Teddy’s little sister’s powers weren’t as cool as turning into a bear, but they were pretty neat. “I’ll go first,” the Boss said.

Athena and Teddy looked at each other as the door closed. They nodded.

It was nice working with someone who knew keeping the Boss safe was the most important thing. For all that Teddy found Athena a bit much sometimes, she was an all right sister.

She leaned her back against the wall and crossed her arms, looking real tough as she waited for the Boss to get ready. Soon, they’d all be out and being the best Villains they could be.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

The Uncomplicated Art of Subtlety (According to Athena)

Athena had never seen Handshake before, so she wasn’t sure what to think of the guy before he showed up.

When he did, it was by pulling into the alleyway in a car that looked like it was relatively new. Not new in the sense that it was cool, though. It was a white four-door sedan that could have belonged to any brand. It was the most boring car Athena had probably ever seen a hundred of.

The car came to a rolling stop before them, then the front door opened and a man stepped out.

Handshake, like his car, looked boring as heck.

He wore jeans and a sweater vest, all in muted colors. His hair was cut in a boring nonstyle, and he even slouched. He was like the living image of a boring person. If it weren’t for the bandages covering him, and the domino mask perched over his nose, Athena might have dismissed him out of hand.

“He doesn’t look so tough,” Athena said.

The man came to a stop in front of his car, silhouetted by the headlamps with his hands shoved deep into his pockets. “Boss, Teddy,” he said. “Or should I call you Ursa Minor?”

“That’s my name when I’m being a fake Hero,” Teddy said.

Big Sister Emily placed a hand on Teddy’s shoulder.

Athena remembered what Big Sister Emily said. Handshake was an information broker. He’d take all the information he could, so they had to be real subtle about things. It was a good thing that subtlety was Athena’s specialty.

“And . . . who’s this?” he asked while looking at Athena.

“Just a friend of the Boss,” Athena said. She crossed her arms, leather jacket creaking with the motion. “You can call me Athena.”

“Athena? Like the ancient Reek goddess?” He raised a hand out of his pocket and rubbed his chin. “Goddess of crafting, inventions, war, pottery, owls—often associated with wisdom. I wonder which aspect you’re supposed to represent?”

“If you pay me, I might tell you,” Athena said.

Handshake snorted. “I might just,” he said before turning to Big Sister Emily. “I didn’t expect three of you. Presuming that our littlest goddess here is coming with us?”