Run: 2026-10-08-01M4DA8R0GC8N2MYMGJBZ9D4D3

The white panel van idled behind the Hendersons' hedge, headlights off, radio tuned to a polka station Bill refused to change. "Remind me why we're robbing a birthday party," Bill said, squinting through binoculars at the bouncy castle in the backyard. "Because Tyler Henderson is turning seven, and seven-year-olds get mountains of presents." Molly tapped a clipboard against the steering wheel. "Ninety-three gifts, Bill. Do you know what those fetch at the flea market?" "Nothing good. Nobody wants a plastic dinosaur that sings." "Somebody always wants a plastic dinosaur that sings." She flipped a page with great ceremony. "Phase one. The balloon artist arrives at two o'clock. You're going to swap his gloves with these." She held up a pair of yellow rubber gloves with glitter glued to the fingertips. "Why glitter?" "Because the magician is a fraud who uses glitter as a distraction. Everyone knows that." "That's not how magicians work." "It's how this magician works. I read his reviews. Eleven of them mention glitter." Bill lowered the binoculars. "You read a children's magician's reviews?" "Of course I did. Professionalism, Bill." "Fine. Glitter gloves. Then what?" "Then the piñata. Mrs. Okafor is blindfolding the kids, and she's very slow and very distracted by her hot-air balloon fundraiser. That gives you eleven full minutes to empty the side porch." "What about the dog?" "What dog?" "The enormous dog that just trotted past the window wearing a party hat." Molly paused. "Okay, the dog is a complication. Do you have any treats?" "I have half a granola bar and a sandwich I was saving for later." "Give me the sandwich." Bill sighed and handed it over. "This is the worst heist I've ever been part of, and I once helped steal a Ferris wheel." "We didn't steal the Ferris wheel. We just drove it three blocks." "With people on it." "They seemed to be having a nice time." A shriek rang out from the backyard, followed by the cheerful thump of a bouncy castle collapsing. Both of them turned toward the sound. "Was that the magician?" Bill asked. "No, that was the balloon artist," Molly said, checking her watch. "Which means we're early. Put on the mask." "The one shaped like a unicorn?" "It's the only one we had left." Bill pulled it over his head, adjusted the horn, and sighed through its rubbery lips. "I look ridiculous." "You look like a unicorn who has committed several crimes," Molly said. "Now go. Glitter gloves on, sandwich in pocket, and whatever you do, don't let the dinosaur see you." "Why would the dinosaur see me?" "Bill, it sings."