One meeting, one flight, and two dead strangers was all it took. I’m better now. It’s hard to pinpoint how exactly, but I’m much better than I was before the job. I’ve learned more about pop culture and history in a week than I ever did in school, with barely any effort, but I’m sure it’s more significant than that. I knew getting an edge on the parasite wouldn’t be easy, I wasn’t even sure it was possible before, but now it feels like a matter of time. I wouldn’t wish to be free of it, though I’m fairly certain that’s the parasite talking, but if I want more leverage I’ll need to do more jobs. If I’m going to do more jobs, I need to be prepared.

I took extra hours, worked overtime, skipped meals, and spent every free moment researching or looking for deals. I was so focused, one day I forgot to find any real secrets. Innocuous Covid masks with geometric patterns to foil facial recognition, an asbestos lined bag to circumvent metal detection, Kevlar clothes, Luminol and a blacklight to find bloodstains, better first aid equipment, and even fart spray. If I could afford it, it wouldn’t slow me down, and it could give me an edge, I bought it.

Ellis noticed me coming and going, getting packages, working late. I told him he should get some Kevlar clothing, that it never hurts to be safe. He’s worried about me. I think I’ll celebrate with him after the next job.