Julian stares.
Lachlan waits.A glass windowpops.
And then the kid spits in his face.
?
Lachlan reports the incident in full to Clara who seems impressed at Lachlan’s tactics.Hedoestake pains to explain that a degree of friction in the first few weeks is to be expected as he doesn’t want her to think this is how it’ll be forever, but she’s not concerned at all.
‘No scars, no blood, no long-term injuries, otherwise it’s your jurisdiction,’ she confirms, signing over a hazard bonus in cheque form, which he’ll mail directly to Margot.‘Mr Penhalyx has faith in you.’
Julian has been in a foul mood ever since theSUV BBQand Lachlan’s smart enough to know that he’s definitely plotting some hideous revenge.He’s on his guard while supervising the installation of primary upgrades, he’swatchful.
He still doesn’t see it coming a mile away.
Lachlan can go a long time without sleep before it affects his cognitive function.During this first two-week lockdown, he’s on three hours of sleep spread throughout the day.Maybe it’s because he’s not used to dealing with fuckingchildren.Maybe it’s because he’s right at the very start of realising how different Julian is from everyone else on the planet.
Maybe he just didn’t expect it because… who would?
He’s been looking out for shit like worms in his bed or snot in his food.
Kid pranks with a sting.
Lachlan is a very light sleeper, so it wakes him almost immediately.The slight shift of the mattress, the creak of springs, a breath before the telltaleclickof a hammer drawn back, those things alert him, but they come in second to the wholly unexpected sensation of weight on his chest.
He’s wide awake in an instant but can’t move.
Julian has Lachlan’s own gun and he’s aiming it at him from above while straddling Lachlan’s chest.
‘Hi,’ the kid says, sorely lacking inflection for someone holding a P229.His stare is focused but flatline.Lachlan’s mind bursts to life with scenarios.The hammer is drawn back.
Julian’s finger is already compressed around the trigger.
Lachlan remains entirely lax, doesn’t react.‘Hi.’
‘The others never had permission.’
Lachlan scans for context, secures it.‘That must be scary.’
Julian inclines his head slowly, blinking like an owl.‘What else did he give you permission to do?’
The gun is shaking.
‘Protect you.Manage you.Keep you safe.’
‘By whatever means necessary?’
‘No, there are parameters.’
‘Tell me them.’
Lachlan hesitates, sifting through best outcomes.Honesty has the best-case scenario yield.‘No scars, no blood, nothing permanent.’
Despite clearly suspecting it, Julian’s brow still lifts in pure childish astonishment.The split second his attention breaks is enough.Lachlan rips the gun from his hand, knocks him sideways onto the bed and pins him down hard before he can recover.Julian immediately fights back, twisting violently beneath him, clawing for the weapon.
He must have felt powerful holding it.
Lachlan pins him down until his strength ebbs.
