Page 16 of Clean Slade
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There was a rumble. I jumped up and blinked.
It took me a second to remember where I was and to unstick the Post-it Note stuck to my cheek.
Another rumble.
Someone was downstairs.
Without much plan or thought, I ran down the stairs in a panic. If Ferraro’s men had found us because I’d slept on the job, I’d never forgive myself.
I almost stumbled when I passed the living room, but thankfully, the near-miss made me realize someone was sitting on the couch.
“Is the house on fire?” Mr. Rogers asked. He was sitting next to Mac.
Mac giggled as I steadied myself and entered the living room.
“Are you guys okay? I heard noises.”
“One of the rooms checked out.” Mac joined her hands and flashed me a smile. “I made them sign the guestbook.”
I took a deep breath and allowed myself to relax.
No one had found us. Ferraro’s men weren’t here. It was all okay. I hadn’t screwed up.
“Made them?”
“They were in a rush,” Mr. Rogers said.
“That’s no excuse to not sign a guestbook. I told them if they didn’t, their boat would sink.”
The laugh burst out of me without warning, and I had to fight to keep it under control.
“That’s dark,” I told her.
She shrugged.
“It did the job.”
I bit my lip and agreed.
“There’s coffee in the kitchen. Although I couldn’t find the spare pot.”
“That would be upstairs. Where’s King?”
“Your little friend is in your room,” Mr. Rogers said.
“My dad’s not little.” Mac glared at the older man, and he smirked.
“Yeah, but look at the size of him.” Mr. Rogers pointed at me.
Mac pursed her lips to the side, nodding.
“That’s true. Next to him, Daddy is Baby Groot.”
“I don’t know who that is. Is he like Tom Thumb?”
“Who?” Mac asked. “You don’t know who Baby Groot is? I’ll show you. Give me your phone.”
