Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0PCJSAPP48RREBX030HSPK

Molly unfolded a crayon map on the café table. “Bill, behold: the birthday perimeter.” “That’s a placemat.” “It’s tactical stationery. Here’s the cake, here’s the clown, here’s the mountain of presents.” “Why is the clown labeled ‘possible wizard’?” “Because he made three sausages disappear.” “Children ate them, Molly.” “Exactly what a wizard would want us to think.” Bill squinted. “Our disguises?” “I’m going as Aunt Linda.” “You’re thirty-two.” “Aunt Linda is a state of mind.” “And me?” “You’re Balloon Man.” “I don’t know balloons.” “Perfect. Children respect mystery.” Bill tapped the map. “We stroll in, grab the gifts, stroll out?” “No. We mingle first. We compliment the piñata. We sing badly enough to be authentic.” “What if someone asks whose side we’re on?” “We say, ‘The birthday side.’ Works at every party.” Bill sighed. “Molly, stealing from children feels low.” “They’re not children’s presents yet. They’re wrapped potential.” “That is not a legal category.” “It is in my heart.” A waiter arrived. “More tea?” Bill said, “Please. And maybe a conscience.” Molly folded the placemat. “Fine. We’ll steal only the magician’s sausages.” “Now that’s a heist.”