Run: 2026-07-25-01KYD82JVSVHE29QS0HWD861ET

Molly traced her finger along the blueprints spread across the diner table, her coffee growing cold. The fluorescent lights hummed overhead as Bill slouched in the vinyl booth across from her, nursing a hangover that looked terminal. "The Johnson kid's birthday party," Molly said, tapping a red marker against the paper. "Saturday afternoon, three to six. Twenty-seven children, twelve adults, two clowns, and a pony." Bill groaned. "A pony? Why does there always have to be a pony?" "Because we're professionals, Bill. We don't ask questions." She flipped to the next page. "The gift table will be in the backyard under that canopy. We hit it during the piñata ceremony—maximum distraction." "What, you want me to dress up like a clown again?" "No, I want you to blend in as a parent. You'll be 'Bill from accounting' with a terrible disguise mustache." "My mustache is real, thank you very much." "Right. Well, this one will be stick-on because we can't risk anyone recognizing you." Molly sketched a quick diagram. "You create a diversion near the food table. I'll grab the presents." "And if someone notices the pony missing?" "Then we've failed at our jobs, which we won't." She paused. "What about the security cameras?" "Old Mrs. Patterson next door complains about them constantly. They're probably broken." "Probably?" "Molly, when have I ever been wrong about neighborhood surveillance?" "Last week with the Hendersons." "That was different. The dog was clearly trained." Molly rolled her eyes. "Fine. What's our exit strategy?" "We leave through the side gate. You'll have the presents in that duffel bag I bought you for Christmas." "The pink one with the sequins?" "The very one. Nothing says 'innocent party guest' like a sparkly purse." "Brilliant. What if we get caught?" "Then we explain that we're method actors researching our next film role." "My alibi is that I'm lactose intolerant and only came for the cake." "Perfect. You'll be sobbing about wanting just one slice." Bill straightened up slightly. "Actually, maybe I should go as the pony." Molly stared at him. "Are you high?" "Think about it. Who questions the pony?" "The pony has a name tag that says 'Sparkle,' and everyone knows Sparkle's been booked for three parties this month." "Right. Okay, what if I'm just really committed to the stick-on mustache?" "Bill, we've been over this. Your commitment to terrible ideas is exactly why we're successful." "Thanks for the vote of confidence." "Don't push it. Now, let's talk about timing. You create the distraction at 4:15. I make my move at 4:20. We meet at the getaway van—" "The white van that definitely doesn't scream 'criminal activity'?" "The same one. What, you wanted a bright orange sports car with a siren?" "I'm just saying, subtlety isn't our strong suit." "Which is why we're stealing from children's parties instead of banks." "True. At least the kids won't press charges." "They might tell their parents, though." "Excellent point. More reason to be quick about it."