Page 60 of Hell Breaks Loose

“Sing?” Mannie asks, continuing the trend. Every once in a while, I ask some innocuous question about things they like. Bonus, I know how to reward them better.

Might not buy true loyalty, but honey and flies.

“Probably organic wheat paste and protein powder.” Jay snickers. “Beep-boop. Insert fuel.”

“Ooh, or maybe he’s solar powered, eh?”

“I’m certain I’ve seen him at least pretend to eat once or twice. Do robots have taste buds, Senegal?” I add, riding the line of impropriety.

I can’t help myself.

Humor has always been my go-to therapy for staying sane.

And as long as I don’t go overboard, it seems to endear these blockheads even more. Just have to make sure they understand who’s in charge.

“I enjoy Mediterranean cuisine.” Sing says softly, looking out the window. “And barbecuing smartasses.”

The last comment is almost inaudible and has me slow turning to look at him, covering my mouth to keep from snort-laughing.

“Looks like the generator’s working,” Jay announces, turning onto the long, walled drive to the mansion.

“Thank goodness. Make sure everyone has a chance to clean up, rotate guard duty, and let me know what our food situation looks like.”

“Sing didn’t tell you? The rear van is loaded up with everything your majesty could want. Miss Jessica tagged along for the ride, too.”

“That… is the best news I’ve heard all day.”

Two armed men in sunglasses and polos wave us through the gate, and in moments we’re on the lawn, or what’s left of it, stretching and giving the place a once-over. It looks pretty much untouched, aside from the damage to the trees, the mud slogged through the grounds. Hopefully, the house didn’t flood too much.

“Wait here.”

“Why?”

“Because my job,” Sing snaps coldly, heading off to sweep the house and the guest building.

Gotta give the guy credit, he does it well. And I’ll admit that I trust him more than the rest of my security detail.

After a few minutes, he trots down the main entryway stairs, giving me the ‘all clear’ to head inside.

Being here is so strange.

Not that Tell ever really called this place home, not really.

But it was his family’s. Just knowing that he grew up in these walls stings in an odd, remorseful way. At the same time, it makes me feel closer to him.

So much so that I almost expect to see him around every corner on my way to the office on the second floor. I keep looking for green eyes in my crew, a sign that he’s infiltrated my inner circle.

God, I would love for him to infiltrate me in any way, right now.

Wow. Focus.

“Orders?”

“Get settled in. Once we have the lay of the land, I want to put out feelers to the locals. See who’s in charge where. Our first move needs to be restoring some order to the parts of town still standing. Power. Water.”

I rattle it all off, like I actually know what the fuck I’m talking about.

Fake it ‘til you make it, right?

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