Page 37 of Johnny Gun

“Ihave no explanation for this failure,” Axel grated to the few men still sitting with him. Everyone else, including Johnny, had left after dinner.

Cringing, Isolde froze. She’d just returned to the dining room to finish cleaning up when Axel’s outburst startled her. Carefully, she glanced sideways at the man. His flushed features were all twisted up.

“Every fucking sensor and motion light was placed according to the manuals,” he continued. “I supervised the installation and did half the path myself. It’s not the first time I’ve done this.”

“I went after you, checking every single connection. I’m sorry,” whimpered Pilot, sitting to his left. “But now it’s too dark for a thorough examination. Flashlights aren’t enough to inspect wires, plugs, and who knows what else.”

“No shit,” Axel huffed.

“We get a lot of wildlife out there,” Viper ventured. “Maybe some animal took a liking to your wires or fucked with something.”

“It wasn’t me, that’s for fucking sure,” Tank snapped.

“We better figure it out before those fuckers land on us,” Max said.

“All right, all right. Everybody, calm down,” Deacon said, evenly. “Could be anything. We’ll go over every inch at first light and find the problem. Are we good?”

Isolde glanced at her father and smiled. Usually, he had the shortest fuse in the group. Now that the conversation took a more civilized tone, it was safe for her to approach. She moved around the men, placing the last pieces of unused cutlery into a tea towel. She carried her bundle to the kitchen.

“Gosh, they’re so loud,” Opal protested, removing her apron. “Why are they so upset?”

“Something’s not working,” Isolde replied, sorting forks, knives, and spoons a little too loudly into the drawer organizer.

“You mean from today?” Opal continued.

“I suppose so, sweetie.” Isolde closed the drawer with her hip, then put a stack of clean salad plates in the cabinet. “Not many salad lovers in this group,” she muttered.

“Can’t blame them,” Sydney said, wiping the countertop. “If I’d spent hours installing a much-needed high-security system, only find out later it’s not working, I’d be upset too.”

“Since the dining room is cleared up,” Opal said, “do you mind if I go take a shower?”

Please go.Isolde almost said it out loud, but resisted the temptation, waiting for Sydney to respond.

“Sure, darling. We can finish up what’s left.”

“Thanks. See ya later,” Opal said.

Great.

“Bye.” Isolde waved.

Opal walked out, and Sydney laughed. “Goodness, you almost pushed her out.”

Isolde gasped. “Was I that obvious?” She pressed her hand toher chest. “I don’t want to hurt Opal or make her feel bad. Not before…”

“I understand.”

As Sydney resumed wiping the counter, Isolde rushed to her side.

“You took a huge risk,” she whispered. “You should’ve let me do it. It was my idea, and I was prepared to take the heat from Dad.”

“Absolutely not,” Sydney said stiffly. “I’m invisible to the men. They only pay attention to me when it’s time to eat. But you’re under close scrutiny. It’s not just from Gomez. His buddy Trent has joined the act. If they found you sabotaging the system, you and Johnny would never get out. And after Viper gave me the full rundown, I know that you can’t stay here another minute.”

“I know. It’s why I panicked when I saw them installing all those lights, sensors, and cameras. They were turning the clubhouse into a maximum-security fortress.” She wiped her face. “All outside movement is videotaped. How are we supposed to leave with alarms and lights flashing everywhere? No. The system had to be disarmed.”

“You can relax. Have you spoken? Do you have a time?”

Isolde swallowed with difficulty as she shook her head. “Not today. He told me to pack and be ready at a moment’s notice, and I am. Tonight is our only chance. If we don’t go, we lose the opportunity. Tomorrow morning, my dad will have everyone inspecting the entire system with a fine-toothed comb. I heard him say it. His friend is just as anxious.”

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