I considered applying the advice I supplied the boy as we returned to Himitus. Complications arose, however, when I contemplated the particulars.

 

Under normal circumstances, simply talking to Becca was ideal. However, I couldn’t bring myself to yet. I’d have to share with her everything – thievery included. If I told her everything, she’d have to join the crew. I couldn’t have her knowing about my secret if she wasn’t an accomplice in some respect. It was far too significant a liability.

 

But if I can’t do that, I reasoned, I might as well follow Wynn’s example and do whatever I must to slay my sentiments. They serve no purpose otherwise.

 

A mental crossroad haunted me for what seemed an otherwise inconsequential passage of time. Nothing occurred with Gabrielle, and Lilah carried out her tasks without fail. Thus, I had sufficient time to juggle between gala preparations, discussing the performance with Becca, and debating if I should bring Becca into the underworld.

 

I realized I hadn’t considered Wynn’s sentiments on the matter the night before the confrontation. However, I decided against asking him then and there.

 

I knew he’d say that I shouldn’t involve her. First, he’d say that she’s a fledgling to the underworld and that it’s too hazardous. Next, he’d ask if I could bear the weight of her suffering on my conscience if anything happened. Finally, he’d say that my affection for her is the sole reason I wished to invite her into the crew. He’d likely loop that around into the point regarding the hazardous lifestyle.

 

What might he say if I built a case against those points? I wondered.

 

The first two struck me as simple to challenge. In the case of Becca’s inexperience, while she would need refinement, she was still a professional magician with years of experience. Moreover, she had been performing as her mentor’s sidekick since she was eleven and studied a great deal about magic and performance under her eldest sister well before that. So she wouldn’t be entering the underworld devoid of skill. As for the rest, she’d learn swiftly. She’s a quick learner.

 

As for the matter of it being too hazardous, quite frankly, I deemed the thought of her suffering weighing on me absurd. If she joined, she’d do so freely and mindful of the hazards. Furthermore, although I wouldn’t be pleased if something befell her, I wouldn’t blame myself. We’d all know the risks.

 

I’m assuming Becca will accept my offer, I realized. If she didn’t, I’d place myself in an awkward predicament in more ways than one.

 

Thus, I decided to test her. Fortunately, I concocted an idea.

 

I put my test into motion on the day of the con. It started right after we arrived at Mini Chul to pick up Becca, who was waiting outside her apartment building.

 

I couldn’t help but gawk as we parked. A midnight-black mini-skirt flaunted Becca’s smooth, peachy legs, while a snow-white, low-cut V-neck flaunted her curves and jerked attention to her buxom chest. A midnight-black open-front jacket completed her ensemble.

 

Becca waved to us with her free hand – the other grasped on a briefcase I suspected hosted her magic supplies – then joined us in the car. A fruity fragrance caressed me as she slid into the backseat.

 

“I can’t believe the day’s finally here!” Becca said. “You’ve no idea how excited I am!”

 

“For the performance or The Grandmaster?” I asked.

 

“Both!” Her mouth dropped open, and her eyes sparkled. “Maybe The Grandmaster’s there already! Maybe she’ll see our performance!”

 

I covered my lips and snickered. “I’m certain The Grandmaster will relish the show.”

 

“I hope so. It took me forever to think this up.”

 

“What’s the show about anyway?” Wynn asked.

 

Becca swiveled her head back to me. “You didn’t tell him?”

 

“We’ve been juggling numerous responsibilities.”

 

“Valid! Okay, Wynn, answer me this: what’s the difference between a magician and a swindler?”

 

“Legality?”

 

“Nope!” Becca pursed her lips. “I mean, yeah, true, but that doesn’t get to the heart of it. Both swindlers and magicians have the same skillset. However, they differ in the why! Why they use their skills, how they use their skills, what they do with them – this separates a magician from a swindler! Swindlers might be called con artists, but we magicians trick for art. Swindlers trick for money.”

 

“Aren’t you doing it for money too,” I said with a hint of humor, “seeing as you seek payment for your performance?”

 

“I mean, technically,” Becca said, “but my audience aren’t marks. Magicians perform for money, swindlers cheat people of their money.”

 

“So, magicians are good because they gain consent while swindlers forcibly take?”

 

“Yep!”

 

I smirked. “Does that mean The Grandmaster of Theft is bad? Seeing as she is a thief who utilizes trickery and forcibly takes.”

 

“The Grandmaster is…an exception. Or maybe she’s something in between? I don’t know how to define her, but she isn’t a villain.”

 

“Rae and Gale would disagree.”

 

Becca let out a huff. “There’s something that I think is dumb that many do. Gale and Rae included.”

 

“That being…?” I asked.

