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<span class="mu-r">“Is it okay if I invite some guests?”</span> you asked. Flint, Black Cat and the Prowler came to mind immediately.
There was a pause on the other end of the line, before Tombstone grunted in reply. <span class="mu-r">“Very well. Bring only those that you can trust.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Oh, I’ll be there. Just tell me where and when.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“I’m glad to hear that. The official meeting starts at 9pm, but I would like for you to be here for an unofficial meeting in my office at 8pm. There are…private matters we must discuss.”</span>
Well that didn’t sound ominous at all.
<span class="mu-r">“No problem. Just try not to be too surprised when you see me in my new outfit. I’ll be dressing for the occasion.”</span> you said, trying not to lose your composure or sound unconfident in the slightest.
<span class="mu-r">“I look forward to it. Don’t be late.”</span> he demanded. And before you could get another word in, Tombstone hung up.
You checked the time on your phone. It was almost 7, and you had to wrangle three yahoos in under an hour!
You cursed under your breath and exited the bathroom. In the kitchen waiting for you, Peter and Victoria were just finishing getting the table set up.
<span class="mu-r">“I’m sorry, guys. Something just came up.”</span> you said, waving the burner phone. <span class="mu-r">“It’s a…work thing. I’m gonna be coming home late tonight.”</span>
Victoria pursed her lips and nodded in understanding. She was clearly disappointed, but not nearly as much as Pete was. That disheartened look on his face just tore you up inside. He was probably looking forward to having someone else to talk to over dinner.
You crossed the room and knelt down to address him with a genuinely apologetic look in your eyes. <span class="mu-r">“Hey, buddy. I promise this won't be a regular thing. I'll make it up to you. You get to sit next to me at the dinner table from now on. I’ll even write your name on the chair.”</span> you said, booping his nose with your finger.
<span class="mu-g">“Don’t do that. These are new chairs.”</span> Victoria muttered in a frail voice.
<span class="mu-r">“Okay, alright. Chill out. I won’t write on ‘em.”</span> you said, before turning and winking at Pete. he laughed, and you considered your mission to be a success. <span class="mu-r">“I’ll be back later. Don’t wait up for me.”</span>
You got up, tousled his hair and headed upstairs to grab your duffel bag. You should probably text the others, too.
—-----
Upon arriving at the building that Tombstone specified, you met up with Flint, Black Cat and Prowler. The four of you slipped into the back and took a secret service elevator up to the top floor. Flint was a bit nervous about the whole thing, but that was partially due to the fact that he was the only one in the group not wearing a mask.
You filled him in on the other two, and he seemed to be open to cooperating with them. You noticed him openly ogling Cat more than once, and she’d always return a friendly smile when their eyes met.
(Cont.)
