“He’s called Ozonnole,” I said. “The name belongs to a figure from Zimavatan history. It means liberation. It’s the most favorable of his names, which shouldn’t surprise given that he named himself.”

 

“He had other names?” Lilah asked.

 

“Cabbori, Ciominik, Ta’aresor. Or, roughly translated, tyrant, the dark one, and aggressor.”

 

“I can see why someone would want to name themselves after this guy,” Lilah said dryly.

 

“He’s more than a man. His followers worshipped him as a god. He’s likewise recognized by non-worshippers, but as an evil illegitimate.”

 

I crossed my arms, dipped my head, and wondered why they chose the name. Were they a worshipper? Zimavatan? Were they utilizing the character specifically because I’ve Zimavatan heritage? No, that’s unlikely, I reasoned, seeing as they had no inkling of my identity. Whoever they were had to either possess some sort of familiarity with or knowledge of Zimavatan culture.

 

“I may have met Ozonnole already,” I said, “but I cannot say for certain. A man in Sokkinhveim named Wyatt might be Ozonnole. They appeared in a Sharpe Security uniform…”

 

I stilled as a mental key slipped into place and unlocked a door of connections.

 

Narcissa went to Sharpe Security for aid against me. And who in Sharpe Security possessed an interest in Zimavata? Vincent Sharpe.

 

Vincent is the sort to name things after mythological figures, I thought. Case in point, The Damatessa. Selecting Ozonnole of all names aligned with his cultural fetish as well.

 

What’s more, he had a motive. His company had reason to capture me, what with me targeting their clients from time to time. Third, they could’ve executed the infiltration into her home in such a stealthy manner. They protected her community.

 

But why involve Narcissa? I wondered. If he was seeking my capture, he could’ve challenged me himself. What utility did Narcissa serve if he were to publicly participate regardless? Adding himself negated any benefit not appearing involved provided.

 

Furthermore, why contact her in such a manner? There was no need for the web Ozonnole weaved when Vincent could simply reach out to her as himself.

 

Those observations are chance and coincidence, I concluded. Besides, I figured my distaste for him played a role in my suspicions. I had to keep my biases in mind.

 

“So,” Lilah said, “did you have some big case-breaking revelation, or do you like standing around and not finishing sentences?”

 

“The latter,” I said, my voice light. “You should give it a try. It’s quite pleasant.”

 

Lilah’s nostrils flared, and I snickered. Her irritation was a pleasant distraction from what Wyatt reminded me of. However, the distraction lasted for but a moment. Then my mind shifted to Gabrielle and the potential future awaiting her.

 

When it came to anything illegal befalling her, I had a few concerns. We established a deterrence the second we supplied her with the phone. Countering would expose the bug planted on Narcissa’s phone, but it was a worthwhile tradeoff. I’d simply contact Ozonnole, threaten to expose Narcissa, and allow the pieces to fall. An implicated Narcissa wouldn’t suffice as bait.

 

If only guarding her job was as easy, I thought.

 

I couldn’t conceive of any approach to protecting it. At best, I could mitigate the harm by arranging for Cain International to hire her, and even that required a delicate touch. If I were too overt, I could expose us. Regardless, I prayed that she held some blackmail material over Narcissa. I'd maintain some if I were working for her, given her history with assistants.

 

“As I was saying,” I continued, divorcing my thoughts from the Gabrielle predicament, “we met a man claiming to be a Sharpe Security operative named Wyatt. I’ve no inkling if they’re an imposter or a double agent. Still, they might be our only link to Ozonnole beyond Narcissa.”

 

“Do you have any pictures of them?” Lilah asked.

 

“We’ve shots from the hotel’s surveillance.”

 

“Give it to me, and I’ll see what I can do.”

 

Here’s hoping that bears fruit, I thought before cupping my chin and contemplating what the next move should be. Narcissa knows – or at least suspects – that Gabrielle betrayed her. So perhaps she’ll decide against leaving The Maker’s Tear where it presently is?

