Albert walked with Billy as they made their way to Franklin University Monday evening. Abe and Edgar were back at the apartment. Billy insisted on it only needing to be a two-man job, since the less people needed, the more people who would be potentially innocent in case something went wrong. Albert tried not to think about what that might mean for them if he and Billy got caught. He tried instead to keep his mind focused on the job at hand. The more he thought about the job, the more nervous he became, and he could already sense the chip in the back of his mind tingling with the prospect of a new song.

“So,” Albert said to start a conversation to draw his emotions away from what they were about to do. “How’s your girlfriend?”

Billy gave a little sigh. “I would not wish any companion in the world but her. Come what sorrow can, it cannot countervail the exchange of joy that one short minute gives me in her sight.”

Albert furrowed his brow. “So... good?”

“Ah, Albert. You may doubt the stars are fire in the blackness above, you may doubt the sun’s importance in the sky, you may even doubt the truth we hear to be a lie, but never doubt the love I have for Anne,” Billy said.

“I... um... okay.” Albert was always thrown off just a bit when Billy got into his romantic mode. “I just don’t hear you talk about her that much.”

Billy laughed. “Because she is a precious creature, Albert. She is mine, and I am hers, and we don’t wish the city to give their opinions on the matter.”

Albert suppressed a smile. “And the fact that she goes to our rival school of course has nothing to do with anything.”

Billy gave a sheepish grin. “Maybe. It does make things more exciting.”

They turned a corner and saw the university. The dread Albert had so far pushed away returned all at once and he gave a small intake of breath. Billy looked up at the university sign, not even a tremor of fear on his face.

“Well, now that we’re about to cross into university territory, we got to have a conversation that shows off our intellectual prowess. We’ve got to blend in, after all,” Billy said as he glanced around.

Albert had a bad feeling he might dive into another conspiracy theory, and wasn’t quite ready to access that particular part of his brain.

“Let’s talk about the letter C,” Billy said.

It was then that Albert realized Billy was never going to do anything predictable.

“The letter C?” Albert asked.

“What’s the point?” Billy asked, picking something out of his teeth. “The only unique sound it makes is the ‘ch’ sound. So why not just let it be the ‘ch’ sound? Why does it have to shoulder the S and the K sound as well? Seems kind of lazy of the other letters, if you ask me. I mean, S still has it’s ‘sh’ sound, but K? What exactly does it do with all its extra free time since C took over and carries most of its sounds? K needs to get it together.”

Albert tried to follow Billy’s train of thought. “Is this one of those times where you are just using me as a soundboard? Because I honestly have nothing to reply to that.”

“I mean, there’s got to be some reason,” Billy said.

“I doubt it’s because the letter K is lazy. Last time I checked, letters don’t have feelings,” Albert said.

“And when was the last time you checked?” Billy asked with a curious look in his eye.

Albert smiled and shook his head as they entered the main office building. He saw a long hallway with a few glass doors before opening wider space for the university students to gather and do homework or lounge in. He passed the offices before he spied the one they needed. He slowed his step, in order to take it all in. There was gold lettering on the glass door that read Registration. From the short glimpse he saw while passing it, there were file folders in the back of the room and a desk with two women sitting behind it. They were typing away at computers and Albert felt himself relax just a bit. There was a good possibility all the school records were on the computer, and if it was true, then this would be easier than he thought. Looking up on a computer was a lot easier than thumbing through file folders.

“Ready?” Billy asked.

“I should ask you that. You’re doing the harder bit,” Albert said.

“I’m glad you think so. Because I think you’re the one doing the hard part.” Billy reached forward and gave a gentle knock before opening the door.

“Hello?” Billy asked, sounding unsure and frightened. “I think this is where I need to come? I’m a high school student, I’m looking around at universities and I had some questions.”

“Yes! Come in,” one of the ladies said.

“I’ll wait out here,” Albert said, loud enough for the women to know he was there.

Billy nodded as he closed the door.

Albert waited, heart pounding in his chest, trying to calm his nerves so he wouldn’t set off the chip. Billy needed to be the one to set it off.

He heard the muffled voices. Albert waited, tapping his fingers against his elbow while Billy was sweet talking the ladies in the other room. Billy was so comfortable acting, but Albert was still nervous. There was a difference between acting and lying, but not by much.

