Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NRD3Q2MWZKW6MPN5ZC1NR

“The party starts at three,” Molly said. “We stroll in, collect every present, and leave before anyone notices.” “As what?” Bill asked. “The invitation says pirate theme.” “You can’t stroll into a children’s party wearing a pirate hat.” “Why not? It’s thematic.” “It has a skull on it.” “I’ll turn it backward.” Bill peered through the window. “Six toddlers are guarding the gift table.” “Toddlers don’t guard. They wander.” “One’s holding a toy trumpet like a weapon.” “Then we negotiate.” “With what?” “A balloon.” “We’re thieves, Molly, not clowns.” “Today, apparently, we’re both.” “What’s the getaway plan?” “We leave in the party parade.” “There’s no parade.” “Then we start one.” Bill lowered the invitation. “Those presents have name tags.” “We can reassign them.” “To whom?” “Us.” “That’s stealing.” “Fine. We steal them with paperwork.” “You brought paperwork?” “I brought a crayon.” “This is the worst crime plan I’ve ever heard.” “You said that about the museum heist.” “We got locked in the gift shop.” “And left with a snow globe.” “A very expensive snow globe.” Molly watched the birthday girl open a present. “She looks happy.” “Terrible security.” “Maybe we shouldn’t steal from children.” “Agreed. We’ll steal the cake.” “Also wrong.” “Then we leave a card.” “What does it say?” “‘Sorry we came. Happy birthday.’” “Sign it ‘Your concerned neighbors.’” They slipped away as the children began singing.