Molly peeked around the corner, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Bill, are you sure about this? Stealing from a kid’s birthday? It feels a little, I dunno, un-pure." Bill grinned and adjusted his floppy hat. "Un-pure? Come on, Molly. Those presents are just sitting there, begging for a good home. Plus, think of the chaos! Parties are the best cover. Everyone’s so busy singing 'Happy Birthday' and chasing around balloons." She crossed her arms. "Yeah, but what if someone catches us? Kids are like little detectives. I saw that movie. 'Entangled in Toy Trap.' Remember?" Bill chuckled. "I’m not worried. I’ve got a plan. Look, see that window?" He pointed to a second-story window, slightly ajar. "That’s our entry point. I’ve got the grappling hook." Molly sighed. "You and your crazy gadgets. Last time, you nearly rappelled into a pond." "Details, details," Bill said, tightening his bandana. "This time, I’ve got it all figured out. Watch." He took a running leap, caught the hook on the gutter, and swung up. "Ta-da! Easy peasy." Molly shook her head. "Your ‘easy peasy’ nearly got you soaked last time. Anyway, how do we get in without setting off alarms?" Bill scratched his head. "Well, the plan is simple. You distract the parents and the kids. Maybe pretend you’re the new clown. I’ll sneak in through this window—" he pointed dramatically— "and grab the presents." Molly looked dubious. "Pretend to be a clown? That’s your big idea? I’d make a terrible clown." Bill grinned. "Believe me, Molly, you're natural. Just paint your face, throw on a funny wig, and tell the kids you’re 'Jolly Molly the Amazing Clown.'" "Jolly Molly? Seriously?" she said, glaring. "Hey, it’s a name. Now, listen. You go in, cause a scene. Yell about the balloon animal that stole your sandwich, or something. Get their attention. Meanwhile, I sneak inside, grab the loot, and we bolt." Molly hesitated. "And what if the kids get suspicious? Kids are smart, Bill." "That’s why you’ve got to be convincing. Maybe cry a little. Wail if you must. Kids love tears—it’s adorable." She rolled her eyes. "Great. I’ll be the terrifying clown who’s crying over a sandwich." Bill chuckled. "Exactly. And I’ll be the sneaky mastermind. You’re better at talking to noisy children. I’m better at slipping past the security." Molly sniffed. "Okay, but what about the parents?" Bill tapped his chin. "I’ll handle the parents. I’ve got a fake unicorn horn and a squeaky nose. I’ll charm them with my 'amazing' magic tricks—spoiler: I don’t have any tricks, but I’ll bluff my way through." "Perfect. Once you grab the presents, what’s the escape plan? Running out with a pile of gift-wrapped chaos isn’t exactly smooth." Bill pointed to a nearby bush. "I’ve got an escape route set up. When the coast is clear, I’ll climb down the tree over there and meet you at the alley. From there, we high-tail it to the hideout." Molly looked skeptical. "And what if someone spots us?" "Then we improvise. I’ve got a bag of confetti and a bunch of fake mustaches. We’ll look like party clowns on the run." She sighed dramatically. "Sounds like fun. Or a disaster." "Where's the fun without a little risk, Molly?" Bill grinned. "Now, ready to make some kids' birthdays unforgettable? For all the wrong reasons." Molly groaned but smiled. "Alright, Mr. Heist Expert, let’s do this. But if I end up on some kid's 'Most Embarrassing Clown' video, I’m blaming you." Bill winked. "Deal. Now go, Jolly Molly. The party awaits." She took a deep breath, adjusted her imaginary clown nose, and headed into the backyard, trying not to trip over her oversized shoes. Bill watched her go, then tightened his grip on the grappling hook, ready to make his move. The sound of giggling children filled the air as the chaos of the birthday party unfolded.