroom_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 soft_JJ ,_, feminine_JJ laugh_NN1 stopped_VVD him_PPHO1 cold_JJ ._. 
His_APPGE pulse_NN1 drummed_VVD hard_RR ._. 
He_PPHS1 snapped_VVD his_APPGE gaze_NN1 to_II the_AT closed_JJ velvet_NN1 drapes_VVZ dividing_VVG the_AT two_MC rooms_NN2 ._. 
The_AT diplomat_NN1 had_VHD come_VVN back_RP early_RR --_JJ and_CC he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ n't_XX alone_JJ ._. 
Rafe_NP1 frowned_VVD ,_, debating_VVG his_APPGE options_NN2 ,_, but_CCB he_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX have_VHI a_AT1 choice_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 had_VHD to_TO get_VVI that_CST ring_VV0 tonight_RT ._. 
The_AT diplomat_NN1 was_VBDZ scheduled_VVN to_TO present_VVI it_PPH1 to_II Pais_NN2 Vell_NP1 's_GE king_NN1 in_II the_AT morning_NNT1 ._. 
And_CC if_CS that_DD1 happened_VVD ,_, Rafe_NP1 's_GE bargain_NN1 with_IW the_AT police_NN2 chief_NN1 would_VM be_VBI void_JJ ._. 
His_APPGE nerves_NN2 ratcheting_VVG higher_JJR ,_, every_AT1 sense_NN1 hyperalert_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 crept_VVD to_II the_AT floor-length_JJ drapes_NN2 and_CC nudged_VVD the_AT edge_NN1 aside_RL ._. 
The_AT cool_JJ ,_, musty_JJ room_NN1 was_VBDZ shrouded_VVN in_II darkness_NN1 --_NN1 only_RR the_AT faint_JJ ,_, golden_JJ haze_NN1 from_II a_AT1 bedside_NN1 lamp_NN1 penetrated_VVD the_AT gloom_NN1 ._. 
Rafe_NP1 zeroed_VVD in_RP on_II the_AT couple_NN1 standing_VVG across_RL from_II him_PPHO1 on_II the_AT opposite_JJ side_NN1 of_IO the_AT bed_NN1 ._. 
The_AT woman_NN1 had_VHD her_APPGE back_NN1 to_II him_PPHO1 ,_, and_CC the_AT mellow_JJ light_NN1 gilded_VVD her_APPGE naked_JJ curves_NN2 ._. 
No_UH ,_, not_XX naked_JJ ,_, he_PPHS1 amended_VVD ,_, his_APPGE mouth_NN1 quirking_VVG up_RP in_II regret_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB her_APPGE back_NN1 was_VBDZ bare_JJ ,_, her_APPGE gown_NN1 plunging_VVG so_RG low_JJ on_II her_APPGE hips_NN2 he_PPHS1 could_VM easily_RR imagine_VVI the_AT rest_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 allowed_VVD his_APPGE gaze_NN1 to_TO linger_VVI ,_, taking_VVG a_AT1 long_JJ ,_, leisurely_RR slide_VV0 down_RP the_AT sensuous_JJ sweep_NN1 of_IO her_APPGE spine_NN1 to_II the_AT riveting_JJ contours_NN2 of_IO her_APPGE hips_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 could_VM n't_XX fault_VVI the_AT diplomat_NN1 's_GE taste_NN1 --_NN1 or_CC haste_NN1 ._. 
The_AT woman_NN1 was_VBDZ flawless_JJ ,_, at_RR21 least_RR22 from_II the_AT rear_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 had_VHD sleek_JJ ,_, honeyed_JJ skin_NN1 ,_, and_CC centerfold-worthy_JJ curves_NN2 ._. 
She_PPHS1 wore_VVD her_APPGE dark_JJ hair_NN1 up_RP ,_, exposing_VVG the_AT tempting_JJ nape_NN1 of_IO her_APPGE neck_NN1 ._. 
