"So, Bill, you've got the blueprint?" Molly asked, peering over his shoulder. "Right here," Bill replied, unrolling a cartoon map on the cluttered coffee table. "Look, kids' party starts at 2 PM sharp. We need to hit 'em hard and fast. Think we can manage it?" "Piece of cake," Molly said, grinning. "What's the timeline?" "Front door's gonna be swarming with parents till 2:15," Bill explained. "At 2:30, cake time; total distraction. By 2:35, we're blending in, and 2:45 we're out with the loot." "Are you sure you know what the loot is?" Molly raised an eyebrow. "A mountain of presents," Bill chuckled. "Wrapped in cutesy paper, begging to be liberated." Molly sighed. "Just don't forget they're for kids, Bill. Let's not traumatize the little ones, okay?" "Relax, we’re experts," Bill replied, tapping the map. "Now, disguises?" "Clowns," Molly said, without hesitation. "Clowns?" Bill's eyes widened. "Why clowns?" "Nobody suspects clowns," Molly grinned. "Plus, we'll blend right in." Bill shrugged. "Okay, clowns it is. Weapons?" "Juggling pins," Molly answered. "But they’re not even sharp," Bill protested. "Exactly," Molly winked. "We aren’t there to hurt anyone, just to nab the goods." "Fair enough," Bill said. "How are you with balloon animals?" "Decent," Molly smirked. "Think you can handle a unicycle?" "It's been a while, but I'll manage," Bill said, chuckling nervously. "When do we scope the joint?" "Tomorrow morning," Molly replied. "Party’s at JJ's Funhouse, right? We need to case the place, know all exits." "Gotcha," Bill said, folding the map. "Anything else?" "Remember," Molly said sternly, "No kid gets hurt. We get in, grab the loot, and get out. Simple and clean." Bill grinned. "Sounds like a plan. How’re we splitting the take?" "50-50," Molly said without blinking. "Agreed," Bill nodded. "What time do we clown up?" "Two hours before the party starts," Molly instructed. "Gives us time to practice the act, blend in." "Clown names?" Bill asked. "I'm Bingo," Molly laughed. "You can be Bozo." "Really? Bozo?" Bill frowned. "Would you rather be Buttons?" Molly teased. "Fine, Bozo it is," Bill said, defeated. "This better be worth it." "It will be," Molly assured him. "We need the cash, remember?" Bill sighed. "Yeah, I remember. Alright, Bingo. Let’s get ready to clown around." "That's the spirit, Bozo," Molly said, smirking. "Don’t forget to practice your smile." "Yeah, yeah," Bill grumbled. "See you bright and early tomorrow." "Don't oversleep," Molly warned. "We’ve got a party to crash." "Wouldn't miss it for the world," Bill said, stuffing the map into his pocket. As Molly walked to the door, she turned and added, “And Bill… try not to scare the kids too much, okay?” Bill laughed. “No promises, Bingo. No promises.” Molly shook her head, a smile playing on her lips, and left. Bill stayed behind, practicing his clown laugh in the mirror. “Bill, you’re gonna be the best Bozo they’ve ever seen,” he told himself, adjusting an invisible clown nose. It was a strange life they led, but at least it was never boring. Clowns or not, tomorrow’s heist was bound to be one for the books.