The dingy basement smelled of mildew and stale coffee. Bill hunched over the table, a mess of blueprints spread before him like a paper tablecloth. Molly paced the concrete floor, her heavy boots echoing with each step. "A children's birthday party. Really, Bill? This is what we've come to?" Molly stopped pacing to glare at her partner. Bill didn't look up from his diagrams. "You got a better idea? We're broke, Molly. And kids get the best stuff these days. PlayStations, iPhones, designer clothes." "It's pathetic. We used to rob museums." Molly collapsed into a folding chair, which groaned under her sudden weight. "We used to have a getaway driver and a tech guy too. Things change." Bill finally looked up, dark circles under his eyes. "This party is at the mayor's mansion, so the gifts won't be mittens and coloring books." Molly leaned forward, suddenly interested. "The mayor's kid? How old?" "Ten." Bill pushed a surveillance photo across the table. "Little Timmy turns double digits this Saturday. The invitation list includes three tech moguls, a basketball player, and that movie producer who's always in the tabloids." "Rich people trying to impress other rich people by spoiling a ten-year-old." Molly picked up the photo. "Could be worth our time after all." "That's what I've been saying!" Bill gestured excitedly. "They've hired clowns, magicians, even a mini petting zoo in the garden." "Perfect cover," Molly nodded. "We could go as entertainment staff." Bill tapped another blueprint. "I was thinking catering. The kitchen connects directly to the gift room. We slip in, grab the haul, out through the service entrance." "What about security?" Molly raised an eyebrow. "Minimal. They didn't want armed guards scaring the kiddies." Bill grinned. "Just two rent-a-cops at the main gate." Molly stood up and resumed pacing. "Timing is crucial. We need to hit during the cake." "Cake?" Bill looked confused. "Everyone watches the cake, Bill. The singing, the candles, the adorable birthday boy making a wish. Nobody's thinking about the presents during cake time." Bill nodded slowly. "That's... actually brilliant." "I've been doing this longer than you, remember?" Molly smirked. "What's our exit strategy?" "Catering van. I already copied the logo from the company they hired." Bill pointed to a crudely painted panel leaning against the wall. "That looks nothing like the original." Molly squinted at his handiwork. "It'll pass at a distance," Bill defended. "No one looks closely at delivery vehicles." "Except cops responding to a theft." Molly sighed. "I'll repaint it tomorrow." "So we're doing this?" Bill stood up, excitement lighting his face. Molly nodded reluctantly. "Against my better judgment. But if we get caught stealing from children, I'm never speaking to you again." "When have I ever let you down?" Bill asked. Molly just stared at him. "Don't answer that," Bill said quickly. "Let's just focus on Saturday. Operation Birthday Bandit is a go."