"You can't be serious about this," Molly whispered, peering through her binoculars at the bounce house bobbing in the suburban backyard. "It's a six-year-old's birthday party." Bill crouched beside her behind the azalea bushes, his usual sleek black attire now covered in grass stains. "Thirty kids, thirty presents minimum. Plus the big-ticket items from Grandma and Grandpa. It's a gold mine." "We usually hit banks and galleries, not Little Timmy's special day." "Jimmy," Bill corrected. "The birthday boy's name is Jimmy. And have you seen the guest list? Three doctors' kids, a tech executive's twins, and the daughter of that sports car dealership owner. These aren't dollar store presents we're talking about." Molly lowered her binoculars and shot Bill an exasperated look. The party was in full swing, with children screaming and running through sprinklers while harried parents huddled around a punch bowl. "The security system is literally a golden retriever named Buddy," Bill continued. "And I've got milk bones." "I don't know..." Molly watched as another SUV pulled up, and a mother helped her child carry a massive wrapped box toward the present table. "What's our entry plan?" Bill grinned and pulled out a worn backpack. "I brought clown costumes." "Absolutely not." "The parents hired two clowns. They called in sick an hour ago – food poisoning. I may have delivered some questionable sushi to their apartment yesterday." Molly pinched the bridge of her nose. "So your master plan is to waltz in there dressed as replacement clowns, entertain a bunch of sugar-high kindergarteners, and somehow steal all their presents?" "The parents will be too busy filming their kids to notice us loading the gifts into our van. Plus, I've got a bubble machine." A high-pitched squeal of delight pierced the air as someone opened the cotton candy machine. Molly sighed deeply. "This is without a doubt the stupidest plan you've ever had." She paused. "Give me the red nose." Bill practically bounced as he handed over the clown accessories. "That's the spirit! Besides, think of it as a public service. We're teaching these privileged kids about loss and disappointment early in life." "You're a horrible person," Molly said, applying the red nose. "And this wig smells like feet." "Yeah, got it from the dollar store. Budget's been tight since the museum job went sideways." Bill started applying his white face paint. "Oh, and I should mention – I told them we do balloon animals." "I don't know how to make balloon animals!" "Neither do I. But I figure a balloon sword is just a long balloon, right? How hard can it be?" Molly watched another present arrive, this one clearly shaped like the latest gaming console. "If we get caught, I'm telling the police this was all your idea." "Fair enough. Now help me with these oversized shoes. And remember – we're supposed to be happy clowns. So let's see that smile!" "I hate you so much right now."