Run: 2026-07-09-01KX409GPFYMYN3DDXTH28D4TD

Molly spread a crayon map across the café table. “The birthday party begins at two. Twenty children, thirty-seven presents, one exhausted magician, and a chocolate fountain with inadequate supervision.” Bill studied the map. “Why is the house shaped like a dinosaur?” “I borrowed the blueprint from the birthday boy.” “This says ‘My Dream House,’ Molly.” “He’s an architectural prodigy.” “He’s drawn a volcano in the bathroom.” “Distraction feature.” Bill sipped his tea. “Let me clarify. We’re breaking into a children’s party to steal presents.” “Correct.” “Presents containing toy trucks, glitter kits, and socks from disappointed grandparents.” “Potentially premium socks.” “We usually steal diamonds.” “Diamonds have security guards. Children have short attention spans.” A waitress passed. Molly folded the map until the dinosaur became a suspicious green rectangle. Bill whispered, “What’s our cover?” “Children’s entertainers.” “I don’t entertain children. I barely tolerate adults.” “You’ll be Bongo the Educational Ferret.” “I’m not wearing the tail.” “The tail contains the lock picks.” “I’ll wear the tail.” Molly produced two laminated badges. “I’m Professor Sprinkles, balloon scientist.” “You can’t make balloon animals.” “I can make a snake.” “Anyone can make a balloon snake.” “Mine has emotional depth.” Bill turned over his badge. “Why does mine say ‘Please keep away from poultry’?” “Backstory.” He stared at her. “Walk me through the plan.” “We enter through the front door at two fifteen. The magician starts at two twenty. During his finale, you release the ferret.” “We have a ferret?” “No. You are the ferret.” “You want me to run around on all fours?” “Educationally.” “What does that mean?” “Shout facts about rivers.” Bill rubbed his forehead. “While I’m being a geographical mammal, what are you doing?” “Loading presents into the balloon van.” “We own a balloon van?” “We will after eleven. I found one online.” “You bought a van?” “I arranged a test drive.” “That’s stealing with paperwork.” “Respectable crime.” Outside, a bus groaned to a stop. Molly marked an X over the drawn volcano. Bill leaned closer. “What about parents?” “They’ll be filming you.” “Why?” “You’ll be wrestling the magician.” “That wasn’t in the plan.” “It’s his finale.” “Does he know?” “He will infer it from context.” “And the children?” “At two thirty, cake arrives. No child has ever looked away from cake.” “I did.” “You were a strange child.” “I became a thief.” “Exactly.” Bill examined the guest list. “Molly, this party is for Daisy Harper.” “Yes.” “Your niece?” Molly snatched the paper back. “Coincidence.” “She invited you.” “I’m working.” “She wrote, ‘Aunt Molly, please come. Mum says no stealing this year.’” Molly looked toward the window. “Operational prejudice.” Bill smiled. “There are no presents, are there?” “There are presents.” “You bought them.” “Some.” “All thirty-seven?” Molly muttered, “Bulk discount.” “So the heist is carrying your own gifts into your sister’s house?” “Through hostile territory.” “And I’m dressed as a ferret?” “Family expects commitment.” Bill raised his cup. “What are we stealing?” Molly grinned. “The chocolate fountain.” “Now it’s a proper job.”