The group laughed.
“This is a bit more than a prank,” Stryker told him.
“True,” Eli conceded. “But I figure it’s close enough to count. The problem is we can’t ever take credit for it.”
Annika nodded. Though she knew politicians—and probably law enforcement—would have lots of questions when she handed that data over to the officials.
She wouldn’t give them the specifics though. And she’d have whistleblower protection, though she prayed she could remain anonymous.
That bridge would be crossed when they got to it. Right now, she just needed to take Edward Marlot down.
“We’re all in this with you,” Iris said. “We’re sisters now.”
It felt wonderful as she reached over and grabbed Annika’s hand.
A tear escaped Annika’s eye. “Thank you. And it feels wonderful to have family.” She looked from Iris to Cami and then the Mountainville Gang, saying, “And friends.”
“Hey, we’re family, too,” Katie said. “Think of us as your Texas cousins.”
“And your cousin from across the pond,” Leah added. “Though I suppose I’m just as much Texan now as I am English. I’ve even grown to love chili, barbecue, and say things likey’all. It’s a jolly good time, if I do say so myself.”
Everyone laughed but the moment was broken when Lana jumped up and ran toward them. “I got it! Check it out! Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Edward Marlot’s eye.”
It was the most realistic fake eye Annika had ever seen! Not that she’d really seen many. But still! It was amazing!
“I knew our special effects wizard was the right person for the job!” Harrison said after examining it. “That’s movie magic at work. And you, Lana, are a magician.”
“This was the last piece until tomorrow,” Stryker said. “It’s all set. We’re doing this.”
Excitement surged through Annika. Part of her wished it could just happen tonight. The anticipation felt like it might eat her alive!
Words couldn’t express how grateful she was for everyone helping her like that. Never in her life had she felt so loved and valued.
She belonged with this group. Truly belonged somewhere. For the first time ever.
More tears were threatening to spill from her eyes when Matteo walked in and looked at the big 3D printer and then at the group.
“Just saw on the news that a government facility in Huntington Beach was robbed last night. An expensive 3D printer is missing.”
Stryker and Harrison exchanged glances before turning their focus back to Matteo.
“Whoa! Dude, that’s crazy,” Stryker said.
Harrison nodded. “Yeah. Wild.”
Matteo just kept staring at them. Annika could see how that stare probably drove suspects crazy with worry back when Daddy was on the police force.
Finally, Stryker shrugged. “What? Hey, the government is currently closed,” he said, referring to the shutdown that had transpired when a funding bill failed to pass Congress. “They’re not using it.”
“Anyway,” Harrison chimed in, “they’re the dumbasses that furloughed their security guards. Made it super easy toborrowsome stuff. They’ll get it back.”
The other Littles laughed. Matteo just groaned.
“The less I know the better,” he muttered as he stalked from the room.
Annika giggled.
Remember that, Daddy, she thought.
