Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NSVBEWA3M9Y5ZTEJY3CQA

“We go in through the kitchen,” Molly whispered. “Why the kitchen?” “Because the front door has a sign that says WELCOME, and I refuse to be welcomed while committing a felony.” Bill peered over the garden hedge. Beyond it, a paper banner drooped across the patio: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEO! A dozen children shrieked around a magician, who was attempting to pull a rabbit from a hat and getting mostly hat. “I count seventeen presents,” Bill said. “You count seventeen?” “I counted twice. The wrapping paper with dinosaurs was particularly distracting.” “Focus. We enter, locate the gift table, and leave with everything before anyone notices.” “Everyone will notice. It’s a children’s party. They notice when a balloon changes altitude.” “Then we make them notice something else.” Bill considered this. “I could fall into the cake.” “No.” “Not even a little?” “Last time you fell into a cake, you broke the bakery’s display window.” “It was a very unstable cake.” “It was a cheesecake.” “Exactly. No structural integrity.” Molly pushed open the side gate. It squeaked. Bill froze. “That’s the sound of security.” “That’s the sound of a rusty hinge.” “Security often sounds rusty.” They slipped toward the kitchen door. Molly tried the handle. It opened, revealing a woman arranging sandwiches. “Hello,” Molly said. The woman smiled. “You must be the magician’s assistants.” Bill glanced at Molly. “We are?” “Of course,” Molly said. “We’re here to assist the magician.” “Wonderful,” said the woman. “He’s been asking for help with the dove.” From the patio came a loud flap, followed by the magician shouting, “That is not the dove!” Bill leaned toward Molly. “This job has changed.” “We are not helping with a bird.” “Good. Birds are unpredictable. You never know which way they’ll fly.” “Like your plans.” The woman handed them two party hats. “You can put these on while you wait.” Molly accepted hers. “We’ll need access to the gifts.” “Absolutely,” said the woman. “They’re in the living room. Just don’t let Leo open the big one yet. It’s from his grandmother.” Bill’s eyes lit up. “Big one?” Molly stepped on his foot. “Ow,” he said. “I mean, that’s a lovely sentiment.” In the living room, the gifts were stacked beneath a balloon arch. A small card on the largest box read: FOR LEO, WITH LOVE. Bill whispered, “The big one is practically begging to be liberated.” “It’s begging to be opened by a child.” “Same principle. Different lock.” Molly scanned the room. “We take nothing. We leave quietly.” “Then why are we here?” “To avoid being caught outside.” A child appeared in the doorway. “Are you the clowns?” Bill looked offended. “I’m a professional thief.” Molly coughed. “Clown. He means clown.” “Can you make a balloon dog?” the child asked. “Certainly,” Bill said. “I once made a balloon swan.” “Did it fly?” “No.” “Then it was a terrible swan.” Molly grabbed a handful of balloons from the party table. “We’re going to make you something better.” Within minutes, Bill had produced a balloon elephant so lopsided it looked like it had heard bad news. The children crowded around, cheering. The magician wandered in, clutching a rabbit. “Who are these talented assistants?” “Guests,” Molly said. “Clowns,” Bill said. “Thieves,” the child announced. Everyone laughed. Molly leaned close to Bill. “We’re leaving.” “Empty-handed?” “Unless you count the elephant.” “I do. It’s clearly stolen from nature.” They backed toward the kitchen as the children demanded balloon animals. At the door, Leo’s grandmother pressed a paper plate into Molly’s hand. “Take some cake for the road, dear.” Molly glanced at Bill. He sighed. “Well, it’s not presents.” “It’s chocolate,” Molly whispered. “Then it’s a successful heist.”