 

We could exploit her paranoia to tailgate and uncover where The Maker’s Tear hid if she were paranoid enough to alter the hiding place. After all, the spyware on her phone made the task child’s play.

 

Once we knew, we’d simply need to case the joint. Then we could perform a heist like any other job.

Assuming she genuinely wavers, I thought. She could utilize the illusion of doubt to ensnare us. As long as Ozonnole pulled the strings, I had no inkling of what to expect.

 

I winched as my head throbbed. There was so much information to manage and so many mysteries to solve. Just focus on obtaining The Maker’s Tear, I thought. One problem at a time.

 

“We need to discern where The Maker’s Tear truly is,” I said. “Best case scenario, she sabotages herself by checking on it. I doubt she’ll do this on her own, however…”

 

“What if we beef up the threat?” Wynn said. “She knows we’re coming sooner or later. What if we start playing mind games with her? Maybe we can even use Gabrielle to our advantage. If she knows we know about the hiding places, she’d be in a hurry to check them.”

 

“I’d rather not involve Gabrielle anymore. Besides, we possess five out of the six. What if the sixth hiding place is true, and she has nothing to concern herself with?”

 

“Fair enough. Though Cass, honestly, do we need to do anything? The longer this goes without us doing anything, the more paranoid she’ll get. I imagine Sharpe Security and Ozonnole will get tired of waiting around. So let’s wait them out.”

 

I frowned. While I’m all for the long con, the longer a scheme goes, the more likely something will go awry. For instance, what if we decided to wait and take on other jobs, and she inspected the genuine article while we were preoccupied? We’d lose the window of opportunity.

 

“If I were Narcissa, I’d do my utmost to avoid that…” I snapped my fingers. “We’re approaching this from the wrong direction! We shouldn’t provoke Narcissa into taking us to The Maker’s Tear. Instead, we should persuade her to bring it to us.”

 

“Items are often at their most vulnerable in transport…” Wynn said.

 

“We can infiltrate when she visits,” I said as the pieces came together.

 

“Why would she let you in?” Lilah asked. “A good con relies on building rapport at the beginning. You did the exact opposite.”

 

I wagged my finger while clicking my tongue. “I take it you’re unacquainted with the gain-loss effect. When someone is initially unpleasant towards you, this establishes a baseline that colors your expectations for future interactions. The mind interprets progress when they become more pleasant, even on a small scale. Progress stimulates, and stimulation transforms the person from problem to pleasant.”

 

“Until The Maker’s Tear gets stolen in transit,” Lilah said, deadpan. “She’s going to suspect you of something.”

 

Lilah was correct. I’d have to forge an airtight alibi for us. However, since that would mean neither he nor I could participate in the actual heist, we’d have to subcontract to another.

 

A brisk tingle ran up my spine.

 

Contract criminals are, in essence, mercenaries. Mercenaries are dangerous and unreliable. Talented mercenaries will always try to increase one’s power at the contractor’s expense, and incompetent mercenaries bring ruin to their contractor. What’s more, mercenaries tie their loyalty to coin, not people, which adds to why they can be challenging to trust.

 

I raked my hands through my hair before dropping my head back and staring at the ceiling. As much as I loathed it, we had no other option. “Lilah, do you know of any thieves willing to perform the job?”

 

“You’re looking for another who’d knowingly work with you? The Grandmaster of Theft?”

 

“I’d retain secrecy, if possible, but I figure any worthwhile thief could discern who the client is based on the score. So I’d rather not insult their intelligence.”

Lilah scrutinized me. “Telling a thief that you’re seeking help would inform them that I’m familiar with you as well…”

 

“Sell me their information, and I’ll recruit them independently.”

 

“I wouldn’t betray you to them, so why do you expect me to betray them for you?”

 

I sighed. “You’ve already done as much with Sylvia—”

 

“That’s different.”

