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“That’s it?” said Niles. “That’s the story?”
“Yup,” said Essence.
“Well, that’s boring,” said Niles. “You guys have some weird entangled thing going on, though, right? You’re totally fucking.”
“We’re just friends,” growled Decker.
“I think you’re being pushy,” said Dahlia to Niles. “Why don’t you just leave them alone?” She tapped her chin. “Or, I know, why don’t we find someone with bolt cutters?”
Niles raised his eyebrows. “That’s an idea.”
“Bolt cutters,” said Essence, shaking her head. “We didn’t even think…”
“Yeah, or a key or something, right?” said Decker.
“I don’t even think there’s a keyhole,” said Essence.
“Fucking magic cuffs,” said Decker.
“Who would have bolt cutters?” said Essence. “Do you, Niles?”
“Me?” said Niles, laughing. “Do I look like a bolt-cutters kind of guy?”
“What’s that even mean?” said Decker.
“I guess you don’t have any,” said Essence to him.
“No, I don’t go around needing to cut into metal chains all the time,” said Decker.
“Maybe the werewolves,” said Dahlia. “I’m friends with the cerberus.”
“Hey, we’re invited to some kind of elaborate couple thing with Valdi and Astrid and Eloise and the three-headed dogman,” said Niles.
“Definitely never call them that to their faces,” said Dahlia. “I’m going to text them.”
“Wait, you text with the three-headed dogman?” said Niles.
“Yes,” said Dahlia, “and really, stop calling them that. This is what friendship is like, Niles. You should try it sometime.”
Niles shrugged, sliding his arm around Dahlia. “Whatever. I have no time for friendship, not now—”
“That you own a restaurant and never have a day off,” finished Dahlia, looking at her phone.
“Look, the only thing is,” said Essence, “we’re supposed to stay here and wait for Hollis, and if we run off again, we might miss him.”
“Yeah,” said Decker. “We ran into some Kevin guy who touched the cuffs and told us that he thought if he removed them, there might be unforeseen consequences. What if something bad happens if we cut them off?”
“Oh, that’s something to think about,” said Essence, chewing on her lower lip.
“I’m just texting the cerberus,” said Dahlia. “See if they even have bolt cutters. If they don’t, it’s a moot point.”
“True,” agreed Essence.
They all went quiet.
Dahlia looked up. “I sent it. We just have to wait.”
“So,” said Niles, “did you guys fuck for the first time after you got handcuffed, then?”
