Molly, a seasoned thief with a mischievous grin, leaned against the brick wall of the abandoned building across from the bustling children's party. She adjusted her bright red wig and checked her reflection in a compact mirror. "You know, Bill," she said, turning to her lanky partner in crime, "I've always had a soft spot for children's parties. The balloons, the cake, the sheer joy on their little faces." Bill, a tall man with a bushy mustache, looked at her skeptically. "You're not getting cold feet, are you, Molly?" Molly laughed, a loud, hearty laugh that echoed in the empty building. "Me? Cold feet? Not a chance, Bill. I'm just savoring the moment before the chaos ensues." Bill nodded, adjusting his fake glasses. "Alright, let's go over the plan one more time. You'll distract the clown, and I'll swoop in and grab the presents." Molly wagged a finger at him. "Not just any presents, Bill. The big, shiny ones. Those are the ones we're after." Bill chuckled, "Right, right. Big, shiny ones. Got it." Molly looked at her watch, a cheap plastic one that matched her wig. "Showtime, Bill. Remember, we're not just any thieves. We're the Jolly Thieves. We leave laughter in our wake." Bill straightened his bow tie, a nervous habit of his. "And no children harmed, right?" Molly rolled her eyes. "Of course, Bill. We're thieves, not monsters." They stepped out of the building and into the bright sunlight. The party was in full swing, children laughing and playing, parents chatting and sipping punch. Molly took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on the clown, juggling three brightly colored balls. "Alright, Bill," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let's do this." Bill nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He watched as Molly approached the clown, her steps confident and sure. She tripped, intentionally, snagging the clown's ankle with her foot. The clown stumbled, his balls flying in different directions. Bill seized the moment. He dashed towards the mountain of presents, his eyes focused on the big, shiny ones. He grabbed them, stuffing them into a large sack he had slung over his shoulder. Molly, now standing and apologizing profusely to the clown, caught his eye and winked. Bill winked back, a grin spreading across his face. They were almost home free. Just as Bill turned to leave, a little girl stepped in front of him, her eyes wide and curious. "What are you doing, mister?" she asked, her voice filled with innocence. Bill froze, his mind racing. "Uh, I'm... I'm just... collecting the trash, sweetheart," he stammered, holding up the sack. The girl looked at him, then at the sack, then back at him. She seemed unconvinced. Bill gulped, his heart pounding louder than ever. Molly, noticing the commotion, stepped in. "That's right, darling," she said, her voice sweet and soothing. "He's helping the clown clean up. Isn't that nice of him?" The girl looked at Molly, then at Bill, then back at Molly. She seemed satisfied with the explanation. "Okay," she said, skipping away. Bill let out a sigh of relief, his body sagging. "Thanks, Molly," he said, his voice shaky. Molly grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "No problem, Bill. That's what partners are for, right?" Bill nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Right, Molly. That's what partners are for." And with that, they slipped away, their laughter echoing in the air, leaving the party none the wiser. The Jolly Thieves had struck again.