 

“I fail to understand how.”

 

“You didn’t have to agree to meet with her,” Lilah said. “Furthermore, she isn’t a threat to you.”

 

“First, you say she’s dangerous. Now she’s not a threat. Are you simply selecting whichever stance is convenient?”

 

Lilah sneered. “You didn’t have to meet her. You chose to meet her.”

 

“You informed her of my presence here all the same. I didn’t have any say.”

 

Her mouth dipped into an even deeper frown. Cognitive dissonance had taken root.

 

“While I’m not fond of it,” I said, “our bond with one another extends beyond your standard conventions. How many others do you work with who know of Sylvia? How many even know about your masquerade?”

 

“You only know these things because of Wynn,” she said, voice firm.

 

I shrugged. “Knowledge is knowledge. Our arrangement has always differed from all the others. Which is why you should share what you can. You wouldn’t betray them; you’d be honoring the true spirit of our relationship. Besides, Sylvia would adore you for assisting.”

 

She slumped back and shook her head. “I know of someone who might work with you. They’re clean, precise, won’t betray clients, and in Himitus. Maybe you heard of him; he goes by Crow.”

 

I scratched my head. “The name sounds familiar, but I can’t recall from when or where. Wynn, how about you?”

 

I shifted my gaze to Wynn, who leaned against a wall with folded shoulders.

 

“Wynn?” I repeated.

 

“Huh?” He opened his eyes. “What’s up?”

 

I frowned. Wynn’s expression, coupled with his silence, told me all I required regarding his morale. I’d have to address it after our business with Lilah. “Do you recognize the name Crow from anywhere?”

 

Wynn shook his head.

 

My frown deepened. I had no clue why it seemed familiar. “No matter. Who is Crow? And what’s the bad news?”

 

“I’m surprised you two haven’t run into the other yet,” Lilah said. “Crow’s been active for ten years now. He’s discreet – it’s why he’s survived for so long.”

 

“Then how do you know this person is Crow?” I asked.

 

“That’s where the bad news begins,” Lilah said. “He hasn’t been active the past six months, instead spending time with my ladies. He doesn’t care to go into the details of his job, but he’s open about being Crow.”

 

“Are you sure he’s not lying about his identity?” Wynn asked.

 

“I had one of my girls obtain some DNA for a background check,” she said. “He’s got the past of someone you’d expect to become a master thief. There’s a long history of heists going back to his youth. He ran with a gang with a success streak, but they got arrested eventually. After that, he served his time in the military. I imagine that’s where his criminal skills got refined. Once he finishes, there’s some mundane stuff before he vanishes off the radar. This was ten years ago, so the timeline matches.”

 

I folded my arms and wondered how I could utilize such an observation without acting in a manner I didn’t wish. Whatever required force or coercion struck me as precarious, given the short-term effectiveness of such tactics. Still, kindness and authenticity alone didn’t strike me as ideal.

 

“Do you know anything regarding his feelings towards my alter ego?” I asked.

 

She shrugged. “I bet Crow loves you as much as other criminals do.”

 

I tapped my finger against the chair’s arm and wondered how else I could approach. If only I had a different reputation in the underworld…

 

My eyes widened. There was, theoretically, a means for approaching Crow! I glanced at Wynn, frowned, and internally apologized for my decision. “How about Marius?”

 

Wynn arched a brow.

 

Lilah hiked both her brows. “Don’t tell me you want to impersonate him…”

 

“I can’t,” I said, “but I’m acquainted with someone who can. If he’s willing. And it’s practical.”

 

Wynn clapped his hands. “Only you could come up with such an idea.”

 

I grinned and concluded that my worries were misplaced.

 

“So, Lilah,” Wynn said, “is it a good idea or what?”

 

“Again, Crow isn’t the type to discuss jobs, so I’m in the dark. If he comes to me for information on Marius, I’ll steer him in the right direction. If he has any other sources… well, it comes down to what our kind thinks of Marius.”

