The dim light from the streetlamps cast an eerie glow across the cramped alleyway. Molly fidgeted nervously with her mask, checking for the umpteenth time to make sure it was secure. She hated kids' parties. Too much sugar. Too much noise. Too many screaming brats in stupid costumes. But the pay was worth it. She glanced over at Bill, who was hunched over a crumpled blueprint. He'd stolen it from the caterer last week, along with a few dozen stale mini quiches that had been a real disappointment. "So what's the plan?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. Bill looked up, his eyes squinting behind thick-rimmed glasses. "Right. Well, you remember the layout, right? The party's in the backyard, but the presents are inside in the living room." "Yeah, yeah. I remember." "So we need to get in, grab the gifts, and get out. In and out, like a quickie." Molly snorted. "A quickie with a bunch of sugar-high kids running around? Are you insane?" Bill shrugged. "I'm not the one who wanted to do this job. It was your idea." She glared at him. "Because it was a good idea. Rich family, tons of expensive gifts. It'll be an easy score." "If it's so easy, why are we hiding in an alleyway in the middle of the night? Why are we wearing clown masks?" Molly's glare deepened. "You wanted to dress up like superheroes. I told you no one would recognize us as clowns." Bill sighed. "Look, Molly, this is a bad idea. We're professional thieves. We should be breaking into a bank or a museum. Something with actual security to challenge us. Not some kid's birthday party." Molly crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. "Oh please. You're just scared because it's not the usual. But that's why it's a great idea. They won't expect it. And have you seen the guest list? These are some rich kids. The gifts are gonna be top-notch." "I don't know..." Bill mumbled. She grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him. "Listen to me. This is gonna be great. We get in, we grab the presents, we get out. The parents will be too distracted to notice a thing. And we'll be rolling in cash