Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NJSM3H3D0KFXJNRM9P0HZ

Molly spread the floor plan across the hood of the getaway car. A cartoon clown stared up at her from the paper, smiling with the confidence of someone who had never met a burglar. “Why is the party in a community hall?” Bill whispered. “Because children have outgrown birthday parties in ordinary houses,” Molly said. “They require a venue, a theme, and enough balloons to obscure the exits.” “And we’re stealing the presents.” “All of them.” Bill studied the drawing. “This says the gift table is next to the bouncy castle.” “It’s a strategic position.” “It’s a rubber prison surrounded by six-year-olds.” “You’re focusing on the negatives.” “I’m focusing on the fact that I’m thirty-eight and afraid of a castle.” Molly tapped the plan. “We enter through the kitchen, cross the hall, collect the gifts, and leave through the side door.” “What about the children?” “They’ll be occupied.” “By what?” Molly lifted a small cardboard box from the car. “A magic show.” Bill leaned away from it. “You hired a magician?” “I bought a hat and a rabbit.” “Is the rabbit a magician?” “He knows one trick.” “Which is?” “Escaping.” Bill peered into the box. Two bright eyes regarded him from the dark. “That rabbit looks like it’s planning a heist of its own.” “It has excellent instincts.” At nine o’clock, they slipped through the kitchen door. A woman in an apron turned from a tray of cupcakes. “Can I help you?” “We’re the entertainment,” Molly said. Bill put on the top hat. “I’m the assistant.” The woman looked at his black clothes, the crowbar in his belt, and the rabbit box. “Your assistant looks nervous.” “He’s new,” Molly said. “I’m experienced,” Bill protested. “I’m nervous because there are children.” From the hall came a shriek of delight. The magician hired for the party had just produced a dove from a hat. The children surged forward. “Now,” Molly murmured. They crossed the room with their heads down, carrying the rabbit box between them. The gift table stood beneath a banner reading HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THEO. Wrapped presents formed a cheerful mountain. Bill stared. “That’s a lot of gifts.” “Children are generous.” “Or their relatives are competitive.” Molly reached for the first box. A little girl appeared at her elbow. “Are you taking those?” “We’re moving them,” Molly said. “Where?” “Somewhere safe.” The girl narrowed her eyes. “Are you burglars?” Bill gave a nervous laugh. “Do burglars wear hats?” “Yes,” said the girl. “In books.” Molly straightened. “We’re professional magicians.” “Then make my uncle disappear.” Across the room, a man in a paper crown was attempting to lead a conga line. “Can you do that?” Bill asked. “Not without a larger box.” The girl folded her arms. “I’m telling.” Molly opened the rabbit box. The rabbit sprang out, shot under the gift table, and emerged dragging a ribbon. The children gasped. “Behold,” Molly announced, “the magnificent Bunny Bandit!” The rabbit bounded toward the side door. Every child followed, shouting. Bill grabbed two presents. “Do we take the big ones?” “Take the ones with cashmere wrapping.” “They’re children’s presents!” “They won’t miss them until adulthood.” A small boy blocked their path, clutching a cupcake. “You can’t leave without singing.” Bill glanced at Molly. “This is worse than the castle.” They sang “Happy Birthday” at full volume, holding the presents like awkward props. When the song ended, the children applauded. “Encore!” someone yelled. Molly bowed. “We must vanish.” “Can you vanish?” the girl asked. Molly stepped through the side door. “Apparently.” Bill hurried after her. The rabbit was already in the getaway car, sitting atop the stolen gifts. “Your rabbit’s a criminal,” he said. “Only on special occasions,” Molly replied, starting the engine. From inside the hall, the children began singing again. Bill looked back at the presents. “Do you think they’ll notice?” “They’ve got cake,” Molly said. “Nobody notices anything after cake.” The rabbit nibbled a bow. “Except him,” Bill said. “Then we’ll split the haul.” “He gets a third?” “He earned it.” The rabbit thumped once, as if agreeing to the terms.