Run: 2026-07-09-01KX40MRP2KCP6GBAAPKN2Q0H8

Molly studied the mansion through opera glasses, though it was only a rented hall decorated with balloons and a banner reading HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TREVOR. Bill crouched beside her, wearing a tuxedo two sizes too small and the expression of a man betrayed by formalwear. “The presents are stacked by the cake,” Molly whispered. “Then we pose as entertainers,” Bill replied. Their plan was simple: enter during the magician’s act, distract the grown-ups, and wheel out the gifts in a cart disguised as a dragon. Unfortunately, Bill had painted the dragon purple, added glitter, and given it a cheerful cardboard smile. It looked less like a mythical beast than a festival float suffering an identity crisis. Molly adjusted her borrowed clown nose. “Remember, no children harmed.” “I’m charming,” Bill said. “You’re allergic to balloons.” “I’m selectively charming.” They slipped through the side door and immediately encountered a six-year-old guard holding a plastic sword. Bill bowed, produced a rubber chicken, and squeezed. The chicken squeaked. The boy laughed, then demanded a second performance. Molly improvised by stealing the magician’s cape and announcing a disappearing act. She vanished behind the refreshment table while Bill loaded presents into the dragon. Unfortunately, the dragon’s glitter stuck to everything, including Bill, the cake, and the birthday boy’s grandmother. When Molly reappeared, the children applauded wildly. The adults applauded too, assuming glitter theft was part of the entertainment. Outside, Molly and Bill fled with the presents, pursued by three delighted toddlers and one furious magician.