Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0MZA7RZ3WA4R5AQ75HKATR

Molly crouched behind the hedge, peering through binoculars at the church hall where balloons bobbed like badly guarded jewels. Bill unfolded a map drawn on a napkin, upside down. “We go in through the kitchen,” Molly whispered. “That’s where the cake is,” Bill said. “Highly defended.” “By who?” “Grandmothers.” Molly lowered the binoculars. “Then we use the clown entrance.” “There’s a clown entrance?” “There will be once you put on the shoes.” Bill stared at the enormous red footwear in the duffel. “I have ethical objections.” “To shoes?” “To squeaking.” Inside, children shrieked with joy. A magician dropped a dove. It looked disappointed. “The presents are stacked by the stage,” Molly said. “We grab them, exit through the bouncy castle.” “Exit through a bouncy castle?” “Fast, confusing, festive.” Bill scratched his chin. “What if the children notice?” “We distract them.” “How?” Molly produced a puppet. Its button eyes judged them both. Bill sighed. “That puppet has seen things.” “Focus. In, gifts, out. No improvising.” A small boy appeared at the hedge. “Are you the entertainment?” Molly froze. Bill smiled weakly. “Yes,” he said. “We’re... present inspectors.” The boy beamed. “Mum says you’re late.”