Jasper blinked. “You want me to enter that tournament, go to Philly on Saturday, and fetch you one of the missing cards? Is that all?”

“Well, when you put it like that…”

“It’s a ton of work. It’s not like some casual games with friends.”

“I know.” Pinching the bridge of my nose, I inhaled sharply. I should have known better than to share my big brainstorm. It wasn’t like I could do it—playing with George had proved to me how very little I knew.

“But…maybe we could make a deal.” Jasper voice had an edge to it I couldn’t quite place. A slyness almost. Not like George-level sliminess but a little more calculating than I was used to from him.

“What sort of deal?” My head tilted as I considered him.

“You can stop looking like I’m about to ask for…personal favors.”

I made an audible gulping noise. My brain hadn’t gone there at first, but now he’d said it, vivid images danced in my mind, each more enticing than the last.

“Yeah. I know. The horror.” He rolled his eyes as he laughed.

He couldn’t be more wrong, but words failed me. And even if I’d managed to speak, volunteering for those kinds of favors probably wouldn’t go well. He’d assume I was pranking him, and that would be the end of his help.

“Anyway…” He made a dismissive gesture right as the people at the table nearest to us stood. They glanced our way, and God, I hoped they hadn’t heard his joke.

“Yeah?” I whispered, hoping he’d take the hint to lower his own voice.

“The hospital is doing a costume ball in a few weeks. I need you to be Neptune for that. And maybe a few other visits too.”

“A costume ball? Like a bunch of rich old dudes in wigs and masks?” This wasn’t the worst thing he could ask for, but it also wasn’t the best.

“Probably.” Jasper didn’t sound too put out by the prospect. “And before you say no, I’m sure there will be other people in togas. Gods are always popular costume choices. Also, it would mean a ton to April.”

Oh, that was low, making it about the kids. Of course I didn’t want to let April or Chase or any of the other kids down.

“And you?” If he was going to go low, I was going to at least make him admit this wasn’t only April wanting me to go.

“Fine. I’d like to have Neptune there too. And apparently I want it enough to drive to Philly in my death trap of a car.” He finished with a groan.