“Alright, alright, everyone calm the fuck down.” Hayley said, quelling the arguing taking place after the presentation. Tenpenny rolled his eyes and left the room. House’s visage was still plastered on the screen, though no one could be sure if he was actively observing the group or ignoring it completely.
“We got a lotta work to do. First things first--we figure out which line we’re taking. Let’s hash this out.” She said, turning her chair to face the others.
Several hours later…
“Alright. So it’s decided - we’re taking the Green Line. Now, I don’t want any more discussion on the matter. Mr. House is providing rooms here, though if you do prefer to stay elsewhere, feel free, they’re your caps. You got the morning to do any personal supply shopping. We’re meeting inside H&H Tools at noon. Victor will be there to let you in. We’ll take the trolley from there. You don’t show at noon, you don’t come. Oh, and don’t go fucking around the hotel if you’re stickin’ around, the Securitrons patrol 24/7.” Hayley stood, gave a quick salute, and left the room.
Castillo stood, tipping his hat, and chased after Hayley, leaving the group behind.
“Hayley!” He called out, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Got something I need to talk to you about.”
“Damn it Castillo, I feel like I got weights on my eyes, what?” Hayley asked, exasperated.
“Well...it’s just...our first stop is New Reno. You know, the place that robot pulled me out of? My guess is our little train pulling into town is gonna raise a lot of eyebrows, and once word hits I’m on that train, a few of my not-so-friendly friends are gonna come barking. You may want to hide me in the cabin while you’re there.” He explained.
“That’s not gonna inspire confidence.” Hayley shook her head. “I’m not too intimidated by a bunch of casino thugs and pimps. Our group can handle that. What I am worried about is this group not taking it’s trail boss seriously because he won’t face down a few thugs that want him dead.”
“Might be a bit more than a few…” Castillo said, rubbing the back of his head.
“We have a Nightkin and an NCR Ranger. No one would cross us if it was just us and them. Throw the rest of that lot in and I can’t imagine we’ll have any issues. Buck up, hombre.” She said, giving him a firm punch to the shoulder. “Get some sleep, it’s gonna be a long day tomorrow.”
“Gonna be a long lotta days…” Castillo muttered to no one in particular. Taking his hat off, he retired to his room.
****
Hayley pushed into the Presidential Suite, finding Tenpenny, clothed in a purple and gold robe, scribbling away at a letter under the glow of a small banker’s lamp.
“Couldn’t sleep?” She asked sweetly, the question rhetorical.
Tenpenny had heard her enter, but kept scribbling, hoping to fool the girl into thinking he hadn’t been anxiously waiting for her return. His ruse failed.
“Ah….no, just business. There is no lack of work to be done before we launch tomorrow.” He said, trying to hide his worry.
“Uh huh.” Hayley replied, unconvinced. She took a seat on his desk, tossing her leather jacket over his head. “Your accent can only hide your bullshit for so long.”
Tenpenny tossed the jacket aside, the annoyance on his face subsiding when he noted the smile on Clarke’s.
“I have forged a storied and illustrious fortune on the foundation of imperceivable bullshit, miss, and I do not intend to forgo that skill in the times to come.” Tenpenny replied, grinning.
They shared a laugh, then a hanging, longing stare.
“You’re really leaving.” Tenpenny said, breaking the silence with a note of dejection.
“This was your plan, Sher.” She said. “You know if I could make this work any other way, I would. But you know this doesn’t happen without me.” She slid into the man’s lap, throwing her arms around his neck.
“I know. Logically, I know. It’s just…”
“Hard.” She finished, giving him a gentle kiss.
“It’s a long way. A long, dangerous way.”
“I know. That’s why we put together this team. Nothing drives men - and women - more than money. If keeping me alive means they can booze and gamble and fuck and fight to their hearts content with no worry for repercussion, then you can bet I’ll be coming home to you.” Hayley’s voice was full of confidence. She had pitched this same notion to him a million times before, but every time the man became worried over the trip, she found herself playing salesman once again.
They embraced, sharing a moment of passionate affection.
“You know tonight must be our personal goodbye. We must keep things..calm..tomorrow on the station.” Tenpenny said after breaking a kiss.
“Yeah. Don’t need that lot thinking I’m some poor love sick girl leaving her doting gentleman waving at the station.” She said, standing up, her hands still firmly locked in hers. “So, what say you show me what a personal goodbye looks like?”
Her grin was wicked as she pulled him from the chair, and lead him to their bed.