Page 37 of Zachary

“I’ve had a look through what you sent, and you’re missing a full site survey. It’s impossible for me to give a definite answer without that.”

“A full site survey,” I repeat. Garrett’s ears prick up. “Okay, so no definites without a site survey, but if you had to give an opinion? Do you think it’s worth getting a site survey?”

“Yes,” he says immediately. “I looked up information from sites I think would be similar, and I’d absolutely recommend getting the survey. My money’s on it showing that this is a viable project.” He hesitates. “Expensive, though. Can you be sure you’ll get a return on investment?”

“We think so.” My thoughts are racing. I’m slightly distracted by how professional Hagen sounds—I don’t know him well, but all week in the chat, he hasn’t struck me as focused or serious. Now, though… if he’s right, I don’t know why Zac would have shelved the project. Could he have already gotten the site surveyand it was just somewhere else? Or maybe he doesn’t think the village can afford the startup costs?

“Thanks, Hagen. If I track down a site survey, I’ll let you know.” I do a mental calculation—it's late there. “I really appreciate you spending your Friday night on this.”

“No problem. That’s what support bros are for. Plus, the whole heist thing? Epic, man. I’m impressed.”

I flush with pleasure and mumble my goodbyes. “Did you get all that?” I ask Garrett, and he shifts into his biped form.

“Yes. Sounds like we need to get a site survey.”

“How, though? We’re right back where we started—if we confront them without being sure it’s a good idea, they’ll stonewall us. And we can’t just get a site survey without people wanting to know why.”

Garrett’s eyes narrow. “Just leave it to me.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Zac

I wanderinto the kitchen and stop. At some point during my workout, our house apparently became the place to be.

“Hi,” I say. “Is someone making breakfast?” It’s the only reason I can think of for not only Micah and Cam, but also Zoe and Ronan to be here in the—now crowded—kitchen with Asher and Garrett.

“Breakfast would be good,” Garrett says. “But that’s not why we’re here.”

“It’s not?”

“You live here,” Asher reminds him.

I’m not sure what’s going on, but I think pancakes are going to be needed. Bacon, too.

“I know I live here, Asher. I’m not an idiot.” Garrett stops and takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I haven’t had much sleep.”

“About that,” Micah interrupts, frowning. “Nobody told me movie night was going to be a sleepover. I was worried.”

“It was part of your penance,” Cam informs him. I have no idea what that means, but as Micah’s cousin and brother in all but name, it’s my job to enjoy moments like these.

Micah’s brows draw together, and he looks at me, mouthing, “Penance?”

I shrug and get out the flour.

“Okay,” Asher says in his reasonable oldest-cousin voice that always made me want to hit him, “Clearly there’s something on your mind, and since you dragged Micah over here, too, I assume it’s something you want to share with us all?”

Garrett smiles at him, and while Asher instantly relaxes and smiles back, something about it makes me suspicious. I try to look as busy as possible preparing the pancake batter while keeping an eye on everyone. Something is definitely going on.

“I need some help, actually. We,” he gestures to his little posse, “were talking last night about what will happen when the museum’s up and running. I know, I know, there’s ages until then.” He makes a wry face. “But you know I get excited about projects. And Ronan’s finding some incredible stuff. I already know for sure we’re going to have academics swarming the place.”

Asher looks at Micah, who shrugs. “That’s what we’re hoping for, right?”

Garrett’s gaggle all nod. It’s… creepy.

“Yeah. And I know long-term plans are already in progress to add some hotels to the village, but that’s going to take a while.”

“We’ve talked about this,” Micah reminds him. “Short-term, we can teleport academics in daily—or if you have an elf lined up to do portals, even better. We can easily set up accommodation for them in Zurich until the village is better equipped.”

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