From behind a disused bouncy castle, Molly and Bill crouched low, their matching black turtlenecks gathering flecks of glitter blown by the wind. Beyond the fluttering dragon piñata, a circle of children shrieked with delight as a magician pulled multicolored scarves out of his sleeve, and a fortress of gift bags lay temptingly beneath a paper rainbow. Bill squinted through binoculars fashioned from empty toilet rolls. "Purple bag’s the jackpot," he muttered, elbowing her. "That's the one with the new gaming console." Molly stifled a laugh, pointing at the birthday mom, who brandished cupcakes like medals. "And that’s the Warden. Guarded with icing." A shrill whistle; the magician’s hat exploded confetti, visually covering their movements as they began belly-crawling closer. The scent of frosting mixed with sunscreen as a bubble floated down, bursting on Bill’s nose. "Oi, we’re not getting caught by a four-year-old," he whispered. Molly rolled her eyes, scanning for escape routes between the swing set and the gift table. "If you see a clown, run. I’m not tussling with anyone in a wig tonight." Bill grinned, patting the oversized sack beside him. "Operation Present Pilfer commences… on three." Together, like shadows, they vanished towards the mountain of loot.