Run: 2026-10-08-01M4DA3J46FEA8MS23Q524TMPV

Molly leaned over the sticky table in the back of the diner, unfolding a map of the Pembrooke family's townhouse. "Right. Third floor, the birthday party. Forty-two children, one bouncy castle, and an overpriced pile of presents by the piano." Bill squinted at the map, then at her. "Why are we robbing a seven-year-old's party again?" "Because the presents are worth more than your car, and nobody checks a gift bag for fingerprints." "Mols, that's a kid's birthday. What's the kid going to do without his remote-control dinosaur?" "Cry, probably. Then he'll grow up with the emotional resilience to survive a life of crime. You're welcome." Bill tapped the blueprint. "And how exactly do we get past the parents?" "Simple. You're the new clown." "I am not dressing as a clown." "You already bought the costume. It's in your trunk. I saw it." He sighed. "It's a very nice costume." "It's a terrifying costume. That's why it'll work. Nobody wants to talk to the clown." "What about the cameras?" "Already handled. I told the family I'm from the bounce house company, and I need to inspect the safety netting on the second floor. They'll be too busy watching the magician to notice a woman with a clipboard." "Do you have a clipboard?" "I have three clipboards. Pick one up on your way in, you look like a man who needs a clipboard." Bill rubbed his temples. "And the presents?" "Big canvas sacks. We're going to stack them in the bouncy castle. Nobody questions a pile of lumpy bags next to a castle." "Mols, the castle is going to collapse under the weight." "Then we lose a few gifts. Nobody's going to miss a yo-yo." "I'd miss a yo-yo." "You're not a seven-year-old with a grudge against the Pembrookes." She folded the map with a snap. "Now. Timing. The cake comes out at four-fifteen. Everyone will be singing. That's our window." "Singing. Great. I hate singing." "You're going to sing 'Happy Birthday' with a clown face full of grease paint while we sack forty presents. Think of it as a character arc." Bill groaned and slid down in his seat. "Fine. But if anyone asks, I'm the clown who got lost." "You are the clown who got lost," Molly said, grinning. "Now finish your coffee. We have a party to ruin."