"I can't believe we're actually planning this," Molly whispered, adjusting her binoculars as she peered through the coffee shop window at the party store across the street. "Hey, presents are presents. Plus, rich people always go overboard with kids' parties these days," Bill replied, casually stirring his third cup of coffee. "Yeah, but it's little Timothy Henderson's fifth birthday party. Doesn't that make you feel even a little bit guilty?" "Timothy Henderson's dad owns half the real estate in this town. That kid probably has three ponies already." Molly lowered her binoculars and shot Bill an exasperated look. "How do you even know that?" "I do my research. Besides, did you see the bounce house they're renting? It's got three stories and a built-in cotton candy machine." "A cotton candy machine? In a bounce house? That seems like a lawsuit waiting to happen." "Exactly my point. These people have more money than sense. Now, about the plan..." "Right, the plan. Which still feels wrong on so many levels." Bill leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Look, we go in through the back entrance during the magic show. I talked to the magician - he's doing a forty-minute set with a grand finale involving a disappearing tiger." "A tiger? At a five-year-old's party?" "See what I mean about more money than sense? Anyway, while everyone's distracted by the potentially deadly big cat, we slip in, hit the present table, and we're out before they serve the cake." Molly took a sip of her tea. "And you're sure the presents will be worth it?" "Trust me. I saw the gift registry. These people are asking for mini iPads as party favors." "Party favors? For five-year-olds?" "Now you're getting it. So, are you in?" Molly sighed, putting her binoculars back in her purse. "Fine. But if we see even one crying child-" "We won't. They'll be too busy watching a tiger disappear. Plus, I heard they're having a professional face painter who used to work for Cirque du Soleil." "Of course they are. What time does this magic show start?" "Three o'clock. Right after the petting zoo but before the private fireworks display." "Fireworks? In the afternoon?" "They're importing some special daylight fireworks from Japan." Molly shook her head in disbelief. "This is officially the most ridiculous heist we've ever planned." "More ridiculous than the time we stole that solid gold toilet?" "Okay, second most ridiculous. But I'm keeping one of those mini iPads." "Deal. Now, about our disguises - I was thinking we go as clowns." "Absolutely not. We're not adding coulrophobia to these kids' future therapy sessions." "Party planners?" "Better. We can carry clipboards. Nobody ever questions people with clipboards." Bill grinned and raised his coffee cup. "To Timothy Henderson's fifth birthday party - may it be memorable for all the wrong reasons." "You're terrible," Molly said, but clinked her teacup against his coffee anyway.