Page 64 of Princess of Thieves

Of course, nothing good can last forever, and reality comes crashing back a few days after the poker game.

“I need to leave,” I announce at the breakfast table.

Will blinks at Rob, who shrugs. “At least you’re giving us notice this time.”

“No, I mean, sorry.” I shake my head. “Need more coffee. I need to leave the house just for a little bit to go into the bank.”

LJ grunts. I can immediately tell he doesn’t approve.

“I know,” I say in response. “I don’t want to either, but they need me to sign things in person in order to get access to my account again.”

He probably still hasn’t forgotten what happened last time, although, granted, what went down at Jimmy’s Auto Parts was more his fault than mine.

I fiddle with the edge of the paper napkin on the table in front of me. It was kind of nice existing in this state of suspended animation, just loafing around the house again and not having anything particular to do. As long as my paperwork was in the processing stage, I was off the hook. Didn’t have to make decisions, didn’t have to pull one way or the other. I slept in, still in LJ’s room because I couldn’t go back to my own. I swam in the pool. I read through some of the books in the library, which, thankfully, were way more interesting than all the dull-as-dust things in Guy’s house. Tuck has quite the impressive fantasy novel collection, it turns out—not a few of which are nicely spicy.

“Tell you what,” Rob says. “I’ll shave, throw on a wig, and—”

“Oh, please,” Will says. “You’d never pull it off. And no, before you ask, I won’t do it either.” He grins at me.

“I’m obviously kidding,” Rob says. “There are plenty of cars in the garage with clean plates. Take one that’s inconspicuous. Meaning don’t let Maren pick.”

“Hey,” I object, but then again, he’s right. Knowing the lineup of hot rods that are waiting beneath LJ’s apartment, I would struggle not to pick the flashiest, vroomiest thing of the lot.

“And then just make it quick,” Rob says. “Sign whatever you’ve gotta, make sure that they have absolutely everything they need from you in triplicate, and then get the hell out of Dodge.” He adds, shaking out his arm to look at his wrist, “I’d go sooner rather than later. Lunchtime, you’re gonna get everyone on their break going in to cash their paychecks and get quarters for the laundry.”

I nod. “Fair enough,” I say, and get to my feet.

Rob frowns. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

“To the garage,” I say.

“I don’t recall saying anything about you going alone.”

“Oh. Well. Of...of course not,” I stumble.

LJ immediately gets to his feet. “I’m going,” he says.

“Are you gonna pick any fights this time?” I say, cocking an eyebrow at him.

He purses his lips. “I’ll behave.”

“I’ll go too,” Will says, swigging the rest of his coffee and standing as well. “There’s a couple of trail cameras out that I want to swing by and fix up on the way back. Can’t have any blind spots.”

“Where are we going?” Tuck emerges from the kitchen, a dishrag flung over his shoulder.

“We’re sticking up the bank,” Will says. “You in?”

Tuck narrows his eyes. “Don’t bullshit me.”

“We are going to the bank,” I explain, “but for entirely legal purposes. I have to sign some paperwork.”

“Right,” Tuck nods. “They got back to you on that email?”

“Yeah,” I say. “Thanks again for that.”

“Anytime.” Tuck smiles. “I’ll pass, though. End of the month—got books to do.”

By the door, LJ huffs with impatience.

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