Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NX2MZD1F4F9REQPK11QHR

“Before we discuss the presents,” Molly whispered, “we need to discuss the clown.” Bill peered through the hedge at the community hall. “I thought you said there wouldn’t be a clown.” “I said I hoped there wouldn’t be a clown. There’s a difference.” A red nose bobbed past the window. Bill ducked. “That’s not a clown. That’s a warning buoy.” “It’s attached to a clown.” “Can we steal the presents while he’s distracted?” “By what?” “His own face.” Molly unfolded a map across her knees. “The party is in the main hall. Presents are stacked beside the cake. We enter through the kitchen, cross the room, lift the gifts, and leave.” “And the children?” “Children are unpredictable.” “Excellent. I was worried this might be easy.” “We’ll pose as entertainers.” Bill glanced at his black coat, gloves, and striped sack. “What kind of entertainers?” “Magicians.” “I don’t know any magic.” “You don’t need to. You only need to say, ‘Is this your card?’” “What if they say no?” “Then you show them another card.” Bill considered this. “I see why you’re in charge.” Molly tapped the map. “You’ll distract them with a trick while I collect the presents.” “What trick?” “Make a coin disappear.” “I can’t do that.” “Bill, you’ve been making coins disappear for years.” “Not in front of witnesses.” From inside came a burst of children’s laughter, followed by the unmistakable sound of a chair falling over. “Now?” Bill asked. “Not yet.” “Why not?” “Because the clown is looking this way.” They flattened themselves against the hedge. The clown leaned out the window, painted smile gleaming. “Is he staring at us?” Bill whispered. “He’s staring at everyone. That’s how he gets away with it.” The clown waved. Bill waved back. Molly grabbed his wrist. “Why did you wave?” “He seemed friendly.” “He’s a professional liar in oversized shoes.” “He’s a children’s entertainer.” “That’s what I said.” The clown disappeared from the window. “Right,” Molly said. “We go in through the kitchen.” “Why not the front door?” “Because the front door has parents.” “And the kitchen?” “Caterers.” “Are caterers less dangerous?” “They carry trays. You can hear them coming.” They crept around the building and found the kitchen door propped open with a rubber boot. “See?” Molly whispered. “Opportunity.” “Or a trap.” “Who would set a trap with a boot?” “Someone who knows I like boots.” “You don’t like boots.” “I admire them from a distance.” They slipped inside. A woman in an apron turned from the sink. “Can I help you?” Molly smiled. “We’re the magicians.” The woman eyed their sack. “You’re early.” “Magic is often early,” Bill said. “Not the good kind,” Molly muttered. The woman pointed toward the hall. “The children are waiting.” “Are the presents wrapped?” Molly asked. “Of course.” “Are they all in one place?” “Why?” “She likes to plan,” Bill said. Molly elbowed him. The woman narrowed her eyes. “You two look familiar.” “That’s the magic,” said Molly. “We’re forgettable.” “Come along, then. They’re expecting a rabbit.” Bill leaned close as they followed her. “Do we have a rabbit?” “Not anymore,” Molly whispered. “What happened to it?” “It got adopted.” “By whom?” “The children.” “That seems bad for our plan.” “Bill, if you ask the children for their rabbit, they’ll give us the presents just to make us leave.” He brightened. “Now that is magic.”