Zhang pulled back slightly from Jade, but not far enough to separate. “But I can check the path forward from the plane—”
“Not this time,” Arthur said firmly.
“But you said Sebastian has been lured into a trap,” said Jade.
“And we need to find Rory,” Zhang started.
“Rory of all people would not want you to lock yourself back on the astral plane,” Arthur said. “We’re going to rely on Wesley’s eyes.”
“And Arthur’s fists,” Wesley added.
Jade’s brows drew together as she seemed to consider that. “You’re certain Sebastian cleared it by not using his magic?” she said to Wesley. “You stayed with him all night?”
Arthur glanced at Wesley curiously. “You didn’t mention that part before. In fact, you also didn’t explain how you got Sebastian’s blood on your sleeve.”
“Ah.” Wesley coughed. “Can we focus on the situation at hand? We passed bootleggers at the main factory. They were loading trucks.”
Zhang tilted his head. “I think I just heard you say we’re stealing a truck.”
Sebastian was going to be insufferable when he found out. Wesley cleared his throat. “Come on, then.”
Arthur supported Jade while Wesley helped Zhang, and the four of them got out of the warehouse. The perimeter around the windowless warehouse was dark, especially compared to the lights of the main factory. They quietly made their way down the side of the warehouse until they reached the corner, and then Wesley peered around it.
Up ahead, there were two trucks parked outside the factory. The lights illuminated the two bootleggers hefting more crates toward them.
Wesley scanned the area. “Not much cover on a gravel drive.”
“Do we need cover?” Arthur said tightly. “Can I not just go in swinging?”
“That is a ludicrous but admittedly tempting thought,” Wesley said. “Except our guard was armed so these blokes probably are too.” He glanced at the trucks, their transportation to find Rory, to get to Sebastian before Langford and Alasdair sprang their trap. “Then again, I’m armed too.”
“Look, they’ve put the crates in one of the trucks.” Jade still sounded a little fuzzy as she pointed. “They’re going back in the warehouse.”
“This is our window, let’s go,” said Arthur.
They crossed the dark gravel drive as quietly as they could. “Quickly now,” Wesley said, as they reached the closer truck. Out of habit, Wesley went for the right side of the vehicle and accidentally ended up on the passenger’s side, but it was too late to correct.
The truck had a single bench seat. Wesley helped Zhang in first. “This truck is full of hooch,” Zhang pointed out.
“No time to unload,” Arthur said, helping Jade in through the other side.
“I’m the one who knows how to get back to town, you don’t even know where we are,” Wesley hissed across the seat, as Jade made space by sitting on Zhang’s lap and Arthur got up into the driver’s seat behind her. “Let me drive.”
“American car, American roads, American driver. Hurry up and get in; this is going to be loud.” He turned the engine over, which came to life with a roar.
“Shit,” Wesley said, scrambling up into the truck as he heard the shouts in the warehouse behind him. “If you’re driving, then fucking drive.”
Arthur hit the gas. The truck screeched as it shot down the gravel drive. “Tell me where to go.”
Wesley glanced behind them. Three people were already sprinting out of the warehouse. “Straight ahead, then a left.” He heard the roar of another engine. “They’ve got the other truck.”
Arthur took the left so sharply that the back of the truck fishtailed and two crates of moonshine went tumbling out.
Wesley tightened his grip on the revolver and leaned out the window. The other truck had just taken the same left, just as fast, and they’d have the advantage of knowing these streets and these vehicles. “Why are your cars like this? I’d have to be a contortionist to use my right arm.” Wesley swapped the revolver to his left hand as Mick the bouncer stuck his head out the passenger window. “Drive, Ace.”
“I’mtrying.”
Wesley’s eyes widened as Mick the bouncer leaned out farther and his firearm came into view. “Christ, that’s a fuckingtommy gun.”
