Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 128812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 644(@200wpm)___ 515(@250wpm)___ 429(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 644(@200wpm)___ 515(@250wpm)___ 429(@300wpm)
To look where he wants us to, we have to put our backs to him, but Zeus pulls his chair out really far, keeping the man in his periphery. I turn and look, seeing Bobby's smile grow even wider.
"What is this about?" he asks as the screen comes to life, playing back a video of us from minutes ago when we first pulled up to the gate.
I watch as the video zooms in on us, looking through the windshield and taking it all in.
"I don't want to speak out of turn," I say.
"I insist," Bobby urges.
"There's a weakness in your line," I say, pointing at the lower right of the screen where part of the tin wall has separated.
I look back at the man to find him glaring at Gene, who is standing across the room. The look he's giving him says this has already been discussed, and it better be taken care of immediately.
"And two?" I ask, doing my best to look as cool as a cucumber even though the threat of bile is burning the back of my throat.
"I wanted to say thanks for leaving the bottle of water for me last night. My throat was on fire when I woke up this morning."
"Gotten high too many times. I know what it's like," Zeus says, the lie rolling easily off his tongue.
It's also a way for the man to get on better terms with the group, since he was a consolation prize in the package deal.
Bobby dips his head. There's no chastisement, no suggestion of how we could've handled the situation differently.
Unease washes over me, the conversation we had last night when he was passed out running through my head. I don't doubt the guy was pretending to be higher, or at least acting like he was higher than he actually was, just so he could listen to our conversation. It wouldn't be the first time someone tried to trick me, but I was so concerned about Zeus and how what they had done was affecting him that I wasn't even thinking.
Bobby doesn't mention any of it.
"I'd like to extend an official invitation to join The League of Liberty to both of you," Bobby says. Although I have a million and one questions, I simply let a smile spread across my face.
Joy, I don't really feel, comes out of me in a light chuckle, and I reach over to shake his hand. I know that someone like the man I'm portraying would be incredibly happy to be a part of this organization.
He accepts, then reaches past me to shake Zeus's hand as well.
"I have court in a few weeks," Zeus says. "I can't miss it."
Bobby nods in understanding. "Who's your attorney?"
I freeze, knowing there's a very good chance Zeus didn't take the time to read his fucking bio.
Zeus shrugs. "I've had so fucking many."
I'm still as a statue during the pause, wondering if our position in the group is going to be the shortest in their history.
"Can't remember his fucking name, but it's the guy with a big enough gap between his teeth that an NFL kicker could use it for fucking field goal practice."
Bobby sneers. "Roger fucking Goldberg. He's the biggest dick. Almost got ten because of his stupid ass. We'll get you someone better."
He sits back for a second, thinking, before leaning forward in his chair.
"Unless you want to be someone on the inside."
I know the man knows exactly what he's asking of Zeus, and I can't help but think it's another test. Do they expect him to go to jail to do their bidding from inside a correctional facility?
"I'd be of better use to you on the outside," Zeus assures him.
"I agree," Bobby says, and a wave of relief washes over me.
I know it does, Zeus, as well with the way his shoulders relax a little.
"You guys carried yourselves very well last night," Bobby praises. "Efficient. In and out."
It becomes clear very quickly that the way he was acting last night was a way for them to tell how we'd handle ourselves in that sort of situation, as if there's no need or expectation of violence unless necessary. It doesn't mean they're good people. It's obvious that they aren't, but bringing extra heat because a robbery turned violent is the very last thing they want. It speaks of their expectations and organization. It makes it clear that they want to be around for a very long time and operate without too many eyes on them.
"The way you moved last night makes me think you have some sort of military experience," Bobby says to him.
Zeus shrugs, his face passive, although I know the scrutiny has to rattle him a little.
"I played a lot of Xbox, paintball, and shit when I was a kid. I think maybe I was born to be part of the military, but my criminal history at a young age put a pin in that shit."