# The Birthday Caper Molly spread the blueprint across the card table, her coffee leaving a suspicious ring on the corner. Bill leaned in, squinting at what appeared to be a detailed floor plan of the Henderson residence. "So we're really doing this," Bill said, drumming his fingers on the table. "Breaking into a child's birthday party. This is a new low, even for us." "New low, new opportunity," Molly corrected, circling the living room with a red pen. "They're expecting professional thieves. Nobody suspects criminals at a seven-year-old's party." "Have you ever actually been to a children's party? Those kids are chaos agents." Bill grabbed a pretzel from the bowl between them. "We'd have better luck robbing Fort Knox." "That's exactly why we'll succeed. Controlled chaos is still chaos, Bill. We blend in, we hit the present pile during the cake cutting, and we're gone in ninety seconds." Molly looked up from the blueprint with complete confidence. "I've already got the logistics mapped out." "Who goes inside?" Bill asked, already knowing he wouldn't like the answer. "You do. You're friendlier. Less threatening." Molly smiled, which definitely meant she was enjoying this. "I'll be the getaway driver in the minivan I rented." "A minivan? Molly, I can't fit the PS5 in my pocket!" Bill stood up and paced the cramped apartment. "This is insane. What if someone recognizes us? What if the birthday kid's parents are sophisticated types who've hired security?" "They hired someone to manage face painting and balloon animals. I checked." Molly tapped the blueprint. "The presents are stacked against the east wall, away from the main entertainment zone. We go in through the side entrance at two o'clock sharp." "That's when the piñata comes out," Bill pointed out. "Everyone's distracted, sure, but also potentially violent. Do you know what happens when you deny a child candy? They become feral." Molly stood and placed her hands on Bill's shoulders. "Bill, listen to me. We've stolen from museums, from corporations, from that one countess in Monaco who probably deserved it. We can handle a children's birthday party." "Can we though?" Bill met her eyes. "Last time we tried something unconventional, I got stuck in a vending machine." "You learned a valuable lesson about leverage and body positioning," Molly said firmly. "And you'll learn something today too." Bill grabbed another pretzel, shaking his head. "If I have to wear a clown costume, I'm leaving this operation." "We've already purchased two clown costumes." Molly smiled sweetly. "Of course you have."