Run: 2026-09-23-01M36P46211NY3SPP7NX5TJKMV

Molly spread the floor plan across the hood of their getaway car. In the drawing, the children’s party occupied a community hall shaped like a cheerful shoebox. Balloons marked the windows; a cake marked the center. “Presents by the stage,” Bill said. “And security by the cake,” Molly replied. Bill peered through binoculars. Inside, a six-year-old wearing a paper crown guarded the gift pile with the grim focus of a bank manager. His accomplice, a girl in fairy wings, was armed with a plastic wand. Molly adjusted her black sweater. “We’ll enter through the kitchen.” “Past the parents?” “They’re watching the magician.” The magician had just pulled a live rabbit from a hat. The adults applauded. The children looked suspicious; one inspected the hat for hidden rabbits. Molly slipped through the kitchen door, carrying a tray of cupcakes as camouflage. Bill followed, dressed as a pirate, though his beard was clearly glued on with frosting. They reached the gifts. Bill lifted a glittering bag. A shriek rang out. “Pirates!” shouted the crown-wearing guard. Bill froze. Molly shoved a cupcake into his hand. “Happy birthday,” she said. A moment later, they were trapped in a conga line, circling the room with the children. By the time they escaped, every present had been opened, and Bill had been appointed honorary uncle. He left with a balloon, a paper crown, and a drawing of himself labeled “Bad Pirate.” Molly declared the operation a success: they had stolen absolutely nothing, yet somehow owed the birthday girl a pony.