Page 36 of Spies Like Us

“I think it’s safe to say that Jessica has come to her senses about the people she hangs out with. Don’t be surprised if she’s nicer and wants to hang out at lunch now,” I warn her, and she shrugs.

“I don’t care, I knew it was bound to happen. Steph and Sally may not be as accepting, since they tend to hold grudges.”

I chuckle. “That doesn’t surprise me. Would you like me to take that up to her?” I ask.

“Yeah, that would be great. Martha called earlier and said she and James weren’t going to be home this evening—dinner at his brother’s place—so I’m just going to make some grilled cheese for us for dinner.”

“Okay, I’m going to take a nap. I have to work tonight, but I’ll set my alarm to come help. What time are you going to do it?” I ask her, but she waves me off.

“The boys can help me. I’ll wake you half an hour before they are ready so you have time to shower and dress for work,” she offers, and I don’t bother arguing.

“Thanks, that would be great. Ryland is picking Miller and me up at six thirty, so maybe five thirty.”

She agrees, and I take the tea upstairs. When I get to our room, Jessica is asleep, so I put the mug on the nightstand next to her bed and dump my backpack next to my own. I strip off the dress and throw on my oversize shirt, and then I dig out a fresh pair of underwear, sliding them up my legs, before climbing into my bed. I pull my phone out of my bag and set the alarm before rolling over and closing my eyes. I hope it doesn’t take too long to fall asleep.

The house is loud and hectic when I finally make it downstairs after showering and putting on my uniform. Thankfully, Matthew gave me two yesterday, otherwise I’d have to wear the dirty one from last night. I need to do some laundry before my next shift on Thursday.

A piercing whistle sounds across the kitchen, and the rowdy teens fall into silence as they all turn to look at me. “Holy smoking hot pants,” Ty mutters and grins wolfishly at me.

I roll my eyes and join them at the table. “Settle, tiger. It’s hardly my fault their uniform makes me look like this.”

“And you’ve seen it before, asshole. Sybil used to wear one just like it.” Stephanie slaps him on the back of the head as my eyes meet Miller’s and hold for a moment. I’m not stupid, I know I look good, but the sheer desire I see in his gaze is kind of staggering, and I’m speechless for a moment before he quickly blanks his expression and takes a bite of his grilled cheese.

“You look good, Mac,” Jessica says kindly, and they all turn and stare at her like she had a personality transplant. She looks around and shrugs sheepishly. “Yeah, sorry I was an asshole,” she apologizes, and just like that, all is forgiven.

“Trust me, Sybil never looked like that,” Will argues. “She was all long limbs and little titties. It looks so much better on Mac.”

“How about you all shush and eat?” Cassie instructs. “Mac doesn’t have long before she has to go.” She slides a plate in front of me.

“Did you all help her?” I ask, picking up my sandwich. “You didn’t make her wait on everyone, did you?”

Stephanie shakes her head. “No. Jessica, Sally, and I helped make them, and the boys are going to clean up.”

“Good. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help. I promise I’ll do better next time.”

“Don’t worry about it. It will all even out eventually.” Cassie waves me off, and I decide I definitely want Dad to see if these kids are interested in being recruited by MITHOS. They are such a great bunch of kids, and I don’t want to see them get bounced around if the Standishes end up being crooks.

Chapter 16

The club is a lot quieter this evening. There is still a big dinner crowd, but the dance floor isn’t so packed with people. Anders is busy teaching Miller how to make drinks, so we haven’t had a chance to get caught fucking yet, but I know it’s coming. Matthew has been a solid presence at the end of the bar the whole night, so I guess he doesn’t want to miss out on his chance to catch us.

None of the rest of Team Basilisk come in. Ryland said they were planning on using the tunnel in the library to access the network. It would be easier than going out to the ranger’s cabin and going from there. Lathan managed to clone the card, and they were going to slip Ben’s back on his desk on their way past. Hopefully he didn’t notice it missing yet.

Ryland and Miller said they spent the rest of the afternoon in the library, and it was closing when Anders called to tell them about finding Bishop’s body. They followed along with the act and told the girls. Miller said they looked shocked and upset upon hearing of his death, so either they were Academy Award winning actresses, or they really knew nothing about it.

I approach a new table of patrons who just arrived. It’s a group of men, and when I look up, I’m surprised to find James, his brother Ted, Father Sweeny, and Brock Marshall, the guidance counselor. A wave of goosebumps washes across my skin as the four of them leer at me.

“Hi, welcome to the Life Lounge. The kitchen is closed, but can I get you something to drink?” I give them my spiel, smiling politely.

“Good evening, Mac. Can you get us a pitcher of beer and let Matthew know we’re here?” James replies.

“Miss Walsh, I see you didn’t need my help getting a job.” Mr. Marshall sounds annoyed.

“Oh no, thanks anyway, but I stopped in after school and had an interview, and they gave me the job on the spot.”

“Must have been a good interview to hire you on the spot,” he mutters, and Ted elbows him.

“Oh, it was.” I wink at him, and he blinks with surprise before he recovers quickly.

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