Golden |2| The Umbrella Academy

NINE

CHAPTER NINE: SOB

They were dropped off a block away from the address, where cars were already lined up and parked for the event. Diego led them over a stone railing and towards another parked car, they were so close to the entrance. They all crouched against it, waiting for him to make a move.

"What's the plan?" Lila whispered, looking around with worried eyes.

"We infiltrate, we identify, we extract. Double time." Diego whispered back.

"What the hell's he talking about?"

Lotus nodded, "That's what I'm wondering."

"Find the old man and get out fast." Five said.

Diego turned with furrowed brows, "That's what I said. On me."

He crouched to the next car parked, Lotus knelt behind Five who waited for Lila to move along. "Go ahead."

Five shifted on his feet, "Cut the crap."

"What, I can't be polite?"

"My dimwitted brother might buy your bullshit, but I don't trust you for a second."

Lila cocked her head to the side, "O ye of little faith."

"Stick it up your ass."

Lotus choked on her own spit, coughing wildly as they both turned and watched. She gave them a thumbs up, rushing towards Diego. Moments after the other two joined them, and they ran across the opening to a back door. The room was filled with people, and mariachi music echoed as people mingled. A man gave them a polite nod and offered a tray of drinks, Five was the only one who took one. He sipped it as they followed Diego, offering her a taste. "I don't drink." She said.

"Oh, yeah." He nodded, "I forgot you've never had a real drink."

Lotus snorted, "There's a lot of stuff I haven't tried."

They paused in the middle of the room, underneath an archway. Diego gazed around, "I don't see Dad around anywhere."

"Just keep an eye out for the Majestic Twelve." Five told them, "I got the upstairs. Diego, try not to do anything too stupid."

Lotus pursed her lips as he left, Lila moved towards the stairs he was headed for before Diego pulled her back. "Trying to ditch me again? Lotus can handle Five, right?"

She nodded, "Yeah."

Lotus turned and made her way to the staircase, she slowly walked up glancing around the room. This place was so grand, it reminded her of the Academy back home. She hadn't been there long, but she missed the place.

"Are you lost, Miss?"

A boy's voice sounded from behind her, she turned, not realizing she had stopped on the steps.

"No."

He gave a small smile, "That's quite a bruise you got there. A troublemaker?"

Lotus' nose crinkled, "Only when you piss me off."

He chuckled, leaning against the railing. He looked to be about seventeen, short curly hair covered his forehead. "I'm assuming you're no damsel in distress then?"

"Not even close."

His smile grew as he stuck out his hand, "The name's James."

His accent was thick, very southern. Lotus pursed her lips, "Isabella."

"What a beautiful name." He said as she shook his hand, "Care to dance?"

A thud echoed from upstairs, her attention shot up. Diego shoved by her, running at full speed up the stairs. She ripped her hand away from James and dashed up after him, "I'm sorry!" She shouted, coming to a stop in the hallway as Diego was dragged backwards by his neck. Another man came out of nowhere and kicked him back.