Page 121 of The Fake Out Flex

"That's right. You'll be fine. There's nothing to worry about."

"Thanks."

I look around the group, inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth, and think about all the additional hurdles they face in their lives. My determination sets, harder than ever. I can do this.

I will do this.

We're gathered at Spire 73, which, on a normal day, is the tallest open-air bar in America. It's closed this morning while we do our stunt. I mean story.

Okay, yes, it's totally a stunt. I know that. But I need a unique angle to hook viewers. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a great cause, but I'm competing for attention with wars, sports, politics, and whatever thin sliver of material Miley Cyrus calls a dress and wears to an awards show.

"How ya doing, Evie?" Mason asks with a friendly smile.

He's the safety coordinator for the company that organized this jump and got all the required permits and clearances needed for jumping off one of the tallest buildings in the country in one of the busiest cities during rush hour. I have no idea how they managed to pull it off.

"Ask me in ten minutes…assuming I'm still alive."

"It's normal to feel nervous," he says warmly. "Everything has been triple-checked to ensure safety. The equipment is top-notch and designed to keep you secure. The team here is professional and has an excellent safety record. You're in good hands."

"Thanks. How many times have you recited that speech?"

"About ten thousand."

"Okay. That's reassuring. I'm assuming everyone has survived?"

He grins. "They have. Hey, listen. Once you're back on solid ground, I don't suppose I could bug you for an autograph?"

"You want my autograph?"

He grimaces. "Sorry. I wasn't clear. I, uh, meant Fraser's autograph."

"Ah. That makes much more sense."

"It's just that my niece worships the guy. She's obsessed with hockey. You should see her. She even scribbles down notes during a game, and then reads them out to us once it's over."

I can't help but smile. "Reminds me of someone I know. The autograph will be no problem. I'll get your details after. And by after, I mean after the jump, not in the afterlife."

"Awesome. Thank you."

He's about to check on the others when I ask him, "Does your niece play?"

"No. She lives in Starlight Cove." That's a few towns over from Comfort Bay. "There aren't any teams for girls in that area."

Of course there aren't.

"Look. I should check on the others. Keep breathing and try to relax. Once you jump, the exhilaration is unmatched. You're about to experience something truly amazing."

"Thanks, Mason."

As he attends to the others, I slip away to the edge of the rooftop. The view is spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of the entire Los Angeles basin. The western horizon stretches out to the Pacific Ocean. To the north and east, the peaks of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains offer a stunning contrast to the skyscrapers of Downtown LA. Looking north, the iconic Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory are visible, nestled in the Hollywood Hills.

And looking down.

Whoa. Not a good idea.

I pull back sharply from the ledge, my heart pounding in my throat.

This is really high.

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