# The Birthday Caper Molly tapped her pen against the clipboard, studying the intel. "Okay, so the target is 847 Maple Street. Twenty-three kids. Estimated forty to sixty wrapped packages." "That's a lot of loot," Bill whispered, adjusting his fake mustache nervously. "What about security?" "The parents will be distracted by cake. Two golden retrievers, but I've got bacon." She pulled out several strips. "We slip in through the side door at 2 PM sharp, during present-opening pandemonium." Bill frowned. "What if someone recognizes us?" "We'll wear those ridiculous clown wigs. Nobody looks twice at party entertainers." Molly circled the living room on the floor plan. "You take the south wall, I'll handle the north. We meet at the kitchen, load the van, and we're gone in seven minutes." "Seven minutes?" Bill's eye twitched. "Eight, if there's a piñata," Molly conceded. "But Bill, we can't get sentimental. These toys could be worth thousands on the black market." Bill pulled out the getaway route map. "What about the dog walker on Oak Street?" "She's at the dog park until 3 PM. We're golden." He extended his hand. "Let's do this thing."