Run: 2026-07-09-01KX40A54A6ZYSHESC6DJX6CV8

Molly crouched behind the hedge, peering through binoculars at the suburban fortress ahead. It had pink balloons, a bouncy castle, and a cardboard sign reading HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GREG. Somewhere inside, children shrieked with the carefree confidence of people who had never paid rent. Bill adjusted his black woolly hat, which had a pom-pom on top. “Are you sure this is a burglary?” he whispered. “It’s a heist,” Molly said. “Burglary is what amateurs call it when they fall through a window.” “And what do professionals call it when they steal from a six-year-old?” “Tuesday.” They studied the house. Adults circulated in the garden carrying paper plates. A magician in a purple cape performed beside the paddling pool. Near the back door stood a mountain of wrapped presents, each one bearing a name tag and a cartoon animal. Bill licked his lips. “That is a magnificent haul.” “It’s not a haul until it’s in the van.” Their van was parked around the corner, disguised with a sign reading MRS. PUDDLE’S MOBILE PET GROOMING. Unfortunately, it contained no grooming equipment, no pets, and no Mrs. Puddle. It did contain two crowbars, three bags, a coil of rope, and an alarming number of cheese sandwiches. Molly unfolded the plan. “We enter through the front as entertainers.” “Entertainers?” “I’m the magician. You’re my assistant.” Bill stared at her. “You can’t do magic.” “I can make a wallet disappear.” “Whose?” “Usually mine.” She handed him a sequined waistcoat. He put it on with the expression of a man being sentenced. At the gate, a harassed woman with a clipboard intercepted them. “You’re the entertainment?” “Absolutely,” Molly said. “The Amazing Molly and…?” “Bill,” he muttered. “The Amazing Molly and Bill.” “Your name is Bill?” “For tonight, it’s Baron Bilious.” The woman glanced at the clipboard. “You’re not on here.” Molly smiled brightly. “We’re the surprise.” “That’s what the clown said.” “Then we’re the second surprise.” Before the woman could object, Molly produced a deck of cards and flicked one into the air. It struck Bill in the forehead. “Ta-da!” she announced. Several children cheered. Bill staggered inside. Within minutes, Molly had gathered an audience by pretending to pull rubber chickens from Bill’s sleeves. Bill, meanwhile, edged toward the presents, attempting to look casual while wearing a sequined waistcoat and a purple top hat. A little girl blocked his path. “Are you a magician?” “No,” Bill said. Molly coughed loudly. “Yes,” Bill corrected. “A very mysterious one.” “Can you make my teddy disappear?” “Certainly.” He snatched the teddy, tucked it beneath his waistcoat, and turned around. The child screamed with delight. Bill took three steps toward the presents before realizing the teddy was still clinging to his belt. Molly reached him and whispered, “Abort.” “Why?” “That’s not a toy pile. That’s the magician’s equipment.” Bill looked over. The purple-caped magician was glaring at them beside the actual presents. Molly grabbed his hand. They sprinted for the back door as the children applauded, convinced the escape was part of the show. Outside, Bill panted. “We stole nothing.” Molly glanced at the teddy dangling from his belt. “We stole a witness,” she said.