The guard smiled for the first time since our arrival. “It’s been a privilege working with him. The man does such important work.”
The man’s smile froze, as if he was only then realizingwewere Magnum’s “important work.”
We hadn’t been able to tell if everyone in Ridgemore was in on Magnum’s murdery plans, or if there were varying tiers informed on a need-to-know basis. Based on the guard’s deer-in-the-headlights look, he knew Magnum liked us slow roasted to a crisp over a spit.
Layla said.
No doubt he was.
I hated that Magnum had made us his bitches too.
The soldier ducked into the guardhouse, and the gate started to open on oiled hinges. As its halves swung slowly inward, the guard called out, “Good luck with the baby.”
Hunt gave a burdened, “Yeah, man, thanks,” to seal his Oscar-worthy performance, and finally Brady guided Bonnie down the long drive.
Layla asked.
Brady said.
Brady’s comment swiftly returned the solemnity to our group.
Layla said, though she’d talked as much as he had.
Brady snorted.
I said as Bonnie wound through stretches of dense forest on either side.
Layla said.
I said on a heavy sigh.
Layla nudged me in the ribs with a pointy elbow and a fleeting grin.
Brady parked in front of the main entrance to the house, a massive double door that was as tall as several humans. No guards rushed out to question us or lead us to their master.
We tried the door, but it was locked. After circling the house, we discovered the sliding glass door from the pool unlocked, however. We slipped inside, still without anyone popping up to escort us.
Elegantly dim recessed lights illuminated just enough of the house to keep us from bumping into furniture.
“Hello? Uncle Magnum?” Layla called out softly.
Brady whirled on her.
Somehow I doubted we were going to get quite that lucky.Easy-peasyhadn’t exactly featured prominently in our vocabulary lately.
Layla said.
Griffin said before purposefully bumping his arm against mine.
