Not yet, I replied to Becca. Have you?

 

Nope! she replied with an accompanying frowny face. Another message followed seconds later. I know you’re busy, but maybe we can fit in for a few hours tonight?

 

I suppose a couple of hours won’t hurt.

 

A notification that Becca was typing appeared and disappeared a couple of times over the following minute. When she finally sent her message, it read, Let’s strike while the iron is hot and cosplay! We’ve got some attention online from the performance yesterday, and it would help me if we kept the momentum going. 

 

She added a pouting image.

 

I grinned. Becca was as much of a go-getter as always.

 

What would we go as? I asked.

 

I’m a magician, so obviously I’m going as Ulrike.

 

I’m going to assume you’re unfamiliar with A Bastard’s Grievance. Ulrike is the main love interest of the story. She’s a sorceress who infiltrates the antagonist’s kingdom and assists the protagonist on his quest. When in disguise, she’s a modest maid. When herself, well… her outfits are provocative.

 

Are you going as disguised Ulrike or actual Ulrike? I asked.

 

Actual! she replied. I already have the costume ready!

 

I pursed my lips. Part of me didn’t wish to share that side of Becca, but it was her decision. Besides, we had long crossed the point of no return; Becca exploited her appearance in numerous performances. It’s one reason she’s popular with a male audience – and, as an aside, why she keeps her inclinations private. It’s easier to sell a fantasy when the reality is obscured.

 

Anyway, she sent another message. I got a Fem Joachim one too. We’d look super cool together!

 

I rested my chin against my finger as I considered whether I should accept her recommendation. Our appearance together as a romantic couple struck me as a stellar idea. I imagine she intended that, but I had another character in mind.

 

Ulrike never worked alone. As an enchantress, she possessed a fox familiar named Ichiha. The character drew me to the books – the author drew clear inspiration from Reinhardt and the nine-tailed fox legends of Shishuchul.

 

I like the way you think, I messaged while picturing Ichiha. By selecting her, I could coordinate my costume with Becca’s and have some fun at the investigation team’s expense.

 

I figured they’d either assume I was mocking them or assume it was a colorful smokescreen that distracted them from my true ploy. Either way, it served the double bluff I concocted.

 

Downplaying our relationship struck me as a counterproductive approach due to her being a known associate. Furthermore, it would appear more suspicious if I distanced myself from her, as it would provoke questions. Thus, I did the opposite. Her straightforward utility to me as a thief would prompt a deeper investigation into her; her genuine innocence and ignorance would debunk any suspicions. I was confident that false positives would lead them to conclude that I was either utilizing her as a distraction or simply living my life. Either way, it cleared the path toward my victory.

 

Becca and I scheduled our rendezvous time and place in the remaining messages. Once we concluded, I messaged Wynn’s burner phone with mine.

 

Our personal phones may not be safe. We’re going to lay low for the time being. Keep your phone on you. If we are being spied on, we’ll appear oblivious.

 

Afterward, I summoned him with my phone, so he could escort me into the city.

 

I received a message from Rae not long after departure.

 

You up to anything tonight?

 

I grinned. The investigation team had revealed their hand – or I assumed they had.

 

I built my theory around my knowledge of the investigation procedure. While I was sure they’d surveil me, I wasn’t certain if it would be overt or covert. Covert surveillance is better for collecting information, while overt surveillance hinders crime. If they were choosing the latter, they likely didn’t possess any means for the former.

 

That said, I wasn’t relaxing my guard. While the lack of covert surveillance was plausible, I could also conclude two other possibilities.

 

Scenario one, Grandpa exploited my knowledge of criminal investigations. The appearance of overt surveillance could’ve been a feint for me to discount a covert approach.

 

In scenario two, Rae acted independently. While I was certain Grandpa informed Gale and Rae of my departure, I’ve never been one to assume that my belief in something means it’s true.

 

As always, I’d have to test.

 

Becca and I going to see A.B.G., I replied.

 

Is Wynn going?

 

Of course.

 

Let me come too. You owe me.

 

I slumped back into the seat and smirked as I invited her.

I’m pleased to say we uncovered sufficient pieces for an Ichiha outfit. Nothing stressed me during the search, what with my scheme containing multiple branches. If I had failed, I would’ve accepted the Joachim outfit, and she wouldn’t know any better.

