Run: 2026-10-08-01M4DA2R61B6CN8EBS0J5VBGN6

The van smelled like wet dog and cheap cologne, which told Molly that Bill had been waiting in it alone for too long. She slid into the passenger seat and squinted across the street at a backyard where a bounce castle sagged under forty screaming kids. "Tell me again why we're robbing a seven-year-old's birthday party," she said. Bill adjusted his ski mask, which had a cartoon cat printed on it. "Because presents are the most valuable thing on that lawn, and nobody guards them." "There's a clown out there, Bill." "Clowns are not security." "That clown is holding a leaf blower and staring at the van." "He's staring at you. You're very striking." Bill unfolded a map covered in red marker. "Phase one. We slip through the side gate while the piñata is swinging." "Whose idea was the piñata?" "Mine. Everyone looks up, nobody looks at the gift table." "And phase two?" "You walk in with a clipboard and say you're from the party rental company." Molly grabbed the clipboard from the dashboard. It had a coffee ring on it and a sticky note that read DO NOT LOSE. "Do I look like I work for a party rental company?" "You look like you could lift a bouncy castle pump without complaining. Very professional." "Fine. Phase three?" "We load the presents into that wagon by the fence and roll out before anybody notices." "The wagon with the banner that says HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUBY?" "We cover the banner with a tarp." "Bill, the tarp would be shaped exactly like a wagon." He frowned at the map, then at his reflection in the mirror. "Okay, maybe the wagon is a problem." Molly pulled her own mask down and groaned. "We could just buy her a present like normal people." "Normal people don't get a cut of the candy bag." "Who told you there was a candy bag?" Bill grinned. "The clown." Molly shoved open the door. "I'm going in. You stay here and keep the engine running." "Good plan. Should I honk if the clown comes back?" "Honk if the clown looks at you." She marched across the street with the clipboard raised like a badge. On the lawn, the bounce castle shuddered as a dozen children turned to stare. Behind the fence, a leaf blower roared to life.