Loose_JJ tendrils_NN2 danced_VVN in_II the_AT light_NN1 ._. 
And_CC given_VVN the_AT rapt_JJ expression_NN1 on_II the_AT balding_JJ diplomat_NN1 's_GE face_NN1 ,_, her_APPGE front_JJ side_NN1 was_VBDZ better_RRR yet_RR ._. 
But_CCB Rafe_NP1 did_VDD n't_XX have_VHI time_NNT1 to_TO ogle_VVI the_AT diplomat_NN1 's_GE escort_NN1 ._. 
Dragging_VVG his_APPGE attention_NN1 back_RP to_II the_AT room_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 scanned_VVD the_AT wingback_NN1 chairs_NN2 hulking_JJ in_II the_AT shadows_NN2 ,_, the_AT imposing_JJ Louis_NP1 XIV_MC armoire_NN1 with_IW its_APPGE carved_JJ doors_NN2 hanging_VVG ajar_JJ ._. 
That_DD1 ring_NN1 had_VHD to_TO be_VBI within_II reach_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB how_RRQ could_VM he_PPHS1 get_VVI past_II the_AT bed_NN1 to_TO search_VVI ?_? 
Whistling_VVG the_AT tune_NN1 to_II "_" Jingle_NN1 Bells_NN2 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 knocked_VVD on_II the_AT front_JJ door_NN1 ._. 
"_" Ho_UH ,_, ho_UH ,_, ho_UH ,_, Merry_JJ Christmas_NNT1 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 called_VVD out_RP ,_, preparing_VVG to_TO leave_VVI the_AT wrapped_JJ presents_NN2 on_II the_AT stoop_NN1 ._. 
Before_CS he_PPHS1 had_VHD a_AT1 chance_NN1 ,_, the_AT door_NN1 swung_VVD open_JJ ._. 
Mandy_NP1 and_CC Alyssa_NP1 stood_VVD there_RL in_II red_JJ dresses_NN2 ,_, their_APPGE dark_JJ hair_NN1 shining_VVG ._. 
Twin_NN1 expressions_NN2 of_IO wonder_NN1 lit_VVD up_RP their_APPGE well-scrubbed_JJ faces_NN2 ._. 
"_" Santa_NP1 ,_, "_" the_AT younger_JJR girl_NN1 breathed_VVD ,_, fooled_VVN by_II his_APPGE outfit_NN1 ._. 
Brian_NP1 winked_VVD at_II her_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" Have_VH0 you_PPY girls_NN2 been_VBN good_JJ this_DD1 year_NNT1 ?_? "_" 
The_AT both_RR nodded_VVD dutifully_RR ,_, eyes_NN2 wide_JJ ._. 
He_PPHS1 reached_VVD into_II his_APPGE bag_NN1 ,_, finding_VVG a_AT1 present_NN1 for_IF Alyssa_NP1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 jumped_VVD up_RP and_CC down_RP ,_, delighted_JJ to_TO receive_VVI it_PPH1 ._. 
Mandy_NP1 ,_, who_PNQS was_VBDZ at_RR21 least_RR22 five_MC ,_, probably_RR knew_VVD he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ n't_XX the_AT "_" real_JJ "_" Santa_NP1 ._. 
But_CCB she_PPHS1 accepted_VVD the_AT second_MD gift_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 shy_JJ smile_NN1 ,_, examining_VVG his_APPGE ill-fitting_JJ suit_NN1 ._. 
If_CS she_PPHS1 found_VVD it_PPH1 lacking_VVG ,_, she_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX say_VVI ._. 
"_" We_PPIS2 have_VH0 cookies_NN2 for_IF you_PPY !_! 
My_APPGE mommy_NN1 made_VVD them_PPHO2 ._. "_" 
Brian_NP1 glanced_VVD around_RP ,_, wondering_VVG where_RRQ she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ ._. 
"_" Okay_RR ._. "_" 
Mandy_NP1 raced_VVD into_II another_DD1 room_NN1 ,_, coming_VVG back_RP with_IW a_AT1 loaded_JJ plate_NN1 ._. 
