Page 37 of Beautiful Unity

“All right, let’s go!” I shouted once the truck had roared to life. We climbed in and waved to Margie, promising to bring Darcie by. Brooks navigated me to the location while Bubba kept a lookout. We’d all changed our appearance, hopefully buying us a little more coverage. Well, somewhat. It was hard to disguise Bubba’s beard, and he’d nixed my idea of shaving it. Spoilsport.

“Now what?”

“We wait.” Shutting off the engine, we rolled down the windows and slunk down into the truck. The night sky had turned a kaleidoscope of colors, taking with it the oppressive heat. It was still humid as hell, but without the blazing sun raining down on us, it felt slightly cooler—like maybe a degree.

“You’re sure this is the right place?” Brooks asked after we’d been there for thirty minutes.

“Yep. Margie confirmed it.”

“You’re sure putting a lot of faith in an old woman,” Bubba grumbled.

“By all means, take your crack at the code and tell me I’m wrong.”

Bubba huffed but didn’t deny I was right. What my eyes had kept seeing and not understanding in the code was three letters always together in each word: MAC, which also corresponded to the map that was set in grids. I’d pinpointed where the three points crossed and confirmed with Margie what this place was by suggesting I’d like to get Hank some memorabilia from his time as a truck driver.

Lo and behold, the location was a semi-truck dealership. And to my surprise, an antique store on the same lot sold and collected old model trucks and trains. I’d bet my hair products that the big warehouse was a trap, and the actual location with the asset was the antique store. Something we would’ve missed if I hadn’t taken the time to chat up an old lady.

There was a lot to be said for charm and kindness.

Once it was completely dark, I nodded to the guys. It was go time.

“Bubba, you’re on lookout. Whistle three times if someone is coming. Brooks and I will retrieve the asset. Once we have him, I’ll signal twice to bring the truck around. We’ll then head to the safe house that Brooks identified.”

“It’s weird that he’s taking charge, right?” Brooks asked, tilting his head toward Bubba.

“Yep.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not that I can’t; I just prefer not to. I’d much rather be told what to do so I don’t have to spend my brain cells worrying about where to be.”

“And there he is. Phew. For a minute, I was worried we’d entered some personality swap and I’d have to be the pretty one.”

“I hate you both. Just for that, no one gets to share in my reward.”

Brooks’ eyes widened, and he hastened his steps as I took off, attempting to change my mind. Smiling, I ignored him as I peeked into the window and spotted Mack.

“Who’s dumb now?” I grumbled, slapping Brooks.

The door was unlocked, and Mack’s head snapped up when we entered, his eyes wide and full of surprise, and I knew I’d been right. We’d almost walked into a trap. He came easily with us, and I whistled to Bubba to bring the truck around.

Unfortunately, Big Bertha, as I’d lovingly named the truck, did not appreciate Bubba’s touch, and she wouldn’t start. The noise drew the men waiting for us in the other building.

“Shit. We gotta go. Now!” Brooks shouted as I sweet-talked the old girl.

“It’s all right, baby. He didn’t mean that.” I reconnected a hose and wrapped a torn piece of fabric around the filter, praying it would hold until I could get it in the shop. “Try now!”

Brooks turned the key, and the truck sputtered. “Come on, sugar. Purr for us.”

Just as the footsteps grew louder, the truck roared to life. I whooped, slammed the hood, rounded the truck, and jumped into the bed. Tiny and a guy I didn’t know panted as they ran after us, but Big Bertha was too fast for them. I blew them a kiss, and they laughed, waving us off. Sitting back, I daydreamed about how I’d spend my time with Darcie once I had my hands on her.

Once I had a shower, of course. Although…I wouldn’t rule out a combined shower. Oh yeah, this prize was going to be the best. I guess there were valid things to do with my head other than looking good, but I wouldn’t make it a habit.

Sweating and thinking. Full body shudder. Did not recommend.

Now, to find a spa we could visit on our way back to Kentucky.

Diary #12

Dear Agonizer,