Run: 2026-02-25-01KJBH7K8J4E3T330MJ2BMB6Q5

Molly adjusted her wig, pulling a plastic tiara down over her forehead so it looked askew on her head. Bill checked the back wheel of the van, kicking it hard to ensure that it was not leaking gasoline onto the asphalt street. They were parked at the curb in front of a house where balloons hovered above the door. You look ridiculous, Bill said. I look like a preschool teacher. Molly corrected. It is the perfect disguise. Nobody suspects the birthday party host of crime. Bill rolled his eyes and opened the rear doors of the van. Boxes of stolen goods were piled inside, including the heavy metal safe from the bank downtown city. They needed to move quickly before the neighbors arrived for the event. We are not stealing the safe, Molly snapped. We are stealing the gifts. The ones under the tree. Why. Bill asked. It is a birthday party. We could rob the parents for the cash. The parents spend too much time on security cameras. Molly said. She shoved a bag over her head quickly. The presents are cash equivalents. Toys become cash on the black market. And the kids. Bill asked. Grown adults are easy to bluff with lies. Kids. They do not know who we are yet. Molly said. Did you watch the security feed. Yeah. They go inside at seven o clock. Bill said. Perfect. The cake comes out at seven thirty. That means the presents are most vulnerable right now. Molly said. She stepped out of the van, adjusting her gloves. We need to look like we belong there. What are you holding. Bill asked. Confetti cannon. Molly said. Distraction. For a preschool. Bill asked. Yes. And I have the noise machine too. If they smell trouble, we play Happy Birthday on loop. They will think it is part of the show. Bill sighed and walked past her slowly. This is insane. This is genius. Molly said, following him close. We just need to get to the living room before the candles are lit properly. They will not be there if the candles are lit. Bill said. Then we time it perfectly. They are all watching the candles for the singing. What about the mom. Bill asked. She is in the kitchen cooking. The smell of burning cookies is distracting enough. Molly grinned. I will take the left wing, you take the right. We will meet at the tree. And if the doorbell rings. Bill asked. Then we pretend we are delivery guys. Who delivers gifts in a wig. Bill asked. A really desperate delivery guy. Molly said. Now move. It is almost five o clock. Bill looked at his watch. We have an hour. Plenty of time to get drunk on the punch. Molly, we are stealing birthday presents. It is a winter birthday. December. Very similar aesthetic. Do you realize how small the living room is. Bill asked. Exactly. Hard to hide. Good for visibility. We will not drop anything. Bill walked toward the house, checking his pockets for tools carefully. What are you doing. Molly asked. Practicing my walk. Bill said. The waddle. It is essential for the disguise. Wear the vest. Molly said. I will watch the perimeter. Bill shrugged and pulled on a yellow construction vest over his shirt. You look like a construction worker. Molly laughed. I look like a safety inspector. Bill corrected. Nobody stops safety inspectors. Molly nodded. Good. Let us go get some toys. They approached the door. Molly knocked three times quickly. The door opened. A smiley face sticker covered the glass near the handle. Evening. Molly said. Delivery. The mom asked. We are here for the party. Molly said. The birthday party. It is not for another hour. The mom said. We are early. Bill said. We got lost. The mom stepped back. The room behind her was filled with balloons and wrapped boxes. Molly signaled with her hand. Bill moved to the door frame. We have confetti. Molly asked. We have everything. Bill said. Show me the presents. Molly said. You are the thief. Bill said. I thought I was the thief. Molly said. But you are the real thief. Bill shrugged. Maybe. Maybe not. Let us just go in. Okay, Bill said. Okay, Molly said. They walked inside.