Page 219 of What We Bury

Knox knocks back his whiskey then stays behind the bar, arms folded, breathing slow.

For about thirty seconds, nobody talks.

Then Sage’s voice spills through the ceiling speakers.

Knox’s head snaps up.

“They hit the internal override,” he says, already frowning at the control panel behind the bar. “Can’t kill it from here without setting off the whole room’s safety system.”

“And that’d really mess with the mood in there, right?” I say, looking at the ceiling and loving that it sounds like a sexy angel is moaning for us.

Knox just grunts and averts his eyes—likethat’sgoing to help. Holden clears his throat and looks into his glass. Micah looks at his hands.

“Which one of them do you think did it?” Micah asks.

Sage makes another sound, louder. Longer.

“Well, one of them is tied up while the other takes control,” I say. “So fifty bucks says Eli is marking his territory in a way we can all hear.” I sit up straighter. “Oh! Do you think this means we can go back into the viewing room?”

“No.” Knox’s voice booms out and my ass glues itself back to my stool.

“Unfun.”

“So we’re just going to . . . sit here and be forced to listen to them fucking?” Holden asks, glancing around.

“Yep.” I raise my glass in toast. “Welcome to sexy ASMR.” I take a sip of whiskey and try to think about literally anything but Eli telling Sage she’s a naughty fucking girl.

Hardware inventory! Let’s see, there are drywall anchors and toggle bolts. Nails and screws—no, not screws. Definitely NOT screws. Um, let’s see. Paint! Paint is good. Paint is a safe thing. You can’t get sexy with?—

Sage screams Eli’s name.

Nope. Not working.

“So,” I say brightly. “How about that meeting, huh? Still can’t believe even Fenrir hasn’t dug anything up on the most annoying texter in the world, Stephen.”

“He’sstillgoing?” Micah asks.

I nod. “Yeah. Ever since Holden pretended to be Brock and told the guy to go suck someone else’s dick, he’s beennuts.I mostly ignore him. But I’m getting major bunny boiler vibes.”

Sage moans, the sound of wet slapping getting louder.

“Moving on,” I say, tugging lightly on my collar. “Everyone clear on tomorrow? Holden, you’ve got the gym layout locked down? Entry points, camera blind spots, the whole thing?”

Holden nods, his eyes closed, his expression pained as he listens.

“Micah? You’re good with the transport route?”

“I’ve driven it four times.” He takes a measured sip of whiskey. “I could do it blindfolded.”

Blindfolded Sage under us as we—! Eek!

“Please don’t do it blindfolded. I’ve already written the note and planted a history of suicidal ideation in a secret journal no one knew he kept. I also have the rope and backup supplies. Eli is the one tying and preparing the noose.”

“Eli! Fuck me! Harder!”

“He said he’s good to go.” Micah turns his glass in his hands. “Plus we’ve got Dean and the crematorium in case we need it. All avenues are covered.”

“That’s it, Sage. Take it. Fucking ride me.”