Page 45 of Wyatt
“We’re going to be so famous and so rich.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Rows and rows of picnic tables were set up outside the barbecue restaurant that drew in hungry patrons by the hundreds. It was an icon on the beach, welcoming bikers, sailors, soldiers, and civilians alike.
The smell of smoked meat filled the air, causing their stomachs to immediately protest their emptiness.
It took nearly fifteen minutes just to give the waiter their orders. Noa, Rush, and Christian each ordered two full racks of ribs with all the sides. The rest of the group piled on barbecue chicken, pork sausage soaked in sauce, and more than a dozen sides.
“You guys might be my biggest order ever,” laughed the waiter. “I’ll try to get this out as quick as I can, but as you can see, we’re swamped.”
“We’re not in any rush,” said Wyatt. “Just whenever you can.”
A few guys recognized Wyatt and walked up, shaking his hand and asking when he’d be in the air again. They were part of the ground crew on the base, and Wyatt trusted them more than anything. They were responsible for his and the other pilots’ safety.
“What’s up, O’Neal?” laughed one of the men.
“Hey, man,” he smiled. “Just hangin’ with friends and family.”
“Nice to meet y’all,” said the men. One thing you knew in the military, you didn’t ask for names if they weren’t given. You were cool just saying hello. “When do you think you’ll be back in the air again? Commander said things were being put on hold for a while.”
“Yeah. I’m hoping that will be lifted soon.”
“I hate when there are conventions in the city,” he frowned, looking around the outdoor space. “Everything gets overcrowded.”
“We were thinking the same thing,” said U-Jin.
“Well, it was great meeting all of you. Catch ‘ya later, O’Neal.” The group of men left the restaurant, and the others chatted for a while until Abe nudged them.
“One of these things is not like the others,” he whispered.
They casually glanced toward what he was seeing and frowned. A table of teenage girls, all with designer bags, designer shoes and clothing, and more jewelry than they’d ever seen, were seated at a table near them.
“It’s only Sunday,” said Ulani. “Maybe they come here more often than Bethany said.”
“They could be just hanging out. Or they could be scoping out potential victims,” said Ani. “I have an idea. Hiro? AJ? Can you amp up our recording devices, drown out the background noise, and focus on a table that’s at my nine o’clock? Four girls.”
“Hold, please. Your hero, Hiro, is getting a read.”
“It’s a good thing you’re cute, or I’d smack you,” smiled Ani.
“Aww, you think I’m cute.”
“Straighten up, little man,” said Carter. “That’s my wife you’re talking to.” The others just laughed at their banter until Hiro said he had the read.
“Listen carefully, and you should be able to hear their entire conversation.”
“God, I’m so hungry,” said one of the girls.
“Same. Will you guys be out here tomorrow? I could use the extra cash,” she said.
“No. Joey said he wouldn’t be here tomorrow. They hope to have everything live by tomorrow afternoon.”
“That’s so fucking cool that we’ve been a part of this. We’re all going to be rich!”
“What’s the first thing you’re going to do?” asked a girl.
“I’m packing my bags, leaving my lame parents, and heading to Paris! I’m going to buy every designer bag I can get my hands on.”
