Run: 2026-10-08-01M4DAEKXD0RRGP8GB4FQ3MMQ2

Molly crouched behind the hedge, peering through the gap at the glowing windows of the Henderson house. Balloons bobbed against the porch railing, and somewhere inside, a dozen sugared-up kids were screaming the words to a birthday song. Bill slid in beside her, holding a clipboard he'd clearly stolen from a stationery shop. "Right. Phase one. We wait until the clown does the balloon animals." "Why the clown?" "Because everyone watches the clown, Molly. Nobody watches the presents." She frowned. "That's the stupidest plan you've ever had, and you once tried to rob a bakery using a fake moustache and a pigeon." "The pigeon was a distraction. It worked." "The pigeon bit a policeman." "A minor detail." He tapped the clipboard. "Phase two. We go in through the side door. The one by the recycling bins." "The one that's been padlocked since the Hendersons got that dog?" "The dog's asleep. I checked. I gave him a sausage roll." Molly closed her eyes. "You fed the dog." "I'm a professional. Professionals bring snacks." A child shrieked inside, followed by the crash of something made of glass. Both of them flinched. "Okay," Molly said. "Phase three. Who's carrying the sacks?" Bill grinned and lifted two enormous, shimmering gift bags from behind the hedge. "Gift bags. Nobody questions a grown adult carrying gift bags at a kids' party. Hide in plain sight." "You bought those?" "I borrowed them." "From where?" "From the pile in the hall. Near the door. Where the parents were leaving." Molly stared at him. "So we're stealing presents that are wrapped to be stolen by someone else." "Exactly. Efficient." She sighed and pulled on a pair of novelty reindeer antlers, which were, sadly, the only disguise she'd managed to find. "Fine. But if I get caught, I'm telling them you were the mastermind." "Deal. Now stop fidgeting. You look like a very suspicious Christmas decoration." "It's a birthday party, Bill." "Then you look like a very suspicious party guest." The music inside swelled. The clown's voice rang out: "Who wants a giraffe?" Bill's eyes lit up. "Now. Go." They sprinted across the lawn, gift bags bouncing, antlers wobbling, straight toward the most heavily guarded birthday party in the county.