The dimly lit back room was a haze of cigarette smoke and whispered conversations, the walls lined with makeshift workbenches and scavenged bits of technology. Molly leaned against the counter, her eyes fixed on the spreadsheet laid out before her, while Bill stood across from her, sipping on a lukewarm energy drink. "Alright, let's get this straight. We're going in through the catering entrance, avoiding the parents in the photo booth, and making a beeline for the present stash." "Easy enough," Bill said, nodding. "But what's the plan with the clown? The one with the awkward gift-giving dance?" Molly chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "We leave him alone unless he gets too close to the good stuff. His act is more liability than asset at this point." "I still don't get why we're targeting kids' parties. It's like hitting a mom-and-pop convenience store, for crying out loud. Where's the thrill in swiping a bunch of stale toys?" Molly rolled her eyes. "You're doing this for the same reason I am: there's better stuff hidden among the gaudy plastic and cheap lollipops. That one kid with the custom Lego set? Goldmine. And those limited edition action figures? We'll be able to flip them for a nice chunk of change." Bill snorted. "You make it sound like a charity auction. 'Come for the broken toys, stay for the potential windfall!'" Molly shot him a side-eye. "Hey, if you're not in for the joyride... At least we're doing something with class this time. Remember the string of 'high-end' offices we hit last month? We basically played musical chairs with the plant water and corporate art. This is a change of pace for 'efficiency's sake.'" Bill grinned, a glint in his eye. "Alright, alright. Let's go rob some birthday party shenanigans. When do we go in?" "As soon as the cake is lit," Molly said, a sly smile spreading across her face. "And I have the perfect disguise for us: 'party entertainers' – we'll sell it as a 'synchronized dance squad.' Boom. Instant plausible deniability." Bill raised an eyebrow. "You think we can pull off 'synchronized dance gang'? We'll look like those hipster dance crews in the background of local commercials." Molly exhaled a huff of excitement. "Precisely. That's what makes it perfect." A faint high-pitched squeal drifted through the air from outside – two giggling six-year-olds, clutching their prized balloons as they chased after the party magician. "Smell that?" Molly muttered, "Freedom scented candles and sugary joy. It's on."