Scene:A Whiff of Mischief - Molly sat across from Bill in the gloomy, shabby office-rented from an old friend at a nominal rate for the afternoon. It was a shoddy place; stacked bookshelves, smoke stained walls, and a too-small desk that bore an irresistible stench of old bramble tea unintentionally merged into one possibly inadequate study. The atmosphere, however, didn’t seem to discourage Molly from tasking the job of doing, in her hand, a hastily scrawled plan that lingered between her fingers as she clamped her teeth upon it. It was a detailed schedule for a heist, crafted over several months of meticulous planning and surveillance. The plan seemed so tempting, so irresistible to pull off, making her heart race with anticipatory excitement. “You sure you’re up for this?” Bill interjected, fidgeting uncomfortably in the chair. “I mean, it’s a kids’ party. Those types of heists are delicate, you know?” A malicious smile flopped across Molly’s lips as she rolled her eyes in dismissal. “You worry too much, Bill. Every plan has been considered. We might sneak away unnoticed as if on a leprechaun’s errand, for goodness knows there’s no one here eying our every move. I’ve watched that venue for a couple of weeks now. The usual cronies in charge seem only interested in keeping up appearances.” “What makes you so certain they won’t notice us?” he replied skeptically. Molly looked up at Bill, contempt lacing her tone. She began to wag her finger in a disapproving manner. “Well, apart from hiring half-wit bouncers, the organizer misses the boat on giving any attention to proper security measures. Barely two dimwit guards milling around, Bill. And she prides herself on perfect planning for charity!” Bill rubbed his hands together as if warming his cold fingers. “Alright, alright - I’ll give you that. But have you considered the mouths at the party? The kids’ chatter might be the perfect informant for security.” Molly cackled in response, laughing like a merciless villain in an old-fashioned newsreel. “Oh, how little you appreciate the thoughtfulness of my master plan. The innocent chatter of chattering youngsters is all but overlooked amid the wails of the damned choir they’ll soon be forming. We could steal a million presents underneath their noses and who’d know?” Bill frowned skeptically, and reluctantly nodded. “So, if we’re really doing this heist, when do we start?” Molly glanced at her clock; its hands – insidious as she felt herself becoming - were ticking away the time, waiting for the perfect moment, like a tachycard opener on an airplane. “Tonight is the only chance to do it,” She replied absentmindedly, rolling the paper into her fist. “After that, the organizers will be more vigilant and in a week, there will be more guards.” “Then we just put everything on hold and let them enjoy the party, right?” Bill seemed visibly stressed. “If you insist,” She responded snappily. “But I’d rather go through with my plan. It will just be a common day with stolen gifts for the children and sadness stirring up under the Christmas tree. Better than letting them live in fear when they leave.” “Are you seriously kidding me?” Bill asked, noticing the ill-gotten, underhand pleasure on Molly’s lips. “You’re having fun with this, aren’t you?” Molly shrugged her shoulders, smugly meeting Bill's gaze. “A little. Unanticipated challenges make it more worthwhile, right?” Bill looked at Molly, shook his head, releasing a sigh he’d been holding in for a while now. “Alright, fine. If you’re going to do this, I’m in. But remember we have less than twenty-four hours for it. Let’s meet again tonight and make sure you don’t change your mind.” Molly, with a half-naughty, half-innocent smirk, winked at Bill. “I wouldn’t dare miss out on this fun. You can trust your partner in crime with guaranteed success.”