Molly crouched behind the bushes, eyeing the brightly decorated backyard. Balloons floated gently in the breeze, and the sound of children giggling near the inflatable bounce house reached her ears. She nudged Bill, who was rummaging through a battered backpack filled with gadgets and snacks. “Alright, Bill,” she whispered, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Tonight’s the night we hit the jackpot.” Bill grinned, pulling out a crooked tool that looked suspiciously like a toy gun. “You sure? I mean, I always wanted to do a big heist, but this one feels... unconventional.” Molly rolled her eyes. “Unconventional is our middle name. Besides, imagine the haul. All those presents—think of the shopping bills we’re saving!” Bill looked skeptical. “Yeah, but how do we get inside without the kids noticing? Do we just waltz in and shoplift? No, that’s too boring.” Molly tapped her chin. “No, we need a distraction. I’ve got the perfect plan. You’re going to pretend to be the clown.” Bill blinked. “The clown?” “Exactly,” Molly said, with a mischievous smile. “I’ll handle the stealth part. You start jugging or doing balloon animals. Kids love a clown. They’ll be too entertained to notice us sneaking in the back.” Bill groaned. “I don’t know how to jug. Or make balloon animals. Do I look like someone who’s good with balloons?” “You’ll be fine,” Molly assured him. “Just don’t pop the balloons. That’d ruin everything. Remember, you’re only pretending to be the funny guy. I’ll go around the side and find the gift table.” Bill hesitated. “What if they ask me questions? Like, ‘Hey, clown, what’s your name?’” “Just say ‘Bubbles,’” Molly shot back instantly. “And keep your act quick. We don’t want to get caught snooping around.” He nodded reluctantly. “Alright. Bubbles it is. But if I get chased by a herd of angry kids, I’m blaming you.” Molly chuckled. “Deal. Now, once you’ve got their attention, I slip past the guard—Larry the lawn gnome with a baseball cap and sunglasses. He’s the only thing standing between us and the treasure.” Bill looked confused. “Larry the gnome?” “Yeah. Fake lawn gnome with a tiny walkie-talkie. Keeps watch for the hosts. I’ve hacked into his frequency—well, hacked might be generous, but I fiddled enough to make him ignore us if we’re careful.” Bill smirked. “You’re a genius. Or maybe just crazy. Either way, I like it.” She pulled a small pebble from her pocket and flicked it onto the porch. “And here’s the signal. Once I hear the coast is clear, I’ll give you the nod. You start the clown act, I sneak in, grab the loot, and we skedaddle.” Bill adjusted his fake clown nose. “Got it. ‘Bubbles’ the clown will make them laugh so hard they forget all about us.” Molly peeked around the bush. “Good. Remember, stay in character. Don’t blow your cover when the kids ask your name.” Bill winked. “Don’t worry, I’ll be the funniest clown they’ve ever seen—assuming I don’t get tackled by a bunch of three-year-olds first.” She rolled her eyes again, then straightened. “Alright, Bubbles. Go entertain. I’ll be behind the trees, watching your masterpiece unfold.” Bill took a deep breath, then stepped out into the yard, striking a goofy pose. The children immediately flocked to him, squealing with delight at the sight of the clown’s oversized shoes and floppy hat. Molly watched from afar, heart pounding with adrenaline, as she prepared to slip past the lawn gnome guard. The plan was simple—distract, sneak, steal, and vanish right under their noses. She muttered to herself, smirking. "Tonight, we’re the worst kids at their party."