"Let me get this straight, lady. You want to rent a Santa Clause outfit for yourself?"

Carroll smirked at the elderly owner. "That's right! It's a special gag I'm planning for a party coming up soon.

He raised his eye brows a bit and gave her a very tired grin. "Nothing surprises me anymore." He sent a quick glance to the ceiling protected heavens and went in search of the required garments.

Of course she didn't tell the customer service person what kind of a party she had in mind. It took some doing but he finally found a Santa suit that was a reasonably good fit for her. She paid the rental fee and brought the suit home in a large plastic bag and prepared herself for the next stage of her planned seduction.