"I can't believe we're doing this, Molly," Bill whispered, glancing around the shadowy street. "Stealing presents from a children's party? It's like we're the Grinch's evil cousins." "Oh, come on, Bill. It's not like we're going to use the presents for ourselves," Molly said, rolling her eyes. "We're selling them on the black market. Besides, have you seen how many toys these kids get these days? It's practically a public service, teaching them to share with less fortunate children." Bill raised an eyebrow. "Right, because we're modern-day Robin Hoods. Stealing from the rich toddlers to give to the poor, er, criminals." Molly ignored him and peered at the house across the street. "Looks like they've got security guards. I guess this family takes their birthday parties seriously." "Can we just call it off now?" Bill asked hopefully. "There's gotta be something less... diabolical we could do." "You're such a wimp sometimes, Bill. We can handle a couple of rent-a-cops," Molly replied dismissively, rummaging through her bag. "We'll distract them with some well-placed chaos while I pick the lock on the back door." "Distract them? With what, our dazzling wit?" Molly pulled out a can of spray paint and a handful of noisemakers, grinning wickedly. "With the tools of our trade, Bill. Now, here's the plan..." *** "Hey, kid! Can I get a balloon animal?" Bill asked the clown making balloon animals at the party entrance. The guards eyed him suspiciously. "Uhh, aren't you a bit old for balloon animals, mister?" the clown stammered. "You're never too old for balloon animals. How about a poodle?" Bill replied, shooting a furtive glance toward Molly, who was creeping toward the back of the house. "Sir, you can't just—" one of the guards began, but was interrupted by a loud BANG! from the side of the house. "What the heck was that?" the other guard exclaimed, drawing his flashlight. "Hey, relax. It's probably just some fireworks," Bill said, slipping away from the distracted guards. "Kids these days, you know how they are." He watched Molly emerge from behind the house, her bag now bulging with brightly wrapped packages. She winked at him, and they quickly made their escape as the guards continued to investigate the source of the noise. *** "Can't believe that actually worked," Bill muttered, rubbing his face. "I'm gonna have nightmares about that clown." Molly laughed and patted him on the shoulder. "Cheer up, Bill. We just pulled off the most audacious heist of our careers, and it wasn't even for something valuable! It's kind of poetic, don't you think?" Bill shook his head. "If by 'poetic' you mean 'completely absurd,' then sure. Just promise me we'll stick to stealing boring stuff like jewelry and priceless art from now on?" "No promises, Bill," Molly said with a smirk. "No promises." As they walked off into the night, a small squeak emanated from Molly's bag, followed by the faint sound of a toy singing "Happy Birthday." "Molly... please tell me you didn't steal a singing stuffed animal." "Uhhh... surprise?"