Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NSWXH76FMFNXGJ5G4S9B4

“Right,” Molly whispered, peering through the hedge. “The presents are beneath the balloon arch.” “Why are we stealing from a children’s party?” Bill asked. “Because the invitations said ‘No gifts, please,’ and there are forty-seven gifts.” “Perhaps the children misunderstood.” “Bill, one of them brought a pony.” “That seems difficult to misunderstand.” “Plan: we enter as entertainers, distract everyone, and roll the presents out in the cake cart.” “What are we entertaining them with?” “Magic.” “You can’t do magic.” “I can make a coin disappear.” “Where does it go?” “Usually down my sleeve.” “That’s not magic. That’s laundry.” “Fine. You juggle.” “I dropped three oranges during rehearsal.” “Those were bowling balls.” “They were surprisingly similar.” Molly opened the gate. “Smile. We’re the Birthday Bandits.” “Shouldn’t we avoid mentioning bandits?” “Then we’re the Birthday Magicians.” A small girl appeared beside them. “Are you the clowns?” Bill glanced at Molly. “We can be.” “Great! The clown’s car is blocking the driveway.” Molly sighed. “We’re not clowns.” “Then why are you dressed like burglars?” Bill looked down at his striped shirt. “It’s a very narrow uniform.” The girl pointed toward the presents. “You can help carry those to the shelter. Mom said the party’s collecting gifts for kids who don’t have any.” Molly lowered the cake cart. “New plan,” she whispered. “We steal the cart.” “Why?” “Because we’re staying for cake.” “Now that,” Bill said, “is a crime I understand.”