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The ultra-complicated, super-deadly heist of Dr. Wakeman’s Quantum Kaleidoscope had turned out to be a cakewalk. “And it was all thanks to me,” said Tuck Carbuckle as he walked through Tremorton’s warehouse district with the teen trio of Brad, Sheldon, and Jenny.

“We know, Tuck,” said Brad.

“You keep reminding us every five minutes,” said Sheldon.

“Just how many times do you need us to thank you?” asked Jenny.

“It’s less about the quantity of thanks and more about the quality,” said Tuck. “It needs to be more exuberant. And preferably done while on your knees.”

“Hard to find the Crust Cousins’ warehouse while we’re on our knees,” said Brad, with an eye roll. “We’ll have to grovel at your feet later.”

“No problem,” said Tuck. “I’ll pencil you in for Sunday, just before lunch.”

Jenny raised her hand. “Hold up, fellas. We’re here.” She stopped in front one of a half-dozen gray warehouse buildings. 

Brad said, “How can you tell?”

Jenny pointed up to the roof, where a pink neon sign flashed the words “L'entrepôt Crust de vêtements démodés.”

“The Crust warehouse of out-of-fashion clothing,” Jenny translated. “They splurged on neon French signage," she said, sliding the large doors apart on their tracks. "But didn’t pay for locks.” The four of them stepped inside.

“Aw, man!” moaned Tuck. He ran his hands over his sleek black outfit. “I got all dressed up for a hardcore heist. At least in Dr. Wakeman’s vault I had to crawl through the vents. This is just too easy. ” 

“Hold that thought,” said Jenny as she scanned the dark interior of the warehouse, her eyes set to night vision. “There are hundreds of crates to look through, and they’re all labeled with some sort of code.”

“Ooh!” said Sheldon.

“Boo!” said Tuck. “A dumb puzzle for brainiac Sheldon to decipher.” He kicked and punched the air. “Tuck Carbuckle is a man of action — looking for adventure and spoiling for a fight!”

“Hold it right there!” called a deep voice. The doors slammed shut behind them, trapping Jenny and her friends inside. From the dark corners of the warehouse, a dozen flashlights were switched on. Their beams bounced ever closer, surrounding the group.

Tuck shrieked, dropped to his knees, and groveled at Brad’s feet. “Save me, big brother!”

Brad turned to the others. “I’d love to savor this ironic moment, but we should probably run.”