Molly slouched against the beat-up van, her eyes darting nervously up and down the quiet suburban street. Bill leaned out the driver's side window, a cigarette dangling from his lips. "You sure about this, Molly? Seems a bit low, even for us," Bill muttered, flicking ash onto the pavement. Molly rolled her eyes. "Low? It's genius. Think about it – a house full of expensive gifts, minimal security, and everyone distracted by screaming kids. It's perfect." "I don't know. Something about stealing from children just doesn't sit right with me." "Oh, come off it, Bill. Since when did you grow a conscience? Remember that time we stole from the nuns?" Bill chuckled. "Yeah, but those nuns had it coming. These are innocent kids we're talking about." "Innocent? Please. They're probably spoiled brats who don't need half the stuff they're getting anyway. We're doing society a favor." "If you say so. So, what's the plan?" Molly grinned, her eyes lighting up with mischief. "It's simple. We go in posing as the entertainment." "Entertainment? What, like clowns?" "God no, I hate clowns. We'll be magicians." Bill raised an eyebrow. "Magicians? Do you even know any magic tricks?" "Of course I do. Watch this." Molly reached behind Bill's ear and pulled out a quarter. "Wow, real impressive. I'm sure that'll fool a bunch of sugar-high eight-year-olds." "Shut up. It's not about the tricks, it's about the distraction. While I'm wowing the crowd with my sleight of hand, you'll be sneaking around, gathering up all the presents." "And what if someone catches me?" "Just say you're looking for the bathroom or something. Use your imagination, Bill." Bill sighed, stubbing out his cigarette. "Fine. But if this goes south, I'm blaming you." "When has anything ever gone south with me in charge?" "Do you want that list alphabetically or chronologically?" Molly punched Bill's arm playfully. "Come on, it'll be fun. And just think of the haul we'll get. These rich suburbanites don't skimp on birthday presents." "Alright, alright. I'm in. But I draw the line at wearing a top hat." "Deal. Now, help me practice my magic act. I need to perfect my disappearing coin trick." "You mean the one where you just drop the coin when no one's looking?" "Exactly. It's all about the showmanship, Bill." As they practiced, a minivan full of balloons and excited children drove past, heading towards their target house. "Showtime," Molly said with a grin. "Ready to make some kids' presents disappear?" Bill groaned. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this. If we end up in jail, I'm never speaking to you again." "Please, when have I ever let you down?" "Do you want that list alphabetically or chronologically?" Molly laughed, shoving Bill towards the van. "Come on, you big baby. Let's go rob some children." As they drove off towards their unsuspecting victims, Molly couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. It was going to be a birthday party those kids would never forget – for all the wrong reasons.