Run: 2026-09-25-01M3CKJ47CZJXHQN5KJ0884H00

Molly adjusted her Santa hat in the dim glow of the alleyway. "You sure this is the right house, Bill? The sign says ‘Happy 8th Birthday, Timmy’ but the balloons look like they’ve seen better days." Bill squinted at the clipboard. "That’s the one. Mrs. Henderson’s throwing the party. She’s got a whole table of unopened LEGO sets. Easy pickings." "LEGO? You’re risking a B&E for plastic bricks?" "Resale value, Molly. Parents pay top dollar for that stuff. Besides, it’s not stealing if the kids don’t even know what they want yet." Molly sighed. "Fine. But if we get caught, I’m blaming the hat. What’s the play?" "Simple. We pose as the entertainment. You’re the magician, I’m the clown." "I’m not wearing a red nose." "You’re wearing the hat. That’s close enough." Molly groaned. "And the presents?" "Under the tree in the living room. We grab ‘em, swap ‘em with the decoys in the van, and vanish before the cake’s cut." "Decoys?" "Yeah, I filled a few boxes with old newspapers. Kids won’t know the difference until they tear ‘em open." Molly raised an eyebrow. "You’re a monster." Bill grinned. "A practical one. Now, you ready?" "Almost. What’s our exit?" "Back door leads to the yard. There’s a fence with a loose panel. We slip out, job done." "And if someone sees us?" Bill patted his pocket. "I’ve got a whoopee cushion. Distraction tactic." Molly stared. "You’re serious." "Deadly. Now let’s go before the piñata gets here. I hate competition." They crept toward the front door, Molly adjusting her hat again. "You realize if we get caught, we’re going to jail for stealing from kids, right?" Bill shrugged. "Worth it. Besides, jail’s just a time-out for adults." Molly shook her head. "You’re the worst." "And yet, here you are." She knocked on the door. A harried woman in a party hat answered. "Oh! The entertainers! Thank goodness, the kids are getting restless." Bill bowed. "Madam, we are at your service." Molly forced a smile. "And the presents?" The woman pointed. "Right there. But please, don’t let the kids near them until after the games." Bill winked at Molly. "Wouldn’t dream of it." As they stepped inside, Molly muttered, "This is a terrible idea." Bill grinned. "Best kind there is."