"_" Thanks_NN2 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, grabbing_VVG a_AT1 bell-shaped_JJ cookie_NN1 off_II the_AT top_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX have_VHI much_DA1 of_IO a_AT1 sweet_JJ tooth_NN1 ,_, and_CC these_DD2 confections_NN2 looked_VVD almost_RR too_RG pretty_JJ to_TO eat_VVI ,_, with_IW silver_NN1 accents_NN2 and_CC delicate_JJ icing_NN1 ._. 
But_CCB they_PPHS2 tasted_VVD like_II a_AT1 dream_NN1 ,_, light_JJ and_CC almondy_NN1 ._. 
"_" Mmm_UH ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 was_VBDZ about_RPK to_TO wish_VVI them_PPHO2 a_AT1 Merry_JJ Christmas_NNT1 and_CC take_VVI his_APPGE leave_NN1 ,_, along_II21 with_II22 a_AT1 handful_NN1 of_IO those_DD2 delicious_JJ cookies_NN2 ,_, when_CS the_AT girls_NN2 '_GE mother_NN1 appeared_VVD ._. 
The_AT moment_NN1 she_PPHS1 stepped_VVD on_II the_AT scene_NN1 ,_, the_AT cookie_NN1 lodged_VVN in_II his_APPGE throat_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 was_VBDZ wearing_VVG a_AT1 short_JJ towel_NN1 ,_, secured_VVD over_RP her_APPGE breasts_NN2 ._. 
Her_APPGE skin_NN1 was_VBDZ wet_JJ ,_, her_APPGE dark_JJ hair_NN1 dripping_VVG on_II her_APPGE bare_JJ shoulders_NN2 ._. 
Brian_NP1 did_VDD a_AT1 double_NN1 take_VVI ,_, startled_VVN by_II her_APPGE near-nudity_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 could_VM n't_XX help_VVI noticing_VVG that_CST she_PPHS1 had_VHD a_AT1 great_JJ figure_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 'd_VHD never_RR registered_VVN that_CST before_RT ,_, but_CCB he_PPHS1 'd_VHD never_RR seen_VVN quite_RG so_RG much_DA1 of_IO her_PPHO1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 always_RR wore_VVD shapeless_JJ clothes_NN2 and_CC big_JJ sunglasses_NN2 ._. 
"_" What_DDQ are_VBR you_PPY doing_VDG ?_? "_" she_PPHS1 gasped_VVD ,_, staring_VVG at_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 had_VHD frantic_JJ blue_JJ eyes_NN2 and_CC a_AT1 smattering_NN1 of_IO freckles_NN2 across_II her_APPGE nose_NN1 ._. 
Brian_NP1 tried_VVD to_TO chew_VVI the_AT bite_NN1 of_IO cookie_NN1 ,_, which_DDQ had_VHD turned_VVN to_II sawdust_NN1 in_II his_APPGE mouth_NN1 ._. 
"_" You_PPY opened_VVD the_AT door_NN1 to_II a_AT1 stranger_NN1 ?_? "_" she_PPHS1 asked_VVD the_AT girls_NN2 ._. 
Mandy_NP1 set_VVD aside_RL the_AT cookies_NN2 ,_, appearing_VVG stricken_JJ ._. 
"_" Go_VV0 to_II your_APPGE room_NN1 ,_, "_" she_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, clutching_VVG the_AT towel_NN1 in_II a_AT1 white-knuckled_JJ grip_NN1 ._. 
"_" Both_DB2 of_IO you_PPY !_! "_" 
"_" Can_VM we_PPIS2 keep_VVI the_AT presents_NN2 ?_? "_" 
Alyssa_NP1 asked_VVD ._. 
"_" No_UH !_! "_" 
They_PPHS2 ran_VVD away_RL ,_, little_JJ faces_NN2 crumpled_VVN in_II dismay_NN1 ._. 
