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“Pussy,” Nanci spat, and Sabre bristled. She turned and pouted. “Come on, girls.”
Meadow and I exchanged glances. “Nope, we’re out, thanks.”
Nanci’s eyes narrowed, and she glowered, somehow including Isabelle, who hadn’t even spoken. “We stick together.” Nanci folded her arms.
“Was Phoe involved with the maze?” Razor asked.
“Maybe a little,” Nanci answered, sensing where this was heading. She pinched two fingers together as I shook my head. Vortex had shown me the videos of the previous fright nights. They were hysterically funny to watch, but hell no to taking part. That was the line I refused to cross.
“Fuck no,” Razor replied. I nodded happily—what a wise man. I liked Razor.
Nanci turned to Inglorious, tears in her eyes, and he froze like prey with ten trained guns on him. His gaze widened as a tear trickled down Nanci’s cheek.
“I worked so hard on this. And nobody wants to participate.” Nanci choked on a sob. She wiped the tears from her cheeks, and her breath hitched. That did it, and we all realised it—we were fucked.
From under Inglorious’s chin, Nanci sent us a sly look.
“You’re all attending the maze, and I don’t give a fuck who fears what!” Inglorious snarled. “That’s an order!”
“I ain’t one of the brothers,” I murmured.
Inglorious turned to me, and Nanci let out a wheezing sob.
“It’s okay. You can’t force her,” Nanci muttered, patting his chest. “It’s just so disappointing!”
“Amy,” Inglorious growled, and I took a moment to decide whether to dig in. Vortex’s eyes grew wide, but I knew he’d stand by my choice.
“If I go, I get something in return,” I snapped.
Inglorious’s expression turned deadly. “Are you disobeying an order?”
“Yup. I obey you when in danger, but not for a fright night!” I retorted.
Meadow’s eyes were huge as she tugged on my sweater, but I didn’t back down.
“What do you want?”
“Don’t know, but when I do, you’ll pay up without an argument.” I folded my arms and held his eyes.
Inglorious ground his teeth before nodding. “Done. Now, all of you, move your asses.”
Grumbles and complaints followed, but everyone moved except Meadow.
Inglorious turned to her.
“What about the kids? And no doubt you’ll all want hot dogs and burgers. Are they going to miraculously cook themselves?” she demanded.
“But I want Meadow to come,” Nanci wailed. I shook my head at her performance.
“Then you shouldn’t have sent Cassian out to enjoy himself. I told you not to, but you overruled me, being the good aunt!” Meadow fired back.
I snorted. Nanci had shot herself in the foot there.
“Fine!” Inglorious huffed, and then Meadow was screwed, as Cassian returned. Meadow glowered, and Nanci smirked harder.
“What’s up?” she demanded, worry crossing her face.
“Nothing, Mom. I’m tired and came back for a bit,” Cassian replied.
