Molly and Bill huddled in the shadow of a towering oak, the backyard of the suburban home stretching out before them like a inviting stage set for their latest heist. The sound of children’s laughter and the occasional squeal of delight drifted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of freshly mowed grass. "Alright, let’s go over the plan one more time," Molly whispered, her eyes scanning the perimeter of the yard. She adjusted her baseball cap and tugged at her black hoodie, trying to look as nondescript as possible. Bill nodded, his eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and mischief. "We move in when the piñata breaks. The kids will be distracted, and the parents will be trying to pacify them. That’s our window." "Right," Molly agreed. "I’ll take the gift table on the right, and you handle the one on the left. We need to be quick and quiet. No loud noises, no unnecessary movements. Got it?" "Crystal clear," Bill replied with a grin. "But what if one of the kids spots us?" "Then we play along," Molly said, a sly smile curling her lips. "We’ll pretend to be part of the entertainment. Bill, you can be a clown, and I’ll be the magician’s assistant. We’ll charm them with some quick tricks while we grab what we can." Bill chuckled, shaking his head. "You and your schemes. I should’ve known there’d be a backup plan." Molly winked. "Always. Now, let’s get in position." They waited, crouching behind the thick bushes that bordered the yard. The party was in full swing, with children running around, chasing each other and playing games. A massive piñata, adorned with colorful streamers, hung from a tree, waiting to be smashed open. "Here we go," Molly murmured, her eyes locking onto the piñata. "Three, two, one..." A child wielding a bat took a wide swing, and the piñata burst open with a loud crack, sending candies and small toys flying in all directions. The children screamed in delight, scrambling to scoop up the loot. "Now!" Molly hissed, and they sprang into action. Bill darted to the left gift table, his movements swift and calculated. He started snatching wrapped presents, tucking them into a large duffel bag he had hidden behind the bushes. Molly mirrored his actions on the right side, her hands moving like a well-oiled machine. "Watch out for that one," Bill said, pointing to a particularly large gift. "It’s probably some kind of played-out board game." Molly laughed softly. "All the better. The parents probably won’t even miss it." They worked in harmony, their years of partnership making the task almost second nature. The noise of the children and the adults’ attempts to corral them provided the perfect cover. "Got the last one," Bill announced, zipping up the duffel bag. "Let’s get out of here." Molly nodded, giving a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching. "On three. One, two, three—" They bolted, blending into the chaos of the party. As they reached the safety of the bushes, they slowed to a casual walk, their bags heavy with their spoils. "Mission accomplished," Molly said with a satisfied sigh. "Now, let’s find a quiet spot to divvy up the loot." "Agreed," Bill said, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. "But next time, can we at least try to steal something less... juvenile?" Molly chuckled. "Where’s your sense of adventure, Bill? Besides, there’s nothing more satisfying than outsmarting a bunch of kids and their parents." Bill shook his head, a smile spreading across his face. "I guess you’re right. But next time, let’s aim for something a bit more... adult." "Deal," Molly said, as they disappeared into the shadows, their laughter blending with the sounds of the party.