As if to ease the tension in his heart, he heard Billy’s voice get louder, to the point where he could almost understand what was going on. A couple students studying glanced up, curious. Billy’s tone was forlorn and dramatic, talking about choices and the stresses he didn’t expect to have until senior year. The Registration’s door swung open and Billy stepped out before falling to his knees, hands covering his face.

“I just don’t know what to do!”

Albert tried not to look relieved as music filled the hall. To be honest, he let a little surprise flicker through his eyes. Billy had done it. He seemed to be the master over the music and the chip.

The two women came out of the Registration room, looking so sorry for Billy. Billy lifted his head, actual tears running down his face. Albert made a note to ask him later how he could cry on demand.

“Time has from me my freshman year expulsed

“I’m left with naught but mem’ries of my year.

“To whom is there with which to feel repulsed

“of this our brief and stressful time upon this sphere.

“I can’t begin to fathom how the choice

“is here for me. I thought, to Seniors

“college comes to bleed into your inner voice.”

One woman knelt beside Billy, placing a motherly arm around him.

“Oh sweet child, I see the stress has come to you

“But I think you will gain much from our crew.”

The other woman helped Billy to his feet.

“The application process is not that hard!

“You just need to know how to play your cards!”

The two women got on either side of Billy. Albert was trying to understand what the chip was telling him. So far it seemed like this was going to just be a trio song. Albert could work with that, but it would be nicer if it was a bigger number. Albert glanced at the students studying. They two were waiting to see what the chip wanted them to do.

“For no one should fear, go ahead wipe that tear,

“College doesn’t have to be scary.

“Though you feel you’re too young, it’s no slip of the tongue

“Start now, and you’ll be legendary!”

Billy wiped his eyes, trying to give a smile.

“The years they may come and the years they may go,

“Though I still feel a tad insecure in my youth,

“To the future I turn to embrace the unknown,

“And for now I embrace my small moments of truth.”

Billy walked among the students. Albert moved with Billy as the chip inside him told him to do. Though this seemed to be only a song for the three of them, Billy was demanding more, and the chip was happily obliging.

“Can one truly know they are good enough?

“Tell me, dear students. Can one really know?

“This college, this campus, will I be up to snuff?

“Please come and help me! Give me a show!”

The students all rose as their chips demanded of them. Billy had turned this into a grand number. The students began making a crowd around Billy, and a tap number began. The registration women were pointing out in rhythm different complex steps the students were performing, and Albert took the opportunity to slip away. He entered the Registration room. He kept the door open just a bit to keep his chip activated. He didn’t need the S.E.A. to question why he disappeared during his friend’s big musical number.

Albert dove to work immediately. He quietly praised Billy’s genius, as it looked as though he had convinced them to sign in so Albert didn’t need to worry about that. He clicked on the search option and quickly put in Harriet Tubman’s name.

He saw a loading sign and tried not to freak out. He knew the song didn’t have much time left. From his judgement of the length of songs, this one had to be almost done.

Harriet’s file showed up. He clicked on her list of current classes. He grabbed a sticky note and quickly scribbled her schedule on it. He pulled it off and stuffed it deep in his pocket before exiting out and erasing the history of his search.

He left the room and saw Billy was currently in a dance off style song. He couldn’t help but cock an eyebrow. These types of songs lasted well into eight or ten minutes long. How was Billy so good at this? Albert watched Billy dance off with student after student, the dance off stopping as soon as Billy made a mistake, which was after he’d beaten four other students. The student body gave a groan when Billy made the mistake, but the song resumed its encouragement.

“Though you still have many years before you,

“We must politely but rightly implore you,

“Join our college! Join our team!

“We can help you fulfill your dream!”

At the end, Billy had been lifted in the air by half a dozen students and carried around the study area. Billy had his hands thrown out, eyes closed, singing along with them. The chip in his head let him know the song was ending, and he didn’t need to do much else. He felt himself relax just a little.

The song ended and the students eased Billy down to the floor. Billy wiped the rest of the tears from his eyes.

“Thank you. Thank you all. I feel so encouraged. This has made me feel so much better,” Billy said to the group of students who were surrounding him, showering him with well wishes and compliments on his great singing voice.