 

We returned to Cain International’s penthouse afterward since I had no desire to travel back up The Peak if we would return to Himitus later. Then, in my room, I transformed.

 

I gussied up with a lengthy, emerald-green, off-shoulder robe with a scarlet-red collar and sleeve cuffs. A red sash around the waist completed the base ensemble.

 

As for the fox girl part of the equation, I donned a headband with red fox ears that blended well with my hair. I decided against worrying about any tails, as it would’ve been a pain.

 

I appraised myself after applying makeup. Then I winked at myself as I fantasized about Becca relishing my appearance.

 

My fantasy turned into reality when we met that evening outside her apartment. Becca gawked before her gaze slid downward.

 

“Thought I’d surprise you with a more corresponding costume,” I said. “Do you like it?”

 

“How couldn’t I? You’re so stellar! Might even steal the spotlight from me.”

 

I diverted my gaze and stifled a grin. “I doubt it, seeing how spectacular you are.”

 

Becca flourished in her Ulrike costume. The jet-black body suit molded around her, leaving little to the imagination. Or it would when not concealed by the midnight-blue cloak she covered herself with. Either way, she was a treat. As we trekked to the car, I couldn’t help but peek at her from time to time.

 

“I’ve some good and bad news,” I said once we settled in.

 

“Tell me the bad first,” Becca said. “Best to just get it out of the way.”

 

“Rae will be joining us.”

 

A frown began to cross her face, but she switched on her demure smile. “The three of us haven’t got together in a while! How’s that bad?”

 

Because we both wish to be alone, I thought. “Because she’ll clash with our outfits.”

 

“Maybe she’ll be cool and surprise us?”

 

“I doubt it,” I said since Rae wasn’t as into costumes as Becca and myself.

 

“Hmm… Bet you I can convince her.”

 

I raised my brow. “Stipulations?”

 

“If I can convince her to dress up…” She pointed at my torso and drew her finger downward as she spoke. “…you have to dress down and go skinny dipping.”

 

I stiffened and breathed in a sharp intake. Had I my wits, I would’ve instantly seized the opportunity. However, my brain emptied. My face ignited. Her wager was a tad further than anything I had in mind. “I-In my family’s pool, correct?”

 

“Sure! But I must be there to make sure you do it.”

 

I gulped. “What would I gain if I agree?”

 

“A blank check. I’ll do anything if I’m wrong. I’m that confident.”

 

Perhaps this might be of use in the coming weeks, I thought. Besides, the likelihood of Rae donning a costume was low. Even if she contained the desire, she wouldn’t possess much time to acquire one.

 

“I’m game,” I said.

 

Becca’s fingers rapidly tapped her phone while I sealed my eyes and reassured myself of how unlikely Rae cosplaying was.

 

When we arrived, it appeared my suspicions were confirmed. Rae waited in the parking lot against her convertible, dressed in milky-white sneakers, skinny denim jeans, a snow-white blouse, and an elongated denim jacket.

 

I grinned.

 

“Give me…” She read her phone. “…ten minutes or so…”

 

I should’ve placed a time limit on our wager. Or additional conditions. I was so caught up in the moment that I failed to specify when Rae wore it.

 

So, after eight minutes or so – of which we spent convening with Rae, I lost our bet due to an unforeseen actor who came cruising into the lot in his dark green sports car.

 

“Greetings, ladies,” Gale said as he parked in front of us.

 

I set my jaw. “Why are you here?”

 

“I was near Mini Chul when Rae messaged about a costume. So I figured a detour wouldn’t be of any harm.”

 

“I sent Rae a message telling her about the bet and asking if she could help,” Becca said. “She said she would if I could get her a costume. I happened to have one leftover at home since you brought your own, and Rae told me about Gale being in the city too. Or, in other words, fate conspired against you!”

 

Becca stuck out her tongue.

 

Fate didn’t conspire against me, I fumed. Gale was likely around because I was around. He had to have been tailing. The rest of it was likely him seizing the opening she presented – which, in retrospect, was fate conspiring against me a little. However, I noticed a potential advantage.