 

“You keep an ear out for that stuff, right?” Wynn asked.

 

“To an extent,” Lilah said. “It’s been some time. What people did think varied, given how he disappeared after his arrest. Some think he snitched and went into witness protection. Others think the government recruited him for some secret program. A small group believes he escaped custody, and the police are keeping quiet because they don’t want to admit their incompetence.”

 

I rolled my eyes. There were so many logic gaps in the last option that I had no clue where to begin. The second answer also struck me as ridiculous, though I suppose it’s because I already knew the answer. I knew because I discreetly masterminded the deal.

 

I didn’t do it out of sympathy or pity for him. I did it to protect Wynn – who, for the record, has no inkling as to the deal I made.

 

“Perhaps this is more of a gamble than I initially considered,” I said as I cupped my chin.

 

“Why are you even thinking about it?” Lilah asked. “There are so many other ways you can recruit him.”

 

“No matter the approach,” I said, “the end goal is to steal The Maker’s Tear from Narcissa. The Grandmaster of Theft is the only person who would logically have an incentive, so I’m assuming he’s smart enough to conclude the obvious. I’d rather we avoid any blowback, so I won’t utilize such tactics. What’s more, we aren’t teeming with time, so whatever approach we choose should tread the path of least resistance. That’s why I considered using Marius’ reputation. His name would serve as the convincer while we dupe Crow into believing we’re hijacking the heist from The Grandmaster.”

 

“Maybe there’s a way to make this Marius impersonation work still…” Wynn said while sporting a teeth-bearing grin.

 

I arched my brow.

 

“What if we combine one of the more forceful methods with the Marius mask?” Wynn continued. “Any blowback would go to him. If they ever find him. Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. Not our problem.”

 

I cocked my head before shaking it and deciding to humor him. While he was undoubtedly approaching it from a place of spite, his suggestion could’ve held some potential I’d overlook if I had dismissed him. If I were in Crow’s position, I thought, how would I respond to Marius forcing me?

 

I’d first consider how much effort he put into concealing his identity. If Marius didn’t hide it, I’d conclude that he was deceiving me somehow. The first conclusion I’d reach would be that he intended to kill me when the job ended. If I didn’t reach that conclusion, I would suspect it wasn’t Marius based on the score. It would be a simple deduction; The Grandmaster was most likely to seek Narcissa’s Maker’s Tear and deceive another criminal.

 

What if I concealed the score? I considered. The more we kept him in the dark, the more challenging retaliation became. However, this scheme likely wouldn’t work either; he needed information to execute the job. What’s more, what would stop him from investigating the score?

 

I paced the room, my arms crossed, and questioned how to apply the misdirect. How I’d try to outfox Crow didn’t seem to matter; he could conclude that The Grandmaster was involved no matter what. And it wasn’t as if I could just ask him for help. He was a contract criminal, after all. So what reason would he have to say yes?

 

I can’t be too idealistic, I brooded. As many have taught me through lectures and experiences, one must always be pragmatic. Simply acting while hoping for the best is naïve. However, I couldn’t dismiss compassion’s role, as it was more likely to guard us in the long term than ruthlessness. Or at least it would work in this case. If only I could offer Crow both a carrot and a stick.

 

I stilled as another puzzle piece clicked into place. Then I broke out laughing.

 

“Gonna let us in on what’s so fun—” Lilah began to ask.

 

“Give her a sec,” Wynn said. “She’s going to check her idea for bugs now. If we’re lucky, this won’t take long.”

 

“Much obliged,” I said while tipping my head towards Wynn. “For both the moment of consideration and providing the initial inspiration. I believe you were headed in the right direction, but we must take it a layer further.”

 

“Stop playing around,” Lilah said, “and cut to the chase. What’s the plan?”

