Chapter 88: The Drunken Feast

Will stood with a loud screech of the chair. “I’m not helping you in whatever mess you created,” he spat as he marched to the door. “It’s the mess passed down from the previous generation, William,” Hank’s calm voice replied to his outburst.

Will froze with his hand on the handle. “I want to end this whole mess, and I need your help,” Hank continued. Will hadn’t slammed the door in their face so it was something. His grip on the handle tightened.

“I want no part in this,” his voice was calmer. With a sense of finality, he swung the door open and slammed it behind him as he left the meeting room.

“I’m afraid there isn’t much I can do, either,” Stacy said, “I don’t remember any of it. I can’t even shoot a gun.” She looked down at her hands, marveling at how she forgot something as crucial and as easily integrated in the muscle memory as skills.

“It’s alright. Your mom left some useful things in my hand. They should be enough,” Hank assured her. She nodded slowly, not completely convinced.

“If a war breaks out, I hope that I can contribute something and not passively become a burden.” Chad squeezed her hand he had been holding. “You are not a burden, Stacy. You were never a burden.” Hank nodded.

“It’s true,” he gave her a firm nod. “Now, we need a strategy.”

“You seem to have an idea,” Chad cued the former leader.

“We have no idea where they are hidden right now so we can only tighten security while looking for them. We can also set up a trap. We have the ultimate weapon.”

“A trap..” Zalen considered, “you’re not thinking of..”

“Yes. We have a bait here. They will come,” Hank leaned back in his chair in a relaxed manner, as if he was planning a winning game.

They spent the rest of the day going through details and planning for the inevitable.

Soon, the sunset brought with it the light of the day. The leaders concluded their meeting. Zalen was the first to leave, leaving both Hank and Chad in the room with a fast asleep Stacy. Her head was on the table, a coat draped over her body. Even in her sleep, she didn’t let go of the hand she had been holding.

Hank lingered a beat longer, watching the sleeping girl before his gaze fell on the young man beside her. “Take care of her,” he said before leaving for his room.

Chad smiled at the figure. He was about to carry her to the room when she stirred.

“What time is it?” She stretched and opened an eye to peek at her surroundings.

“It’s six, too early to go to bed but too late for anything huge,” he managed before she leaned in. Her arms tightened around his waist as she rested her face on his chest, feeling the calm rise and fall of it.

“Thanks for today,” she mumbled, still waking up from sleep. “Hmm,” he hummed in response, the sound vibrating in his chest. “What were you discussing?” She asked. “Sorry, I was too tired to stay awake.”

“You need the rest. Listening to all of that must be taxing.”

“It is. I’m glad you are here all along.”

There was a comfortable silence. They stayed that way for some time before she raised her head, resting her chin on his chest to face him. “Are you hungry?”

The question made him smile. “Let’s get some food in your system.”

“It’s a question, not a statement,” she argued but was immediately cut off by a loud grumbling of her stomach. The loud betrayal caused her to blush in indignation. Chad’s laugh echoed in the space. “I’m hungry, come on,” he practically dragged her by the hand as they rushed to the kitchen.

The moment they reached the kitchen, the duo stopped short at the entry. “What in the..” Stacy said while Chad’s jaw dropped.

Jack was working in the kitchen. The counter was full of food. Despite the lack of space, Jack continued cooking.

Slowly, they inched into the food paradise. “I didn’t know we were having a party,” Chad said as he eyed the food warily. Jack didn’t respond enthusiastically as he usually would. He continued on with his task. They exchanged glances.

“Where is Nelly?” Stacy asked. Only then did Jack look up from his task. “Hey, both of you,” he slurred. Chad’s frown deepened while Stacy took a step forward. She sniffed around the man. “Were you drinking?”

“Just a shot, I can’t drink more than that,” he raised a finger to show the number one. “I doubt it was just a shot,” Chad shook his head as he folded his arms in front of him judgingly. Stacy giggled at the comment. “Is that what you said at the beginning?”

“Yes,” he nodded a few times. “Will was devastated,” he said as he tried to place the fresh plate of pancake on the counter full of other dishes.

Stacy quickly rushed forward and took the plate from him. “I’ll take this. Who are you making this whole feast for?”

Jack turned to the countertop, looking like he was just realizing the whole lot of food there. “Why is there so much food?” He had the audacity to ask as he squinted.

Chad exhaled loudly as he took big strides towards the drunken man. “You’re drunk. Just go get some rest.” Jack took a step back, shaking his head dramatically. “I’m hungry. I want to eat first,” he said as he reached for a spoon.

“Alright. Sit and eat. I bet the whole village can feast on this,” Stacy guided him to the stool. Just as he was about to settle on it, he suddenly looked up. “Where is that bastard Will?” They exchanged looks again. “He’s not here. Just eat your food.”

“No,” he swung his hand, almost knocking down a plate. “He’s drinking like he was trying to die. I told him I’m making dinner,” he paused as he tried to focus, “he needs to eat. Where’s that bastard?”