Run: 2026-07-25-01KYCRN0V437DG1YYP9DXYX3QT

"Bouncy castle's the weak point," said Molly. "It's a bouncy castle, Moll. It's not a castle." "It's got turrets." "It's got a puncture, is what it's got. Focus. The presents are stacked on the trestle table by the cake." "How many?" "Twenty-two kids invited, so twenty-two presents, minus whichever child's mum forgot, plus the one from the nan who buys for the whole street." "Twenty-two and a bit. What's the birthday boy's name?" "Tobias. He's seven and he's had a difficult year, apparently." "Don't do that." "Do what?" "Humanise him, Bill. You did it with the pensioner in Croydon and I had to drive us home while you wept into a stolen tea cosy." "That was a lovely cosy." "So we go in at four, during the magician." "Why the magician?" "Because everyone's watching the magician. It's called misdirection, Bill. It's the whole point of magicians." "And what if he's rubbish?" "Then they'll all be watching the presents, won't they, out of boredom. Fine. Half three. Pass the parcel." "I love pass the parcel." "You're not playing it, you're stealing it." "Can't I do both?" "Bill." "I'll bring a gift bag. Blend in." "Bring two. There's always the nan."