Run: 2026-09-03-01M1M184C3ABC7E4P2S2T1CY17

Molly taped a napkin to her forehead and stared at the party balloons. Bill opened his toolbox and selected a wrench shaped like a dinosaur. "We have one hour before the cake arrives," Molly said. "The cake is the weakest security detail in this operation," Bill replied. "The kids will spot us if we wear our best disguises," Molly said. "Then we wear our worst disguises," Bill said. "Excellent. A paper crown for you, a plastic unicorn for me," Molly said. "The unicorn is my lucky charm from the Great Sock Job," Bill said. "You never mentioned the Great Sock Job," Molly said. "I never mention the Great Sock Job," Bill said. "The presents are under the tree, but the tree is in a moat," Molly said. "A moat? It is a kiddie pool filled with blue dye," Bill said. "It is still water, and water is my sworn enemy," Molly said. "You are afraid of water, not the water itself," Bill said. "The water is suspicious. It has no job, no savings, no respect," Molly said. "Fair point," Bill said. "Can we use the glitter cannon?" Molly asked. "The glitter cannon is banned after the librarian incident," Bill said. "It was a necessary explosion," Molly said. "It was a felony sparkle," Bill said. "The children are already opening gifts. We need a distraction," Molly said. "I can juggle three rubber chickens and one angry grandfather," Bill said. "Who is the angry grandfather?" Molly asked. "He is my uncle, and he only appears when things go badly," Bill said. "Things always go badly when you plan something," Molly said. "That is why I bring a plan for every plan," Bill said. "Your plan for this plan is stealing the presents before the song starts," Molly said. "Correct. The song is short, the presents are small, and the parents are distracted by cupcakes," Bill said. "Cupcakes? Who gave the parents cupcakes?" Molly asked. "I did. They contain a mild amnesia powder, not poison," Bill said. "Not poison? That is still a terrible phrase," Molly said. "It is a polite phrase," Bill said. "The mayor's son is watching us," Molly whispered. "Let him watch. I am wearing a very official hat," Bill said. "The hat says I am a tooth inspector," Molly said. "Then we are the tooth inspectors," Bill said. "Molly, if we fail, the children will believe in Santa more than us," Bill said. "Bill, if we fail, I will never forgive the cupcake," Molly said. Molly adjusted the unicorn horn, which wobbled like a bad idea, and tapped her shoe against the plastic floor. "If we move now, we can bag every present before the punch bowl becomes a crime scene." Bill nodded, checked the tiny lockpick, and placed a single glittery bow on the table like a ransom note. "The punch bowl is still, and the parents are smiling suddenly without remembering why." Molly smiled, because Molly always smiled when Bill said something dangerous and almost charming today.