Taco Bell the Third it is. And the fifth member of our coalition? Suggestions?
Chief
Happy Meal.
Michelle
Happy Meal.
Bree
Happy Meal.
Ace
Locking it in. See, this was easy! We’re doing great. Also, Chief? All your gear is scheduled to arrive at my office today. My team has flagged the delivery already. They’ll test and tag it as soon as it arrives, then we’re flying across to the West Coast for installation.
Chief
Nice! So I’ll expect you next week sometime?
Ace
Expect us tomorrow.
Stunned, I lower my phone and feel, for a single heart-pumping moment, nerves flipping my stomach inside out.
Chief
You’ll be in my building… tomorrow? As in, the day after today?
Ace
That’s typically how calendars work, bro. This should be a three-day install. I’m bringing my husband and girls, since I’ve spent too long away from them already, and this isn’t a dangerous mission.
Chief
YOU CAN’T HAVE CHILDREN INSIDE THE MORGUE, ACE! What the hell is wrong with you?
Ace
You’re exceptionally dramatic, ya know that? I’ll bring a nanny, so they’re taken care of while I’m working. When I’m not, I wanna be with them. I’m not spending a single second away that I don’t have to. I’m bringing a tech guy, too, since he’s set to spearhead your new system. He’s the guy you’ll call if you screw things up. He’s bringing his daughter too, because it’s summer break and I already have the nanny situation handled. Three days, then I want payment.
Bree
What’s the payment?
Ace
If you don’t know, then you’re not as all-powerful with your brain foo foo as you think you are.
Ace
Ha! You don’t know! Which means I’ve caught you out for the faker you are.
Bree
And I repeat: calm down, lady. I just wanted you to say it. I’m leaving this group chat now. Taco Bell the Third is stirring, and I kinda want shower nookie before I have to face the real world.