 

I held up one finger. “Step one: I’ll infiltrate his fortress by posing as a sex worker and knock him unconscious. Does he partake of alcohol?”

 

“Who doesn’t?” Lilah asked.

 

“I don’t,” I said.

 

Lilah rolled her eyes.

 

“Regardless, I’ll convince him to indulge and drug him before anything can happen.”

 

“You sure you want to use that disguise to get close?” Wynn asked. “It’s not usually your style…”

 

I shrugged. “A disguise is a disguise. Whatever it takes to close the distance.”

 

“Lilah,” Wynn said, “does this guy have a history of violence with women or anything like that?”

 

She shook her head. “Absolute gentleman. So long as she doesn’t reveal herself.”

 

“I’ll wear an earpiece as well,” I said. “If anything goes wrong, I’ll say… How does ‘I should leave’ sound?”

 

“Simple enough,” Wynn said, his face tight with strain. “So, what happens after we knock him out?”

 

“We frame The Grandmaster for the assault!”

 

Lilah’s eyes bulged. “You’re scheming for scheming’s sake!”

 

“It might appear as such,” I said, “but there’s a method to my supposed madness. Crow is likely to suspect we’re involved no matter what. So, why not embrace it? We make it clear that The Grandmaster is involved but ‘expose’ the frame up after the attempt. Then, we’ll be beyond suspicion because of the complexity.”

 

“Welcome to Cassidy’s,” Wynn said. “Where astute observations and outlandish conclusions meet.”

 

“It’s outlandish if I fail,” I said. “If I triumph, I’m a genius.”

 

“If it works,” Lilah said, “you’re lucky.”

 

My body lit the second she described me as “lucky,” but I curved my lips into a smile.

 

“I wouldn’t have survived as long as I have if I were merely lucky,” I said. “I’m a strategist. My very nature is efficient, as absurd as some suggestions might seem. Case in point, I’ve already scripted this entire performance and applied social science to each step.”

 

“What’s the plan?” Wynn asked, his voice low and even.

 

“I’ve structured this like a four-act play. Act One: I approach Crow and knock him unconscious. While he’s unconscious, Wynn and I shall switch roles, with Wynn posing as Marius posing as The Grandmaster of Theft. Act Two: Crow awakens, blindfolded. Wynn shall coerce him into working for us. I’d recommend a poison cure gambit, but I’m open to suggestions.”

 

“You’re not the type of person to poison someone,” Lilah said.

 

“I intend to use a placebo,” I said. “There’s no way for him to know.”

 

“He’ll see through it,” she said. “You’re ‘the noble thief.’ It’s out of character.”

 

“That’s what will make the tale more plausible.”

 

I held up three fingers.

 

“Act Three: I, in full Grandmaster garb, save the day. Wynn retreats, leaving Crow behind. I’ll free him and reveal that I am The Grandmaster of Theft. Act Four is the tale itself. I’m after The Maker’s Tear, but an accomplice betrayed and tried to frame me. I’ll offer an exchange at this point: I’ll provide him the traitor’s name in exchange for his assistance.”

 

Wynn chuckled. “And that name is Marius.”

 

“Correct.”

 

He cracked his finger. “Say no more. Let’s get the ball rolling.”

 

And with that, my eventful day evolved into an eventful night. Far more eventful than I desired.

 

He cracked his finger. “Say no more. Let’s get the ball rolling.”

 

And with that, my eventful day evolved into a night more eventful than I anticipated.

 

In retrospect, Enduion Fifth as a day conspired against me. It’s the day I encountered Narcissa for the first time – and even now, she’s a headache! It’s the day I met Sylvia, who has complicated matters between Lilah and me on many levels. I’ve no inkling where to even begin with that. And, of course, it’s the day I learned of and would later speak with Ozonnole.

 

Ozon is not the only person I met that day that I'm not fond of. While he's nowhere near as vexing as Ozonnole, Crow also proved a thorn in my side.