Molly poked her head around the corner, squinting at the building ahead. "You sure this is the place?" she whispered, eyeing the bright streamers and towering balloon sculptures adorning the entrance. Bill, lounging against the wall, grinned. "Definitely. I got a tip it's a low-security kids' birthday bash. Free cake and punch, Nina's idea of heaven." Molly snorted. "That's Narnia, not a heist location." "Same diff, same diff," Bill said, straightening up. "Come on, let's get in before the candy and cupcakes run out." They slipped inside, blending into the festive crowd. Kids in superhero costumes darted around them, the sound of laughter and shouts filling the air. A grinning clown juggled colorful balls near the table stacked with presents. Molly's eyes widened. "Holy hell, Bill. This is…more than I expected." Bill waggled his eyebrows. "Gifts galore, just like the Lost City of Atlantis. Well, minus the actual city part." The two thieves moved through the party like sharks in a fish tank, pretending to join in on games while scouting for their target. They lingered near the prize table, analyzing the setup. An older couple monitored the presents, but otherwise, it was wide open. Molly made a series of swift slashes across the table, cutting through ribbon and tape. The plastic-wrapped loot lay exposed, tempting in its organized chaos. Bill leaned in, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "You know the plan, Molly. grab what you can carry, meet me at the back door. We're getting out of here before nap time." Molly's eyes flicked to the clown, juggling with renewed vigor. She winked at Bill. "Don't worry, I'll be quick." As Molly dived into the plunder, Bill nonchalantly contrived to get a balloon sword from a basket nearby. He swung it, humming a jaunty tune, careful not to jolt the clown in peril. Instead, a tot got in the way. "No, no, no!" the child wailed, hands clutching his face. The clown reacted with lightning speed, plucking a Caution: Hot surface sign from his side and thrusting it at the child. "Oopsie-daisy! Careful with mumsy's birthday present!" Bill seized the opportunity, steering the distressed child toward the back door. "Hey, buddy, let's go see the party animals outside, huh?" Molly joined them, wrestling an enormous bear suit back into its wrapping. "Everything's a-go, Bill. Let's skedaddle!" They burst through the door, escaping into the balmy night air. Bill produced a pair of goggles from his pocket, along with a small, battery-powered drill. He donned the goggles, leveled the drill at the large, colorful parachute cord tied around the door, and with a satisfied click, it popped open like a zipper. "Always bring a drill on your birthday heist," Bill quipped, handing Molly a package as they fled down the sidewalk. She giggled, clutching her prize. "Never a dull moment with you, partner." As they rounded the corner, heads filled with candy and balloons, they vanished into the shadows, leaving behind a trail of laughter, confetti, and a clown wondering how all his balloons had flown away.