Molly peered through the binoculars, her eyes scanning the bustling scene of the children's party in the park. "This is it, Bill. The motherlode of presents. I can see at least three towers of gift-wrapped loot. It's like Christmas threw up over there." Bill adjusted his ski mask, even though it wasn't even close to winter. "I still think we should've gone for the jewelry store on Fifth. Less chance of getting tackled by a sugar-high six-year-old." Molly rolled her eyes. "Come on, Bill. Where's your sense of adventure? Besides, those birthday kids won't even know what hit 'em. We'll be in and out like the tooth fairy—only we take instead of give." "Alright," Bill sighed, "but we do this by the book. No improvising." Molly smirked. "What book? The Art of Stealing from Shorty's? Fine, we'll stick to the plan. You distract the clown, and I'll swoop in for the gifts." Bill checked his watch. "On my signal, then. And remember, no one gets 'Billy the Balloon Animal'-ed on my watch." Molly snickered. "Deal. But if you end up with a balloon sword fight, you're on your own." They crept closer, blending in with the park's landscapers. Molly whispered, "Okay, what's your genius distraction?" Bill puffed up with pride. "I've got a whoopee cushion and a fart sound app. Works every time." Molly stifled a laugh. "Classy, Bill. Real classy. Just make sure it's not one of those silent but deadly ones. We need chaos, not a crime scene." "Trust me," Bill said, pulling out a pair of oversized clown shoes. "Once I trip into the punch bowl wearing these, it'll be pandemonium." Molly gave him a skeptical look. "You're going to trip? That's your master plan?" "Hey, it's foolproof. Kids love slapstick." "Fine, but if this goes south, I'm blaming your shoes." Bill huffed. "Just be ready to grab the goods." They reached the edge of the party. Bill took a deep breath and stepped into the fray, waddling awkwardly in his clown shoes. Molly positioned herself near the gift table, feigning interest in a nearby tree. "Hey kids, look what I found!" Bill exclaimed, waving a giant inflatable hammer. The children's attention shifted to him as he stumbled closer to the punch bowl. A little girl pointed at Bill, giggling. "Mommy, that man's shoes are funny!" Her mother glanced over, chuckling. "Yes, dear, he's quite the entertainer." Bill's face turned red under his mask as he fumbled with the whoopee cushion, trying to time his fall. Molly watched, ready to pounce. Finally, Bill 'accidentally' tripped, sending the punch bowl crashing to the ground. The children shrieked with delight as liquid splashed everywhere. In the ensuing chaos, Molly sprang into action. She dashed to the gift table, scooping armfuls of presents with the finesse of a department store Santa. Bill struggled to his feet, the children now surrounding him, begging for more 'tricks.' He gave Molly a nod, signaling it was time to retreat. Molly, laden with gifts, backed away slowly, a triumphant grin on her face. Bill extricated himself from the crowd and caught up with her. "Did you get it all?" he asked, panting. "Every last ribbon and bow," Molly replied, out of breath but exhilarated. They made it back to their hideout, presents piled high. Bill collapsed onto a couch, exhausted. "Next time, let's stick to banks." Molly dumped a pile of gifts next to him. "What's the matter, Bill? Not cut out for the high-stakes world of birthday banditry?" "I'm just saying," Bill grumbled, "next time, I'm picking the target." Molly laughed, ripping open a gift. "Sure thing, partner. But for now, let's see what we've won." As they unwrapped the loot, Molly couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. "Bill, you don't think the kids will be too upset, do you?" Bill looked at her, a toy train in his hand. "We'll make it up to them. Next heist, we hit the toy store—and leave a few presents behind." Molly smiled, the thrill of the heist already fading into the warmth of their peculiar brand of justice. "Deal. But let's get a better distraction next time, okay?" Bill chuckled, tossing the train aside. "Agreed. No more clowning around."