Muses, Mishaps, and Murder!

Chapter 22 Covered in Stars

Muse Silver-Green

Muse Paisley refused to leave, and the fidgety harpy sat in the secondary chair.

Images came into focus. Hundreds of sounds, sights, smells, and feelings took control of our booth.

Dozens of robots rushed toward Holbrook and Mason. Hinged fingers reached for Mason's throat. He flung the machine into a tree.

Holbrook shot four, and they fell like tin soldiers, crashing to the ground. Park guests scattered and screamed. More stomped down Main Street as if they were in an animatronic parade. Their heads pivoted.

"Mason must die for interfering with Deb's Light."

Holbrook shot three more in succession. "There are too many of them. I need to locate an emergency shelter booth."

"But what about protecting park goers," Mason said.

She fired again, striking another robot, and motioned for Mason to follow her. "They're only after you, and if you want to protect park guests, you need to hide. I'll text Charlotte once we make it."

Robots rushed from the side, but Holbrook directed them down a hidden alleyway that appeared to be a dead end. She opened a brick wall with a key, which was a disguised doorway, and latched it behind them.

They were on the street with a large sign with Sweetheart's Row painted in red letters. Holbrook clutched Mason's hand, and they ran through a fancy restaurant and out the back, where the tunnel of love ride was. Only two or three robots were there, but hundreds were coming.

Booths for romantic couples lined the rest of the street. As they entered, a robot grabbed her arm, but this robot looked different from the others. Glowing eyes moved more freely about. The sentient robot fired at Mason.

Holbrook broke away and raised her laser gun. "If you and your friends don't leave me alone, I'll place you in a trash compactor."

The robot fled.

Holbrook shoved Mason into a booth, latched it behind them, and texted Charlotte. She placed an ID card in the slot and hit an emergency button. Robots bashed their bodies against the room.

She pulled down a metal shutter.

"What is this place?"

"All parks have to have a safe room for malfunctioning robots and separatist attacks. The park is a front for Agency-14." She pointed to a screen. "Each booth has a TV and a 3D printer."

"I sort of angered Deb by writing my play for personal reasons. She or he doesn't want anyone to know who killed Quin."

Robots bashed their bodies again.

"We could be here for hours," she said.

The sound of banging eased up.

"They are probably regrouping to come by force." She examined every inch of the booth before she allowed them to sit down on the rose-colored seats. "Are you flirting with me or acting? A former friend tells me you're acting."

"Flirting, I told you I was attracted to you. Did Zander tell you? I promise I'm not dating Shanna or anyone." Mason's tail wagged. But it wasn't his happy wag. "Your ear has a fresh scar and is only noticeable because it doesn't match your other ear. Only an idiot wouldn't be smitten with you."

She touched his arm. "Wow, you're the smoothest guy I've ever met. I attract awkward types."

"But I am awkward. Maybe you don't like awkward men. My plays are what I wish I could say to girls. I'm treating flirting with you as a musical." His tail continued to wag. "Tell me that you aren't attracted to me, and I won't bother you."