 

Gale had accessed Becca’s home, meaning he could’ve installed surveillance. If he had, I acquired a stellar weapon against him. One, it could further exonerate Becca through her ignorance. Two, if exposed, I gained the law as a tool against him – again, assuming he had installed such a device, I could prove he installed it and didn’t possess a warrant.

 

That aside, I figured I’d have some fun with Becca while sowing seeds in front of Gale.

 

“I’ll bite your tongue,” I said to her.

 

“Kinky,” Becca said. “I’m game.”

 

“Can you two not?” Rae asked with distaste.

 

Becca giggled before shifting towards Gale. “Thank you so much for helping!”

 

“It was my pleasure. Unfortunately, I have a task elsewhere, so I best be leaving. Stay safe…” He glanced my way. “…and out of trouble.”

 

Not a flicker of emotion crossed my face, despite my desire to roll my eyes.

 

Gale departed from the parking lot while we entered the mall. Rae changed into the Joachim outfit – a pair of brown boots, a dark grey duster coat, a matching mouth cover, and a black tricorn – ending the wager. Becca teased me, and I feigned annoyance.

 

Little importance to the job occurred between Gale’s exit and the film; Becca and I posed for pictures, the three of us chatted, and we ate until the film’s started.

 

Have you ever revisited a work and gleaned from it something you hadn’t before on account of increased life experience? That’s what viewing the film did for me. Or at least it did once it concluded. Before the ending, I found the film lacking. It reorganized the opening events to open with the wrong scenes, eliminated essential scenes from the narrative, and even modified how certain characters acted. It irritated me! I highly recommend reading the novels over the film.

 

Regardless, the ending remained the same. The protagonist Joachim Joost confronted his father, Corsten Reich. The journey towards the meeting was challenging because Corsten was the kingdom's crown ruler and the chosen hero of their god. Regardless, Joachim targeted him, intent on avenging his mother, who trained Joachim to avenge her. And, in Joachim’s mind, to justify his existence. Joachim was born from a less-than-consensual relationship without going into all the minutiae. It’s a dark tale with a suitably tragic ending.

 

Joachim confronted his father in an epic sword duel. Wielding two swords, reverse gripped, Joachim parried a thrust with one blade and impaled Corsten with the other. Blood seeped from the steel and dyed the castle floor red as Corsten collapsed.

 

The guard arrived not long after Corsten’s death and uncovered Joachim on his knees, with his hands clasped behind his hands.

 

The story ended with Joachim yielding. He told them he wouldn’t resist, as he only sought one life and would pay for his crimes.

 

I couldn’t help but wonder what I’d do if my crimes finally caught up to me. Could I yield? Like Joachim, I wouldn’t wish to harm others if I could avoid it. However, I wasn’t confident I could relinquish my freedom so easily.

 

“I still don’t like the ending,” Becca said as the credits rolled. “He so could’ve escaped. He had time.”

 

“Surrender was the most practical and honorable choice,” Rae said. “If he ran, well, what next? He’d be a fugitive.”

 

“So? He knew that going in. You’d think he’d have an exit strategy. He thought everything else out.”

 

“Because he didn’t want to? He did murder his father.”

 

“If he felt guilt, why do it in the first place?” Becca asked.

 

“Perhaps he’d regret not killing his father more,” I said. “Or perhaps he surrendered because he wished to prove himself different from his father by answering for his crimes?”

 

“His only target was Corsten anyway,” Rae said. “He made a point of not harming anybody but his dad. That’s why I think his surrender is honorable. He could’ve tried to fight his way out, but it would’ve harmed innocent people just doing their jobs.

 

“Jobs they chose,” Becca said bitterly. “It just feels like he threw away his life. It’s sad and meaningless.”

 

“That’s what the life of an outlaw is,” Rae said.

 

“Is it meaningless?” I asked, seizing an opportunity. “It’s possible we’re imposing our values on this instead of understanding the character. How can we decide the meaning of his revenge when we don’t feel what he does? Perhaps he’ll be satisfied despite being punished because he chose the path he walked.”

 

Rae regarded me with a speculative gaze – as planned. Against someone else, I might have held my tongue. Against Rae, the circumstances demanded I invite more scrutiny. They demanded it because we were friends, and I believed our friendship would offer me an opening someone else might not have.

 

“Hadn’t thought of it from that angle,” Becca said. “Hmm… Yeah, I could see it! It could be like how what makes a good life varies from individual to individual. Different strokes for different folks.”

