Run: 2026-09-23-01M36P4M2419ERYDTQDYNBZQRQ

The party occupied the community hall, glowing through its windows like a birthday cake with plumbing. Molly crouched behind a hedge, studying the balloons tied to the gate. Bill crouched beside her, wearing a black ski mask and a paper crown. “Why are you wearing that?” “It says ‘Birthday King.’ I’m blending in.” “You’re behind a hedge.” “I’m blending in with the hedge’s royal family.” Molly lowered her binoculars. Inside, children raced in circles while two adults carried trays of cupcakes. A mountain of presents stood beside the coat rack, wrapped in glittering paper and bows. “There,” she whispered. “All the presents. We go in, lift the whole pile, and leave.” “Lift it how?” “Quietly.” “I meant with what.” Molly pointed to a red wagon beside the gate. “That.” Bill stared at it. “That wagon has a plastic handle and one wheel that looks emotionally unprepared.” “It’s a wagon, Bill. It’s built for carrying things.” “It’s built for carrying a toddler and perhaps a modest watermelon.” “Then we’ll steal modestly.” A shriek came from inside. The children cheered. Someone shouted, “Pin the tail on the donkey!” Bill flinched so hard his crown slid over one eye. “Do you think they’ve seen us?” “They’re pinning a tail on a picture.” “Distraction. Classic security tactic.” Molly pulled a folded paper from her coat. “Here’s the plan. You go in dressed as a magician. You announce a surprise trick, and while everyone watches, I move the presents.” “Why am I the magician?” “You own a cape.” “It’s a bathrobe.” “Tonight, it’s theater.” Bill examined the robe draped over his arm. “What’s the trick?” “You make yourself disappear.” “I can do that. I’ll walk away.” “After I get the presents.” “Right. And if a parent asks who we are?” “Say you’re the entertainment.” “What if they ask what you are?” “The magician’s assistant.” “Do I have to saw you in half?” “Only if you can do it without damaging the goods.” Bill peered through the window. “There’s a magician already.” A man in a purple waistcoat pulled a rabbit from a hat. The children gasped. The rabbit looked offended. Molly frowned. “Then we switch to Plan B.” “What’s Plan B?” “We pretend we’re delivery people.” “Delivery people bring presents.” “Exactly. We’ll look completely normal carrying them out.” “That sounds less like a plan and more like a confession with wheels.” The hall door opened. A woman stepped outside holding a tray of cupcakes. Molly and Bill dropped flat into the hedge. A paper crown rolled across the pavement and stopped at the woman’s shoe. She picked it up. “Is this someone’s?” Bill whispered, “Tell her it’s the hedge’s.” Molly reached out, took the crown, and stood. “Sorry. We’re with the birthday party.” The woman smiled. “Great. Could you help carry these presents to the car? The parents are taking them home.” Molly and Bill exchanged a look. “Of course,” said Molly. “Happy birthday,” Bill added, accepting the cupcake tray. As they followed her toward the presents, he murmured, “We’re stealing them by invitation.” “Don’t ruin the magic,” Molly said.