Molly paced back and forth in the dimly-lit alley, her nerves jumpy as she tried to put the finishing touches on their plan. With a deep breath, she slid open the door to Bill’s hideout and stepped inside. She found Bill hunched over the kitchen table, poring over detailed blueprints of the children’s party venue. “Almost ready?” Bill asked, withoutlooking up from the plans. “Got the disguises done,” Molly replied, holding out a pair of brightly-coloured clown costumes. “We’re blending in as party characters.” Bill sniggered and finally looked up, clearly amused by the sight. He picked up one of the garish outfits and examined it intently. “Not bad... But what about the security detail?” Molly leaned casually against the wall. “Nailed that part. I distracted the security guard with some sleight-of-hand tricks during the setup phase. He dropped his keys, and now our entry’s a no-brainer.” “Not bad, Molly,” Bill agreed, his voice laced with grudging respect. “But how we gonna move all those presents before the little brats know what hit them?” Molly grinned. “Rent a van with retractable doors. Load from the back, drive off as suddenly as we came in. Simple logistics.” Bill narrowed his eyes, considering her explanation. “You really thought all this through, didn’t you? Ok, let’s do it. Bring the van around front in thirty minutes.” Time was of the essence now – they had a party to crash! Molly sprinted back out onto the street, the adrenalin pumping through her veins. Ninety minutes later, the kids would be none the wiser and Molly and Bill would vanish into the night with arms full of stolen loot. All this, and they hadn’t once had to resort to breaking a window or throwing bricks through a door. Indeed, the art of the perfect comedy heist was alive and well in Molly and Bill’s world. Only in their twisted universe was stealing presents from a children’s birthday party considered a hilarious challenge worth undertaking. And long may that continue! ​