Run: 2026-03-18-01KM0A8DX7D2CREAR9NJ9RHS99

“Molly, you’re frowning.” “I’m thinking.” “That’s what worries me. Whenever you think, something expensive happens.” “Bill, hush. The party’s in the community hall.” “Children’s party,” Bill whispered, peering through the rain-streaked window. “Balloons, cake, paper hats, and probably tiny people with sticky fingers.” “Exactly.” “You say ‘exactly’ like that’s a plan.” “It is a plan. We go in, blend in, and leave with the presents.” Bill blinked. “At a children’s party?” “Everybody trusts a party clown.” “We are not clowns.” “We can be festive.” “We are thieves.” “Festive thieves.” Bill scratched his chin. “How many presents?” “All of them.” “All of them?” “All. Of. Them.” “Bit ambitious.” “Mildly ambitious.” “Criminally ambitious,” Bill said. “What’s the angle?” Molly lowered her voice. “I brought a stroller.” Bill stared. “Why have you brought a stroller?” “For cover. You push it, looking like a frazzled parent.” “I don’t look like a parent.” “Then look frazzled. Carry a balloon. Nobody suspects incompetence at a children’s party.” Bill sighed. “And the presents?” “In the hallway, unguarded.” “Ungaurded?” “Unsupervised.” “Same thing.” “Not to the law.” Bill nodded slowly. “And the children?” Molly smiled. “We distract them.” “With what?” She lifted a sack. “Party favors.” Bill squinted. “Those are just marbles.” “Exactly,” said Molly. “They’ll be thrilled.”