Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NKPSVQJE86JDKBE3BBHJQ

“Remind me why we’re stealing presents from a children’s party,” Molly whispered. “Because,” Bill whispered back, “the invitation said ‘come one, come all,’ and we are both technically one.” “You forged the invitation.” “I forged the *spirit* of the invitation.” They crouched behind a hedge beside the community hall, where balloons bobbed in the windows and a banner announced HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OLIVER! in letters that appeared to have been applied during an earthquake. Molly eyed the party bags stacked by the door. “We could still leave.” “And miss the opportunity to become legends?” “We’re already legends. You’re the man who stole a garden gnome and returned it because it looked lonely.” “It did look lonely.” “Bill, these are presents for children.” “Exactly. They’re small, portable, and probably contain excellent toys.” “Or socks.” “Then we steal the wrapping paper and leave the socks.” Molly peered through the window. “There are at least twenty children in there.” “Twenty witnesses.” “Twenty loud witnesses.” “Children are famously unreliable.” “One of them is pointing directly at us.” Bill ducked. “He’s pointing at the cake.” “He’s pointing at the hedge.” “Maybe the cake is in the hedge.” A shriek rose from inside. Bill flinched. “Was that a signal?” he asked. “It was a child.” “Children have so many signals.” Molly stood and brushed leaves from her coat. “New plan. We go in, say happy birthday, admire the cake, and leave with nothing.” “That’s not a plan. That’s an afternoon.” “It’s an afternoon where we don’t get arrested.” “Arrested by whom? The birthday boy?” The hall door swung open. A small girl appeared, holding a paper crown and a plastic dinosaur. She examined them solemnly. “Are you the entertainers?” she asked. Bill looked at Molly. “We’re entertainers now.” “We are?” “Of course. I’m Bill the Magnificent. She’s Molly the Mysterious.” “I’m Molly the Person Who’s Leaving.” The girl considered this. “Can you make a rabbit appear?” Bill glanced around. “Not without upsetting the rabbit.” “Can you make a present disappear?” Molly folded her arms. “Why?” “Oliver got two toy trucks. I want one. Mum says sharing is good, but Oliver says the red one is his.” Bill straightened. “That sounds like a job for a professional.” “You are not a professional,” Molly said. “I’m a former professional.” “You’ve never been a professional.” “I was professionally asked to leave a museum.” The girl handed him the dinosaur. “You can have this if you help.” Bill looked at the toy. “A bribe.” “A fair wage,” Molly said. “Take it.” They entered the hall. A dozen children turned toward them. “Are you the entertainers?” Oliver asked. “Absolutely,” said Bill. “Can you do magic?” asked the girl. Molly held up the dinosaur. “Watch carefully.” She placed it behind her back, then produced it from Bill’s jacket pocket. “How did you do that?” Oliver gasped. “Years of practice,” Molly said. “Did you steal it?” asked the girl. “Borrowed,” Bill said. “From whom?” “History.” Molly leaned close to him. “We’re leaving.” “After cake?” “After cake.” “Then we steal nothing?” “Correct.” Bill sighed. “Crime really does ruin your appetite.” The children cheered as the cake arrived. “Except,” Molly added, “if they offer seconds.” Bill brightened. “Now that is a heist I can support.”