Apollo Robbins was a master pickpocket, and I remember a TEDTalk from ages ago on his technique.

Seems as if the brain can only pay attention to so many things at one time. Overwhelm that, and it won’t feel a hand reaching inside a pocket.

Or a blade under the ribcage.

Arklay thinks it knows, however it’s wrong.

Dead wrong.

And that’s okay. It’s okay for the town to be wrong. To be confused. To be overwhelmed by what checkers game is being played by factions, new and old.

They’re not playing chess.

Bobby Fischer. Gary Kasparov.

Their opponents never saw checkmate coming.

Neither will Arklay.

King’s Gambit.

Accepted.

Now, watch the pawns fall.