Sabrina, already basking in the sun by the poolside, looked over as they approached. "Welcome to the daytime oasis, Mr. Horns!" she called out, her voice a cheerful chirp.
Horns managed a weak smile. "You must be Talon's sister," he said, his voice raspy. "The resemblance is uncanny."
Sabrina clutched her chest in mock offense. "Ouch!" she exclaimed. "To say I look like that brute." She then fixed Horns with a mischievous grin. "You must be the mean second-in-command, the one who cracks the whip."
Kev laughed and settled onto a nearby lounge chair. Horns, with a weary sigh, claimed another one, his massive frame sinking into the cushions.
Kev lit a joint and took a hit, the familiar scent of the herb mingling with the poolside air. Sabrina's eyes lit up. "So, spill it," she said, wheeling her chair closer. "What happened last night? Talon wouldn't tell me anything."
Kev coughed slightly, passing the joint to Sabrina. "What do you mean?"
Sabrina took a quick, appreciative hit. "The security was different when we got back," she explained, her voice laced with curiosity. "And some hot tiger grabbed my brother, dragged him off, and talked to him for like, half an hour. What was that all about?"
Kev passed the joint over to Horns. "Uhh, I don't know," he said, trying to sound casual. "Could be anything, really. And 'hot tiger guy'... you don't mean Rex, do you?"
Sabrina's eyes widened. "So hot tiger guy has a name!" she exclaimed. "Who is he? I need to know!"
Horns passed the joint back to Kev. "Rex is the head of security," he rumbled.
Kev took a hit and passed the joint to Sabrina. "Rex is good at his job," he said, "but he's an asshole. Totally not hot."
Sabrina took a hit, her eyes sparkling. "Not hot? Are you crazy? Did you see those shoulders? Holy shit."
Kev passed the joint over to Horns. "Who cares, if he makes you want to unlearn language?"
Horns laughed and finished the joint. Kev lit a cigarette. "And what about you, my feathered friend?" he asked, turning to Sabrina. "Where did you and Talon run off to last night? You just disappeared after we got back from our little drive around the mansion."
Horns's head snapped up, his earlier lethargy momentarily forgotten. "You drove around the mansion? How? In Fang's car?"
"No," Kev replied, "Talon has a car here. And Fang showed me the perimeter road on my second night."
Horns glanced over at Kev, a frown creasing his brow. "You shouldn't go exploring out there."
Sabrina scoffed. "I knew you were the mean one."
Just then, Talon arrived, clad in his black swim trunks. He walked over to the group, his sharp eyes assessing the scene. "I hope my sister hasn't gotten me fired, Mr. Horns," he said, his voice a low rasp.
Horns looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips. "She's okay," he replied. "Hasn't even threatened to stab me."
Talon frowned. "I hope not."
Kev stood up, a grin spreading across his face. "Swimming time!" he declared.
Kev and Talon splashed into the pool, the cool water a welcome relief from the morning heat. Talon, clearly more comfortable in the water now, showed off his growing confidence with a few surprisingly graceful strokes. Kev, ever the patient instructor, then taught him how to dive, demonstrating the technique with a clean entry into the water.
A few minutes later, Reepia appeared at the edge of the pool, two steaming mugs of coffee in her hands. Her usual stern expression was softened by a hint of amusement. "You all seem to be working hard," she remarked, her voice a low growl.
Horns, who had been dozing on his lounge chair, groaned and rolled onto his side, facing away from the formidable chef. "Oh no," he muttered under his breath.
Kev climbed out of the pool, water dripping from his hair and swimsuit. "Morning, Reepia," he greeted her with a smile. "Did you just clock out?"
Reepia sat down at the patio table and lit a cigarette, her sharp eyes fixed on Kev. "Yes," she replied. "Now sit."
Kev, feeling a bit exposed in just his swimsuit, sat down next to Reepia. "I'm not going to apologize for the day-off thing," he said, trying to sound more confident than he felt.
