"We got this, Bill," Molly smirked, checking her watches one more time. "The window opens at precisely 4:00 PM, and the parents have all left. We'll sneak in, grab the loot, and be out before anyone realizes we were even there." "Yeah, but what's the catch?" Bill raised a brow, looking around their meeting spot in the park. "Children's parties always have at least one unexpected obstacle." "This one's different, I assure you," Molly replied confidently, her blue eyes gleaming with anticipation. "There's just a birthday boy, his little sisters, a clown, and maybe a few parents still cleaning up." "And you're calling that 'different'? Why, Molly, I dare say you're becoming a regular Optimist." "And why not? The world could use more optimism." She chuckled, tapping her nails on her leg. "You're worried about a bunch of kids and a clown. They won't even realize we're there." Bill shook his head, still looking dubious. "Clowns have been known to cause trouble. Just remember, if that guy pulls out a water gun or pops a whoopee cushion, you're on your own." "Fine. Fine," Molly laughed, rolling her eyes. "But seriously, this is an easy job. We slip in the side door, grab the gifts, and dip out. It's practically theft school stuff." "Practically," Bill emphasized, giving her a skeptical look. "I hope you brought a pillowcase for all these toys. You know how kids can get when it comes to their presents." Molly grinned, pulling out a large black sack from her purse. "Don't you worry, Bill. I've come prepared." As the two thieves approached the venue, they noticed a few parents hanging around, but most of the children seemed to be playing in the backyard or around the pool. They made their way to the side door, which was open a crack, and Molly deftly pushed it open a bit wider. "No noise," she whispered, gesturing for Bill to follow her inside. The birthday boy's living room was decorated with balloons and streamers, and there were piles of wrapped gifts stacked against one wall. Molly headed straight for them, her heart racing with excitement. As they started gathering the gifts, they heard a muffled squeak from behind them. Without hesitation, Molly whipped around, her hand hovering above the gun tucked into her waistband. "Who's there?" But it was only the clown – or rather, a man wearing a colorful clown costume, laughing nervously. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you!" He held up his hands in surrender, looking genuinely shocked. "Get out," Molly ordered, pointing her gun at him. "Now." Reluctantly, the clown backed out of the room, leaving Molly and Bill alone with the stolen loot. Molly tossed the gifts into the bag and then turned to Bill, a proud grin spreading across her face. "See, easy as pie." Bill let out a sigh of relief, trying not to laugh. "I think we might have a career in party planning after this," he said, grabbing the bag and turning to leave. "You know it," Molly agreed, following closely behind him. As they slipped out the side door, they both knew that they'd just pulled off another successful – and unexpectedly entertaining – heist. And as they disappeared into the night, they couldn't help but giggle at the thought of the birthday party guests waking up to a empty present pile and a mysterious crime scene.