“I am being serious, on both accounts. I don’t know your setup, but leaving priceless, expensive,stolenartifacts in an open cave is destined to blow up in your face.”
She’s right and thinking the exact same way I am.
“I’d have to let Oscar in on this new arrangement if we figure out a way to bring you in safely. That’s a key word, Nova. This has to be donesafely, or I won’t do it.”
“This cautious act is going to really dampen my style.”
“And your limit-pushing act is going to get us both in serious trouble.” I shake my head.
“Where did you take the stone tonight? I assume that’s where you were the rest of my shift.”
“I was. I took it to Oscar’s apartment. He wanted this one immediately.”
“Must have been extra expensive,” she muses.
“Understatement of the century.”
“So, let’s come up with a plan.” She practically bounces in the swing, excitement pouring out of every pore of her body.
“We need something secure. And discreet,” I offer. I’ve racked my brain and haven’t found a viable solution so far, not without involving other innocents.
“What do you do during the day?” she asks.
“Uh, check on my people and meet with anyone I need to.” Mostly lies. Usually, I’m holed up in my apartment, doing research in an attempt to track some of the stolen goods.
“Okay … What if we come up with a signal? The same on every time, or we could switch it up if you think that’s safer—”
“It would depend on the signal, honestly,” I cut in.
“Okay, so we figure that out after we solidify the plan. But what if we have whoever delivers the artifacts come to the back door and leave a token? I can be the designated person when I’m on shift and send you a signal while I’m dancing.”
“I don’t know. And what about when you aren’t on shift?” It’s logical and easy, but I’m not sure Oscar will go for it. Involving dancers is risky.
“Would it be hard to suggest doing deliveries solely during my shift? I feel like if we only have me as the signaler, it would be less risky.”
“I can’t guarantee it, but I could talk to Oscar,” I tell her.
“Think about it. It means removing anyone from seeing all the people connected. If we just do a drop at the back door, we never see the people delivering.”
I won’t tell her that’s not a good thing. I need to know who all is connected, but this makes it more enticing to Oscar.
“You’re thinking about it,” she teases.
“I may be, but it’s not up to me.”
“I know, but you’re persuasive. You got me to go out with you after all.”
I can’t help the smile that takes over my face. “It would all be easier if I’m the one who looks at the back door for the sign there’s a drop-off.” I shake my head, dismissing her.
I see her jump off the swing in my periphery before she steps in front of me, forcing me to dig my feet in so I don’t hit her. Her hands grasp the sides of my swing as she stares straight at me.
“If I say I can do something, I can do it. Never doubt or dismiss me like that again.”
The only thing I can do is nod.
“Give me a day. Maybe two so I can work on adding something into my choreography.”
“Yes, ma’am.” My respect for her grows tenfold.
