Page 91 of Mack's Horribly Hellacious Ghost Town
“In the meantime, let me gather up some people, tell them how we can help you. Do you have all the elements you need?”
“No, I need a million tent spikes or something similar. I have to make the charmed spikes.”
“Ah. Then I’m going to send you and Lachlan to the store to buy what you need.” I waggled my brows, feeling quite mischievous. “Maybe a little alone time will get you two talking.”
He looked amused by my eyebrow waggling, a grin lingering about his mouth. “I’m fine with that.”
Really, we moved around in one big group most of the time, so it was hard to catch anyone alone unless you were sleeping with them.
“Sit for a second, I’ll send Lachlan to you first.”
I knew he was sneaking in a little equipment maintenance while we had some downtime. He’d probably pass on polishing a sword if he could have time with Seiji.
Fortunately, he was on the back patio alone, as everyone else was taking the chance to relax while they could. It was a prime moment and I took it.
“Lachlan,” I greeted, sliding the door shut behind me.
He paused in the re-oiling of his claymore. Holy oil, eh? Yeah, probably a good addition to your blade in this crazy place.
“Yeah, mate?”
“Seiji has informed me he could really use some help figuring out how big that locker is, and he needs a crap ton of tent spikes to pull it off. Can you go to the store with him to buy everything?”
He shrugged and set the sword aside. The little curve of his mouth said to me he was eager for a chance to have Seiji alone.
I put a hand on his shoulder to stay him, leaning down a little to meet his eyes. “Listen to me. When you’re out, ask the man on a date. Be direct about it.”
He froze, and the hope in his hazel eyes was almost criminal. “You’re taking the piss.”
“If you listen to me, you’ll have what your heart desires. So please use the one brain cell I know you have, okay? I gave it back to you this morning for a reason.”
“Fuck me, mate, what do you ken?”
“A lot. I just had a very interesting talk with Seiji. Now, ask him out, then ask him about the conversation, and you’ll be in the Land of Opportunities.”
“No need to tell me twice.”
Aaand he was off! I think air just vacuumed in his wake. Damn impressive, how lust could push the speed of sound. I enjoyed a mastermind chuckle as he left the patio.
So this was what it felt like to Know Things other people didn’t, eh? Wow, the power kick was kinda insane. I now realized why Jon was so insufferable sometimes. It was really heady stuff. I’d get a kick from doing this all the time too.
Now, Lachlan, don’t screw this up. I set you up, please come through like I think you will.
I kept walking, as there was a shaded area farther into the yard, and I saw Gwyn had made friends with some of the mutts on the property. One was flopped on her feet, belly up, tongue dangling, getting all the love.
I wouldn’t say anything to the others about Lachlan and Seiji, as that was their thunder, not mine. But I could alert everyone else to the mammoth task I’d just volunteered us for.
Eli, Quinn, Davina, and Booker were hanging out back there as well. Some had drinks in hand, others were just kicked back and chatting. There was a little firepit built into the center, but of course, in this desert heat, no one was tempted to put a fire together. Maybe later tonight, after it had cooled way down. I waved as I approached to get their attention.
“Hey, all, just had a talk with Seiji. He’s asked for ground support.”
Quinn immediately asked, “What does he need?”
“He needs to know the size of the locker. He’s not sure how far out from the ghost town it goes.”
Booker let out a drawn out, “Oh yeah. Shit, didn’t think of that. We really don’t know how big the area is. Just that it ends before you hit Black Rock.”
“He’s got this method with tuning forks and tent spikes to trace it all out and mark it, it just means a lot of walking. It’s too much for him to do alone, so I offered to help.”
