Hey y'all, it is time for season 8 of La Valle Burton Reads. Can you believe it? I am

back next Tuesday, February 2nd, and this season, I'm sensing a theme. Individual acts

in the face of big moral questions. Whether it's one being trying to help all of humanity

break its cycles of destruction, an exasperated government employee figuring out how to deal

with a racist old woman, or a professional thief who puts her heist skills to a more noble

purpose. In all of these stories, it comes down to one person's choice.

Now, you know I wouldn't leave you hanging without a little sneak peek, so here is a bit

of the story, The Take Back Tangle, by Rebecca Rohnhorse. I would be in and out before they

even knew they'd been robbed. I slid the lock pick into my hand, ready to get to work.

Oh, what have we here? A voice just to my left. I spun holding the pick out as a weapon,

expecting to see the Burley Security Guard, but it was the boy from before, the Imperium

snot. What are you doing here? I whispered harshly, brandishing the pick. I wasn't much

for violence, but I'd protect myself if I had to. The boy lifted his hands in the

universal sign of innocence, and one hand was a crowbar. Came back for a little smash and

grab myself. Didn't expect to find company. You're a thief, I asked in disbelief. I prefer

artifacts, liberator. I can't wait for you to hear the entire story.

reason 8 begins February 2nd. Subscribe now in your favorite podcast app.