Run: 2026-07-09-01KX40DN9DECEP20J7AG5BM2B4

“Bill, the presents are in the living room,” Molly whispered from behind the hedge. “We slip in, grab the loot, and vanish before anyone notices.” “Excellent,” Bill whispered back. “What kind of party is it?” “A children’s party.” “Children’s parties have security?” “They have balloons.” “That sounds worse.” “It is worse. Balloons are unpredictable, brightly colored surveillance devices.” Molly peered over the hedge. Beyond the garden gate stood a castle-shaped inflatable, three enormous cakes, and a dozen children wearing paper crowns. Their parents chatted beside a table piled with wrapped gifts. Bill adjusted his black mask. “I thought you said this would be easy.” “I said it would be simple. There’s a difference.” “What’s the difference?” “Simple means only one of us will panic.” “I’m already panicking.” “That means the plan is working.” A clown waddled past carrying a tray of juice boxes. Bill ducked so quickly he landed in a flowerpot. “Was that necessary?” Molly asked. “He looked suspicious.” “He’s a clown.” “Exactly.” Molly pulled him free by the collar. “We enter through the side door, cross the kitchen, and take the presents.” “Why not use the front door?” “Because we’re thieves, Bill.” “Right. Professional standards.” They crept along the fence. At the side door, Molly produced a set of lock picks. Bill stared. “You brought lock picks?” “Of course.” “Why are they pink?” “The shop only had pink.” “Very intimidating.” “Quiet.” She inserted a pick. The lock clicked. At that exact moment, the door flew open. A little girl stood there holding a plastic sword. “Who are you?” Molly smiled. “We’re the entertainment.” Bill nodded. “Extremely professional entertainment.” “Do the pirate song!” “We do not know a pirate song,” Molly said. Bill cleared his throat. “Yo ho ho, please don’t call the police.” The girl shrieked with delight. “They’re funny!” Within seconds, the pair were dragged into the kitchen. Children crowded around them, chanting, “Pirates! Pirates!” Molly whispered, “This is your fault.” “My fault? You said entertainment.” “I meant distraction, not employment.” A boy handed Bill a balloon sword. “Fight the dragon!” “What dragon?” Bill asked. The inflatable castle groaned as its entrance sagged. “That dragon,” the boy said. Bill looked at Molly. “I’m going to fight an inflatable castle so we can steal birthday presents?” “Apparently.” He charged, tripped over a paper streamer, and collapsed beside the gift table. The children applauded wildly. Molly snatched three packages and tucked them beneath her coat. “Hey!” shouted a little girl. “You forgot these!” She dumped an armful of presents into Molly’s hands. “Thank you,” Molly said weakly. “Open mine first!” “Absolutely not.” “Why?” “Because it may contain… dangerous magic.” The girl gasped. “It does!” Bill crawled toward the door. “Molly, abandon the loot!” “Never.” A parent approached. “You two are wonderful! Could you stay for cake?” Molly glanced at the presents, the children, and Bill, who was wearing a paper crown. “Fine,” she said. “But we’re taking the cake.” Bill sighed. “This is no longer a heist.” “No,” Molly said, accepting a plate. “It’s catering.”