Molly adjusted her oversized trench coat, her eyes darting around the bustling street. She spotted Bill leaning against a lamppost, fiddling with a lockpick. "You're late," Bill grumbled. "Traffic," Molly replied, rolling her eyes. "So, you got the layout?" Bill pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it with a flourish. "Here's the blueprint for the house. Kids' party is on the ground floor, presents in the back room." Molly squinted at the paper. "Looks like a fortress. How are we getting in?" "Through the kitchen window. It's the only one without bars." "Great," Molly said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. "And how do we get around all the kids?" "Easy," Bill said. "We'll dress up as entertainers." "Entertainers?" Molly laughed. "You mean like clowns?" "No, not clowns," Bill snapped. "Who do you think we are? We'll be... balloon artists." "Balloon artists?" Molly raised an eyebrow. "And where are we supposed to get balloons?" "Already taken care of," Bill said, patting a suspiciously large duffel bag. "Got everything we need in here." "Balloon animals and a heist," Molly muttered. "What could possibly go wrong?" "Nothing, if you stick to the plan," Bill said, wagging a finger at her. "Now, let's go over the details one more time." "Fine," Molly sighed. "You'll be the master of balloons, and I'll play your hapless assistant." "Exactly," Bill said, smiling. "And once we're in, we head straight for the back room. Presents should be piled up neatly." "And if they catch us?" Molly asked. "Improvise," Bill said. "We're supposed to be entertainers, remember?" Molly shook her head. "You're insane, you know that?" "Possibly," Bill agreed. "But it's going to work. Trust me." "Trust you," Molly repeated. "That's a laugh." "Come on," Bill said, hoisting the duffel bag over his shoulder. "Let's get this show on the road." They walked briskly down the street, trying to look inconspicuous. Molly couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. "Balloon artists," she muttered under her breath. "Hey, it's a classic," Bill said defensively. "Kids love balloons." "Kids love presents more," Molly pointed out. "Especially the ones we're about to steal." "Details, details," Bill said, waving a hand dismissively. "Just focus on not messing up the balloon animals." "Oh, I'll be the picture of professionalism," Molly said, rolling her eyes. "Until I twist one into a noose." Bill glared at her. "Just stick to the plan, Molly." "I always do," Molly said sweetly. "Until I don't." They reached the house and ducked behind a large hedge. Bill pulled out a couple of balloons and started twisting them into shapes. "Look lively," he whispered. "Here comes our ticket in." Molly peered over the hedge as a harried-looking woman opened the door. "Oh, balloon artists!" she exclaimed. "The kids will love you!" "That's us," Bill said, flashing a grin. "Where would you like us to set up?" "In the living room," the woman said, ushering them inside. "The party's just getting started." Molly followed Bill, her heart pounding in her chest. She glanced around the room, spotting the door to the back room where the presents were stashed. "Nice place," Molly said, trying to sound casual. "Isn't it?" Bill agreed. "Now, let's entertain these kids and get our hands on those presents." "Right," Molly said, plastering on a smile. "Time to make some balloon animals." As the kids gathered around, Molly and Bill twisted and turned the balloons, creating a variety of creatures. Molly made a point of dropping her balloons near the door to the back room. "Oops," she said, bending down to pick them up. "Silly me." "No problem," Bill said, winking at her. "Just keep them entertained." Molly nodded, her mind racing. She handed a balloon dog to a little girl and whispered, "Why don't you go show your friends?" The girl squealed with delight and ran off, the other kids following her. Molly and Bill exchanged a look. "Now," Bill said, grabbing a handful of balloons. "Let's go." They slipped into the back room and closed the door behind them. Presents were piled high, just as they had hoped. " Jackpot," Molly said, grabbing a few gifts. "Hold on," Bill said. "We need to be quick." "Right," Molly nodded. "Just a few more." They stuffed the presents into the duffel bag and crept back to the kitchen window. Molly glanced outside and froze. "Bill," she hissed. "Cops." "Already?" Bill said, peering out. "How did they get here so fast?" "Does it matter?" Molly said. "We need to go. Now." Bill hoisted the bag over his shoulder, and they slipped out the window just as the police burst through the front door.