Riley, Josie, and Sesame climbed the first few steps to get a better vantage point of the action. The rear end of the zebra at the foot of the stairs began to titter.
“Oh, she’s very good,” Sesame said, watching Jasmine yank Kellen by the tie into Nick’s office.
“If this were an Olympic sport, we’d be holding perfect tens,” Josie agreed as Jasmine spun them around so she was the one in the doorway. She gave the detective a shove into the room and yanked the door shut in his face.
“Are you sure that will hold them?” Sesame asked.
“It held Nick and me. Plus the windows are painted shut. And if they’re as turned on and warm and fuzzy as everyone else, it won’t even occur to them to break the door down,” Riley pointed out.
Jasmine held up her arms in a V, then snatched a shot glass out of Buzz Lightyear’s gloved hand and downed it.
Riley shook her head. “Every time I see her in action, I feel like I’m in the presence of greatness.”
Jasmine finished her victory lap and joined them on the stairs as they applauded for her. “Thank you. Thank you,” she said, taking a bow.
Someone on the dance floor was hiccupping at full volume.
“Okay. Here’s the plan. Sesame, you and Jasmine go next door and lure the cops in the SUV here for backup. Stay together, and don’t trust anyone in a mask,” Riley instructed. “Josie and I will search the guests for the Lionworths.”
“Hang on,” Josie said, patting her pockets. “Here. Take your pick.” She produced two knives, one tactical pen, a small stun gun, three cartridges of pepper spray, and half a dozen zip ties.
“Oooh! I love accessorizing.” Sesame chose the stun gun.
Jasmine went with the tactical pen and pepper spray.
“I don’t have any pockets,” Riley said, patting her denim jumpsuit.
“That’s why God gave Dolly cleavage.” Sesame pointed at her breasts.
“You could hide an automatic weapon in there,” Riley complained. “I’ve only got room for travel-size pepper spray.”
“Hands in, ladies. Let’s bring these assholes down.” Josie put her hand out.
“‘Kick ass’ on three,” Jasmine said, adding her hand to Josie’s.
Sesame and Riley put their hands in.
“One. Two. Three. Kick ass!”
They parted ways with Jasmine and Sesame headed into the crowded foyer and Riley following Josie toward the back of the house. It was dark and crowded. Everywhere men were giggling and snort-laughing.
“It sounds like the front row of a Jonas Brothers concert,” Josie complained.
“We should probably stick together,” Riley said, hefting the guitar onto her shoulder so it would be ready to swing. “In the movies, everyone always gets murdered by splitting up.”
“Good point. Don’t get lost,” Josie suggested over her shoulder as she walked up to the Grim Reaper and yanked his hood off.
“Hey!” the guy said. “I rented that, and if you mess it up, I won’t get my deposit back. Teehee!”
“Not our guy,” Josie said unnecessarily.
Riley noticed the door to the small closet under the staircase was ajar and moved closer to get a better look. Inside was a couple wrapped around each other like ivy.
“Oh, Miguel,” the woman said on a breathy sigh.
“What did you say, Marie?” the man hollered.
Blanching, Riley turned her back on Nick’s parents before she could see any more of them.
