Molly and Bill huddled in the cramped alleyway, their trench coats clinging to their damp skin as the misty rain pattered against the pavement. They stood a block from the birthday boy's house, a two-story monstrosity with a bright yellow door and a yard full of balloons and streamers. A chorus of giggles and shrieks echoed from inside, making Molly's teeth ache. Bill consulted the tablet in his hand, the screen's glow illuminating his sharp jawline. "Okay, our intel says there are fifteen kids, plus four adults. We're looking at maybe a hundred presents. We need to get in, scoop everything, and get out within ten minutes." Molly frowned. "Four adults? That's not what I was told." "I know. Looks like Mommy invited some of her book club friends." Molly's eyes narrowed. "This is bad. We need to rework the plan." "We can't," Bill said, his voice firm. "We're already running late. We need to move." Molly's lips pursed. "Fine. But if we get caught, I'm blaming you." Bill smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You are adorable when you're grumpy." Molly shot him a look. "Let's focus, shall we?" "Right, right. Okay. So, you're taking the front door, and I'll slip in through the back. We'll meet in the living room. Try to blend in." "Blend in?" Molly raised an eyebrow. "I'm wearing a bright pink wig and a Hello, Kitty! dress. I'm going to blend in like a neon sign at a monastery." Bill shrugged. "It's a kids' party. They won't notice. And if they do, just tell them you're a clown." "A clown?" Molly's voice was incredulous. "You want me to tell a bunch of screaming five-year-olds that I'm a clown?" Bill nodded. "Yeah. They love clowns." Molly's eyes widened in horror. "You're insane, you know that?" "Maybe a little." Bill checked his watch. "Okay, time to go. Remember, in and out, ten minutes. And try not to traumatize the birthday boy." Molly huffed. "You're really not helping." "Just kidding," Bill said, his smile growing wider. "Traumatize away." Molly glared at him. "You're going to pay