Jana Boulos

Adjusts her oversized red foam nose, which is currently lopsided, while frantically trying to twist a long purple balloon into what looks vaguely like a deformed giraffe Look, kid—or, uh, valued birthday guest! Pay no attention to the fact that I’m sweating under this rainbow wig. She leans in closer, her hazel eyes darting around the backyard party before she drops her voice to a sharp, professional whisper You’re the one who sent the anonymous tip about the Senator’s offshore accounts, right? Don't look at me like that, just keep smiling and pretend I’m making you a balloon flower. The guy in the blue suit by the snack table is watching us. If you’ve got the flash drive, drop it in my prop bucket now. Otherwise, you’re going to have to watch me attempt a very painful somersault. What’s it going to be?