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Scarlett does what any normal person would do if they saw a handgun pointed their way. She screams. No one seems surprised by her reaction, which means they’re getting their intended effect. Which means Scarlett’s still in control.

“What’s going on, Norman?” Bijoux demands, half her words disappearing on the whipping wind and between Scarlett’s shrieks. The handgun turns on Hawk.

“I’m seasick?” Hawk says. He’s been a decent informant, but he’s a terrible actor. “Bijoux, hang on a second.” He holds his hands up in front of him. “Don’t do this.”

I make a split-second decision. If it means saving Scarlett, I’ll sacrifice this op. I’ll create a distraction. I push the throttle to the limit. We need to catch up. Now.

Bijoux doesn’t take her aim off Hawk. His silence tells me he spots an opportunity. “Don’t turn on me because of her,” he says, his tone urgent. “She’s not who she says she—”

I don’t get to hear the rest of Hawk’s sentence. Before he blows her cover, Scarlett grabs Bijoux’s dog and tackles Hawk overboard.

The splash is loud. Much louder than it should be from where I am.

Then I realize it wasn’t a splash at all, but a gunshot.

Excerpt from Field Notes Transcript with Cameron Pearson

Time: 8:15 p.m.

Location: Sheep Meadow, pre–chimney climb competition

Agent Nathan Lambros: You hangin’ in there?

Cameron Pearson: These Cons are no joke.

Agent Nathan Lambros: Totally agree. Toy wrapping was tough. What’d you think about that one?

Cameron Pearson: With as many cousins as I’ve got, wrapping that many presents was nothing.

Agent Nathan Lambros: [laughs] Should’ve followed your technique. Cartwright Toys Emporium is pretty cool, huh? Ever shop there before?

Cameron Pearson: I love it. Funny enough, I was doing some early Christmas shopping there a few days ago.

Agent Nathan Lambros: What a coincidence. Get anything good?

Cameron Pearson: I spent, like, half a day there expecting to leave with a bag full of stuff and still couldn’t find anything my kids would like or didn’t already have a version of. Made me realize they’re probably better off with experiences, you know?

Agent Nathan Lambros: Experiences like the Con? You having a good time?

Cameron Pearson: You’re a very curious guy, you know that?

Agent Nathan Lambros: I take that as a compliment.

Cameron Pearson: [laughs] These Cons are always interesting. I still can’t believe I won last year, especially because I only did the Con for my sister. She used to compete in them, but I came in her place. This tradition meant a lot to her. Winning affected both of our lives.

Agent Nathan Lambros: How so?

Cameron Pearson: The money I got for winning—and the sponsorship money—went toward medical bills. Helped my sister stay alive longer. Got six more months with her before she died.

Agent Nathan Lambros: I’m so sorry to hear that.

Cameron Pearson: Appreciate it. I’m only back this year in her honor. This Con, it can change lives. It gave me a gift I’ll never be able to repay.

Chapter 28

SCARLETT

3 hours and 14 minutes until midnight