The Legion of Nothing

I caught Vaughn on the way out of the lunchroom. We didn't have any classes together and we hadn't eaten together lately because Cassie had been spending a lot of time with Kayla. Repairing relations, I guessed.

Vaughn had been talking with a couple other guys. Neil leaned against the wall next to the door, tracing the tattooed dragon on his forearm while Dave talked. "... someone called the cops and we ended up climbing the fence while holding our skateboards. They caught Mike, but Neil and I got away."

"Have a second?" I asked.

Vaughn stepped away from them. "What's up?"

I gave him a quick summary of what I'd heard the mayor say and my guesses about what it meant.

"So watch out for the mayor," I said. "Not that you aren't already."

"I'm still more worried about Vengeance," Vaughn said.

"He says he just wants to talk," I said.

"I"m not going to bet my ass on that."

"I'm just passing it along. Is there any way we could talk about the stuff you gave Magnus' people?"

"I've got nothing going after school," he said.

"Uh... how about tonight?"

"What're you doing after school? I know you're not going to Cross Country Finals."

"No. I've just got an appointment."

"Sure thing," Vaughn said. "You want to meet at Hardwick House around eight?"

"You mean the museum?"

"I mean the mansion my family lets the city use as a museum. I've got keys, but you might want to wear your armor."

"Why?"

"Partly traps and partly just in case there's a cave-in."

"There are traps in the museum?"

"In my grandfather's secret lair, yeah." Vaughn grinned. "It's pretty cool. Not in the best of shape, but they had some kind of massive battle there back in the 60's so I should just be glad it's still there."

"Okay, I'll go," I said, guessing I'd be able to get away with a short jaunt like that without pissing off Daniel's dad.