Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYANPS1FXPTFNN822A09NME

The inflatable bouncy castle shimmered in the late afternoon sun, a garish pink and turquoise monstrosity dominating Mrs. Periwinkle’s pristine lawn. A soundtrack of shrieking children and tinny pop music drifted from within the Periwinkle residence, a Victorian gingerbread house currently overflowing with pint-sized partygoers. Molly adjusted her oversized sunglasses, shielding her eyes as she surveyed the scene. “Right then, Bill. Operation Sugarplum Surprise is a go. You’re sure about this?” Bill, a man whose perpetually worried expression suggested he was permanently late for something important, gnawed on his thumbnail. He peered through binoculars, occasionally flinching. "Look, Molly, stealing from children… it feels wrong. Even if it *is* Mrs. Periwinkle's children. Last year, she gave my niece a porcelain doll that blinked. It was terrifying.” Molly rolled her eyes. “Bill, we steal from hedge fund managers and corrupt politicians. This is a walk in the park. Besides, have you *seen* the presents? A veritable mountain of electronic goods, designer toys, and probably a pony or two. Think of the resale value!" He lowered the binoculars slightly. "Mostly Paw Patrol themed, if I'm being honest. And a surprising amount of glitter. I'm allergic to glitter, you know.” "That's your problem, not mine," Molly said, pulling a crumpled diagram from her pocket. "Perimeter secured. Two security guards - geriatric codgers, according to Agnes - positioned at the gate and near the dessert table. And a veritable swarm of sticky, sugar-fueled children providing excellent cover.” “Excellent cover for getting covered in spilled juice boxes, more like,” Bill muttered. "So, what’s the plan exactly? I’m not terribly comfortable scaling a bouncy castle.” “Absolutely not. Too conspicuous. We go in through the back. Agnes confirmed a faulty section of fencing near the rose bushes. I’ve pre-weakened it slightly. You’ll create a diversion.” “A diversion? I’m not exactly a natural charmer, Molly. I once tried to return a toaster oven because it toasted bread unevenly. They didn't give me a refund.” Molly sighed dramatically. “Just… be silly, Bill. Do something ridiculous. Wave your arms. Pretend to be lost. Maybe ask Mrs. Periwinkle for directions to the nearest badger sanctuary. Anything to draw attention away from us.” “A badger sanctuary? Why a badger sanctuary?” “Just go with it, Bill! I’ll slip in, grab the presents – we’re focusing on the electronics, remember – and meet you by the ice cream van. We’ll split the haul and be out of here before anyone notices a thing. Ten minutes, tops.” Bill stared at the bouncy castle, then back at Molly’s confident face. “Ten minutes to plunder a children’s party? Molly, you’re mad.” “Exactly. Now, do you want in on Sugarplum Surprise, or do you want to stay here and contemplate the existential dread of unevenly toasted bread?” He took a deep breath, straightened his tie, and adjusted his binoculars one last time. "Badger sanctuary, you said? Right. Wish me luck. And if I get covered in glitter..." He trailed off, a look of genuine horror on his face. Molly just grinned. “Just be ridiculous, Bill.”