Molly leaned against the van, arms folded, as Bill joined her with a rolled-up map. "So, the Stanford Winter Wonderland Birthday Extravaganza, huh?" He referenced the map, and a crinkle formed between his brows. "Looks like the goods are smack-dab in the middle of the living room, nestled amongst all the kiddy wrath." "Yup, and they can't resist the bright lights and shiny bows. That's what's going to make the loot so conspicuous," Molly said dryly, tapping the corner of the map where an X had been marked. "But, hey, if we time this right when the piñata is breaking, the place will be berserk, and no one will notice a couple of grown adults nicking their gifts." "Awesome plan. Just like in 'Home Alone'," Bill chimed in, nodding with approval. "I'll need you to be my rope-and-grappling-hook gal, Molly. Set up that beauty so I can slide in from the chimney, high-society style." "Got it. You'll be the indoor river-rafting man. I'll be the guy rappelling down the outside in front of the entire guest list," Molly said, smirking. "Don't forget, we've got to avoid the parents and nannies too," Bill added, running a hand through his hair. "Any ideas?" "That's why I dressed as a magician, Bill. I'll be employing sleight of hand, some silly tricks, and fainting grandmas to distract, while you get your loot on. I'll even disappear a few guests and have 'em pop out back with that parting gift of regret." "Classic," Bill chuckled, tugging at his beard. "You'll be the main attraction. I'll be Bizarro Santa, filling my bag with stuff while they cry on Daddy's knee." "I'll leave the balloon animals to the party clown," Molly quipped. "Speaking of which, he'll be your perfect cover. When the piñata breaks, I want you coming down that chim in the next five seconds." "Copy that," Bill said, adjusting the white beard. "We'll split the loot, right down the middle, just like Fagin and the Jaguars, am I right?" "Ewww. No, point the 'juvenile delinquent' finger at a different historical reel. And watch the Oliver Twist, please. Spare me from the mental image of a dancing Bill with 'Consider Yourself' in my head." They shared a light laugh under the guise of getting into character. Molly tugged at her tux, while Bill adjusted his 'Santa's little helper' pants. "Looks like we're dressed for success." "All it needs is the right touch—you know, fart noises from your chimney, and voila, we're the Elf on the Shelf in disguise." With winks and thumbs up, they headed inside. The cacophony of laughter and playing tunes enveloped them as soon as they made their way through the door. Molly winked at the parents, claiming she needed some sacrifice for her magic show. The adults, warm from adult beverages, relented fast. In seconds, a willing grandma lay unconscious in the corner. The audience captivated by her tricks and disappearing acts, Bill made his move. He hoisted himself up the rope, his whole body shrinking as he slid down the chimney, landing on the other side with a thud. The piñata snapped, the candy cascading, and frenzy erupted over the sweets. Parents forgot their children, the 'elf' rummaged through the presents, and Molly faked her way into another elaborate trick. "Ladies and gentlemen," Molly bellowed, "would a little stowaway join me up here?" A wide-eyed boy, sticky-handed, bounded onto the stage. "Tonight, I have a special gift as well. A showcase of memories..." Molly say as she waved her wand, and the kid disappeared. Bill had more than half the loot in his sack when Molly flashed her signature signal—two fingers darting at her eyes. He nodded and made his exit. He rappelled down swiftly, leaving Molly to conclude her act amid a wailing parent. Molly nodded her way through a hasty first aid session. Pulling a rabbit from her hat, she bid adieu to the unsuspecting parents and left with Bill, their loot bulging on both sides. Slipping into the van, they loaded the presents. "That one went off without a hitch," Molly panted. Bill, heart pounding, patted his ruined beard, "Yeah, except I think I screeched a bit on the way down." Molly smirked, buckling up. "Don't worry, sounds like it was part of the Christmas spirit. Babaganoosh-style emergency landing." Bill thumped his fist on the dashboard. "You keep that up, and others will think our heists are comedy routines." "Sorry, but your Santastic entrance deserved it," Molly teased. "But mark my words, our next gig might need a sequel. Merry Mugging of 2021." Bill laughed, shifting gears, "Already working on the merch." They exited the scene, sunset hues colliding with the stolen Christmas, proving once more—the best comedy relied on a well-timed theft with a side of chaos.