Reepia scowled, taking a long drag from her cigarette. "Shut it," she retorted. "That's not what I want to talk about, and now you've got me upset." She clicked her steel-toed boot against the pool pavers, the sound a sharp punctuation to her words.
Kev waited in silence for her to speak, glancing at Sabrina, who was blissfully sunbathing with her sunglasses on, seemingly oblivious to the tension. Horns remained facing away, and Talon continued to mechanically practice his dives, his focus unwavering.
Reepia finally broke the silence, her voice a low rumble. "Kev," she said, her gaze intense, "the heart of a restaurant is the kitchen, right?"
Kev glanced at Reepia, then back at the pool. "Yes," he replied, "I think so."
Reepia took another drag from her cigarette, the smoke curling around her like a shroud. "So, the kitchen and the cooks are where the true soul of a restaurant reside," she stated, her voice firm.
Kev nodded slowly. "I guess you could say that."
"And since the eyes are the mirror to the soul," Reepia continued, her gaze unwavering, "the kitchen is really the brain as well."
Kev, a bit bewildered by her philosophical turn, managed a hesitant, "Uhh, sure. What are you-"
Reepia cut him off, her voice gaining intensity. "And the stomach too! The kitchen is basically the whole thing!" She leaned forward, her sharp eyes locking onto Kev's. "You better make that park restaurant happen, human."
Kev blinked, surprised by her sudden demand.
"If I get a second kitchen," Reepia declared, a fierce determination in her voice, "then I'll have the same amount as that duck!"
Kev nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'll push for it like I pushed for the day-off policy," he promised. "Because I think it's a good idea." He reached for one of the coffee mugs on the table.
Reepia swiftly pulled it away. "This isn't for you," she said, her tone firm. She stood up and walked over to Sabrina, handing her one of the steaming mugs. Then, she placed the other beside the still-slumbering Horns.
Reepia turned back to Kev, a sly grin spreading across her face. "You get coffee when Fang sleeps," she stated, her voice a low growl. With a final, enigmatic look, Reepia turned and strode back towards the mansion, leaving Kev to ponder her cryptic words and the unexpected alliance she seemed to be forging.
Sabrina took a tentative sip of the coffee, her eyes widening in surprise. "She's so nice," she declared, a genuine warmth in her voice.
Kev shook his head, a bemused smile playing on his lips, and dove back into the cool embrace of the pool.
They spent the next couple of hours swimming and relaxing, the earlier tension replaced by a comfortable camaraderie. Kev, mindful of the sun's intensity, retreated to the shade of the umbrella now and then, enjoying the playful banter between Talon and Sabrina. Horns, meanwhile, snored loudly from his lounge chair, his massive frame oblivious to the poolside activities. Sabrina, her earlier boredom forgotten, giggled as she tossed pebbles into the pool, watching with delight as Talon expertly dove to retrieve them.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, its rays beating down with relentless force, they decided it was time for lunch. Talon, his feathers still slick with water, turned to Kev. "We just got groceries," he said, his voice a low rasp. "We can make something in our apartment."
"Sounds good," Kev replied, climbing out of the pool and toweling off. He walked over to Horns and gently shook his shoulder. "Horns," he said softly, "wake up. Lunchtime."
Horns groaned, his eyes fluttering open. He sat up, stretching his massive frame, and looked around, a bewildered expression on his face. "Lunch already?" he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.
"Come on, big guy," Kev said with a grin. "Let's go eat."
They gathered their belongings and headed back inside, leaving the tranquil oasis of the pool behind.
Talon carefully maneuvered Sabrina's wheelchair towards the elevator, their laughter echoing through the quiet hallways. Kev and Horns, their steps a bit slower due to Horns's lingering fatigue, headed back towards Kev's apartment.
Once inside, Kev quickly changed out of his wet swim trunks and into a comfortable pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Horns, meanwhile, had reclaimed his spot on the couch, a sleepy sigh escaping his lips.
"Ready to head over to Talon's?" Kev asked, emerging from the bedroom.
