Molly squinted at the map spread out on the coffee table, her brow furrowed. “Okay, Bill, so if we sneak in through the back gate, we should be golden. The kids will be too busy with the clown to notice.” Bill scratched his chin thoughtfully. “A clown? Are you sure that’s wise? Have you seen the way they juggle? It could be a serious distraction. Or, you know, a potential danger.” Molly rolled her eyes. “It’s a clown, Bill. Not a lion tamer. Just a guy in makeup tossing around some rubber balls. Do you really think we’re going to be upstaged by a guy in oversized shoes?” “Yeah, but the last time you underestimated a clown, we ended up in a balloon fight outside Chuck E. Cheese!” He waved a hand dramatically. “Do you really want to repeat that?” “Okay, fine. The clown’s a hazard,” she conceded, tapping the map. “But this is our chance! Just imagine the loot! That little brat, Timmy, is getting an Xbox. And what’s cooler than an Xbox?” “Eh, I dunno. A jet ski?” Bill smirked, leaning in. “But for real, while we’re kleptomanic-ing around at a children’s party, there better be some solid toys. No stuffed animals.” Molly snorted. “What’s wrong with stuffed animals? They’ve got value!” “To whom? Grown adults with questionable attachment issues? I’m not going home with a stuffed giraffe named Gerald.” Molly chuckled, already planning the heist in her head. “What’s a heist without a bit of whimsy? Besides, you can always add a marshmallow wig and walk it to the pawn shop.” “Now you’re talking! I’ll definitely get more for a marshmallow wigger. Okay, what’s the plan to bypass the party host?” Bill took a deep breath, his expression suddenly serious. “Easy-peasy.” Molly leaned back, folding her arms. “Distraction. We set off a sparkler in the backyard. Nothing grabs attention like a surprise firework!” “That sounds mildly illegal,” Bill pointed out, raising an eyebrow. “Only if you get caught. And besides, it’s a children’s party. What’s the worst that could happen? A swarm of kids running at us with cupcakes?” “Cupcakes or not, I don’t want to go to jail. Locking me away for stealing toys is bad enough. I’d never live it down.” “True. We’ll stick to stealth then. In and out like ninjas!” Molly exclaimed, attempting a convincing ninja pose. “And don’t forget the grassy knoll at the side of the house. We can hide behind it afterward.” “Right! We’ll blend in with the grass. So clever!” Bill said, feigning enthusiasm. “Except I’m not entirely sure I can mold myself into a shrub. I’m more the ‘guy-near-the-bush awkwardly shoving a remote-controlled dinosaur into a backpack’ type.” “Don't be ridiculous,” she replied, laughing. “You’re going to nail the ninja thing. Just remember: quiet steps, quick hands, and if anyone catches you, yell ‘surprise!’ and run. That’ll confuse them!” “Great, since I look like a ninja taking a snack break.” “It’ll work, trust me.” Molly winked. “What’s life without a little risk? And if detention becomes the worst we’re facing, we can at least go back to the balloon fights!”