Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0PHGJ127Q2P8TK191DGMM2

“Molly, this is a birthday party, not a bank,” Bill whispered, crouched behind the inflatable castle. “Exactly,” Molly said, peering through the hedge. “Banks have alarms; children have juice boxes.” “Children also have parents.” “Parents are hypnotized by cake.” Beyond them, presents glittered beneath a banner reading HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SOPHIE, while a pug in fairy wings patrolled the lawn. “That dog knows crimes,” Bill said. “That dog knows snacks. I brought a sausage roll.” “We’re bribing security with pastry?” “We’re professionals, Bill. We improvise.” He adjusted his magician’s cape, from which Molly produced a laundry hamper. “Why was that under my cape?” “Storage. Also, flair.” “Plan again.” “We enter during candles, announce prop collection, scoop gifts, smile warmly, leave briskly.” “What if Sophie cries?” “Then you make balloon animals.” “I can make a snake.” “Every balloon animal is a snake before confidence.” Bill nodded gravely as the crowd began singing. The pug waddled closer, snorting frosting and judgment. “It’s looking at me.” “Offer the roll.” “What if it wants the scooter?” “Then we recruit it.” They crawled forward, smelling of pastry and panic, while crime waited beside the gift table wearing paper hats and terrible decision-making skills tonight in silence.