Horns nodded, pushing himself up from the couch with a groan. "Lead the way, little guy," he said, his voice still a bit raspy.
As they walked down the hallway towards Talon and Sabrina's apartment, Horns turned to Kev, his expression serious. "Have you told Fang that you were snooping around the perimeter road, Kev?" he asked, his voice a low rumble. "The IT department is classified, and you shouldn't be bothering Kaiote."
Kev winced, a pang of guilt stinging his conscience. "I'm sorry, Horns," he said, his voice a bit sheepish. "I did talk about it with Fang last night. He knows."
Horns nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. "Good," he said. "Just... be careful, alright? Fang trusts you, but that doesn't mean you should go poking your nose where it doesn't belong."
Kev looked back at Horns, his brow furrowed in concern. "It was a really crazy night, Horns," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I really need to tell you what happened."
Horns nodded, his expression softening. He opened the door to Talon and Sabrina's apartment, gesturing for Kev to enter. "You can tell me anything," he said, his voice a gentle reassurance.
As they walked into the apartment, Talon greeted them with a nod. He was sitting on the couch, engrossed in the history book, but looked up as they entered. "Sabrina is just getting changed," he said, his voice a low rasp.
Horns looked around the newly furnished apartment, his gaze sweeping across the comfortable seating area. He attempted to settle into one of the armchairs, but its delicate frame seemed to protest under his massive weight. He shifted uncomfortably, his large antlers dangerously close to a nearby lamp.
Talon, noticing Horns's predicament, rose from the couch with a graceful movement. "Mr. Horns," he said, his voice a respectful rasp, "please, take the couch. It's much more comfortable."
Horns grinned, a grateful smile spreading across his face. "Thanks, Talon," he boomed, settling onto the plush cushions with a contented sigh. "Don't mind if I do."
Kev watched them, a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. He wanted to confide in Horns, to share the burden of his secret, but the words caught in his throat. The fear of Horns's reaction, the possibility of shattering their easygoing friendship, held him back. It was still so new, so raw, so utterly unbelievable, even to himself. He didn't want to risk upsetting Horns, didn't want to see that familiar, jovial warmth in his eyes replaced by confusion or, worse, disbelief.
"Excuse me for a moment," Kev mumbled, gesturing vaguely towards the balcony. "Just need some fresh air." He retreated to the small outdoor space, the cool breeze a welcome contrast to the sudden warmth that had flooded his cheeks. He lit a cigarette, the familiar ritual a small comfort in the midst of his inner turmoil.
A few minutes later, Sabrina emerged from her room, her vibrant personality instantly filling the apartment. She spotted Horns on the couch, her eyes widening in mock surprise. "Oh," she declared dramatically, "I'm cooking for the big meany now too?" She gave Horns a playful glance, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Horns chuckled, a weak, wheezing sound. "I just hope I don't throw it up," he mumbled, his face still a bit pale.
Sabrina laughed, a bright, infectious sound. "Are you sick?" she asked, wheeling her chair closer.
Horns shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It was my day off yesterday," he explained. "Might have had a bit too much fun."
Sabrina began bustling around the kitchen, her movements surprisingly efficient despite her wheelchair. "There's no such thing as too much fun," she retorted, her voice a cheerful chirp as she started preparing lunch.
There was a curt knock at the door. Talon put the book down and checked the peephole, then opened the door. "Mr. Gus, please come in," he said, his voice a respectful rasp.
A Crocodile-man walked into the apartment. He was powerfully built, his muscular frame evident even beneath the tight black tee-shirt he wore. A utility belt, adorned with many keys and a holstered hand-held metal detector, was slung low on his hips.
"Sorry to bother you, Talon," Gus said, his voice a deep, gravelly rumble. "Just wanted to know if the human, Mr. Kev, is here." Talon nodded and looked towards the balcony.
Hearing his name, Kev came back inside, the cigarette still smoldering between his fingers.
Gus cocked his head to the side when he saw Kev, his reptilian eyes narrowing slightly. "Human, huh?" he grunted. "They weren't lying when they said you had a look."
