05/07/2025 Snippet, BANSHEE BEACH.

Getting some stuff in.

…

I gave it a five count, and then said, “Hey, Lucas. Please don’t beat him up.”

“You guessed I was there,” Lucas told me as he slid into the seat next to me. “And why would I beat Alan up?”

“General principles?” I guessed as I was dealt a new hand. “He’s probably even more pissed at you than he is with me.”

“If he’s not, he’s even dumber than I remember,” Lucas agreed as he looked at his own hand. “But I know Alan’s not, because he’s pretending not to recognize me. Which is… huh. That’s actually a sign of intelligence, so he might have a revenge scheme going. Maybe I should beat him up. Like you said, on general principles.”

“Hey, Lucas. Please don’t beat him up,” I repeated, in the same tone as before.

“I don’t know, Tom. You were very persuasive, just now.” Then Lucas grinned. “I’m just funning. I only kick anthills when I’m on the job. But why is the twerp here, anyway? This is what Cin Citiers think going into exile looks like?”

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