Molly crouched behind the parked van, peering across the crowded yard where bright balloons and bouncing castles painted a picture of chaos. She adjusted her mask, the twinkle in her eyes matching the mischievous grin she was about to deliver. "Bill, do you really think this is going to work?" she whispered, voice tinged with both excitement and doubt. He chuckled and smirked. "Molly, if we pull this off, we’ll be legends. Besides, no kid’s going to miss their Superman drum set or the giant teddy bear. They’ll just cry for a moment." Molly rolled her eyes. "Yeah, but what about the parents? They’re not exactly the uh… subtle type." Bill pointed to a group of parents gathered near the snack table, chatting loudly. "They're too busy gossiping over cupcakes. Besides—" he paused dramatically, "—we have a plan." "Your plan is to sneak past the clown? Yeah, real solid," Molly said, crossing her arms. "What if the clown actually calls the cops?" "Relax," Bill said, waving a finger. "I knocked out the clown earlier. She’s snoozing in the bounce house. We have access to the loot before anyone even notices." Molly’s eyes widened. "You’re kidding. You knocked out the clown?" "Hey, I was quick. Plus, I had a balloon animal distraction." Bill wiggled his eyebrows. Molly shook her head, suppressing a laugh. "You’re unbelievable. Okay, tell me the plan—step by step. How do we get inside without setting off every alarm?" He pointed towards the backyard fence. "First, we find the gate. Easier than climbing the tree—believe me, I tried." "Yeah, I saw that," Molly snorted. "You looked like a flailing octopus." "Hey, I got over the fence. Not my fault it was electrified. Never mind that. The point is, once we’re in, we head straight for the gift table. No detours." "And what if there’s security cameras watching the presents?" Molly asked. Bill shrugged. "No camera can catch us if we stay in the shadows. I’ve got a little black fabric I've been saving for just moments like this." Molly blinked. "You’re bringing ninja gear to a kids’ party?" "Part-time ninja. Full-time thief. Trust me, it works." She softened slightly. "Okay, but what about the kids? Won’t they notice their presents are missing?" Bill grinned wickedly. "That’s where the distraction comes in. You remember that giant trampoline over there?" "I do," Molly said cautiously. "While I make a distraction—maybe do a hilarious impersonation of the birthday princess—you slip in and grab the loot." "An impersonation, huh?" Molly raised an eyebrow. "You’ve been practicing?" "Only since last Tuesday. It’s between me and my mirror." Molly shook her head, half amused. "Fine. But if I get caught sneaking out with a stockpile of teddy bears, I’m blaming you." Bill chuckled. "Deal. Now, once we grab everything, we head to the secret tunnel under the barbecue pit." "The what?" Molly asked, incredulous. "Fallback. I built it last summer. Very secret. Very tunnel-y." Molly looked skeptical. "You built a tunnel under the barbecue pit?" "Quiet. It’s a work in progress. Now, are you ready to become the greatest kids’ party thief of all time?" Molly smirked, feeling the adrenaline spike. "Let’s do this. But if I get caught, I’m blaming your clown attack." Bill winked. "Fair. Let’s make some chaos, partner."