Brian_NP1 managed_VVD to_TO swallow_VVI ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM sorry_JJ ._. 
I_PPIS1 had_VHD no_AT idea_NN1 this_DD1 would_VM be_VBI a_AT1 problem_NN1 --_NN1 "_" "_" Get_VV0 out_RP ,_, "_" she_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, pointing_VVG her_APPGE finger_NN1 ._. 
Although_CS her_APPGE stance_NN1 was_VBDZ strong_JJ and_CC self-assured_NN1 ,_, her_APPGE lips_NN2 trembled_VVD ,_, betraying_VVG her_APPGE fear_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 retreated_VVD in_II surprise_NN1 ,_, unaware_JJ that_CST he_PPHS1 'd_VHD stepped_VVN over_II the_AT threshold_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM sorry_JJ ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD again_RT ,_, tugging_VVG the_AT fake_JJ beard_NN1 down_RP his_APPGE chin_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 did_VDD n't_XX mean_VVI to_TO scare_VVI you_PPY ._. 
I_PPIS1 'm_VBM Brian_NP1 Cosgrove_NP1 ,_, from_II next_MD door_NN1 ._. "_" 
Her_APPGE gaze_NN1 darted_VVD from_II him_PPHO1 to_II the_AT half-opened_JJ presents_NN2 on_II the_AT floor_NN1 ._. 
"_" Have_VH0 you_PPY visited_VVN my_APPGE children_NN2 before_II ?_? "_" 
Brian_NP1 was_VBDZ so_RG astounded_JJ by_II her_APPGE question_NN1 that_CST he_PPHS1 almost_RR did_VDD n't_XX catch_VVI its_APPGE meaning_NN1 ._. 
Was_VBDZ she_PPHS1 implying_VVG that_CST he_PPHS1 wanted_VVD to_TO harm_VVI her_APPGE daughters_NN2 ?_? 
His_APPGE stomach_NN1 curled_VVN in_II revulsion_NN1 ._. 
"_" No_UH ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, shaken_VVN by_II the_AT charge_NN1 ._. 
"_" Hell_NN1 ,_, no_UH ._. "_" 
"_" Then_RT how_RRQ could_VM you_PPY know_VVI what_DDQ they_PPHS2 wanted_VVD for_IF Christmas_NNT1 ?_? "_" 
He_PPHS1 reached_VVD into_II his_APPGE front_JJ pocket_NN1 ,_, bringing_VVG out_RP the_AT Dear_JJ Santa_NP1 letter_NN1 ._. 
"_" They_PPHS2 left_VVD this_DD1 in_II my_APPGE mailbox_NN1 ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 took_VVD the_AT note_NN1 from_II him_PPHO1 and_CC scanned_VVD it_PPH1 ,_, her_APPGE mouth_NN1 thin_JJ ._. 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ on_II the_AT tip_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE tongue_NN1 to_TO explain_VVI that_CST he_PPHS1 thought_VVD he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ doing_VDG her_APPGE a_AT1 kindness_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE only_JJ impression_NN1 of_IO her_PPHO1 before_II now_RT was_VBDZ that_DD1 of_IO an_AT1 overworked_JJ parent_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 'd_VHD watched_VVN her_PPHO1 leave_VV0 the_AT house_NN1 early_RR in_II the_AT morning_NNT1 and_CC trudge_VV0 home_RL late_RR ._. 
Her_APPGE girls_NN2 had_VHD sad_JJ eyes_NN2 ._. 
Intuition_NN1 ,_, and_CC the_AT Dear_JJ Santa_NP1 letter_NN1 ,_, told_VVD him_PPHO1 they_PPHS2 were_VBDR struggling_VVG ._. 
He_PPHS1 'd_VHD also_RR studied_VVN his_APPGE own_DA reflection_NN1 in_II the_AT mirror_NN1 often_RR enough_RR to_TO know_VVI what_DDQ a_AT1 wounded_JJ soul_NN1 looked_VVN like_II ._. 
