"Bill, have you seen my mask? I can't find it anywhere," Molly said, rummaging through a pile of brightly colored scarves. "Check the coat pockets," Bill replied, juggling a roll of duct tape and a crowbar. "I put it there last night after our, uh, toothbrush incident." "Right, the toothbrush incident," Molly mocked, rolling her eyes. She pulled out the mask from an oversized parka and shook her head. "Honestly, Bill, a toothbrush in the vent was never going to work. We need to stop watching those spy movies." "Hey, it was worth a shot! Anyway, are you sure about crashing this children's party?" Bill asked, a skeptical look in his eyes. "These kids are ruthless." "Of course we are," Molly reassured, slipping the mask on. "Think about it. Parents bring the best gifts because they want to outdo each other. It's going to be like hitting the jackpot." Bill adjusted his ski mask. "I suppose you're right. But what about the clown? You know I have a thing about clowns." He shuddered. "Oh, stop being a baby. The clown is there to entertain the kids, not us. Besides, we’ll be in and out before anyone notices. Got the clown costumes ready?" Bill handed her a garish, polka-dotted suit. "Yep. Something about wearing this makes me feel... exposed." "What's life without a little risk?" Molly said, unzipping a duffel bag filled with candy bags to swap for the presents. "Okay, so we walk in like we own the place, blend in with the partygoers, and then—" "And then we switch the gifts with these decoy candy bags. Got it," Bill finished, trying on an oversized pair of clown shoes. "These shoes are ridiculous." "That's the point, Bill. We need to look the part. Practice your balloon animal skills?" "Sort of," Bill mumbled, inflating a balloon animal that vaguely resembled a sausage. "This is supposed to be a dog." Molly snorted. "Stick to making swords. Kids love swords. Now, remember, we’ve got precisely twenty minutes before cake time when everyone’s attention will be on the singing and the candles. That’s our window." "Twenty minutes, Molly? That’s tight." "We’ve done tighter and come out with more than party favors," Molly said confidently. "Ready?" "As I'll ever be," Bill replied, straightening his clown wig. Thirty minutes later, Molly and Bill were in the middle of the chaotic party, blending in with the brightly colored decorations. "Okay, there are the presents," Molly whispered, pointing to a table piled high with wrapped gifts. "Keep them distracted," Bill muttered, eyeing the table while Mrs. Jenkins, the no-nonsense party planner, looked their way. "Oh, hello there!" Molly said loudly, pulling out a set of balloon twisting tubes. "Who wants a balloon animal?" The kids instantly swarmed her, clamoring for their turn. Bill slipped forward, cautiously making the switch with their decoy candy bags. "How’s it going?" Molly asked over her shoulder, twisting another balloon sword for a squealing child. "Almost done," Bill grunted, fumbling with the last few gifts. Mrs. Jenkins was inching closer, her eyes narrowing. "Molly, make more noise." "Who wants to see a magic trick?" Molly blurted, juggling rubber balls to buy Bill more time. The kids' attention shifted, laughter filling the room. "Got it!" Bill whispered triumphantly, ducking back into the throng of partygoers. "Let's get out of here before cake time." Molly handed out the final balloon, grabbing Bill’s arm. "Good job, partner. Now, after this, no more children's parties for a while." "Deal," Bill agreed, looking relieved as they slipped out the door just in time.