Molly and Bill huddled under the cover of the playground’s spiral slide, their voices barely whispers in the night air. “Okay, Bill, let's lay this out one more time. We’ll break into the party through the—” “Gift shop window!” “No, Bill, the back fence. We climb over the back fence, and then we—” “Use the grappling hooks and—” “Masks, Bill. We put on the masks. No one needs to see our faces. And after that, we sneak around to the side door.” “The side door that the magician’s assistant leaves open for a smoke break!” “Right. And once we’re inside, what do we do first?” “Head straight to the snack table and grab some cupcakes!” “No, Bill! Presents first! The cupcakes are just a bonus if we have time. We grab the presents and then make a break for it.” “But, Molly, what if the kids see us?” “That’s why we’re dressed as clowns, Bill. They’ll just think we’re part of the entertainment.” “Oh, right! And then we juggle the presents out of there?” “Metaphorically, Bill. We throw them in the sack and get out fast.” “I’ve got the sack! It’s top quality, no holes, or anything!” “Well, we can’t have falling toys. When we get to the bikes, we make our escape through the park, got it?” “Like lightning, Molly. Fast and unnoticed.” “Exactly. Now, when Mr. Twizzle starts his act, what do we do?” “That’s our cue. We dive in and—” “Walk calmly. Blend in. Confidence is key.” “Right, confidence. Just like at the candy heist last Easter!” “Minus the chocolate stains this time. Remember, the first stop is the gift table.” “Got it. And if security shows up?” “We hit them with the joy buzzer.” “The one that squirts water?” “Exactly. Gets them every time.” “What if they’re not scared of water?” “We have plan B, Bill.” “Plan B?” “The banana peel. Slips them right up.” “But what if the guests start asking questions?” “We’re clowns, Bill. Our answers don’t need to make sense.” “Right. We say something funny like, ‘What’s a party without a little crime?’” “No, Bill. No incriminating jokes. Just balloon animals and squirting flowers.” “Okay, Molly. So, after we get the presents, we head for the bikes, and—” “Ride like the wind.” “But what about the party hats? Shouldn’t we blend in more?” “We already have clown masks. Hats might be overkill.” “Good point. But what if the kids start crying when they see us?” “Then we make balloons. Kids love balloons.” “Balloons and presents, Molly. We’re like Santa Claus but for Halloween.” “Sure, Bill. And remember, no funny business. Wait till we’re out of the park to laugh.” “Okay. But, Molly, once we’re rich with all those presents, what’s next?” “Sell them on ClownBay or give them to our nephews. Either way, we’re in the clear.” “ClownBay it is. Who knew this heist business could be so much fun?” “It’s all about theatrics, Bill. Now, ready?” “Ready.” “Let’s go steal us some smiles, I mean, presents.” “You got it, partner.” Molly and Bill crept out from their hiding spot, inconspicuous in their bright, oversized shoes that squeaked faintly with every step. They had a plan, a scheme that was half-brained and hilariously doomed from the start, but they moved forward with the innocent confidence of clowns on a mission.