Run: 2026-03-18-01KM07DQKMHCFAT1G1GSJKQ3VM

Molly crouched behind the hedge with a stolen map of the cul-de-sac, peering at the bright bungalow where balloons bobbed over the roof like cheerful warnings. Inside, a children’s party was in full shriek, all sugar, confetti, and the tinny thump of a cartoon soundtrack. Bill adjusted his black gloves and tried not to sneeze at the smell of hot chips drifting from next door. “Cake room is in back,” Molly whispered. “Presents by the fireplace.” Bill nodded, though he was staring at the garden gnome in a paper crown. “This feels morally complicated.” “It’s robbery, Bill. It should.” A child burst out the rear door, sticky-faced and waving a plastic sword. They flattened themselves in the hydrangeas as the child charged past yelling about dragons and ketchup. From inside came a chorus of “Happy birthday!” followed by a squeal that suggested the pony had arrived. Bill swallowed. “What if they see us?” Molly pulled a roll of wrapping paper from her bag and grinned. “Then we say we’re the entertainment.” “Brilliant,” he said. “What act are we?” “The silent, highly motivated sort.” She slipped toward the gate, and Bill followed, trying to look like a responsible uncle. Behind the frosted window, a mountain of presents waited beneath a banner reading PARTY TIME, as if daring them to improve the atmosphere.