Molly adjusted the oversized, sparkly butterfly wings she’d pilfered from the costume shop. “Ready for this, Bill?” “Ready as I’ll ever be,” Bill replied, clutching a bag shaped like a giant candy cane that had inexplicably wound up in his possession. “Just hope we can handle the sugar rush.” Molly chuckled, her voice muffled by the wings. “You’re a riot, Bill. Don’t worry, I’ve got my emergency bag of espresso. We’ll be fine.” They crouched behind a row of overgrown hedges, peering through the gap at the scene unfolding in the manicured backyard. The air was thick with the scent of barbecue and overpriced party favors. Children screamed with delight as they chased after a runaway balloon shaped like a cartoon giraffe. The atmosphere was chaotic, perfect for their operation. “Alright,” Molly whispered, checking her watch. “Three o’clock. Time for Operation Sugar Rush.” Bill, despite his usual gruff demeanor, seemed strangely excited. “The presents! They’re all stacked around the punch bowl! I’ve never seen so many dolls and action figures in my life!” Molly rolled her eyes. “Focus, Bill. We’re not here to play. Remember the plan? Distract the adults, grab the loot, escape.” “Of course, of course,” Bill muttered. His eyes were shining with a childlike gleam. “But maybe we can sneak a few gummy bears. Just a couple. For research purposes, you know.” Molly sighed. “Fine. Two gummy bears. But only two. And we’re only stealing the expensive stuff. No toy trucks or stuffed bunnies. We’re going for the big guns.” “No problem,” Bill grinned. "Leave it to me." He tugged his hat lower over his face and took off in a wobbly, exaggerated gait, mimicking a drunken uncle. Molly watched him go, shaking her head. Bill was a handful, that was for sure. But she couldn’t deny his effectiveness as a distraction. While Bill was weaving his way through giggling children, Molly stealthily approached the overflowing table laden with presents. She skimmed the mountain of toys, making a mental note of the most valuable, ignoring the colorful plastic dinosaurs and plastic teapots. Her eyes gleamed with excitement. The good stuff was all there, waiting to be claimed. This wasn’t just a heist anymore, it was a treasure hunt. "Ready?" Bill's voice boomed from across the yard, drawing a chorus of delighted shrieks from the children. He was a master of his craft, if a little bit chaotic. Molly grinned. She was glad she hadn’t gone solo. Bill was a handful, but he was her handful. And tonight, they were going to make a fortune, one gummy bear at a time.