Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NKWPHCMP3KMV1B8EH5ZMV

“If we’re going to steal all the presents,” Molly whispered, “we need to look less like thieves.” Bill glanced down at his black sweater, black trousers, black gloves, and black ski mask. “I thought this said ‘professional.’” “It says ‘laundry day at a bank robbery.’” They crouched behind the birthday-party hedge, watching children charge around a garden decorated with balloons. A cardboard sign read HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY, LUCY! Beneath it sat a mountain of brightly wrapped gifts. Bill squinted. “That’s a lot of presents.” “It’s seven years’ worth of being adorable,” Molly said. “Children are very efficient at collecting things.” “Do we know what’s inside?” “Probably toys.” “I was hoping for cash.” “Bill, they’re wrapped in paper covered with cartoon frogs.” “Rich frogs?” A shriek erupted from the garden. Bill ducked. Molly grabbed his collar. “That was a child,” she said. “I know. I’m maintaining a low profile.” “You’re hiding behind a shrub with your backside sticking out.” “It’s a large backside.” “Not the time to be proud of it.” Molly pulled a pink paper crown from her pocket and placed it on his head. “What is this?” “Your disguise.” “I look like a king.” “You look like someone’s uncle who lost a bet. Much less suspicious.” Bill inspected the crown. “Does the king get a cut?” “The king gets to carry the presents.” “How many?” “All of them.” “Then I demand a better crown.” Molly pointed to a folding table where a woman was handing out cupcakes. “We enter through the gate, blend in, and move the gifts to the car.” “What car?” “The getaway car.” “Which one is the getaway car?” “The blue sedan.” “That belongs to the neighbors.” “It’s parked close.” “So is the fire hydrant. Are we stealing that too?” “Keep your voice down.” “I’m whispering.” “You’re whispering like a man announcing a secret to a theater.” They watched a girl in a paper tiara open a box. She squealed with delight and hugged a stuffed rabbit. Bill’s expression softened. “That rabbit’s enormous.” “Eyes on the operation.” “Maybe we should steal the wrapping paper. It’s the best part.” “That’s not the best part.” “It has glitter.” “Glitter is not a criminal asset.” “It stays on you for weeks. You could track everyone who touched the evidence.” Molly stared at him. “You want to rob a children’s party and leave a glitter trail?” “I’m thinking strategically.” A small boy suddenly appeared beside the hedge. “Are you supposed to be here?” Molly smiled. “We’re the entertainment.” Bill stood up. His crown slid over one eye. “I’m a prince.” The boy studied him. “You look like my dad when he’s taking out the bins.” “Your dad sounds important,” Bill said. “He’s inside.” “Excellent,” Molly murmured. “We’ll avoid him.” The boy pointed at the presents. “Are you taking those?” “Of course not,” Molly said. Bill nodded solemnly. “We’re taking the cupcakes.” The boy considered this. “You can have one if you sing ‘Happy Birthday.’” Molly’s eyes narrowed. “Bill, sing.” “I don’t know the words.” “You know the words.” “I know ‘happy’ and ‘birthday.’” The boy beckoned them toward the garden. “Come on!” As they followed, Molly whispered, “We’re not stealing cupcakes.” “Fine,” Bill whispered. “But I’m keeping the crown.” “It’s part of the disguise.” “Exactly. I’m committed to the role.” “And the presents?” Bill glanced at the mountain of gifts. “We’ll wait until everyone’s distracted.” “They’re children. They’re always distracted.” “Great,” he said. “Then this is the easiest job we’ve ever had.” A child thrust a cupcake into his hand. Bill took a bite. Molly sighed. “And the messiest.”