Molly leaned against the wall of the dimly lit alley, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Okay, Bill, let’s go over the plan one more time. We sneak in, grab the loot, and get out before anyone notices.” Bill scratched his head, looking skeptical. “You sure about this? I mean, it’s a kid’s party. What if they catch us? They’ve got cake and balloons, Molly. Kids love balloons.” Molly rolled her eyes. “Focus, Bill! We’re not here for cake and balloons. We’re here for the presents. Think of all the toys! The video games! The—” “Stuffed animals?” Bill interrupted, his eyes lighting up. “I could use a new teddy bear.” “Not the point!” Molly snapped. “We’re professionals. We’re here to steal, not to cuddle.” “Right, right. Steal, not cuddle. Got it.” Bill nodded, but his gaze drifted to a nearby dumpster. “What if we get caught? I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? A bunch of kids tackle us?” Molly smirked. “I’d pay to see that. But seriously, we’ll be in and out. Just like the last job.” “Yeah, but that was a bakery. No kids. No balloons. Just pastries.” Bill shuddered. “I still have nightmares about the frosting fight.” “Stop being a baby! This is different. We’ll wear disguises.” Molly pulled out a pair of oversized sunglasses and a bright pink wig. “See? No one will suspect a thing.” Bill squinted at her. “You think that’ll work? I mean, kids are pretty observant. They notice everything.” “Exactly! That’s why we’ll act like we belong. Just blend in. You know, like ninjas.” “Ninjas? At a kid’s party?” Bill chuckled. “What’s next? We’re going to do backflips over the cake?” “Only if necessary,” Molly said, grinning. “Now, here’s the plan. We wait until the kids are distracted by the magician. That’s our window.” “Magician? You mean the guy with the rabbit? What if he pulls us out of a hat?” “Then we’ll just have to steal the hat too,” Molly said, crossing her arms. “Now, are you in or not?” Bill sighed dramatically. “Fine! I’m in. But if we get caught, I’m blaming you.” “Deal! Now, let’s go over the escape route. We’ll slip out the back, through the alley, and—” “Wait, wait! What if there’s a dog?” Bill interrupted again, his eyes wide. “You know how I feel about dogs.” Molly groaned. “Bill, it’s a kid’s party, not a dog show. There’s no time for your phobias.” “Right, right. No dogs. Just kids. And presents.” Bill took a deep breath. “Okay, I can do this. I can be stealthy.” “Good! Now, remember, act natural. If anyone asks, we’re just… uh… party entertainers!” “Party entertainers? What do we entertain with? Juggling? I can’t juggle!” “Then just smile and wave! You’re good at that.” Molly nudged him playfully. “Now, let’s go before the cake gets cut. I want first dibs on the presents!” “Fine! But if I see a balloon, I’m out!” Bill declared, following her as they crept toward the party, hearts racing with excitement and a hint of dread.