Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY7YXHFB5Q20HKEB0G2HZPH

The community hall smelled aggressively of sugar and desperation. Molly wrinkled her nose, peering through the smeared window at a gaggle of five-year-olds attempting to organize a conga line. Streamers in primary colours drooped like defeated flags. “Seriously, Bill?” she said, her voice low and bordering on disgusted. “A children’s party? Our career has really hit rock bottom.” Bill, a man whose enthusiasm for outlandish schemes outweighed his common sense by a considerable margin, grinned, adjusting his ridiculous fake handlebar moustache. “Think of the haul, Molly! Think of it! Every little darling’s birthday wishes, piled high! Remote-controlled cars, fluffy unicorns, enough Lego to build a small fortress! It's genius, I tell you!” “Genius is robbing a museum, Bill, not pilfering presents from toddlers. Their parents will be furious. And imagine the headlines: ‘Gift-Grabbing Grinches Strike! Children Weep!’” “Details, details! We’ll be in and out before the pinata explodes. Look, I’ve been observing the security. Minimal. One slightly bored-looking teenager manning the door.” He tapped a crumpled napkin covered in frantic sketches. “Operation Sparkle Thief is go.” Molly sighed, running a hand through her short, choppy hair. “And your plan? Elaborate, please. Because your last 'elaborate plan' involved a trained hamster and a lot of glitter.” “This is different! This is… strategic! First, we create a diversion. You’re the distraction.” “Me? How exactly am I supposed to distract twenty sugar-fueled children?” “You’ll be the… the magician!” Bill declared, puffing out his chest. “I acquired a magic kit. Slightly used, but functional. You pull a rabbit out of a hat, maybe a dove if we can find one. Kids love that stuff. While they’re mesmerized by your dazzling display of prestidigitation, I slip in, scoop up the presents, and we’re gone!” Molly stared at him, aghast. “You purchased a magic kit? Bill, you can barely tie your shoes without assistance.” “Hey! I watched a YouTube tutorial. I'm practically David Copperfield now. Think, Molly, think! The sheer chaos! The wonder in their eyes! Then, boom! Presents! It's a masterpiece of misdirection and larceny!” “It’s a recipe for disaster and potential restraining orders,” Molly countered. “And what about the parents? They're not going to stand around watching a mediocre magician while their children’s gifts vanish.” “They’ll be too busy taking photos and posting them on social media! 'Look at my kid being amazed by a spontaneous magic show!' It's perfect! Just picture it: a whirlwind of colour, laughter, and then…POOF! Presents gone! We'll be swimming in toys!" Molly pinched the bridge of her nose. "Okay, let's say, just *say*, I go along with this spectacularly ill-conceived plan. What's my cue?" Bill beamed, nearly dislodging his moustache. "When the teenager briefly glances towards the buffet table to refill the juice boxes. That's Showtime, Molly! That's when the magic begins!”