Tilly’s eyes settled on an air-conditioning vent as Theo’s quiet neighborhood eased out of view. The road was too much to take in. She needed to keep things moving. The next move would be to call Natalie, the analyst she and Rick had assigned to watch Theo’s friends. Natalie phoned her first, informing her that Theo’s friends had gathered and were on the move, all of them wearing black. Exactly what Tilly didn’t want to hear. Her hand was being forced.

“Rick, the other perps are on the move. We need to catch them while they’re together. Natalie says they look like they’re up to something. They’re all wearing black.”

“Other perps? I acted alone,” Theo bleated from the back seat.

“Kid, cut the shit, we know your friends were at least your accomplices, maybe even the masterminds,” Tilly told him, turning around to face him, raising her shades so Theo could see her irritation.

“My friends have nothing to do with this. They’re probably wearing black because they’re going to do some tags. They’re artists. Artists wear black,” he pleaded.

“Artists wear black. Kid, you are a fucking comedian. Too bad this isn’t a stage. This is serious, okay? We know everything. We’ve been watching you for three weeks, you got that? Kaila, Zadie, Solara, Apollo, we know everything. Now either tell us what your friends are up to, or I will call in a fucking drone!” Tilly barked.

She looked over at Rick, hoping for at least the semblance of a smile. He always loved when they name-checked perps’ friends and associates or threatened to call in a drone, almost always false threats, especially the drone.

Rick was unmoved, his eyes remaining on the road, his face blank. Tilly stared at Theo, eager to be relieved of this new role as an antagonist to teens and coworkers, a boss. There was something disturbing about how good it felt.

Theo mumbled an address, tears rinsing his bronze cheeks. “Thanks,” Tilly said, turning around and entering the address into the Navigator’s GPS, a touch screen installed directly into the console. At least Rick buys himself nice things, Tilly assured herself as the vehicle skated on I-285 South.

Natalie called again, asking for further instructions. “Maintain aerial support, Nat. And tell Houndum we’re gathering up the remaining perps, and we’ll be in later this evening. And be sure to tell him we’re under budget.” Tilly hung up, flinging her shades down over her face despite the fleet of clouds that was beginning to swallow the sun. Her mind was already considering decorations for her new office. Change was good.

chapter 17