Run: 2026-03-18-01KM087GV1ZN6Z60745450GK2B

Molly crouched behind the bakery dumpster, consulting a grease-stained map of the cul-de-sac while Bill adjusted his bow tie in the reflection of a spoon. From the street came the muffled shrieks of a children’s party, punctuated by balloons popping like tiny gunshots and the desperate trumpeting of a clown horn. “The presents are in the sunroom,” Molly whispered. “Past the cupcakes, left of the bouncy castle, under the banner that says BRAVO, BIRTHDAY CHAMP.” Bill squinted. “That banner is humiliating.” Molly slid a glittery headband over her cap. “We’re professionals.” “We’re dressed as magicians,” Bill said. “Exactly. No one suspects the man in velvet.” They waited until the parents turned toward the karaoke machine, where a man in a pirate hat was singing a lovesick version of The Wheels on the Bus. Molly nodded. Bill produced a clipboard, a fake smile, and the confidence of a raccoon with a grant proposal. They crossed the lawn, accepted two sticky paper plates, and vanished into the house with the solemnity of museum curators. Inside, the presents stood stacked like a colorful fortress: rockets, dolls, a bicycle with streamers. Bill rubbed his hands together. “Shall we?” Molly grinned. “Take only the wrapped ones. It’s rude to steal practical gifts.”