Molly adjusted her oversized clown wig, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the scene bustling with sugar-high kids. “Remind me again why we’re dressed like escapees from a circus?” Bill, clad in a matching red nose and suspenders, chuckled. “Because, my dear Molly, who suspects a birthday clown of grand larceny?” She sighed, watching a balloon animal deflate in the hands of a crying toddler. “You do realize this is a low point even for us, right? Stealing presents from children. What’s next? Pickpocketing at a nursing home?” He shrugged, wiping a smudge of face paint from his cheek. “Desperate times call for desperate measures. Besides, these kids have more than enough.” Molly raised an eyebrow. “Is that the new moral code? ‘They have enough’?” “No, the new moral code is ‘We need rent money.’” He winked. “And this is the quickest way to get it.” She sighed again, louder this time. “Fine. Let’s just get this over with. Remember, we’re looking for the big red bag—that’s where they stash the good stuff.” “Got it. You create a diversion; I’ll swipe the loot.” Molly grinned, an idea forming. “Leave it to me. I’ll show these kids a magic trick they won’t forget.” She sauntered over to the crowd, her voice carrying over the din. “Hey kids! Wanna see a disappearing act?”