# The Birthday Caper Molly cracked her knuckles as they sat in the van across from Happy Pines Elementary School. Through the gymnasium doors, she could see inflatable balloons and a banner reading "Tommy's 7th Birthday Bonanza." "So here's the plan," she whispered. "We go in through the cafeteria entrance at 2 PM sharp, right when they're doing the piñata distraction." "How many presents we talking?" Bill asked, adjusting his fake mustache in the mirror. "At least thirty boxes. Maybe forty." Bill whistled low. "That's a lot of Lego sets and action figures." "Exactly why we're doing this," Molly said, pulling out the blueprints she'd somehow obtained from a willing janitor. "The gift table is unguarded during cake time." "What if security shows up?" "It's a seven-year-old's birthday party, Bill. The most security we'll face is a frazzled mom and a volunteer dad." Bill grinned. "I love this job." They fist-bumped as children's laughter drifted across the parking lot. Within minutes, they'd transform from ordinary adults into present-snatching legends. "Ready?" Molly asked. "Born ready," Bill confirmed, reaching for the door.