Molly and Bill sat across from each other at a small table in a greasy cafeteria. Molly drummed her fingers impatiently as Bill stared at his meager breakfast sandwich. "Please tell me this crazy plan of yours doesn't involve any cat suits," Molly said bluntly. "Or unbreakable vaults protected by lasers. I've got my neck still to worry about." Bill raised an eyebrow and popped a bite of sandwich in his mouth. He chewed noisily and wiped his mouth. "No, no vaults. Just a way to make a quick buck before the banks foreclose on us." He leaned in close with a grin. "A children's birthday party." Molly's jaw dropped. She nearly choked on her bite of hashbrown. "You've officially lost your mind. Have you gone back and checked?" Bill chuckled and dodged her question. "I'm telling you, it'll be easy. The parents will be distracted with silly games and snacks, it'll be like taking candy from... well, children." She scowled and narrowed her eyes skeptically. "So what, I'm supposed to waltz in and snatch one gift at a time while you make excuses to mom and dad?" "No, we'll go in after it's over, when everyone is leaving. That's when the parents are at their most harried." He was growing excited now, waving his hands animatedly. "We just need to break open the presents, stuff them in some large bags we'll hide, and vamoose. All the goods will be ours - games, dolls, the works." Molly rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "How is this any different than being a Scrooge in real Christmas? Do you know how to break into a house?" Bill looked indignant. "Of course I do! I ain't a fool. I'll just do what I did back in October at that Halloween place - shoplift some tools and use a spare I stash under the porches. I can do it in a minute flat. Then we'll slip into the house and...aaaand..." He was lost in reverie now, the prizes dancing in his eyes. Molly stood up from the table with a sigh, her coffee cup cold and forgotten. She fumbled in her pocket for the small wad of crumpled bills they had left. "I didn't even want to do this... but I suppose I'm in." She glared at Bill, challenging. "One mistake and you'll wish the Grinch came after you after all." Bill grinned like a Cheshire cat. He may not have known just how far he was willing to go to fuel his addiction. "Just bring me those scented body spray things. Trade that for the tools and supplies." He paused, then added: "Maybe we take a bunch and sell 'em. We'll be set up and not be choking on our own smog." He got up to go throw his wrinkled trash away. She should have known better, but desperation made people do foolish things. Molly resigned herself. The entirety of the birthday party presents, their Christmas gifts as well, would soon be hers to hock, as she had nothing else, and nowhere else, to go.