Bookview Valley 3

Chapter Twenty: Count Us In

Saturday, September 4th

Vincent told me the plan last night after dropping me off at my dorm. I can't say I am a fan of the plan, but it seems stable enough. Luckily, I can finally put my friends to use; which is what today is all about. I told them all to meet me at Brewed, and now I wait for them. How am I almost always the first one here? I vaguely remember a time when that wasn't the case. 

"Morgannnn!! Do we finally get to help!?" Brianna exclaims, blonde hair in a long braid and brown eyes dancing with mischief. 

"I assume that's why she called a meeting," Flynn nudges her, his green eyes betray him showing the same look as Brianna. They scoot into the booth across from me. Brianna is basically vibrating with energy; Flynn gives me all of his attention. 

"We're still waiting for a few-" 

"Guys, I've missed you, and that party was a bust, but I've been sick as fuck," Harper groans, cutting me off as she strides over to our table. Her short, black hair seems to be shorter than I remember and her hazel eyes seem to bore into me. 

"It's been a minute," Brianna gushes, "We've missed you, and I'm sorry you've been sick." 

"I was busy not dying," Harper pouts, scooting in beside Flynn, causing them to squish in, "I think I got some food poisoning or something at that party."

"I'm sorry you got sick, but we could really use your help if you're feeling better," I say, "I have a new plan and could use your computer expertise." 

"Great," Harper continues to pout, "but I'm not going in anywhere dangerous while my tummy feels like this." 

"That won't be required," I assure her. 

"Starting with out us?" Dean asks as he and Nick walk over. I slide out of the booth to let them in, before pulling up a chair to the end of the table. 

"Never," I assure them, "but now that we're all here I can begin." 

"What about Lexi?" Nick inquires. 

"She has so many classes and so much homework now that school has started up. I don't want to bother her with this, she's safer this way." 

"That's fair," Nick shrugs, "Let's begin." 

...

"Okay, so let me get this straight," Nick says once I've explained the plan, "You've found this cult, or whatever, and you know where their hide out is. Now you plan to invade them and take them down from the inside?" 

"Basically," I nod, "Don't forget I have some inside help, so it won't be dangerous." 

Brianna gives me a look, "Inside help? Don't tell me..." 

"I won't. They will remain nameless," I say even though I know she can connect the dots, "You guys don't have to go in. I need your help from the outside." 

"I like my job the best," Harper snickers; she receives glares.

"Anyone who feels uncomfortable is welcome to not help. I don't want to pressure anyone. This is going to be dangerous." 

"I'm in," Dean says instantly, "I promised to help, and I will." 

I give him a smile, "Thank you." 

"Well, if he's in, then so am I," Nick sighs, "Besides all I've done is run every time." 

"You did get mortally wounded," Flynn points out, "No one would judge you if you didn't want to put yourself in danger again."

"I would," Brianna mutters and I stifle a laugh. 

"No, I'm going to help," Nick says with more determination than I think he actually has.