Chapter 48

Exam Room, Rogue Rider Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, United States

Gen had started on the exam, surprised to find that she knew most of the answers. She hadn't thought that she'd studied enough, but it appeared that she'd understood the core concepts enough to pass Dwayne's test on her own.

After an hour passed, Gen was actually so engrossed in the questions that she startled when there was a knock at the exam door. She straightened, not saying a word, not knowing if this was a trick or not.

When a key clicked in the lock, Gen simply remained frozen, wondering if Dwayne had returned to berate her more or check up on her progress. The door peeled back a few inches with a creak.

"Room service," a voice called through the crack. "Do you want your pillow fluffed or chocolate?"

Gen grinned, shaking her head with laughter, but feeling instant relief. She stood, sighing. "You did it."

Amanda pushed the door open all the way, nodding. "Of course I did. I told you I would. As soon as I learned that man had created an exam room where phones didn't work and riders couldn't communicate telepathically with their dragons, I stole Dwayne's keys and had copies made." She motioned around. "This isn't an exam room. It's supposed to be a torture chamber and I won't allow that."

"Thanks for breaking me out," Gen said, turning to her exam. "But I have this other complication. It's supposed to be done by the time Dwayne returns and I need to pass or I'm doomed to years of training."

"And again, Amanda to the rescue," the house manager cheered, pulling out a folded up piece of paper from her back pocket. "I found the answer key when I was cleaning Dwayne's office. I'll fill in the multiple choice answers for you, getting a few wrong, but scoring you an A minus. Then you'll pass and he'll be furious and I'll be delighted. It's a win, lose, win. So yay."

Gen grinned at the woman, so very grateful for her help. "Thank you so much. I don't know what I'd do without you on this."

"You'd be screwed," Amanda countered. "But also, the City of Los Angeles would be screwed without you, so we need you out there stopping bad guys."

Gen's mouth popped open in surprise. "Oh, so you know what I'm doing then…"

"Yeah, someone told me," Amanda said, turning to the open door.

Sully swung around the corner, materializing with a goofy grin. "Your chariot has arrived. And by that, I mean, your dragon is ready to take you to a bank robbery."

Gen's eyes widened with glee, followed by worry. She looked between Amanda and then Sully. "So we're okay? Amanda, you're not mad at me for breaking Dwayne's rule?"

Amanda laughed, shaking her head. "If he had rules that made sense, then maybe. But if you didn't break his stupid, nonsense rules, well, I'd question your sanity."

"Thanks," Gen said, and then turned to Sully. "And you're really going to help me?"

"Not just me," Sully said, stepping to the side.

Jack slid into the small room, making it feel really tight suddenly. He grinned at her, a provocative look in his eyes. He pointed to his friend. "Do you think he gets to have all the fun? I want to catch some bad guys too. And that is my job, anyway."

"Wow, thanks," Gen said, stunned. "When I asked for your help, well?—"

"You thought we'd be like everyone else and reject you," Sully said, shaking his head. "Those guys are dumb little lemmings who do everything that Dwayne says."

"And it was bold of you to ask us," Jack added. "Which I appreciated."

"Me too," Amanda said proudly. "That proved that you trust us and that means we trust you."

"Thanks," Gen said, thinking that everything was actually working. It was all falling into place. "But can I ask why? Why are you helping me when I could get you all in a lot of trouble with this vigilante business?"

Amanda slid into the chair, in front of the large exam, looking up at Gen. "Because I like an underdog."

Sully pushed his glasses up on his nose and snorted. "Because I like stopping the really bad guys."

Jack smiled slightly at her, winking sweetly. "Because I like you."

"We believe in you," Amanda added. "We need you as much as you need us. This place, this city, has problems. You came at the right time. So we're going to work together, behind the scenes and throw out the trash until this place is cleaned up. And if we have to lie and sneak around behind Dwayne's back, well, so be it."

"Thank you," Gen said, giving the house manager a sensitive expression. "Will you be okay in here for a few hours until I return?"

"Yeah, I have a key," Amanda joked. "But also, I'll ace the test and then take a nap. I was up all night watching the Bachelor so I need to sleep."

"Okay, well, I'll be back before midnight when Dwayne returns," Gen replied.

"And have good news," Amanda said, going to work on the exam. "I like happy endings, which means stories of bad guys' demises."

Gen waved, following the guys out, pulling the door shut. She hoped that she'd return with good news. But more than anything, she wished to return in one piece. This was a dangerous mission and many things could go wrong, but hopefully more things went right and tonight they protected justice.