Run: 2026-09-29-01M3P2JB8CDXX1QM80GYAKGJMZ

Molly crouched behind the hedge, binoculars pressed to her eyes. Bill crouched beside her, eating a cupcake. "Where did you get that?" Molly hissed. "Reconnaissance," Bill said, spraying crumbs. "It's vanilla. Very moist. Ten out of ten." "You went inside?" "Only to the buffet table. Nobody suspects a man holding a napkin." Molly lowered the binoculars. "Fine. What did you see?" "Forty-two children, twelve parents, one clown, and a pile of presents the size of a Buick. The birthday boy is named Tyler. He's turning six and he already has the eyes of a loan shark." "Focus, Bill. Where's the pile?" "Living room, by the fireplace. There's a banner that says Happy Birthday Tyler, which I found comforting, because it means we're at the right house." "We've watched this house for three days!" "And now I'm sure." Molly rubbed her temples. "Here's the plan. At two o'clock the piñata comes out. Every kid will be in the backyard swinging a stick at a donkey. That's our window." "Why a donkey?" "Bill." "I'm just saying, it seems unkind to the donkey." "It's made of paper!" "Paper has feelings too, Molly." "The getaway van is around the corner with the engine running." "Who's watching it?" "Nobody. It's a van." "Last time nobody watched the van, a seagull ate my sandwich and a man towed us." "That was one time." "It was Tuesday. It was a very long Tuesday." Molly took a slow breath. "You'll go in as the pizza guy. I'll be the balloon lady. We load the presents into the balloon bag." "What's the balloon bag?" "A big sack with balloons sticking out of it so nobody notices." "That's genius. That's terrifyingly good. Whose idea was it?" "Mine, ten minutes ago." "And the clown?" Molly frowned. "What about the clown?" "He looked at me, Molly. Right in the eye. Then he honked his nose. I think he knows." "He honks at everyone. It's his job." "That's exactly what a clown who knows would want you to think." "If he gives you trouble, distract him." "How?" "Ask him to make you a balloon animal." Bill brightened. "Oh, I've always wanted a giraffe." "Do not get attached to the giraffe." "No promises." Inside the house, a chorus of children erupted into screaming. Molly checked her watch. "Piñata time. Ready?" Bill wiped frosting from his chin, straightened his pizza cap, and sighed. "One more thing. What if the presents are all socks?" "Nobody wraps socks for a six-year-old's birthday." "My aunt does." "Then we'll rob the most disappointing party in history, and we'll do it professionally. Let's go."