They crouched behind gift boxes near the door. The hall buzzed with laughter and party horns. Molly tapped Bill on the shoulder and pointed at the cake table guarded by bored adults with punch. A bright balloon arch arched overhead like a warning sign. Outside, their getaway van idled with humming. Bill flexed his fingers and grinned. Molly adjusted her mask and checked her toolkit: smoke pellets, a kazoo, and an oversized grappling hook. A stray dog barked as the front door cracked open, spilling a stream of excited children into the foyer. They slipped inside, ready for the grab. "The party's like a candy fortress under siege." "I brought remote controlled spiders for a distraction." "Spiders freak kids out, but parents call the cops." "Then we perform an interpretive dance exit." "I prefer smoke bombs shaped like birthday hats." "Hats obscure vision, great for sneaking." "Which kid do we recruit as our shrink ray operator?" "Bring little Timmy, he loves gadgets and causes chaos." "Check those gifts: teddy bears could hide tiny power tools." "Once we secure the loot, race back to the van?" "No more glitter confetti handshake, right please?" "Deal. Now, time to infiltrate birthday cake central."