“Do you really think we can pull this off?” Molly leaned over the blueprints she had roughly sketched on a napkin. Bill adjusted his hat, squinting at the crude drawing. “Of course we can! It’s just a kid’s party. How hard can it be?” Molly raised an eyebrow. “You do remember the last kid’s party we went to, right? We got chased by a hundred sugar-fueled six-year-olds.” “Like I said, they focused on the cake. This time, we snag the presents before they even notice!” Bill waved his hand as if shooing away a swarm of imaginary children. Molly picked up a crayon and doodled a stick figure wearing a superhero cape. “Right. And what’s our plan once we grab the loot? Just waltz out waving goodbye to everyone?” “Exactly! Just like superheroes. We’ll be the Robin Hood of birthday presents!” He grinned, puffing out his chest. “An ethical heist.” “Right. Because stealing from kids is totally ethical. Bill, I’d like to see you explain that to the cops when they catch us.” “They won’t catch us! We’ll be gone like whispers in a windstorm!” He threw his arms wide, nearly knocking over a stack of balloons. Molly rolled her eyes. “Let’s focus on the details. What’s our getaway vehicle?” Bill scratched his head. “Uh, how about that rusty bike you keep in your garage?” “With a flat tire? Brilliant! Or maybe we could borrow a clown car. Who wouldn’t suspect a couple of thieves climbing out of a tiny car?” “Alright, fine. What do you suggest?” He crossed his arms defensively. Molly tapped her chin thoughtfully. “We could use my Aunt Betty’s minivan. No one notices a minivan at a kid’s party.” “Perfect! Operation ‘Minivan Escape’ is a go!” Bill leaned in, excitement dancing in his eyes. “And the costume? We need a disguise!” “Costume? You mean our black ski masks aren’t sufficient?” Molly smirked. “Okay, fair point. But we could dress as clowns! No one would suspect clowns!” Bill’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Clowns? Seriously?” Molly chuckled. “That’s the best idea you’ve had yet. Let’s go with that! Just don’t do the creepy laughter thing.” “Can’t promise anything!” he said, rubbing his hands together. “So, we lure the adults away with party games?” “Right. Here’s the plan: You distract the adults, I’ll grab the presents. The second they hear ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey,’ we swoop in.” “Easy-peasy. What could go wrong?” Bill grinned. Molly held up a finger. “Remember the balloon animal incident?” “The one where I ended up tied to a slide? I won’t let that happen again!” he scoffed. “Good, because this time we can’t afford any slip-ups. We need to be smooth. Like thieves in the night.” “More like thieves in bright rainbow wigs.” Bill smirked. Molly chuckled, standing up. “Alright, then we practice our clown personas. I’ll be the cheery one, and you can be… well, the intimidating one?” “Intimidating? Me? I can do it! Just watch.” “Okay, ‘Clowninator,’ let’s get to work before the party starts. And Bill?” “Yeah?” “Please leave the rubber chicken at home.” “Never! That’s the centerpiece of the whole operation!”