# The Birthday Blunder Molly spread the blueprints across the hotel room bed, adjusting her reading glasses with a gloved finger. Outside, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across downtown. She tapped the paper with a laser pointer. "Listen, we've got maybe forty-five minutes during the piñata distraction." Bill scratched his head, confusion written all over his weathered face. "Why exactly are we stealing presents from a six-year-old's birthday party again?" "Because," Molly said, spinning around with her hands on her hips, "those presents are collectible toys. Limited edition. Vintage packaging. We're talking five grand easy per box on the dark web." Bill whistled low. He walked to the window and peered down at the ballroom entrance below. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze. "Is this the same party you cased last Tuesday?" "The very same," Molly confirmed, rolling up her sleeves. "Three hundred kids, forty parents, minimal security. The presents are stacked in the back room next to the kitchen. We go in as catering staff, you take the north corridor, I'll handle the gift table." "What about the parents? Won't they notice two random servers?" Molly pulled out two catering uniforms from her duffel bag, complete with name tags. "Everyone's eyes will be glued to little Timmy smashing that piñata. That's our window. We'll have the entire rear exit clear." She demonstrated the route with her finger on the blueprint. "In through the service entrance, out through the pantry. Simple." Bill examined the uniform skeptically. "This is insane. We've stolen diamonds, paintings, a literal gold toilet once. And now we're committing grand larceny against a kindergartener?" "His parents are venture capitalists," Molly snapped back. "They spent six thousand dollars on this party. They can absorb the loss. Besides, Timmy's getting a new bicycle as a gift anyway. He won't even miss these toys." "That's not the point." Bill slumped into the chair. "Do you know how embarrassing it'll be if we get arrested? The news would have a field day. Two master thieves busted at a children's party." Molly softened her expression and sat beside him. "Think about it strategically. We spend thirty minutes collecting merchandise, we're out before dessert is served. These action figures in their original packaging? They go for premium prices. We could retire early, Bill. Live on a beach somewhere." Bill considered this, staring at the ceiling. "Fine. But if anything goes wrong, we're blaming the birthday clown." Molly smiled wickedly. "Deal. Now, let's talk about the backup plan if security shows up."