The Black Coats(31)
Thea stared back at Nixon’s dark eyes, anger settling in her chest at the idea that she would leave the rest of her team behind if the chips fell.
“Yes, ma’am,” she snapped. “I understand.”
Nixon spun on her sharp heel. “Watch that tone, Thea. Round up Team Banner and meet me in the classroom.”
With her cheeks burning, Thea turned back to the Haunt.
Ten minutes later, buzzing with happiness, Team Banner burst into the classroom. Bea put her arms out and twirled in a slow circle. “I have never loved anything more than I have loved this coat. Not a single thing.”
Thea smiled, feeling the same. The girls admired one another’s coats, each tailored perfectly to its owner and her skill. Louise’s was extraordinarily light so that her whole body was completely free to move. Mirabelle’s coat was short and tight—perfect for showing off her curves—but had pockets inside, perfect for hiding weapons. Casey’s had little compartments inside the wrist area for keys and flash drives, along with metal spikes along the shoulders and wrist. Bea’s coat was by far the most beautiful and elaborate; it fell all the way to the floor and the back was lined with long strips of ornate black fabric. The garment was hooded, and when Bea pulled her coat on, she looked powerful and mysterious rather than like the bumbling, adorable girl they all knew. It was mildly alarming how well the Black Coats knew them—what to downplay and what to emphasize.
Nixon strode into the room, and the talking stopped. “I won’t keep you long—I know we’ve all had an exhausting night.” She stepped up to the front of the room, her eyes softening momentarily. “Team Banner, you made the right choice today and solidified my belief that adding this team was the right idea. Which is good, considering that tomorrow night, you have your first Balancing.” Nixon placed the envelope on the table. “I’ll see you there, Team Banner.” Then she walked out.
The team stood in a circle around the table, staring down at the envelope. “Are we really doing this?” whispered Bea.
Thea felt the moment turning around her, felt the eyes of the girls resting on her face, the weight of expectations and fears. Then she remembered the picture she had seen of Natalie’s body, her long legs tangled up, pale and plastered with muddy leaves, her bare toes blotted with black dirt.
She confidently reached for the envelope. “Yes, we are.” Then she opened the envelope, took out the soft paper, and spread it on the table for all to read:
TEAM BANNER, CODE MORNING
TARGET NAME: Arthur Brewe
DATE OF BALANCING: February 28, 10:00 p.m.
OFFENSE: Arthur Brewe is a student at Coventry University who has been taking pictures/videos of sexual conquests and then selling them to pornography companies. He blackmails his victims so that they will not press charges, by threatening to release these pictures to their parents, family, and friends.
BALANCING: Seduction of Mr. Brewe, followed by a threatening and confiscation of all his technology, as well as any pictures he may have in his possession.
Good luck!
Signed,
The Black Coats
Thirteen
At almost ten o’clock on the following night, Thea was perched on her windowsill, listening with her head cocked to her parents snoring across the hall. The stillness was pierced by Alma, who lifted her head under Thea’s comforter on the bed and whined.
“Stay!” hissed Thea. “Lie down!” Alma dutifully obeyed.
Thea heard the purr of an engine outside the window and smiled nervously. Team Banner was here. Her black coat flapping in the wind, Thea leaned out the window, crouching to avoid the gaze of her neighbors. The cul-de-sac was curled up like a sleeping cat; nothing moved.
Thea reached for the tree branch. It was just a short scramble across the branch before she could step onto the roof. She leaped quietly down one level before shinnying across a short drainpipe to the ground. The grass provided a soft landing, and within seconds she was darting across her lawn.
The car door swung open for her, and she squeezed between Bea and Louise in the back seat. “What’s up, Catwoman?” Casey laughed. “That was quite a show. I literally just walked out my front door.”
Thea grinned. “Honestly, it was easier than I thought it would be.”
Bea patted her hand reassuringly. “You’re awesome, Thea!”
Casey drove quietly down the street before gunning the engine at the stop sign. “Be careful!” snapped Mirabelle.
Casey silenced her with a look. “My job on this team is to drive. Your job is to be pretty.”
“And kick ass,” piped up Bea from the back.
“Thanks, Bea.” Mirabelle rolled her eyes before turning her head away from Casey. “You may be the driver, but this is still my car.”
Casey reached out and petted the dashboard lovingly. “And yet her loyalty is already turning.” The engine roared, and they shot out onto the dark highway.
There were a few moments of darkness before the dim glow of headlights illuminated the interior of the car. Thea looked back to where a sleek black car followed closely. “Nixon?”
“Without a doubt,” answered Casey.
The car was silent after that, the miles stretching out before them. Thea figured she should be giving them some sort of pep talk, but she was just as nervous as the rest of them and knew it would come across as false. How could she inspire when her own heart was pounding? “Does anyone have any questions?” Her words were met with unnerved silence.