Molly leaned against the rusty gate, glancing nervously at the suburban street. "You sure about this, Bill? A kids' party? Sounds messy." Bill adjusted his baseball cap, grinning. "Messy? Sure. But also a goldmine. Presents everywhere, unguarded piles of shiny loot. Parents distracted with cake and sing-alongs." "I don’t know. Singing criminals? That’s a new low," Molly muttered, checking her gloves. "What’s the plan again? Slide down the slide, grab the loot, and moonwalk out?" Bill laughed. "Close. We enter through the garage while everyone’s busy blowing out candles. You keep an eye on the entrance, I’ll snag the goodies." "Goodies, huh? You mean the toys, candy, and those suspiciously expensive-looking wrapped boxes?" Molly raised an eyebrow. "Got a target list?" Bill fished a crumpled notebook from his jacket and waved it. "Right here. The pink teddy bear, that giant Lego set, and the Star Wars blasters. Priorities." "Star Wars blasters?" Molly snorted. "You’ll probably end up playing with those instead of running. Remember the last time you ‘borrowed’ a gaming console? That was weeks ago, and you still haven't returned it." Bill shrugged. "That console’s got sentimental value now. Besides, who’s counting? Anyway, this time it's for real. Easy grab and go." Molly bit her lip. "What about security? Last time you said the alarm was off, and we ended up stuck in that elevator for an hour. Not exactly smooth." Bill waved her concerns away. "No elevators here. Just a bunch of kids, sugar-hyped parents, and a dog that looks like it’s seen too many cartoons." "Speaking of dogs," Molly said, "What if Bruno barks his head off? You remember last week’s cat chase? We barely escaped with our eyebrows intact." Bill rubbed his chin. "I’m counting on Bruno being too busy chasing his tail to notice us. Or maybe I bring some treats, distract him with the promise of snacks." "And what if he’s not into bribes?" Molly asked, narrowing her eyes. Bill grinned wider. "Then I’m running circles around him, and you pick the gifts. Fast fingers, remember?" Molly patted her pockets. "I got the gloves, the bag, and my quick reflexes. But you owe me one good distraction." Bill made a show of thinking hard. "Alright, I can sing the entire theme song of ‘Frozen’ outside the window. Might even throw in an interpretive dance." Molly laughed. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’ll take that bet. You sing; I snatch the loot." A shrill whistle blew from across the street. "There’s the signal. Time to move." Bill looked at Molly with mock seriousness. "No backing out now. Ready to raid the birthday fortress?" Molly nodded. "Born ready. Let’s grab those presents and get out before anyone discovers Santa’s naughty helpers." "After you, partner," Bill said, pushing open the garage door. As they slipped inside, Molly whispered, "If we get caught, I’m telling them you made me do this with your terrible singing." Bill winked. "Deal. But first, let’s make this the best heist any children’s party has ever seen."