Albert hid a smile as he returned to his spot by the door of the registration office. The two women ushered him back inside and Albert held his breath. He was quite sure he left everything back the way it was. He sighed as, about five minutes later, Billy came back out with one of the women, his arms laden with papers.

“I just… thank you. I love how supportive this school is. This was marvelous! I was always so scared at the prospect of getting into a university,” Billy said, truly sounding like the woman had saved him from a mental breakdown. Billy continued to thank the lady over and over as Albert tried to smile, doing his best to be the supportive friend. He kept his hands in his pockets, brushing against the sticky note to make sure it was still there.

***

Marie sat at the breakfast table with Numbers, Pusher, and Poet, but she kept her eye on Sophie. Now more than ever, Marie wanted to talk to her. But what could she say? She knew what she wanted to say. She wanted to tell Sophie everything. That she knew who she was. That her mother was secretly seeing her at night. True, both girls were bugged, but she didn’t want to terrify poor Sophie, either.

They left for the farmlands as soon as they were done with breakfast. Marie weeded with Pusher for a bit. Pusher gave her words of comfort, how some hobos forgot a lot toward the beginning, but it seemed like the mind got used to being a hobo the longer they were there.

“How many times did you forget?” Marie asked.

Pusher thought. “I think twice? Maybe three times. I haven’t heard of anyone forgetting more than four times, though.”

Marie nodded quietly, still trying to pretend like she was still traumatized from forgetting everything a second time. At least this wasn’t a rare thing.

Marie kept an eye on Sophie, who was weeding a few rows over. Marie knew if she finished her row, she could go down another and bump into Sophie on the way down. It made Marie pull faster. She knew, what with the watches being bugged, Sophie would have to be the first to initiate the conversation. It would be way too suspicious for Marie to single her out a second time, especially since she forgot the first time. But if it could be by “accident”, maybe Marie could still talk to her and be her friend.

Marie worked hard and fast as the sun continued to get hotter. She reached the end of the row and moved her way towards Sophie. Pusher had stopped talking and everyone seemed to be working in a silence. It made Marie worried. She wasn’t sure if Sophie was going to talk to her, but she wanted her to. Somehow, she had to catch Sophie’s eye.

Sophie got closer and closer. Marie glanced around to see if there were any S.E.A. agents watching. Sometimes they randomly showed up to keep eyes on them, then disappeared after a few minutes. She especially needed to make sure Mr. Germain hadn’t decided to randomly show up. It would probably be suspicious if she glanced around, but she couldn’t help it. She needed to know who was here.

Sophie didn’t seem like she was in the mood to do anything but weed. Marie bit her lip, wondering if she should try to accidentally bump into her or something. If this didn’t work, she could always try again tomorrow. She didn’t want to push her luck.

Sophie stood up and gave a stretch, leaning backwards then forwards. Marie glanced up and Sophie caught her gaze. Marie got excited as she gave Sophie a small smile and a little wave. She was, after all, not supposed to remember Sophie. Sophie’s eyes darkened.

“I told you the other day, hobo. I’m not interested in making friends,” Sophie said.

“Oh, um…” Marie tried to act confused and not triumphant that Sophie initiated the conversation. “This may seem weird, but I actually… I don’t remember you. I guess this is the second time I’ve lost my memories.” Marie tried to sound weak and scared. She was going with the idea of just being mute for a few days, and she hoped this sounded like it was a struggle to get these words out.

“Oh.” Sophie said, sounding like she didn’t care at all. She returned to her weeding, but now that Sophie started the conversation, Marie didn’t plan on letting Sophie go that easily.

“So what’s your name?” Marie asked.

Sophie glared at Marie with a bitter hatred Marie desperately wanted to take away from her best friend.

“I mean, my other friends said us hobos all have names, not our real names, but, you know, nick names. I just wanted to know what yours is,” Marie waited expectantly, trying to widen her eyes to look more innocent as Sophie continued to glare at her.

“It’s Thief. And you want to know why?” Sophie asked.

Marie tried to act surprised at Sophie’s name. Sophie waited for Marie to answer, so Marie mumbled out her response. “Because you stole something?”

“That’s right. I guess I was a kleptomaniac in my old days,” Sophie said.

