Page 2 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

“The Chinese Theatre?”

“Code for ‘get attacked by overzealous street performers.’”

“It also takes us on the Sunset Strip.”

“I’d go if I was looking for a prostitute. But I’m not.”

Free kept going. “At least let’s get a picture in front of the Hollywood sign.”

“From two hundred yards away.”

“Walk Venice Beach?”

“To feel sorry for all the homeless people.”

“The Santa Monica Pier?”

“I don’t fish.”

“It has rides too and the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.”

“I’m not riding anything that was built over thirty years ago.”

Ruxs snorted as Tech and Free went back and forth. Even God’s mouth twitched, though he didn’t let it do much more.

Free sucked his teeth, glaring harder at the pamphlet with determination, “Oh. Griffith Park Observatory.”

Tech sighed. “Did you happen to pack thermal imaging goggles to see through the smog?”

“Of course not.”

“Then I’m not hiking an hour up a mountain to stare at a haze of air pollution.”

Ruxs and Day laughed.

“At least let’s do the Walk of Fame,” Free damn near whined, refusing to surrender. “It says it’s a must-experience attraction.”

“What we’re gonna experience is being pickpocketed,” Tech said. “And once our wallets are gone, how are we gonna afford the overpriced souvenirs?”

“Come on, guys.” Free lowered the pamphlet and looked around at them in disbelief. “Then what the hell are we gonna do?”

“Our fuckin’ jobs,” God said without lifting his head. “I don’t think Wes and Law intended to fund the six of us a vacation. We have shit to do.”

Free made a face. “We gotta do something fun. How often do we get to go to the West Coast and get a break from all the sickos in Atlanta?”

Day lifted a brow. “I know, right? Because there’s no sickos in Hollywood.”

Free turned desperate eyes on Tech. “Techy, please. I don’t wanna go alone.”

“Then take Ruxs.”

Free recoiled as if Tech had just suggested he hump the airport floor. “Hell no. I wanna have fun, not get arrested.”

He glanced back at Ruxs and winced. “No offense.”

Ruxs raised his middle finger.

Tech adjusted the cuff of his fancy jacket.