Run: 2026-02-16-01KHM5BB49A3BYEZRBSCS5YDCN

The dim glow of a single bulb illuminated the cluttered basement where Molly and Bill sat hunched over a crudely drawn map of the neighborhood. Empty coffee cups and crumpled candy wrappers littered the table, evidence of their late-night planning session. Molly tapped the map impatiently with a chewed-up pencil, her eyes narrowed in concentration. “Look, Bill,” she said, her voice sharp but hushed, “the party’s at the Johnson’s house. Their backyard is fenced, but the gate’s got a rusty latch. Easy enough. We go in after dark, grab the presents, and slip out before anyone notices.” Bill scratched his stubbly chin, squinting at the map. “Yeah, but what about the kids? They’re all hopped up on sugar and party games. What if one of them sees us?” Molly rolled her eyes. “Kid, Bill. Kid. Not a Navy SEAL. They’ll be too busy stuffing their faces with cake and trying to pin the tail on the donkey. We’ll be in and out before they even realize the presents are gone.” Bill frowned, still unconvinced. “But what if there’s a guard dog? You know how these suburban families are. They probably have a golden retriever named Maximus or something.” Molly groaned, leaning back in her chair. “Fine. We’ll bring dog treats. You’re overthinking this, Bill. It’s a children’s party, not Fort Knox.” Bill raised an eyebrow. “You say that like it’s easy. Kids are unpredictable. What if one of them starts crying or—worse—throws a tantrum?” Molly smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “Then we throw a candy bar at them and keep moving. Distraction 101.” “I don’t know,” Bill muttered, folding his arms. “It just feels… wrong. Stealing from kids, I mean.” Molly tilted her head, giving him a mock-sympathetic look. “Aw, Bill’s got a conscience. How touching. Listen, those kids have more toys than they know what to do with. Half of those presents will end up in the back of a closet somewhere. We’re doing them a favor.” Bill sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I guess. But what if we get caught? Can you imagine the headlines? ‘Two Adult Criminals Arrested for Stealing from Six-Year-Olds.’” Molly laughed, a low, throaty chuckle. “Relax, Bill. Worst-case scenario, we play dumb. Tell them we’re party entertainers or something. Clowns. No one suspects clowns.” Bill groaned again, burying his face in his hands. “This is a terrible plan.” Molly leaned forward, grabbing his arm and shaking it lightly. “It’s a brilliant plan. Simple, straightforward, and low-risk. Trust me, Bill. When we’re sitting on a pile of toys and cash, you’ll be thanking me.” Bill looked up, his expression still skeptical but softening slightly. “Fine. But if anything goes wrong, I’m blaming you.” Molly grinned, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied smirk. “Deal. Now, let’s go over the exit routes again. And don’t forget to pack the dog treats.”