Page 65 of Robin and Marian
Alan lowered next to Scarlett on the opposite couch. Robin had him hooked. It was like old times again. “You only need to talk to these investors and convince them that their land is worth something,” Robin told them. “Just don’t leave a paper trail. So who wants to talk to who? Technically, I can’t get within ten feet from them…”
No one wanted to be the first to volunteer and so Marian raised her hand. “I’ll talk to my aunt.”
Robin nodded as if expecting that, but he looked pleased all the same. Scarlett and Alan decided on approaching the Bertrams at the party that night. Tuck volunteered to talk to Old Man Pete and the twins—he was already going shooting with them in the morning. They were Robin Hood’s band of Merry Men again. The team was back together—the only one missing was Little John. And they’d have him soon. Without his Mayfair, none of this would work.
“While you’re at it, get rid of Guy’s charity,” Tuck said in his crazy way. “It’s not real. It’s just money that he funnels to himself.”
Tuck’s last statement stunned everyone, but he reached for another muffin on the tray that Mrs. Koch had left for the sheriff and chewed nonchalantly.
“Global Kids for Veterans?” Robin asked with a snort. “I should’ve known.”
“Wait. Whoareyou?” Alan’s voice cracked on the question and Marian hid a smile. She knew the feeling.
“He’s Friar Tuck,” Robin said.
Chapter 17
The soft glow of lights from the King Estate spread over the cherry red hood of the Engler F.F. It was a formidable quad cycle with the hood and trunk of a sleek sports car, and every motor enthusiast’s dream come true. Robin should’ve guessed that it didn’t belong to Guy. It was too original. The vehicle wasn’t exactly discreet for what they were planning, but it was all they had.
Robin sat behind the handlebars, listening to the music pour from the building. Richard’s second banquet of the week was in full-swing. Robin and Marian planned to skip it, and someone else seemed to be skipping it too. Little John. He was nowhere to be found and he wasn’t answering his cell, either. They had to find him because he’d know the people who would need their help.
Marian came from the darkness and straddled the seat behind him. She wore a bright orange blouse, jean shorts, and had pulled her hair back. She wasn’t looking exactly discreet either; even in the proximity of the Engler F.F., she was the most beautiful thing there. Her dangly earrings swung with her head as she grappled with the white helmet. “Aren’t you afraid your grandfather will miss you?” she asked.
“I’m sure Richard will be relieved.” It would also make it easier for Scarlett, Alan, and Tuck to reach the investors and talk them out of selling their land.
“You underestimate yourself.” She tugged the helmet over her head. “You bring the crowds.”
She struggled with the straps, and he twisted, using his good hand to stay the buckle. “Nah, they’re here for all that greenery you and Guy collected in the forest.”
She returned that with a ready laugh, cocking her head at him. “Are you going to tease me about that?”
“Only until you tell me that you like me better than Guy.”
Her nose squinched up with her smile. He thought it was adorable.
“Hey,” he said in some excitement. “No consoles and no seatbelts.” That meant there was nothing to get in between them. He’d already swung around the bike to face her, and she giggled when he ran his fingers through the ends of her long hair. Marian smelled like raspberries, and he inhaled the scent of her while he kissed her malleable lips. She was everything sweet.
“Robin!” She tilted her head back to look at him. “I want you to promise me that you won’t do anything dangerous tonight.”
“Yeah,” he murmured against her mouth. “Yeah.” He opened his eyes and soaked in her beautiful brown eyes. “Yeah.” He swiveled back around and turned on the engine with a laugh. It roared to life.
“Yeah,” she repeated, and pointed to his helmet still hanging on the handlebar. He threw it on.
This was going to be a good night. They were going to save a lot of people in this town, but it was something else, too. They were declaring war on Guy and he got to spend some alone time with Marian while he was at it—this was how the night before should have gone.
They drove through the hilly country roads. Unlike the night before, it was deserted. When they reached Main Street, he parked right next to the county line. Marian stepped out of the Engler F.F. “Don’t follow me,” she said with a wink.
Robin smirked, feeling like a miscreant kid as he watched her walk sassily across the street and into the next county. “Wouldn’t think of it,” he muttered, although he’d never been more tempted to break the law. To distract himself, he messed with the radio while he waited. Alan had set it on all the worst talk radio stations. Robin changed them all to country and jumped when Little John came at him in the darkness.
Little John leaned on the glossy hood of the strange ATV hybrid. Once again, Robin supposed it would make him look like a coward if he reminded him about the ten-foot rule. His friend’s bulging muscles rippled, and he towered over Robin like a superhero. “We missed you at the sawmill’s grand opening this morning,” John said. “Of course, afterwards my workers left to go set up booths at Sherwood.”
“I couldn’t…”
“I know! I know! Nobody likes your face. Look, I’ve got to tell you, people are grateful to you, Robin. You might be an outlaw, but you’reouroutlaw. Understand?”
Feeling uncomfortable, Robin shifted. He wasn’t used to this cheerful side of Little John. He managed a shrug, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“I’m not joking, man!” He slapped Robin on the arm above the cast. “There’s even some talk that maybe… well, maybe we got it wrong.” Little John cleared his throat. “I started that talk, to be honest, because… I know we did.” He lowered his voice, “I heard what you told Marian in the loft at my sawmill. I didn’t believe it at first because no way is Scarlett guilty.” Robin wasn’t surprised that John was coming to his sister’s defense, but his next words floored him, “But… we know it wasn’t her, don’t we? It’s Guy, huh? He did it.”
