Molly and Bill sat huddled in the darkened alley, their breath forming misty clouds in the cool evening air. The clatter of a passing train echoed in the distance, adding to the sense of urgency. They had scouted the location earlier, a grand suburban house decorated with balloons and streamers, the perfect cover for their latest heist. "Are you sure this is going to work?" Bill whispered, his eyes darting nervously. "Of course it is," Molly replied, her voice dripping with confidence. "We’ve planned this down to the last detail. We’re in and out before anyone even notices." Bill bit his lip, still not entirely convinced. "But it’s a children’s party. What if we get caught and have to explain to a bunch of six-year-olds why we’re taking their presents?" "Then we tell them we’re playing a game," Molly said, a sly grin spreading across her face. "We’re the treasure hunters on a secret mission. They’ll love it." Bill sighed, shaking his head. "You always have to turn everything into a game, don’t you?" "Hey, it makes the job more fun," Molly retorted. "Now, let’s go over the plan one more time. You know the drill. I go in first, distract the parents, and you slip in through the back door. The presents are in the living room, right under the tree." "Yeah, I got it," Bill mumbled. "But what if the parents catch you?" Molly rolled her eyes. "Trust me, they won’t. I’ll charm them with my irresistible smile and clever banter. You just make sure to grab the gifts and meet me back at the van." Bill nodded, though he still looked unsure. "And what do we do if the kids start screaming?" "Simple," Molly said, her grin widening. "We become the coolest party crashers they’ve ever seen. We’ll hand out lollipops and maybe even a few extra presents. They’ll think we’re heroes." Bill chuckled despite himself. "I really hope you know what you’re doing, Molly." "You know I do," she said, patting him on the back. "Now, are you ready to make some magic happen?" Bill took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I guess it’s now or never." "Exactly." Molly stood up, straightening her jacket. "Let’s go steal some joy, shall we?" They crept across the street, blending into the shadows. The house was buzzing with the sounds of children’s laughter and the thumping of a party mix. Molly approached the front door, taking a moment to compose herself. "Remember, stay cool," she whispered to Bill, who was already fidgeting with the lock on the back door. Bill nodded, his hands shaking slightly. "I’ll try." Molly knocked on the front door, and a moment later, it swung open to reveal a frazzled mother holding a screaming toddler. "Hello there," Molly said brightly. "I’m Molly, and I’m here to deliver the birthday cake. Is this the right address?" The mother’s eyes widened with relief. "Oh, thank goodness! I was starting to worry. Please, come in. The birthday boy is in the backyard with the other kids." "Of course, I’ll just bring it in," Molly said, stepping inside. She set the cake on the kitchen counter and glanced around, making sure no one was watching. "Bill, now’s your chance." Bill slipped through the back door, his heart pounding. The living room was empty, and the presents were piled high under a glittering tree. He quickly stuffed as many gifts as he could into a large duffel bag, trying to be as quiet as possible. Molly joined him a few minutes later, her smile as wide as ever. "All clear," she whispered. "Let’s get out of here." They made their way back to the van, hearts racing but spirits high. As they sped away, Bill couldn’t help but laugh. "Well, that was easier than I thought," he said,still a bit shaken but exhilarated. "See, I told you it would be a piece of cake," Molly said, grinning from ear to ear. "Now, let’s go celebrate our success." Bill nodded, his nerves finally settling. "To the greatest heist of the year," he said, raising an imaginary glass. "And to our next adventure," Molly added, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Who knows what we’ll get up to next?" The van turned a corner, disappearing into the night, leaving behind a house full of children who had no idea their presents had just been spirited away by the world’s unlikeliest pair of thieves.