Molly and Bill crept through the alley, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The children's party was in full swing, the sounds of laughter and music filling the night air. They had been casing the place for days, studying the layout, the security system, the comings and goings of the guests. Everything was in place. As they approached the back door, Molly's hand trembled slightly as she reached for the handle. She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. "Ready?" Bill nodded, his eyes shining with excitement and ambition. "Born ready, Miss Molly." They slipped inside, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. The sounds of the party grew louder, but they kept to the shadows, ghosting through the quiet halls. Molly took out her lock-picking tools, her nimble fingers dancing over the tumblers. With a soft click, the door to the gift room swung open. The presents lay piled high, ribbons and bows glinting in the low light. Molly and Bill exchanged a grin, their shared exhilaration palpable in the air between them. They moved quickly, scooping up armfuls of gifts and stuffing them into their bags. But just as they were about to make their escape, a piercing cry split the air. "Nancy! Mike! Come play with us!" Molly and Bill froze, their hearts in their throats. They looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them. This was the moment of truth, the test of their nerve. And as the children's feet pounded down the hall, their voices calling out with eager delight, Molly and Bill slipped away into the night, their bags heavy with the booty of their successful beef.