Molly paced back and forth in the dusty alley, twirling a knotted rope between her fingers. "I'm telling you Bill, this is crazy. Breaking into a kiddie party? Have you lost your marbles?" Bill leaned against the brick wall, polishing his brass-plated biros. "Molly, Molly, Molly. When did you get so soft? It's not like we're swiping thetelling books in the school library." She stopped and poked a bony finger into his chest. "I'll remind you sir, that incident was purely a case of mistaken identity. Thought they were first editions." He pushed her hand away and grinned. "Can you really pass up all those shiny toys, fresh from the factory? Slap a bow on my head, I'll be the most popular kid on the block." Molly rolled her eyes and her words dripped with sarcasm. "Oh sure, you're not thinking of playing with them. You just want to unwrap all that foil paper." Bill's grin widened. "Purely for the stealth, wading through the sea of discarded wrapping." She sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "When do you want to strike?" "Stage One, get an invite. I've got my eye on little Timmy Thompson from the housing estate. His birthday's Saturday. Easy access through the back garden. No prying eyes." "And Stage Two?" "Why, redistribution of the spoils of course! The Crew's been working hard. They deserve a reward." Molly snorted. "You mean they've been sitting on their collective arses at the pub, while you hatch this scheme. I should've known this had your signature all over it." Bill clutched his chest in mock-indignation. "You wound me, Molly. I'll have you know I tweaked my plan for maximus impact. Only the best will do for my team." She huffed and kicked at the dirt, scuffing her Docs. "You're a real piece of work, you know that? Have you even thought about the security?" "Ah, my favorite subject! I'll have you know, I borrowed the indispensable Flatulon from my contact in the surveillance industry." He patted the bag slung over his shoulder. "One squirt, and those rent-a-cops will be running in the opposite direction. Case closed." "Slick, real slick. Just don't blame me if we end up on the six o'clock news. You and your 'genius' plans." Bill stood straight, puffing out his chest. "Molly Dear, your faith in my genius is as unwavering as the star that shines down upon us. Now, I suggest we retire for the evening. Replenish our strength for the mission ahead." With a final "Uff da," Molly marched off down the alley, leaving Bill to whistle a chipper tune. "It's a good day to take from those who suntan and give to those who watch 'Wheel of Fortune'."|