Run: 2026-10-09-01M4G002GX5JRMGK3DSPCG3380

Molly leaned over the sticky kitchen table, unfolding a map of the Pembrook family's house. "Right. The party's in the back garden. Forty-two presents, all stacked beside the gazebo under a banner that says 'Happy Eighth, Tilly!'" Bill cracked his knuckles. "Eighth birthday. Those are the dangerous ones. Kids that age can smell a rat." "Which is why we're not going in as rats. We're going in as clowns." "Clowns?" "Balloon clowns. I've already ordered the costumes. Two wigs, two enormous shoes, and a bucket of confetti that I am not going to explain to anyone." Bill frowned at the map. "What about the parents? Dad's a retired bouncer, remember?" "Mr. Pembrook is currently occupied with the bouncy castle. He's been inflating it since noon. Apparently he takes it very seriously." "And the dog?" Molly tapped a sketch of a fluffy white creature. "Mrs. Pembrook's poodle, Mr. Snuggles. He has a weakness for sausage rolls. I've got three in this bag." Bill sighed. "You've thought of everything." "Almost everything. Here's the problem. The presents are wrapped in glittery paper, and a kid will notice a missing unicorn box the second she opens the rest." "So we don't take the unicorn box." "We take all forty-two. Then we replace them with identical boxes filled with cabbage." "Cabbage?" "Nobody checks a present after they've unwrapped it. They're too busy screaming with joy." Bill grinned. "Brilliant. Terrifying, but brilliant." "Thank you. Now, when we're in the garden, you distract the children with the balloon animals while I load the van." "I can't make balloon animals." "Nobody can. That's the beauty of it. Make a lot of lumpy dogs and they'll be too confused to count." "Molly, what about the cake?" She paused. "The cake stays. I'm not a monster." "Good. I'd hate to be a monster. The hours are terrible." Molly folded the map and tucked it into her boot. "Right. Synchronize watches. We go at four o'clock, when the jelly's been served and the sugar's at its peak." "And if something goes wrong?" "Then we run, we scream, and we blame the clown." Bill picked up a sausage roll and smiled. "Honestly, I've never been prouder."