They asked if they could come and speak to me, and so I set the table for the four of us. Spent the day cleaning the house, getting everything in order, had food delivered (nothing fancy, just a roast chicken from the place down the road and all sorts of sides). The three of them were so nervous sitting at the table with me, I almost forgot to eat. The tension was palpable; they didn't quite know what to make of me. I scared them. I relished it dearly, just in case this was the end of my little game.
I was the top of their list. An anomaly. A red flag, highest possible danger. Little old me. Can you believe it? I was clever, but I was outnumbered by people who knew what to look for. Someone who can access juvenile medical records, someone tied into the legal system, someone who knew how to connect the dots on the east and west coast. It's not ever day a girl gets given the treatment and respect she deserves. So I came clean. Yes, you've got me. The executioner of Forest Glen, a person of interest in assorted cases along the Pacific coast, someone in the periphery of misfortune and misery as I got what I wanted.
They told me what they thought I wanted and I laughed. Why would I want that? I have my life, my rules, my honor, my game. That repulsed the youngest one, she had to excuse herself. The other two found their voices and made their pitch: if I joined them, I would know more. About the things I still dreamed about, deep within my loveless heart, the mystery of the world that captivated me as a girl. The beautiful thing out in the sea would be mine to understand.
How could I ever pass up such a reward? Once again, I remain unpunished. Once again, my game continues. This time I had other players.
On a good day, I was their protégé and they were my teachers. On a bad day, I was their pet and they were...
The school day continues. Miracle has a difference of opinion. Presto speaks truth to power. Melody considers strangers like her. The Assembly ponders their...
With another victory obtained, the legend of Yegg Battalion cements itself in earnest. Sixty-Nine gathers the faithful. Deck sells out but in a cool...