Marie frowned a little. She wanted desperately to tell Sophie it was because her mother was visiting her at nights and most likely stealing blankets off other hobos to make her more warm, but she couldn’t say that. Not here, at least. Maybe if they were somewhere else, not in the open, Marie could maybe tell her everything, but Sophie seemed to be a loner whenever the hobos weren’t required to work together.

“But do you? Actually? Steal things?” Marie asked in a disjointed way. Marie felt herself sliding back into the best friend role. Sophie was angry and hurt, and she needed to vent to feel better. Marie needed to listen to Sophie’s rant to help her feel better, but unfortunately, Sophie didn’t remember who Marie was.

Sophie glanced over at Marie, the darkness still in her eyes. “Would you honestly believe me if I told you?”

Marie shrugged when everything inside her wanted to say yes. She knew Sophie was being framed by her mother who just had good intentions.

“Would it hurt to tell the truth?” Marie asked.

Sophie didn’t say anything, only lowered her eyes and kept weeding. Marie realized she was getting the silent treatment from Sophie. The last time she did that was in sixth grade, but it lasted all of two minutes. Sophie couldn’t keep quiet, because she needed Marie to vent. Marie tried to give a gentle nudge.

“Or maybe it hurts you more to tell the truth and not be believed. Is that why you’re so cranky?” Marie asked.

Sophie threw a clump of weeds on the ground before she stood up. “Leave me alone,” Sophie said before she turned and left without a backwards glance. Marie knew she couldn’t follow. She had planted a few seeds in Sophie’s heart. Maybe it was enough.

***

Albert, Billy, Abe, and Edgar sat around the coffee table with Harriet’s schedule. Albert had transcribed it from the sticky note to a bigger paper.

“Singing techniques? Art history?” Abe asked, looking at the schedule closer. “It looks like the only science type classes she takes are for her general classes.”

“So?” Albert asked.

“So, Marie said she’s, you know, part of the underground. I was expecting everything to be not so art related,” Abe said.

Albert leaned back. “Maybe she’s doing an excellent job of blending in.” He gave a sigh. “Now we just need a map of the campus to decide when would be best to bump into her.”

Billy, who had been humming the tune of the song he just sang at the college, leaned forward to search through the stack of papers the women at the registration office gave him. He pulled out a folded sheet. “There you go.”

Abe took it and opened the map. They began marking the buildings she attended for classes and at what time.

“Harriet is an early riser. None of her classes go past one in the afternoon. She’ll be gone from campus before we get out of school,” Albert said.

“She might stay and do some studying,” Billy said.

“Yeah, but we don’t know where that would be. We don’t even know what she looks like,” Albert said, trying not to freak out.

Abe pointed to a marked section of the building. “Presley is a ten-minute walk to Franklin University. She’ll be getting out of class right as we start lunch. If one of us were to skip the last ten or fifteen minutes of class tomorrow and rush over there, we’ll have the half an hour of lunch to track her down and talk to her. We don’t need long, just enough to give her the information.”

Albert nodded, rubbing his forehead. “Okay. That should work.”

“I’ll go!” Billy said, already enthusiastic about making another trip.

“There is a chance you’d be recognized, though. You did… quite the number today,” Albert said.

Billy absentmindedly smiled. “Thanks.”

“And in the song, you definitely mentioned you’re not a student at the university,” Albert said.

“Also true,” Billy said.

“Would it be bad if he was recognized?” Abe asked.

“I’m not sure. He made friends with a bunch of students there. If they saw him, they might want to talk to him,” Albert said. “And Billy might not make it to Harriet and talk with her in a somewhat private area.”

Billy shrugged. “All right. I won’t go. We don’t want to risk too much. We’ve got to keep Abe and Poe free of suspicion as long as possible.”

Abe frowned. “Why?”

“It’ll be nice if we at least have two guys who haven’t done anything suspicious we can use in case this thing with Harriet doesn’t work out.”

Albert couldn’t help but glance at Edgar, who was absently drawing a raven on a scrap piece of paper while they were chatting. What was it with that guy and ravens?

“What class do you have right before lunch tomorrow?” Abe asked, glancing at Albert.

“Orchestra. I wouldn’t mind skipping the last few minutes of it,” Albert said.

The other three nodded.

“Be safe, Albert. If you go missing, Marie will never forgive us,” Billy said.

Abe glared at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Billy pretended like he didn’t say anything as Albert smirked in Abe’s direction.