BLACK STORM: The Abandoned Son

Chapter 17: Miscommunication

"Grid, it's your turn. Roll the damn dice."

"Fine.", he performs a lackluster throw and the dice tumble onto the gameboard.

"Was that so hard?"

"Jubilee, what are we doing!?"

"Keep your voice down.", Wayne says.

He's also here I guess.

"Fine, what are we doing? Why are we doing this?", he starts to whisper.

"How are you just as dumb as Newt? You know we have to act natural around Mother."

"But she isn't even here. Who are we playing out this act for?"

"Grid, I think our friend, Jubilee, is saying that in this house even the rats and roaches could be mother's informants."

Ever since that fool Newt disappeared, I've been working with these jokers to find out what happened. What did we find? Absolutely nothing! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I miss working with Newt. At least he was kind of useful. These two guys are as useful as a warm sweater in a forest fire. 

"Why are you so on edge?", I ask

"Well, we have to find him."

"Find him how? After a week, the police probably destroyed all evidence of his whereabouts."

"Hey, I just had a grim thought. How do we know he's still among the living?", Wayne interrupts.

"Because the imperials are still chasing after him. They can't chase after a corpse or at least they won't .", I explain

"Which is why we have to keep looking."

"Then either come up with a real plan or stop whining."

"Now that you mention it, I do have a plan."

"Well, let's see it."

"It's in the backyard.", Grid stands up, taking a few steps towards the back door.

"Grid, let me get this straight. You want us to go to the backyard ten minutes before bedtime?"

"No, I want us to go to the backyard ten minutes after bedtime."

He can't be serious.

I lay in my bed, restless. Good grief. How could I let him talk me into doing something so... stupid? Come to think of it that pumpkin spice bastard often did the same. I guess the pet will always imitate the master. I hear a knocking on my door. That must be them. Oh right, my roommate is here too. I need not worry about someone so insignificant. I threatened her with violence, so she will not dare report our activities to Mother. I could have her join us, but what do I need a third incompetent person for?

"Were you followed?", I answer the door.

They stand in front of me. For some reason, they hold bedsheets in their arms. I look side to side to make sure the halls are empty like they are supposed to be.

"How could we have been?", Grid replies.

"What about your bunkmates?"

"Well, my roommate is currently on the run from the police and Wayne sleeps in the attic."

All of that is true. How could I have let all this slip my mind? Regardless, it seems they actually thought this out a little bit. But it remains to be seen whether or not they can succeed with the rest of their plan.

"Fair enough, how are we gonna get out of here?", I ask.

"She's right. The doors are guarded better than the gates of Helheim."