Molly adjusted her fake mustache and peered through the bushes at the colorful balloon arch. "Bill, remind me again why we're targeting a six-year-old's birthday party?" "Simple economics, Molly. Kids get the best stuff these days. iPads, gaming consoles, designer sneakers." Bill tugged at his clown wig. "Plus, terrible security. What's the worst that could happen? Time-out?" "I feel like we've hit a new low. Yesterday we were sophisticated cat burglars, today we're literally stealing candy from babies." "Technically, we're stealing presents from children. The candy is just a bonus." Bill pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. "Okay, I've studied the layout. Present table is by the bounce house. Kitchen window is our entry point." "Why can't we use the front door like normal party crashers?" "Because normal party crashers don't stuff gift bags into duffle bags, Molly. We need to be subtle." "Right, because nothing says subtle like a six-foot clown climbing through a kitchen window." "That's why you're going first. You're more... compact." Molly glared at him. "Did you just call me short?" "I called you compact. It's different. More tactical." "Fine, but if this goes sideways and we end up on some parent's Instagram story, I'm blaming you." She checked her watch. "What's our exit strategy?" "When I give the signal, we grab the loot and bolt for the van. Easy." "What's the signal?" "When the birthday girl starts crying." "Bill, that could be literally anytime. Kids cry when the wind changes direction." "Okay, when I start crying then." "That's... actually more specific." Molly squinted at the party. "Wait, is that a pony?" "Yeah, entertainment for the kids. Why?" "Nothing, just wondering if our getaway van can outrun a Shetland pony if things get weird." "Molly, you're overthinking this. It's a children's party, not Fort Knox." "Famous last words. Remember what happened at the pet store?" "That was different. Nobody warned me about attack parakeets." "They weren't attack parakeets, Bill. You're just afraid of birds." "Can we focus? The magic show just started. That's our window." Bill adjusted his red nose. "Remember, if anyone asks, you're Giggles and I'm Sparkles." "Why do I have to be Giggles?" "Because I called Sparkles first." "This is ridiculous. We're professional thieves, not birthday party entertainment." "Professional thieves adapt, Molly. Now come on, those presents won't steal themselves." "Next time, I'm picking the target. Something dignified. Like a museum." "Deal. But first, let's go make some kids very disappointed." Bill straightened his oversized bow tie. "Ready, Giggles?" Molly sighed and shouldered her disguised duffle bag. "Ready, Sparkles. Let's go ruin some childhoods."