“Okay, new plan,” Molly whispered, flattening herself against the garden wall. “We go in disguised as clowns.” “Absolutely not,” Bill hissed, his clown nose already in hand. “I have a deep-seated fear of face paint. It’s a whole thing.” “Fine,” Molly snapped. “What’s your brilliant idea, then? They’ve got a bouncy castle guard dog.” “We could say we’re the entertainment,” Bill suggested. “I’ve been practicing my balloon animal skills. I can make a very convincing snake.” “That’s your only trick!” “It’s a very good snake! It’s long and… snake-like. We distract them with the snake, nab the presents, and make a break for the getaway trike.” “The trike? Bill, we discussed this. The tandem bike is more dignified.” “Molly, there’s a pile of gifts in there with my name on them. I will crawl out of here on my belly if I have to. Now, give me the face paint. My snake and I are going in.”