Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NRMQDS0RZMG3BCHD5BTG0

“Children’s parties are the perfect target,” Molly whispered. Bill peered over the hedge. “Because children are small?” “Because adults are distracted by cake.” “Also small, then.” Molly lowered the binoculars. “We go in, collect every present, and vanish before anyone notices.” “Do we have a plan?” “Of course.” “Is it written down?” “No.” “Is it in your head?” “Some of it.” “Which part?” “The part where we get rich.” Bill nodded. “Strong beginning. What’s the middle?” Molly pointed at the garden gate. A hand-painted sign announced: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELLIE! Underneath, a cartoon dinosaur wore a party hat and appeared to be regretting it. “We enter as entertainers,” Molly said. “What do we entertain them with?” “Confidence.” “I can juggle.” “You dropped three oranges at the bank.” “They were slippery.” “They were oranges, Bill.” From inside came a burst of laughter, then the unmistakable sound of a grown-up leading children in a song. Bill winced. “Could we wait until they’re all singing?” he asked. “Why?” “So no one hears us.” “They’re singing about a fish.” “Fish songs are loud.” Molly studied the gate. “We’ll say we’re delivering a present.” “What present?” “An imaginary one.” “Won’t they ask to see it?” “Children believe in imaginary things.” “Not parcels, Molly.” A small voice called from the garden, “Are you the magicians?” Molly and Bill froze. A girl in a paper crown had appeared beside the gate, holding a cupcake with a single candle. Bill whispered, “Tell her we’re magicians.” Molly whispered back, “You can’t even make a coin disappear.” “I can make it disappear into my sleeve.” “That’s where you keep your sandwiches.” The girl tilted her head. “Are you here for Ellie’s party?” “Absolutely,” Molly said, putting on her brightest smile. “We’re the—” “Cake inspectors,” Bill blurted. Molly looked at him. “What?” he whispered. “It’s a respectable profession.” The girl considered this. “The cake inspector already came. He ate two slices.” “Thorough,” Bill said. Molly crouched. “We’re actually here to give Ellie a very special surprise.” “What is it?” “A lesson in generosity,” Molly said. Bill blinked. “Is that what we’re calling it?” “Today, yes.” The girl opened the gate. “You can come in, but you have to wear party hats.” Molly glanced at Bill. “We’re not staying.” “Of course not,” Bill said. “We’re merely entering a children’s party wearing hats, apparently.” The girl handed them two paper crowns. Bill’s had a glittery unicorn on it. “I look ridiculous,” he murmured. “You look trustworthy,” Molly replied. They stepped into the garden. Ellie, surrounded by balloons and relatives, waved them over. “Are you the surprise?” she asked. Molly looked at the piled presents, then at the children watching expectantly. “Yes,” she said. “We’re the people who help carry gifts to the table.” Bill leaned close. “That’s not stealing.” “Not yet,” Molly whispered. He lifted a present, read the tag, and carried it carefully to Ellie. “Happy birthday,” he said. Ellie beamed. “Thank you!” Molly picked up another. Bill glanced at her. “We’re going to need a new plan.” “After cake,” Molly said. “Cake inspection?” “Strictly professional.”