"Alright, Bill, here's the plan," Molly said, leaning against the dusty old van they'd borrowed. "The party starts at noon, right?" Bill nodded, adjusting his cap. "Yep, noon sharp. Parents drop their little darlings off for two hours of chaos." Molly grinned. "Perfect. That gives us a good hour and a half to work our magic. Now, the presents will be stacked in the corner by the window, remember?" "Got it. Anyone else in the house?" "Just the hired help—a couple of nannies and the entertainer. Rented clown, I heard. Shouldn't be a problem." "Clowns creep me out," Bill muttered. Molly laughed. "You and everyone else. But this one's supposedly harmless. Focus, Bill. We go in through the back door. It's usually left unlocked during these shindigs." "Unlocked, you say?" "Yep. Parents are too busy schmoozing to worry about security." "Makes sense." Bill scratched his chin. "So, we waltz in, grab the loot, and waltz out?" "Exactly. Dress casual, nothing flashy. We don't want to attract attention." Bill tugged at his collar. "Casual it is. Any particular presents we're after?" Molly raised an eyebrow. "The big ones, obviously. The ones with the expensive tags." Bill chuckled. "The kiddos won't be happy about that." "They'll get over it. Besides, it's not like we're stealing their lemonade Stand profits." They shared a grin, the thrill of the heist bubbling between them. "So, noon sharp, back door, grab the big ones, and out we go," Bill summarized. "Precisely. And remember, no funny business. This is a clean job, understand?" Bill nodded solemnly. "Clean and quick. Got it." They sat in silence for a moment, the sound of chirping birds the only interruption. Then Molly's phone buzzed. She frowned at the screen. "What's up?" Bill asked. "Change of plans," Molly said, her expression darkening. "Party's been moved up to eleven." Bill's eyes widened. "Eleven? That gives us even less time!" Molly nodded. "We gotta hustle. Be at the back door by ten forty-five. And Bill—no screwups." "None from my end," Bill promised, already picturing the chaos they'd unleash.