Look at the hats in that window!Oberi cried.
“If we get this key and end this war, you two will have plenty of time to go shopping,” I said. “Hell, I’ll conjure all the hats you desire. But first, we have work to do.”
Ava slowed the car. “Speaking of which, here’s our first stop.”
A thrill traveled to my stomach. I honestly couldn’t wait to get out there and do this. Though robbing a bank was technically abad thing, I felt like I was made for it. “I’ll see you inside the bank, my love.”
I leaned over to take her face in my hands, and I placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Ava smirked under my touch. “I’ll be the one robbing it,” she teased as she drew away.
“Don’t make me arrest you,” I told her.
“I’m counting on it later.” She snickered. “Now go.”
Ava pushed me, and I got out of the car. Oberi hopped out of the back to help me navigate the unfamiliar streets. He worea seeing eye-dog vest and a leash— though he wouldn’t shut up about how much he hated it.
I don’t see anyotherservice dogs on leashes,he complained.
There aren’t any other service dogs around, I replied flatly.Now come on. We need to get inside.
Ava had dropped me off at the coffee shop where Louis Blanc picked up his drink every morning. Oberi and I walked in, ordered an espresso, and sat down to wait.
Eventually, I heard the door to the coffee shop open again.Target acquired, Oberi said.Louis is going for the table beside you.
Louis sat down and unfurled a paper to read. I paid close attention to the sound of Louis setting his cup against his table, so I knew where it was.
I stood. Oberi guided me, much like he helped me identify targets during battle. I walked by, and pulled out a little trick I had up my sleeve— literally. As I passed, I slipped a few drops of potion into his coffee. It wasn’t much; just a little sleeping potion that would kick in within a few minutes. I then headed around the corner to the back of the store, where the bathrooms were, to wait out of sight. Louis finished his drink, then exited the coffee shop.
Phase one complete, Oberi said, and we left the coffee shop. I slipped into the back alleyway, where the van was waiting for us. The doors opened, and I jumped inside.
“How’s it going?” I asked Chancey and Ivy.
“We’re right on schedule,” Ivy said. Chancey hit the gas and we started around the block. Ivy tossed me some clothes, and I began changing into my security uniform. I switched my pistol from a holster on my side to one on my hip and secured it in place.
“Everyone else, what’s your report?” I asked.
Kallie’s voice came through my earpiece. “I’m almost in place on the roof. I’m scanning for alarms now.”
“I’m parking the car,” Ava added.
“And I’m tailing Louis,” Marcus reported. “The sleeping potion should kick right about… now.”
I heard Marcus grunt. He must’ve caught Louis as he passed out.
Ivy opened the back doors again. Marcus was right there, and he pulled Louis’ unconscious body into the van. The doors slammed shut. It all happened so fast and casually I didn’t think anyone on the street noticed.
“He’ll be out for an hour,” Marcus said. “I just need a cheek swab for the final touch… and there!”
The potion hissed from the vial in his hand. “See ya on the other side, boys.”
I exchanged Oberi’s service vest for a police vest before the van came to another halt.
“This is Charlie’s stop,” Chancey announced.
Oberi and I hopped out in our police attire, and he led me into the building.
Ava had said the bank was huge, but I didn’t understand just how big it was until we entered. My Air magic swirled upward several stories, and I could still feel sunlight on my skin, as if the ceiling was made of glass. Voices came from so far away that I swore we could play football in this place.
There’s a line of teller windows along the wall, Oberi told me.A balcony surrounds the entire room on the second level. I see the hall that leads back to the vault.
