Run: 2026-09-02-01M1H5C9Z84887TST34JM21YFQ

Molly spread the blueprint across the kitchen table and tapped a spot with her finger. "The party's at three o'clock sharp. Bouncy castle goes up at two." "And the presents?" Bill asked, leaning over her shoulder. "Gift table, right by the door. I checked with the venue twice, pretended I was the aunt from Brisbane." She grinned. "Nobody questions a woman from Brisbane." "That's because nobody's ever met anyone from Brisbane. It's mythical, like Atlantis with worse weather." Bill studied the map, frowning. "I still don't understand why we're stealing from a six-year-old." "Six-year-olds don't need presents, Bill. They need the cardboard box the present comes in. We're basically recycling. We're practically environmentalists." "I'll put it on our business cards. Molly and Bill: Eco-Thieves." He pulled out a cigarette, remembered where they were, and put it back. "What's the kid's name, anyway?" "Tyler. Turns eight. The invite said 'Pirates and Princesses theme.'" "Great. So I'm wearing the parrot costume, aren't I?" Molly patted his cheek. "You're going to make a beautiful pirate, Bill. The eye patch really brings out your criminal side." "And what are you supposed to be?" "Princess. I already have the tiara." She pulled a rhinestone tiara from her bag and set it on her head. "I look very aristocratic." "You look like a waitress who robbed a Christmas tree." "Details. Now, the plan. You cause a distraction at the bouncy castle, something subtle." "Subtle. Right." Bill rubbed his chin. "I could tell everyone I'm a clown." "A clown? Where would you get clown gear on a Saturday?" "I own clown gear, Molly. This is offensive. You think a man just naturally looks like this?" He gestured vaguely at his entire self. "I've been a clown for fifteen years. It's where I got my start, before I found honest crime." "You were a clown first, then a thief?" "It's a natural progression. Whoopee cushions teach you everything about misdirection." He shook his head solemnly. "Anyhow, I make balloon animals, kids love me, and while they're distracted, you swipe the gifts into the van." "The van with 'BALLOON TONY'S BOUNCY KINGDOM' painted on the side." "That was already there when I bought it!" "I know, Bill. It's actually perfect. Nobody suspects a business that enthusiastic about children's parties." "It's true. Suspicion and enthusiasm cannot occupy the same space." Bill stood and stretched. "So we're agreed. Three o'clock, party, pirate and princess, presents in the van by ten past." "Just one thing." Molly narrowed her eyes. "If anyone sings happy birthday, you sing. Full commitment. If you look suspicious standing there not singing, the whole thing falls apart." Bill's face went pale. "You know I can't sing." "Then today, Bill, you learn. The fate of the heist depends on your rendition of happy birthday to Tyler." "What key?" "The key of don't-get-us-caught." He sighed, straightening his eye patch. "I really miss robbing banks." "Banks don't have cake, Bill. We finish, we take the cake." She lifted the tiara off her head and pocketed it. "That part's not for the fence. That part's for us."