Page 144 of Beau and the Beast

“And?”

“And if we do anything to fuck with their security, I’m going straight to jail,” Noah said. “They set up a failsafe after I got into their camera system last time.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning if we have to physically go get Beau, we’re only going to have one shot at lowering their security system to do it—and I’m going to have to be prepared for some jail time.”

“What if you just used a different computer to do it? Or had someone in another location do it for you?” Lincoln asked.

“It doesn’t matter. Apparently, they’re so confident that I’m the only one who would hack in at this point, ifanyonetouches their security measures, it’ll fuck me.Me, specifically.”

“That’s bad, right? That means they’re only counting onyouto care enough to try and pull something?”

“It could be worse,” Noah said, hitching his shoulder. He couldn’t think of any immediate examples, though.

They stayed at the dinner table long after they’d finished their sandwiches and discussion, even after they’d made plans for Lincoln to go back to the building for another day of observation. Lincoln pulled beers for them out of the refrigerator without asking, popping the tab for Noah before passing his over.

“Don’t you have some, like, kickball league or competitive drinking team or something to go to?” Noah teased as Lincoln kicked back in his chair.

“I told ‘em I couldn’t come for a few weeks.”

“Shit, they lost their star player? What a drag for them.”

“There are other dudes who could step in,” Lincoln said, rolling his eyes. “There’s always a backup.”

“Sure, but without you, who’s gonna burp the theme song to ‘Cheers?’”

Lincoln narrowed his eyes at Noah before taking a few giant swallows of beer.

“Fuck. You,” he burped.

Noah laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair, pushing away and doubling over. “Oh myGod, you’re disgusting.”

“It’s ok to be jealous of my talents,” Lincoln said without missing a beat.

“Yeah, you’re a serious catch.”

“Anyway, let’s watch a movie. I’ve been watching boring rich people all day without even getting a soundtrack for it.”

Noah looked at him, trying to assess whether or not he was being serious. “You know, you can still go out and do your normal shit. You don’t have to totally halt your social life just because I’m staying with you.”

“Why do you say that? You getting stir crazy?”

“No—not at all, I didn’t mean—“

“Some guys from work are at a bar down the block. We could meet them there and—“

“Lincoln, no, I meanyougoing out and doing your own thing—“

But Noah could tell Lincoln was already bent on the idea and he rose, clapping Noah on the shoulder. “It’s like one block away. Come on. You can get some fresh air—it’ll do you good.”

“Seriously, Lincoln—“

“Don’t make me carry you, dude.”

* * *

“This guy’s a total trip, Lincoln. Where the hell have you been hiding him?”

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