Molly peered through the binoculars, her eyes narrowing as she scoped out the backyard. The bounce house vibrated with the laughter of children, and a rainbow of balloons bobbed in the breeze. Bill leaned against the fence, fiddling with a small, intricate lock pick set. “Are you sure there’s enough loot here to make this worth it?” Bill asked, glancing over at Molly. “Bill, have you seen the size of those gift bags? This is a kid’s birthday party for the mayor’s daughter. We’re talking designer toys, tech gadgets, and maybe even a few envelopes stuffed with cash,” Molly replied, her voice dripping with excitement. “We hit this, and we’re set for a while.” Bill sighed, scratching his chin. “I still think it’s a bit... low, don’t you? I mean, stealing from kids?” Molly lowered the binoculars and turned to him, a sly smile playing on her lips. “Bill, when did you get a conscience? Besides, it’s not like we’re taking from the kids. We’re taking from their parents. And let’s be honest, if they can afford a party this extravagant, they can spare a few presents.” “I guess you’re right,” Bill conceded, still looking a bit uneasy. “So, what’s the plan?” Molly plopped down on the grass, setting the binoculars beside her. “Okay, here’s how it goes. I’ll create a distraction at the front of the house. You slip in through the back, find the gift table, and start loading the bags. We’ve got about fifteen minutes before anyone notices something’s off.” Bill nodded, a bit more confident. “And what about the bouncy castle? Won’t that be a bit of a giveaway?” Molly laughed, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “That’s the beauty of it. I’m going to start a fake fight with one of the party clowns. They’ll all be so distracted by the commotion that no one will even notice you rummaging through the presents.” Bill raised an eyebrow. “A fight with a clown? Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Molly rolled her eyes. “Bill, trust me. It’s classic. Clowns and chaos go hand in hand. Now, do you have the keys to the getaway car?” Bill patted his pocket. “Right here.” “Perfect,” Molly said, standing up and brushing the grass off her jeans. “Let’s do this.” They both took a deep breath, steeling themselves for the heist. Molly adjusted the wig and oversized glasses she had donned for the occasion, while Bill checked his lock picks one last time. “Ready?” Molly asked, her voice low and serious. Bill nodded, a grin spreading across his face. “Ready.” Molly gave a quick nod and started walking towards the front of the house, her steps purposeful. Bill slipped around to the back, his movements fluid and silent. As he approached the gift table, he noticed a small, blue envelope tucked into one of the larger gift bags. He pocketed it first, his heart racing with the thrill of the heist. Meanwhile, Molly had reached the front of the house and spotted the party clown, a tall man in a red nose and oversized shoes. She walked up to him, a fake smile plastered on her face. “Excuse me, Mr. Happy,” she said, using the clown’s name. “I think you dropped this.” The clown looked down, confused. “Uh, dropped what?” Molly reached out and grabbed his nose, yanking it off with a loud pop. “This!” The clown’s eyes widened in shock as Molly tossed the red nose into the air. The children, who had been watching the exchange, erupted into laughter and shouts of excitement. “What the—” the clown sputtered, but Molly was already halfway across the lawn, causing a small stampede of confused and amused kids. Back at the gift table, Bill was methodically loading the bags into a large duffel. He glanced up at the time, a small watch alarm buzzing softly in his pocket. Fifteen minutes. He had to move fast. Molly, now at the front of the house, was playing to the crowd, waving the clown’s nose around like a prize. The parents were gathering, trying to figure out what was happening. Just as planned, the front of the house was in complete disarray. Bill zipped up the duffel and slung it over his shoulder. He darted through the back gate, keeping a low profile. He reached the getaway car and tossed the duffel into the trunk, his heart pounding. Molly, seeing her cue, made a quick exit, blending into the crowd and heading towards the back. She met Bill at the car, both of them breathless but grinning. “Nice work, Bill,” Molly said, patting him on the back. Bill chuckled, still a bit out of breath. “You made it look easy.” Molly got into the driver’s seat and started the car, pulling out of the driveway with a quiet confidence. “Easy when you know how to create a bit of chaos.” As they drove away, the sound of children’s laughter and the distant wail of a confused clown faded into the background. Molly and Bill exchanged a knowing look. Another successful heist, and a whole lot of presents to enjoy.