Molly leaned against the wall of the dimly lit alleyway, her eyes locked on the flashing neon sign of the children's party venue. "Are you sure this is a good idea, Bill?" she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Stealing from a room full of sugar-fueled children and their spoiling parents? It's a one-way ticket to being on every damn watch list." Bill adjusted his fedora, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Relax, Mol, we're professionals. We've got this down to a science." Molly raised an eyebrow. "A science? You mean the art of stealing presents from a birthday party?" Bill chuckled. "Hey, people pay good money for their kids' birthday parties. It's not like they'd miss a few gifts. Besides, think of the look on their faces when they find out Santa decided to 'forget' their presents this year." Molly snorted. "You're evil, you know that?" "I try." He patted his pocket, where the inflatable shark keychain jingled, a token from their last job. "So, you ready to make some waves?" "Always." She glanced at the venue again, visible shivers running down her spine. "Just plan it out for me fast. I don't want to be in there any longer than necessary." Bill pulled out a small blueprint of the party room and spread it on the wall. "Right, so we've got the main entry, the kitchen door, and the emergency exit. We'll use the kitchen door. It's least guarded and has the easiest access to the presents." Molly nodded. "And the presents are in the main area?" "Yep. It's a puppy-themed party, which means puppy-shaped piñatas, puppy toys, and puppy-themed everything. Looks like our lucky day." "No fluffing with us," Molly muttered, ogling the blueprints. "I hope there aren't too many ninjas in puppy costumes." Bill laughed. "Well, if there are, we're in for a hell of a show." They exchanged a knowing look before Bill pulled out a gadget that resembled a mini tracker. "This little fellow will help us find the presents." "And what's to stop the kids from running off with them?" Molly asked, her gaze narrowing. Bill grinned mischievously. "This is where our new friend comes in—our diversion. I rigged the piñata to pop with a small firecracker when we're ready to leave." Molly's eyes widened in delight. "Oh, I love it. Even better, we get to watch the pandemonium." "Right?" Bill pumped a fist in excitement. "It's the perfect cover for our escape." With the plan set and the gadgets checked, they slipped into the kitchen, glancing around like well-dressed ghosts. Molly made a face as the smell of overcooked hot dogs hit her. "I hope they're not serving those in there." Bill's chuckle echoed through the alleyway. "I'm sure they're more worried about spilled juice boxes and demolished cake than the fact that some thieves are swiping all the presents." Molly snickered, taking the lead as they crept into the birthday party. The sound of children's laughter and adult chatter filled the air, creating a surreal atmosphere. They reached the main area, the presents' paradise spread out before them. Molly couldn't resist and reached for a pink teddy bear, giving it a playful squeeze. "We're the bears who steal toys, Bill," she whispered, stuffing the bear into her bag. Bill's response was as quick as a whisper. "We're the sharks who rip off the rug." With that, they began their theft, their hands moving swiftly amidst the chaos of birthday excitement. In mere minutes, their bags were full, the presents piling up. The firecracker awaited, responsible for creating pandemonium. As they prepared to leave, Bill glanced at Molly. "Ready for the finale?" "Always," she mouthed, reaching for the piñata. A loud crack echoed through the party, sending balloons flying, and children shrieking with delight. The adults were caught off guard, and by the time they regained their senses, the thieves were long gone, their stolen loot concealed in Bill's truck. Molly let out a triumphant laugh as they sped away. "We're leaving the birthday kids with Santa's best gifts and making off like bandits. Life doesn't get better than this." Bill grinned, the neon lights of the party fading into the distance. "Tonight, Molly, we're the heroes. We've stolen the one thing kids want most — presents."