by Ally Cater
Maybe the curse was broken and over, or maybe it had never been real at all. All Kat knew for certain was that there are some things even the best artists can’t fake. There are some events that even the best thieves can never plan. And real love…real love can never be split in two.
She wondered for a second about the Antony, and something told her that the stories were true—that it was out there somewhere, lost and waiting—but Kat also knew she wouldn’t look for it.
What Kat really needed, she had already found.
“To Uncle Eddie,” Hale said, raising his glass. “The ultimate inside man.”
Gabrielle repeated the toast, but Kat couldn’t bring herself to say the words.
“What?” Gabrielle asked.
“Do you think he still loves her?” She kept her eyes trained to the other side of the street as a well-dressed man walked into a bank, seemingly oblivious to the dump truck that sat idling a mere twenty feet away.
Kat looked down at her lemonade. “Do you think he betrayed the love of his life…because of us?”
“She used the name Romani, Kat,” was Gabrielle’s answer. “And besides…” She let the words draw out. Her gaze went to the distance, and there was a sense of peace in the way she said, “We’re the love of his life.” She raised her glass again. “To family.”
This time Kat couldn’t help but join in.
“So isn’t it time for the…” Hale started, but trailed off when, half a block away, a loud explosion sounded and a spiral of black smoke billowed up, temporarily blocking out the sky.
“Yep,” Kat said.
“And your dad’s sure the organized crime ring that’s sitting on this stash doesn’t know its real value?” Hale asked, concerned.
“Well, we’re about to find out,” Kat said as a man ran to the fountain, then called in rapid Spanish that he needed all available hands at the back of the church. “Wow. Uncle Felix’s leg is doing a lot better.”
“Yeah.” Gabrielle gave an enthusiastic nod. “He’s getting around really well.”
There was chaos on the square as people yelled and smoke rose, but the three teens sat quietly, waiting, as Uncle Eddie climbed into the truck and drove away.
“So,” Hale said, watching the smoke rise and the Bagshaws run. “Where to now?”
Kat stood and downed her drink in one swallow, set the glass back on the table, and turned into the sun.
“Well, see, there’s this cave in Switzerland I really need to find.” She slipped on her sunglasses; was already in the middle of the street when she turned and looked back at Hale and Gabrielle. “You coming?”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
If there’s one thing that writing the Heist Society books has taught me, it’s that you are is only as good as your crew.
I could never have finished this book without the tremendous support and keen editorial eyes of Catherine Onder. I owe so much to Stephanie Lurie, Deborah Bass, Dina Sherman, and the rest of the Disney-Hyperion family, who are always willing to shelter me when I’m on the run and get me whatever gear I need.
I’m deeply indebted to Jenny Meyer, Whitney Lee, Sarah Self, and especially Kristin Nelson and everyone at the Nelson Literary Agency for their constant loyalty and unwavering dedication. They are the best fences in the business.
Words cannot express my gratitude to Heidi Leinbach for all she does to make these books possible and keep me sane. Plus, she’s always there to drive the getaway car.
My crew would not be complete without Jen Barnes, Holly Black, Rose Brock, Maureen Johnson, Carrie Ryan, and Bob, who are always willing to blow things up, dangle off rooftops, and do whatever it takes to help me survive the long con that is this business.
And, of course, I owe it all to my father, mother, and big sister, who have taught me everything I know.
