“Okay, so the place is called ‘Lil’ Tykes’ Tiny Tutus,” Molly said, flipping through a stack of flyers. “They're billing it as a ‘Princess and Pirate Party.’ Fancy, huh?” “Fancy,” Bill scoffed, munching on a handful of stale crackers. “It’s just a bunch of kids in overpriced costumes. What’s the plan, Moll?” “The plan, my dear Bill, requires a certain finesse. We're not just waltzing in and snatching every gift bag. We gotta be smooth. Think of it as a graceful ballet of thievery.” “More like a clumsy clog,” Bill muttered. “Don’t be a grumpy goblin, Bill. We’re going undercover. I’ve got it all figured out. You’ll be Captain Calico, the best pirate this side of the Mississippi, and I’ll be Princess Sparklebutt, the most whimsical princess ever. We’ll charm the pants off those parents and the kids won’t suspect a thing.” “You’re kidding, right? Sparklebutt? That’s our code name?” “Don’t mock my creative genius, Bill. It’s a perfect disguise! Besides, the kids are gonna love it.” “Look, Moll, I’m not sure about this whole…princess thing.” “Don’t worry, darling, it’ll be easy. Just think: you can spend your time in the ‘pirate’ tent handing out candy and playing games. It’s pure bliss.” “So you’re the one doing all the ‘charming’ and I’m stuck with the kids?” “It’s a team effort, Billy-boy. I’ll handle the big stuff - like, you know, the gifts. You’ll be responsible for…distraction. And for that, you get to wear a giant foam pirate hat. Think of it as a reward.” “Ugh, I hate that hat. It makes me feel like a giant foam-headed fool.” “Hey, it’s a classic look. And it's way less suspicious than a fedora.” “Yeah, but I'm always the one wearing the ridiculous hat. You're always in some glamorous disguise.” “Listen, Bill, you know you love being in the spotlight. Remember when we pulled off that ‘Santa Claus’ caper? You were the most convincing elf I’d ever seen.” “That was different. Santa Claus is all jolly and happy. No sparkly crowns involved.” “Oh, please. You're the one who tripped over a reindeer and landed face-first in a bowl of mashed potatoes. It was hilarious!” “It’s not hilarious, Moll. It’s humiliating. And you never let me live it down.” “Because it was legendary, Bill! Come on, let’s make this another legendary heist. I’m going to have to get you a bigger bag for your loot though. I think you may be overestimating your ability to charm kids. Just…be careful, okay? Remember, we need to get in and out quick, before someone calls security.” Bill sighed, popping another cracker into his mouth. “You know, I’d much rather be at home watching reruns of ‘Duck Dynasty’.” “There’s a reason that ‘Duck Dynasty’ exists, Bill. It’s a metaphor for our lives. We’re like ducks, Bill, only we steal. And we look good doing it. Besides, how many times can you watch bearded men in camouflage before you go completely insane?” Bill shrugged, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. “Okay, fine. I’ll be your pirate. But if I end up in a play-date scrum with a bunch of pint-sized princesses, I’m blaming the sparkly crown.” “I’m sure you’ll do great, Bill. You're a natural with children, you know? You just gotta channel your inner… pirate.” “Oh, I think I’ve got that covered,” Bill said, a knowing smirk spreading across his face. Molly grinned. It was going to be a great night.