“Nope.” Diesel pulled his communication device from his belt and texted Cam.
Come down to the north bunkers and relieve me from this arrogant ass of an inspector, or I can’t be held responsible for my actions.
Cam sent a return text seconds later.
Be there in two minutes.
Now he was going to owe Cam a favor. Fine. It was worth it.
“What are you doing there?” Inspector Centauri asked.
“I’m getting another guide for you.”
“You’re the Fearless Leader. Isn’t thisyourresponsibility?’
“It is until I delegate it to someone else. You do want to check out the security of our place, don’t you?”
His head bobbled up and down. “Yes. Security is very important.”
“I sent for the Security Officer. Besides, there’s a safety issue involved.”It’s your safety I’m worried about if I’m left alone with you much longer.
“A safety issue?” The man looked around as if a gang of baddies was about to attack.
Cam showed up seconds later. “What’s up?” He glanced at the stranger with obvious puzzlement.
“This is Inspector Centauri. He’s doing a surprise inspection of our accommodations and services for the Royal Caldera Cruise Line, as per the way station contract Axel set up. I thought perhaps you’d like to show him that our security here surpasses none in this galaxy.”
Cam brightened. “I’m happy to do that.” Diesel knew Cam was very proud of the work he’d done to secure the underground and above-ground facilities.
“I’ll send Axel to find you both later on.”
Cam nodded absently, but his attention was on the inspector. “All right. Let’s start with the below-ground security measures…” Cam went right into his spiel, talking as he walked Inspector Centauri away from Diesel.
Perfect. And not a moment too soon. He relaxed his fingers, letting go of the fists they were about to form.
Diesel hurried toward the exit that lead to the truck stop convenience store. He changed course for the rear exit, not wanting Alice or any of the other employees to stop him on his quest to get home and kiss Juliana.
As he came up the stairs, he saw Nova waiting for him, arms crossed, small slips of paper in her fingers and an expression that told him he needed to bear up for some news whether he liked it or not. “Whatever those little slips of paper say, they can wait until tomorrow. I have plans.”
“There is someone here to see you. And your aunt Dixie is looking for you. I believe you should definitely talk to her.”
“No, thanks. I don’t want to talk to strangers and I especially don’t want to talk to my aunt this moment. Any and all special projects she wants to enact are officially put on hold until tomorrow or, better yet, forever.”
“Your aunt isn’t going to like it.”
“She never does.”
“She’s probably going to take your current neglect as permission to go through with her latest crazy plan if you don’t take the time now to stop her.”
“She’s an adult.”In theory.“She can do what she wants.”In theory.
“There is also someone else here to see you, Diesel,” Nova said. “I think you should talk to her.” The tone in her voice was unrelenting.
“Who is here besides my aunt?”
“Says her name is Miss Penny.”
Miss Penny?Diesel’s brows furrowed. “A tiny, older woman that looks like a stiff wind gust would take her out?”