 

“Rebecca,” Rae said, “can I have a moment alone with Cassidy?”

 

“Huh?” Becca said. “Got something juicy? I’ll keep my mouth shut, promise! You know us magicians are great at keeping secrets.”

 

“I’m cashing in the favor. You can ask Cassidy if you need to know later.”

 

Becca huffed. “Fine. I’ll be over here, not listening to your super-secret-special-private convo.”

 

Becca moseyed down the row of now emptied chairs, away from us, and busied herself with her cell phone.

 

“I’m curious as to why you wish to speak to me alone as well,” I said.

 

“Cassidy,” Rae whispered, “are you The Grandmaster of Theft?”

 

“You can’t possibly believe—” I began to say.

 

“Don’t talk around it,” Rae said. “I know your tricks, Cassidy. I’ll know if you’re lying. So just answer.”

 

“I’m not,” I said with hostility injected.

 

Her sharp eyes bore into me, but I remained stoic.

 

“Did Gale plant these suspicions in your head?” I asked.

 

She continued to take me in, her mouth an uncompromising line.

 

“If you don’t believe me—” I began, but Rae held up her finger.

 

“Swear on our history with one another that you’re not The Grandmaster of Theft,” she said. “If you are, I’ll—”

 

“I’m not, so you needn’t finish. I swear on our history that I am not The Grandmaster of Theft.”

 

“Why are you dressed like a fox, the very thing The Grandmaster uses for her symbol?”

 

“While I would’ve worn this regardless, it struck me as an amusing way to mock the idea of me being The Grandmaster. After all, if I were The Grandmaster, I’d have distanced myself from such trappings.”

 

Rae let out a huff. “That does all sounds like stuff you’d do. You should probably take this a tad more seriously, though.”

 

My stomach churned. I was coming out ahead, so I should’ve been relieved, but Rae’s ignorance made me feel like a cat toying with a mouse.

 

She’s helping the opposition, I reminded myself. While she wasn’t up to par, those who sent her were. Pity would only rob me of my freedom.

 

“This entire predicament is absurd,” I said, “so I’m responding in kind. Now, if you’ll allow me a question, did Gale plant these absurd notions in your head?”

 

“Who else would? Gale’s a great detective, but I think he might be taking a huge leap this time. He’s basing this mostly on profiling and the fact you met with Narcissa, so he doesn’t have an actual case. If it’s any consolation, he said that eliminating suspects and proving innocence is equally important as confirming guilt. That’s why I’m helping. Gale thought you might be up to something, so I was to keep an eye.”

 

“Much obliged for sharing. Though, if you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t you ask me sooner?”

 

“I didn’t think it was necessary until you said the whole thing about us ‘imposing values.’ You and Rebecca were weird, but in your usual mushy way.”

 

“About that…” I glanced away and rubbed the back of my neck. “I had planned for this to be Becca and I alone, and, well, since you acquired what you sought, could you leave us be for the remainder of the night?”

 

“…I don’t want to know what you’re up to, do I?”

 

I shrugged. “I doubt it’s your cup of tea. Unless your preference swing towards—”

 

“Stop,” Rae said while waving her hands. “One, no, gross. Two, too much information, gross.”

 

I stifled a laugh. “Aren’t you seeking similar things from Wynn?”

 

“That’s not— Shush!” She lowered her voice once more. “Also, this doesn’t count for repaying your debt. I wish to spend actual time with him. I almost forgot he was even here.”

 

Blending into the background is his specialty, I mused.

 

I agreed to her demands before we continued chatting as if I was innocent. However, my conscience hadn’t forgotten the truth. My conscience wasn’t blind to how I exploited our friendship. It tore and twisted my heart.

 

That said, my reason hadn’t forgotten the reality of the situation either. Rae was the opposition. Being an outlaw demanded that I act in such a manner to survive. If I didn’t, I couldn’t carry out my mission of helping others.

 

Rae excused herself after we reunited with Becca. She claimed Gale requested her assistance at home and departed.

 

“We calling it a night too?” Becca asked.

 

“You have me for as long as you wish tonight. Name your desire, and I’ll do my utmost to grant it.”

 

A glint of humor overtook her face. “I wish to collect on your debt.”