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“I like to be prepared.”
We approached the security desk that blocked the entrance to the elevators.
“Names?” The security guard barely glanced up from his phone.
“Lorelei Clay. I have an appointment with Eternity.” That line sounded far more mysterious and exciting than “I’m here to get measured for a free dress.”
His gaze flicked to Gun. “And you?”
“I’m her traveling companion.”
The guard’s features relaxed. “Like she’s the Doctor and you’re her Rose Tyler?”
“Gunther Saxon, not Rose Tyler, and she’s not a doctor.”
“You’re a fan of Dr. Who, I take it,” I said to the security guard. I’d lived in London long enough to recognize the reference.
He beamed. “Great show, right?”
“A legend in its own time … lord.”
He chuckled. “I like your style, Miss Clay.”
“I don’t,” Gun murmured. “Puns like that are beneath you.”
“You’re headed to the eighth floor.” The security guard motioned behind him. “The elevator bank to your far left.”
“Thanks.”
“Your friend stays here, though. He doesn’t have clearance.”
“Clearance?” Gun echoed. “I thought this was a fashion house.”
“It is, and your name isn’t on the schedule, which means you shall not pass.” He shifted his attention to me. “You get that, right?”
“I sure do, Gandalf.”
The security guard glanced at his screen. “I need to use the letter ‘z’ in a word. Any suggestions?”
“Wordle?” I asked.
“Online Scrabble.”
Even better. I stood on my tiptoes for a better glimpse of his screen. “Between the letters on the board and your tiles, spell muzjiks. It’ll give you the most points.”
Gun swatted my arm. “Why are you helping him when he won’t let me in?”
“Because it’s Scrabble. It’s my calling in life.”
The security guard squinted at his screen. “You’re not allowed to make up words. The computer will know.”
“It’s a real word. It means Russian peasants.”
He shot me a dubious look as he tapped his screen. A slow smile spread across his face. “What do you know? I won! Thanks. That’s the first time I’ve ever beaten Larry. He’s the security guard across the street. Went to private school in the city and thinks he’s smarter than everybody else.” He let loose a wicked cackle. “Suck it, Larry.”
“Glad I could help.”
The guard’s smile faded. “But your friend still stays down here. Rules are rules.”
