his expression somber. “What day is it? Saturday? Okay. I’ll spend the whole weekend on my laptop if I have to. Let’s aim to make our move on Friday. Earlier if I can generate enough support out there. That means you’ve gotta have our transport ready to go at a minute’s notice, buddy.”
Crank nodded gravely. “I’m on it.”
Roadkill cocked his head to one side. “If we’re right and they are drugging him, how long is it gonna take for the drugs to work themselves out of his body?”
“How long is a piece of string?” Horvan groaned. “We get him off the drugs, and it could be fast or slow, depending on how long he’s been on them and how much is still in his system.”
“You think I’m right, don’t you?” Rael demanded.
Unfortunately, yes. Horvan squeezed his hand. “Yeah,” he said aloud.
“As for how long he’s been on them?” Rael had already considered this. “Worst-case scenario, he’s been in tiger form ever since Anson Prescott took over the running of the company. Maybe more than a year.”
“Holy fuck.” Roadkill’s normally ruddy complexion paled. “Okay. We are gonna get Dellan out. Then we are gonna fucking nail those bastards. You with me?” He stuck out his hand, and in silence, four more covered it.
Horvan got to his feet. “Okay. I have to go out, but I won’t be long. Sounds to me like you all have something to do while I’m gone.” His remark was met with nods all round.
“I thought you wanted a shower.” Rael bit his lip. “But I guess you don’t smell too bad.”
“Yeah, only like a five-hundred-pound bear stuffed into a two-hundred-pound human,” Crank said, grinning.
“Maybe I like the smell of bear,” Rael retorted. He got up too and gave Horvan a hug. “Be safe?”
Horvan chuckled. “I’m only going to Walmart. I think I’ll be safe enough.” He grabbed his jacket. “I’ll bring subs back with me for lunch. I know what you lot like, so that only leaves Rael.”
“Meatball sub, please,” Rael said quickly. “With lots of cheese.”
“Yeah, he’s a meat eater, after all,” Crank added, his eyes twinkling.
Rael walked with Horvan to the door. “I’ll find us a cabin, okay?”
Horvan nodded. “Play nice with the kids.”
As he climbed the steps, Rael said in a stage whisper, “I’ll try not to eat them.”
Horvan laughed. “Roadkill would need too much tenderizing. He might be a little tough.” With that, he gave a wave and strode off.
Rael closed the door. And now to work.
RAEL LOOKED up from his laptop and glanced at the bedroom door. “Has anyone checked if he needs anything?” Hashtag had commandeered the room as soon as Horvan left, saying he’d concentrate better with a little peace and quiet. No one had seen him since.
“He’s got water, sodas, and snacks. He’s fine,” Roadkill assured him. It was the two of them in the living room; Crank had gone outside for a smoke and to make a phone call. “How are you doing with the cabin situation?”
Rael smiled. “I think I’ve found the perfect one. Want a look?”
Roadkill shifted closer and peered at the screen. “Pretty.”
“I wasn’t looking for pretty,” Rael said with a chuckle. “This one is set on seven acres. It sleeps ten—not that I see us needing that many beds, but you never know—and it’s roomy inside. Plus, it looks like it’s in a fairly remote spot.”
Roadkill scrolled through the details. “Rustic. Basic kitchen. Lots of space. There’s a store not that far away too.” He leaned back, smiling. “You’re right. It looks perfect. Is it available now?”
Rael nodded. “The season doesn’t really start until April.”
“Now here’s a question for you.” Roadkill gazed at him thoughtfully. “How long are you gonna rent it for?”
“Like Horvan said, how long is a piece of string? Initially, I’ll rent it for as long as they’ll let me. If we have to move to another place, so be it.” If he could rent it for the remainder of March, that would be a plus.
Crank came into the apartment, shivering. “It’s cold out there.” Roadkill got up off the couch and went into the kitchen.
Rael laughed. “Wait till you get to Idaho.”
Crank eyed him suspiciously. “We’re not talking… snow, are we?”
“Right now? We most certainly are.” Rael was enjoying the look of horror on Crank’s face. “Aw, what’s wrong with a little snow?”
Crank gaped. “It’s fucking freezing, that’s what’s wrong with it.” Roadkill walked over to him, holding out a mug of coffee, and Crank took it with noises