Run: 2026-07-09-01KX40GNWNWG8G6TW1B8N2FMS0

Molly crouched behind the hedge, studying the suburban bungalow where balloons bobbed like overeager sentries. Through the window, children shrieked around a magician whose rabbit looked embarrassed. A mountain of brightly wrapped presents occupied the dining table, guarded only by paper hats, juice boxes, and one sleeping spaniel. Bill unfolded a blueprint drawn on the back of a takeaway menu. It featured arrows, a skull, and what appeared to be a lasagne. “We go in during the cake song,” Molly whispered. “Nobody notices anything during cake song.” “Except stubborn crumbs,” Bill said. “Crumbs notice absolutely everything.” Molly adjusted her black knit cap, decorated with silver unicorns. Bill wore a burglar’s mask with eyeholes cut too low, giving him the expression of a disappointed potato. The plan was elegant: enter through the kitchen, roll the presents into the garden inside a borrowed wheelie bin, then escape aboard Bill’s uncle’s mobility scooter. The flaw was the scooter’s horn, which played “Greensleeves” whenever it reversed. Inside, the magician produced a second rabbit. The spaniel woke, sniffed, and trotted toward the back door. Molly raised the latch. Bill raised the bin lid. Then every child began singing, terribly, loudly, and in perfect tactical unison. The windows rattled with doom.