Run: 2026-07-07-01KWZ57XB4CF31ZP4HM2AR1FFZ

Molly crouched behind the inflated castle, her black turtleneck already soaked with sweat from the July sun. She adjusted her earpiece, watching Bill attempt to wedge himself into a caterer's uniform three sizes too small. "You look like a sausage casing," Molly whispered. "Keep your voice down," Bill hissed back, popping another button. "How was I supposed to know the catering company would be staffed by tiny people?" "Just stick to the plan. We go in through the kitchen, spike the punch—" "We're not spiking the punch, Molly. These are children." "I meant with the sleeping potion. Pay attention." Bill paused mid-struggle with his zipper. "You brought a sleeping potion?" "Of course I brought a sleeping potion. What did you think was in the thermos?" "Soup. You said you brought soup." Molly pinched the bridge of her nose. "That was code." "Since when do we use codes? We've been partners for six years and you never mentioned codes." "Because it's the first time we're robbing a birthday party, Bill. This is uncharted territory. We need to be professional." "Professional," he repeated flatly, gesturing at the bouncy castle. "We're hiding behind a giant inflatable castle shaped like a dragon." "Keep your voice down," Molly snapped, then paused. "That's actually good. We can use the dragon." Bill stared at her. "Use it for what?" "Distraction. You go in through the front, dressed as whatever that is—" "Caterer." "—and I'll sneak around back. When the kids are focused on the presents, I'll release the air valve on the dragon. The sound will mask my approach to the gift table." "That's the stupidest plan I've ever heard." "Do you have a better one?" Bill looked at the scene before them: a backyard filled with screaming children, exhausted parents, and a mountain of brightly wrapped packages. The birthday boy, a terrifyingly enthusiastic seven-year-old named Timothy, was opening his third Nerf gun. "We could just wait until they leave," Bill suggested. "And risk someone else getting there first? I've had my eye on that Lego Death Star since the invitations went out. Do you know how much those go for on the secondary market?" "We're stealing from children, Molly." "We're redistributing wealth. It's practically charity." A high-pitched scream interrupted them as a small girl in a princess costume ran past, wielding a foam sword and hot on the heels of a screaming boy wearing a paper crown. Bill watched them go. "Which one gets the sword?" "The one who's faster. Now come on. Put on your hat and let's move." "This hat has a cartoon lobster on it." "Then you'll blend right in. This is a nautical theme party, Bill. Did you even read the briefing?" "You sent me a text that said 'kid party, bring bags.'" Molly grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the catering tent. "Just smile, nod, and start carrying trays. I'll handle the rest." "And if we get caught?" "We won't." "But if we do?" Molly paused, considering. "Then we pretend we're entertainers. You're Lobster Man. I'm your assistant." "That's not a real thing." "Neither is your catering uniform. Move." Timothy opened his fourth Nerf gun.