Chapter 3: The Playdate Payday As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the city, Molly and Bill, a dynamic duo known for their unconventional heists, met at their secret hideout—a quaint cafe nestled in the bustling streets. Amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, their scheming began. "Alright, Bill, listen up. This job might sound quirky, but trust me, the loot will be worth it!" Molly's emerald eyes sparkled with excitement as she laid out her grand plan. Bill, a lanky man with a mischievous grin, took a sip from his mug, his brow furrowing slightly. "Stealing from kids, eh? Sounds like we might become the most hated crooks in town." "Oh, stop being such a worrywart!" Molly rolled her eyes theatrically. "It's a simple playdate, Bill! A bunch of kids running around, sugar-high and oblivious. Their parents will be too busy chatting to notice two professionals like us." "But a children's party? Really?" He leaned forward, his voice lowering. "I mean, what kind of presents are we even expecting?" With an air of confidence, Molly patted her leather binder, filled with her meticulously crafted research. "The birthday boy is the son of Richard Wellington, the wealthy banker. His friends' parents are all bigwigs too. These kids get gifts fit for royalty!" "Oh, so now we're robbing little princes and princesses?" Bill chuckled, his skepticism fading. "Exactly! No one will suspect thieves targeting a playdate. By the time they realize their loss, we'll be long gone, enjoying the fruits of our labor." Molly's enthusiasm filled the air like an electric current. Bill nodded, his eyes glinting with the thrill of the challenge. "Alright, let's do it! I hear the clown they hired is a riot; we might even catch a show! But tell me, miss mastermind, what's the strategy?" "Glad you asked," she said, biting into a croissant. "We go in disguised as caterers. It's a drop-off situation, so we simply collect the presents, and voila! No one will question our presence until we're long gone." Bill's eyes widened, "Disguises? I knew there was a reason I loved working with you! So, fancy dress, huh? Maybe a mustache for me this time?" "Absolutely not, Bill. Mustaches are overdone. This time, we go incognito with chef hats and aprons. Blend in, remember?" Adjusting his imaginary chef's hat, Bill replied, "Ah, blending is my specialty, my culinary companion. But what about the timing? We can't keep the kids waiting for their sugar rush." "Precisely 2:47 p.m., according to my intel. That gives us precisely 12 minutes before the chaos of cake-cutting commences. In and out, my dear partner, with presents and our reputation intact," Molly outlined with precision. As the coffee cups emptied, Molly and Bill couldn't contain their rising anticipation. They were about to pull off the most unique heist, ensuring their place as the most audacious thieves in the city. Little did the birthday boy and his friends know, the next day would bring a surprise they wouldn't forget. As they departed, their laughter echoed through the cafe, leaving the patrons unaware of the playful criminals in their midst. The stage was set for the most entertaining crime this town had ever seen.