Molly adjusted her fake mustache in the rearview mirror while Bill fumbled with a deflated balloon animal in the passenger seat. "Remind me again why we're dressed as clowns?" Bill's greasepaint was already melting in the afternoon heat. "Because, genius, nobody suspects the entertainment. We waltz in, perform a few magic tricks, and when everyone's distracted by the cake cutting, we clean out the present table." The suburban house across the street buzzed with activity. Colorful streamers fluttered from the mailbox, and the sound of children shrieking with delight carried across the lawn. "This feels wrong, Molly. They're just kids." "Kids with rich parents who won't even notice a few missing gifts. Look at this place!" She gestured wildly at the manicured lawn and three-car garage. "Little Timmy's getting his first Rolex today, guaranteed." Bill squeezed the balloon, producing a sad squeaking noise. "What if someone asks us to make balloon animals? I can barely make a snake, and that's just blowing it up and tying a knot." "That's why I brought the magic kit. You distract them with your pathetic balloon attempts while I make the presents disappear. It's foolproof." A woman in an expensive sundress emerged from the house, directing caterers toward the backyard. Molly's eyes lit up like a slot machine hitting jackpot. "See? Catered party. These people have money to burn." "Maybe we should stick to banks and jewelry stores. At least those don't involve traumatizing children on their birthdays." Molly slapped his shoulder with an oversized glove. "You're being dramatic. We're not traumatizing anyone. We're mysterious present fairies who make gifts vanish into thin air. The kids will think it's magic." "The crying will definitely be magical." A police car rolled slowly down the street. Both thieves slumped in their seats, which was particularly challenging given Bill's enormous rainbow wig. "Act natural," Molly whispered. "Natural? I'm wearing size twenty shoes and a red nose that honks." The officer glanced their way without stopping. Bill's relief was audible. "See? Perfect cover. Now stop being a baby and help me carry this stuff." They gathered their props from the backseat: the magic kit, balloon supplies, and two empty duffle bags disguised as costume accessories. "What's our exit strategy?" "Same as always. Fast and chaotic. We grab everything we can, claim the birthday kid needs a special private magic show in the garage, load up the van, and disappear in a cloud of glitter." Bill stared at the house, watching children chase each other around the yard. "You know what? I'm starting to think our criminal careers peaked with that gas station." "That's quitter talk. Now come on, those presents aren't going to steal themselves." Molly honked her nose for luck and marched toward the house.