The Keys to freedom

six pack

The clue they had re-written on an old piece of paper sat in front of them, mocking them with its mystery as they all sat around the table staring at it.

          "Okay, even if we can solve this," Jessper said, twirling a strand of her hair anxiously. "Without the key, we're stuck. The next clue or whatever is locked up tight."

Eric leaned back in the armchair, crossing his arms. "So, what do we do? Knock on Pyke's door and politely ask for it back? 'Hey, can we borrow that key you stole from us after you tried to kill us?'"

Grayson snorted. "Yeah, that'll go over great. No, we sneak in. We find out where he's stashing it, grab it, put itching powder in his underwear drawer and get out. Simple."

Eric frowned. "And if we get caught? I don't think will have much luck solving this thing from behind bars,"

Oz sat on the edge of the couch, her arms crossed tightly. "We don't have a choice. If we don't get that key back, it's game over. And I'm not letting him win." Her voice was steely, but her gaze drifted toward the window.

"We can lure him out somehow," Jessper suggested. "Get him away from his house, and then we—"

The sound of a knock at the front door made them all freeze. Eric's eyes darted around, silently counting the people present, as if trying to confirm they were all accounted for. Because if they were all here, then who could possibly be at the door?

"Maybe we got lucky," Grayson muttered. "Maybe that's Pyke, kindly returning the key to us."

Eric shot him a withering look. "I think you and your brain live on different planets."

"Shut up," James muttered, brushing past them. He approached the door cautiously, his movements tense. Slowly, he cracked it open just enough to peek outside,

"Evie?" James said as he opened the door fully.

She held up her hands, her expression a mix of apology and resolve. "Look, I know I walked out earlier, and I said I was done, but... I've been thinking. A lot. And if this is important to you guys, then I think I want to be part of it too, I want to help. If you'll still have me, that is."

The group exchanged surprised glances.

"You realize this isn't a game, right?" Oz said, standing up. Her tone wasn't harsh, but there was a caution to her words. "This is dangerous, Evie. We've been shot at, chased, nearly killed. If you're in, you're in."

She nodded firmly. "I know what I'm getting into. I'm not exactly good at sitting on the sidelines. Plus, you all showed me kindness and accepted me when no one else would even spare a second glance. That's the kind of friendship I want to fight for,"

James smiled, clearly relieved. "Well, then, welcome back to the chaos," he said gesturing his hand for her to come in.

Grayson raised an eyebrow. "You sure? You might regret it, especially when Jessper starts singing under stress."

"Or when Grayson starts belching the alphabet for no reason whats so ever!" she shot back, her glare sharp as she tossed a cushion at him.

Evie laughed, "I'll take my chances."

Eric leaned forward, rising from his spot on the couch. With a small gesture, he offered her his seat. She hesitated for a moment before nodding her thanks and sliding into the warm spot he'd left behind.

"So," she began, leaning in slightly, "who's going to fill me in? All I know is there's a treasure, a key, and—oh yeah—said key is now stolen."

Oz sighs leaning forward and gesturing toward the clue on the table. "We have to solve this clue, but right now it's useless.

"Long story short, we need to break into Pyke's house and steal back what he took from us, before we can move forward with anything else." Jessper finished.

Evie's eyes widen. "You're serious?"

"Very," Oz said replied.

For a moment, she seemed unsure, her gaze flickering to each of them in turn. Then, a small smile tugged at her lips. "Okay. Let's do it."

"You sure?" James asked raising an eyebrow. "You can sit it out if you don't fill comfortable,"

"No, I'm in, In remember. I mean what's the worst that could happen?"

Eric leaned back in his chair with a dry chuckle. "Jail, death, maybe both."

"Details," Evie quipped, her grin widening.

Grayson clapped his hands together,"That's the spirit! Alright, welcome to the team, Evie. Now, the real question—do you happen to have a sandwich on you?"

She blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, no?"

"Just ignore him," James muttered, rolling his eyes. "He gets weird when he's hungry."

"Which is all the time," Eric said with annoyance.

"Focus," Jessper snapped, her fingers cutting through the air to grab everyone's attention. "We have a heist to plan,"

"Right. Well obviously, we should go when no one's there," James said.

"Solid plan. How the hell are we supposed to know that without staking out the house 24/7" Grayson asked.

"His dad's out on a business trip tonight and won't be back till tomorrow evening," Evie chimed in.

Oz raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you know that?"

"My dad—close circles and all," Evie replied with a casual shrug.

"Okay, what about housekeepers?" James asked.

"They don't work on weekends," Oz said. "But it could have changed since I've been there though,"

"And Pyke?"

"There's a party at Jack's house tonight. Pyke's pretty much guaranteed to be there," Jessper replied.

Grayson grinned, leaning back in his chair. "So, it's perfect. Tonight, we do a little breaking and entering." He said folding his fingers in front of him.

"Hold up," Eric cut in, glancing around the group. "We can't all go in. Just in case they are people there, plus its stealthier if just one goes."

"Yeah, true," James replied." So... who's it going to be?"

The room fell silent as everyone exchanged glances.

"Me obviously," Oz volunteered, her voice steady despite the nerves swirling in her stomach. "I know the layout. And I think I know where he would hide it."

Grayson shot her a look of disbelief. "Are you crazy? You can't go in there alone."

"Oz, it's too dangerous," James added, his voice tense. "If he is there and you get caught—"

"He won't hurt me," she interrupted, her eyes hardening. "Not like he would if it was either of you."

They fell silent, weighing the options. They didn't like the idea, but they knew she was right. She is Pykes soft spot, even despite everything that has happened. She was there only hope of getting that key back.