“I’m thinking. Capricorn, can I hold onto this favor without naming it?”

Tristan looked around. There were a few nods. Tristan said, “Sure. That was my original take on how this would go. The others seem cool with that. I’ll give you my phone number.”

Tristan gave his number. There was a break while Houndstooth took it down.

“If you’re game, I think we can let you know where we’re thinking of,” I said. The others nodded, so I added, “Cedar Point. Hollow Point in villain vernacular.”

“You know,” Houndstooth said. “It bothered me that it wasn’t being looked after.”

“That was my feeling too,” I said.

“Who’s speaking, can I ask?”

“Victoria Dallon. I used to be Glory Girl, and I’m the coach, so to speak.”

“I know the name. Hi. You’re wanting to rattle these guys?”

“That’s the basic idea,” I said.

“Basic idea? Even before you said that, I had the impression there was a less basic part to the idea. Am I right about there being more to this?”

“Some. Nothing that impacts you negatively,” I said.

Tristan spoke up, “We’re hoping to tap some others, maintain pressure, and hold off on getting personally involved until we know how much reach these guys really have.”

“They’re bit players. This thing happens now and again. It tends to self-combust.”

Tristan looked at me.

Passing the ball to me? I said, “We know how much reach they probably have, and there’s some.”

“Interesting.”

I went on, “Personally speaking, I don’t want this to combust. Some skirmishes are probably inevitable, but these guys aren’t, as was said earlier, going to go for the jugular. I want to keep it limited to that.”

“I don’t want to see any places combusting either. If you think it’s safe and if you want to help save Cedar Point, I think I can sell my team on a patrol or two.”

“That’d be great,” Tristan said.

“If something happens and we get in over our heads, you back us up or call the bigger names?”

“Of course,” Tristan said. “Probably the latter. We’ve got kids and stuff, and we’ve been urged on multiple fronts to keep on the down-low.”

Ashley looked annoyed at that.

“Alright,” Houndstooth said. “Hm. I know another team that might be okay doing something similar, if you’re wanting to get others on board. I can put you in touch with them, but I’d want a minor favor. One I already have in mind.”

“If they’re trustworthy and won’t spill our role in things or why people are showing interest in Cedar Point. What’s the favor?”

“They are trustworthy. Before I commit my team, I want to meet you guys face to face. Grab a coffee or something. Glory Girl and Capricorn and whoever else is in a leadership position.”