"Are you absolutely certain this is our target?" Molly peered through the binoculars at the house across the street, where colorful balloons bobbed in the front yard. "Dead certain," Bill replied, adjusting his black ski mask. "My sources say there's at least fifty grand worth of electronics in those gift boxes." "Your sources being your eight-year-old nephew?" "Tommy's got excellent intelligence. Kid knows every birthday party within a three-mile radius." Molly lowered the binoculars and stared at her partner. "Bill, we're about to rob a bunch of six-year-olds." "Seven-year-olds," Bill corrected. "It's little Susie Henderson's birthday. Her dad's some tech mogul. Those presents are loaded with the latest gadgets." "Oh well, that makes it so much better. We're robbing seven-year-olds." "Look, Molly, we need the money. Rent's due tomorrow, and my bookie's getting impatient." "What's the plan then, mastermind?" Bill pulled out a wrinkled napkin covered in crayon drawings. "Tommy drew us a blueprint. The presents are in the living room, next to the cake table." "Is that supposed to be a floor plan or abstract art?" "Very funny. See this purple square? That's the present pile. The green circle is where the clown performs." "There's a clown?" "Bobo the Magnificent. He does balloon animals from two to three o'clock. Perfect distraction." Molly rubbed her temples. "Let me get this straight. While Bobo entertains the children, we sneak in and steal their presents?" "Exactly! You're catching on." "What if we get caught?" "Who's gonna suspect two adults at a kids' party? We'll blend right in." "Bill, you're wearing a ski mask." Bill looked down at himself. "Oh, right. Good catch. I'll say I'm part of the entertainment. Mysterious Mike the Magician or something." "And what's my cover story?" "You're the birthday girl's aunt from out of town." "I've never met these people!" "Details, Molly. Just smile and nod a lot." "This is insane. What if the kids start crying?" "That's what makes it perfect! Kids cry at parties all the time. Spilled juice, popped balloons, clown phobias. No one will think twice." Molly watched a group of children run around the backyard, their excited screams piercing the afternoon air. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but when do we go in?" "Right after the cake cutting. Everyone will be sugar-drunk and distracted." "And our escape route?" "The back fence. Tommy says it's only four feet tall." "Your nephew really thought this through." "Kid's got a future in this business." Molly sighed deeply. "If we end up in jail, I'm blaming you entirely." "Deal. But when we're counting our money tonight, you'll thank me." "Famous last words, Bill. Famous last words."