Molly and Bill tried to maintain a discreet distance from each other as they navigated the crowded venue, periodically peering over the play area edge to keep an eye on the frantic children. Their earlier reconnaissance revealed the surprisingly large number of presents deposited under a tree at the far end. Their mission was simple: to distract the little ones and swiftly whisk away those shiny wrapped packages one by one. Sanity dictated that they should plan well in advance, given the comically synchronized movements of the cluster that filled the play area. In detail, each playtime's duration, playdates, and attending children's dietary preferences would factor into their calculations, as the idea was to maintain a safe degree of deviousness and impishness. Choosing the opportune moment, Molly and Bill would wait for the ideal moment. They would signal each other using their usual coded language. Bill, the more reserved yet proficient pickpocket, would use his vast repertoire of magic tricks as sleight of hand to conceal the humongous sack hanging from his waist, snagging presents as they came by. Meanwhile, Molly, nimble in deception, would distract the young audience with a candy-scattering magic show. As the routine played out, Bill's pilfering grew more successful, but the partygoers' fury escalated just as Molly's tricks seemingly backfired. Yet another challenge for heist novels to conquer! Their escape route down the alley was a well-planned bush of thorns that they had behoved before the party started. The children would no doubt innately upgrade their minor potency, but it was another slice of the real world that Molly and Bill had to contend with.