Kev looked down and smiled, a hint of self-consciousness in his expression. "Guess I'm a bit unique here," he said.
Horns looked over from the couch, his earlier lethargy vanishing. "Hey, Gus, what's going on?"
Gus looked over at Horns. "Mr. Horns, good to see you are upright today," he said, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "I'm just doing some follow-up from the Orange Alert last night. Standard procedure."
Horns sat up straighter, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Orange Alert? What? What happened?"
Kev, sensing the shift in atmosphere and wanting to dispose of his cigarette properly, excused himself and went back out to the balcony to stub it out in the makeshift ashtray. As he did, he could hear Gus's deep rumble explaining the situation to Horns.
When Kev returned, the mood in the apartment was noticeably more somber. Gus was recounting the events of the previous night – Perry's attack, Rex's swift intervention, and the urgent return to the club.
Sabrina, who had been listening intently, slammed her hand on the armrest of her wheelchair. "I knew something happened!" she exclaimed. "That hot tiger would never waste his time talking to my brother unless it was work-related."
Horns's face was grim. "Shit," he muttered, his voice laced with concern. "Is Perry doing alright?"
Gus nodded. "I saw him not too long ago. Lucky he got the one mammal doc that knows how to set a wing."
Talon, who had been silent, looked up sharply. "His wing's broken?"
Sabrina gasped. "Oh, Perry!" She turned to Kev and whispered, her voice filled with concern, "Who's Perry?"
"Fang's driver," Kev replied softly.
Horns looked over at Kev, his expression serious. "Kev, what happened last night?"
Kev looked at the concerned faces around him – Horns, Talon, Sabrina, even Gus seemed to be waiting for his account. "A lot," he said, the single word carrying the weight of the previous night's chaotic events.
Horns nodded slowly. "Damn."
Gus cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. "Well, I don't want to be in you folks' way for too long," he said, holding up the hand-held metal detector. "Do you mind?"
Kev nodded and said, "Sorry for the trouble."
Gus waved a dismissive claw. "Think nothing of it, Mr. Kev. Gives me a reason to get up for something other than checking a delivery truck." He approached Kev, the metal detector held loosely in his hand.
Kev, anticipating the procedure, took his silver cigarette case out of his pocket and unclasped his watch, placing them on the coffee table.
Gus waved the detector over Kev's front, then had him turn around and ran the detector over his back. The device remained silent. Gus nodded, a grunt of satisfaction escaping his lips. "All clear," he said. "Sorry to interrupt." He started to leave, then paused in the doorway, letting out a soft hiss of air. He turned back, a slightly sheepish expression on his scaly face. "Are those the clothes you were wearing last night, Mr. Kev?"
Kev shook his head. "No, why?"
Gus scratched the back of his head, looking distinctly uncomfortable. "I hate to do this," he said, his voice a low rumble, "but I'll need you to let me inspect the clothes too."
Horns looked over at Gus, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Come on, Gus. Lunch is almost ready."
Gus shook his head, his expression firm. "Sorry, Mr. Horns, but them's the rules."
Sabrina, ever mischievous, piped up, "Careful, Gus. That moose is a mean one. He might bite you."
Gus glanced at Horns before letting out a deep, rumbling laugh. "Little miss, I've been daytime security here for nearly ten years, and this will not be the first day that I let something slip."
Horns sighed, resigning himself to the situation. "Fine. If Rex hears I was telling his people to slack off, I'd never hear the end of it. Do what you got to do."
Kev shrugged. "It's really not a big deal. Not like it's far. I'll be back." He walked towards Gus and the door.
"Careful with the human, Gus," Sabrina called out. "Even the sunlight hurts him."
Gus raised an eyebrow and looked at Kev, then gestured for him to exit the apartment. Talon, ever the silent guardian, put his book down and followed Kev out. "I'll be back, sister," he said, looking back at Sabrina. "Don't bully Mr. Horns."
Gus exited and closed the door behind them.