 

“Assume that someone is wrong because what they’re doing is illegal. The law is just a tool for maintaining order. Tons of immoral people act within the law. Why don’t people realize that the opposite can be true too?”

 

My stomach fluttered, but I maintained my poker face. “Is that what you consider The Grandmaster?”

 

“Yep! You could say that The Grandmaster isn’t so much a cheat as she is…a counterbalance. Besides, what’s the big deal about her breaking the law? She isn’t a killer, and she ensures those worse off get the fair deals they wouldn’t get otherwise.”

 

My cheeks scorched, and my lips twitched upward for a fraction of a second, but I fought against the desire. I can’t reveal my hand yet, I reminded myself, though a part of me was cheering that Becca understood me so well.

 

“Rebecca,” I said, my voice hardened, “I have a question for you. Who would you side with if Narcissa and I align against The Grandmaster?”

 

“Is that why you’re bringing up all this?” she asked.

 

“Perhaps. Are my motives imperative to your answer?”

 

“Cass, I lo—” A grimace flickered across her face, and she twirled her head away from me. “You’re my bestie, but I can't support you if you team with Narcissa.”

 

Answers like that are why I love you as well, I mused.

 

“Narcissa’s in the wrong,” Becca continued. “Haven’t you looked up stuff on The Maker’s Tear? Or heard all the chatter about it?”

 

“Gala,” I said with a teasing tone.

 

“The Dilmurid lost it due to a genocide! Just cause some ass was upset that they didn’t want to fight in the global war! Narcissa shouldn’t own it. The fact the courts wouldn’t help them out is ridiculous!”

 

A grin threatened to spread my lips more, but I preserved my cover by forming a smirk. “One might think you’re The Grandmaster of Theft, given how strongly you speak on the topic.”

 

“I wish I could be that brave. That’s another thing I like about The Grandmaster. Regardless, Cassie, please don’t team up with Narcissa. Allying with her would be like you becoming friends with Andrea again.”

 

My skin crawled, and my lips twisted into a glower.

 

“Hey Rebecca,” Wynn said, “you never did tell me what the show’s about.”

 

“Oh, right! Sorry, sidetracked.”

 

Many thanks, Wynn, I thought before sealing my eyes and repeating my mother’s self-control mantra.

 

“Well,” Becca said, “I did tell you, sort of. Swindlers do it for money, and magicians do it for the art. That means we can do something swindlers can’t: reveal the secrets behind the trick!”

 

“…Isn’t concealing your tricks part of being a magician?”

 

“Some think that way. I disagree. While I can keep my mouth shut, hoarding secrets is dumb. Anybody smart can figure them out if they try hard enough. Magicians shouldn’t be defined by their tricks; they should be defined by the impression they leave on the spectator! In this case, I’ll be defined by edutainment.”

 

“It probably won’t make a difference.”

 

Becca frowned. “Why not?”

 

“Because people are dumb. Even if a mark is educated, their emotions will likely overtake them. Logic means nothing in the face of emotions.”

 

“Maybe… Still, I’d rather try. If I can protect even one person from predators, it’s worth it.”

 

My breathing flickered in and out as I agonized over my predicament. As pleased as I was with Becca’s response, it gave me more reason why I needed her to join. I couldn’t allow that perception – the one regarding Andrea, who I’d rather not discuss – to persist. I decided against informing her of the truth solely for Wynn’s sake. I wouldn’t blindside him before the job.

 

I had soothed myself when we arrived at Cain International’s main HQ building. We parked the sedan in my spot, as I suspected there wouldn’t be any room to park at the event, and left for The People’s Plaza with the assistance of The Hitch app.

 

If someone somehow managed to steer clear of the news regarding Narcissa and then arrived at The People’s Plaza, they'd likely assume a parade was scheduled. Mounted policemen in forest-green uniforms clopped through the streets surrounding the city square. They surveyed the cluster of civilians with expressions varying from carefully controlled to creased with concern.

 

I could understand why they displayed such expressions; Narcissa’s challenge enticed persons from all walks of life who were there for me. Some even displayed signs which read things such as “Steal my heart, Grandmaster!” or requested specific items procured.

 

Stellar! I thought as we exited the vehicle. Becca had plenty for her show. At worst, they would be a pain for me to work through once Narcissa arrived, but I had suspected that.

 

We jostled through a sea of bodies and stenches inhabiting the People’s Plaza’s outer square before forcing our way into the inner courtyard. Becca found us a spot around the fountain and transformed her briefcase into a table.

 

Becca’s performance proceeded without complications or consequences to the caper. She was a magnet that hooked the crowd’s coins. It wasn’t until someone shrieked that Narcissa had arrived did her spell over the crowd shattered.