The Labyrinth Keys

Chapter 3: Eggs Over Arguments

Despite her small stature—barely over five feet—Rin carries herself with the confidence of someone twice her size. She leans back in the chair, her arms crossed over her chest, exuding an air of control that's as natural to her as breathing. Her nails, painted black, tap rhythmically against the coffee mug she's holding, her fingers thin but strong, like the rest of her.

I frown. "What's she doing here?"

Finn chuckles. "Isn't it obvious? I invited her."

Shit. Is this some kind of dumb setup to get us talking again? Finn can be like an overbearing mom sometimes.

I sigh. "Yeah, I get that. But why?"

Rin chuckles darkly, finally making her presence known. "Because Finn's too soft to handle your nonsense on his own. It's a public service, really—keeping you from embarrassing yourself."

Finn chimes in as he sets a plate of eggs and bacon on the table. "What she means is, I told her about what we found on that chip, and she wants in."

I raise an eyebrow. "Rin wants in? I haven't even decided if I want in yet."

Rin props her chin on her hand, her face shifting into a mocking smile. "We both know you want in. Otherwise, that chip would've been scrap by now. Stop pretending you don't care, dumbass."

I sit down with a thud, glaring daggers at her. "Even if I do go, what makes you think I want you with me?"

Rin glares back, her tone sharp. "Obviously because you need me. I can't imagine you sneaking into a theater, let alone anywhere this chip will take us."

Finn slams a glass of juice onto the table, a little harder than necessary. "Now, now, let's not fight. Jack, you're in, right? I know you're out of the game, but this is different. The danger should be pretty low. I mean, this seems way outside what the local police are digging into."

I sip the orange juice and wolf down some food, trying to ignore Rin's smirk. "I don't like bringing moody here along, but yeah, I'm interested."

Finn pats my back, grinning. "Lighten up, man. The group's back together for one more job, and you know better than anyone how useful her skills are."

I hate to admit it, but he's right. Rin's the best person I could realistically ask for, especially since we know next to nothing about this location.

I grumble, "Yeah, yeah, I know, dammit. I guess if I want to do this, then we do need her."

I hate to admit it, but the chip has really piqued my curiosity. Even if there's no hidden treasure, I can't help but want to investigate it.

Turning to Rin, I narrow my eyes. "But you need to follow my orders, just like in the past. No going rogue just because something shiny catches your eye. We don't even know what's out there—it could be nothing, or it could be a gold mine. Hell, it could even be a trap."

She stabs at an egg on her plate, her movements sharp. "You think I don't know that? Let me remind you who abandoned us. I've been doing this longer than you now. I'm not your little gofer tagalong anymore. I'm more experienced because I never quit."

Her words dig under my skin, and I narrow my eyes. "You think experience means a damn thing if you can't keep your head straight? This isn't just another smash-and-grab, Rin. If we screw this up, it's not just us on the line—it could drag Finn into trouble. Or worse."

Finn raises his hands, his voice calm but firm. "Alright, alright, let's not turn breakfast into a shouting match. Jack, Rin, both of you, cool it. We're on the same side, remember? You know, the team thing?"

I take a deep breath, trying to let the tension roll off. "Fine," I mutter, glancing at Rin. "But I mean it. If you can't handle orders, you're out. I'm not risking everything for some impulsive stunt."

Rin glares at me, her crimson eyes practically glowing with irritation. But instead of firing back immediately, she picks up her coffee and takes a long sip, her expression unreadable. Finally, she smirks, though it doesn't reach her eyes. "Relax, Captain. I'll play along with your little rules. For now."

Her tone grates on me, but Finn interjects before I can respond. "Great! Glad we've all decided to play nice. Now, let's focus on the bigger picture, yeah?" He pulls out a rough map and spreads it on the table between us. "The coordinates from the chip lead here—just outside the city, into the Wryule Highlands."

I study the map, my brow furrowing. "That's... pretty remote. Isn't that mostly unmarked territory?"

"Exactly," Finn says, his voice gaining that familiar edge of excitement. "Which is why we need to check it out. Could be an old tech stash, a forgotten facility, maybe even buried treasure."

Rin leans forward, her irritation fading slightly as curiosity takes over. "Or it could be bait. Something left there to lure idiots like us."

Finn shrugs. "Could be. But if whoever made this chip wanted to set a trap, they've had plenty of time to spring it. Doesn't make sense to leave it buried in a pile of junk for anyone to find."

I nod slowly, my gut telling me there's more to this than meets the eye. "Alright. We do this. Gather your gear—we leave in an hour. I've got work Monday, so let's make this quick."

Rin snorts, her expression turning sly. "Your little slave-labor job. God forbid Jacky loses that."

I push my plate away with an annoyed glare. "God forbid I have a real job instead of living off others all my life like a leech."

Finn grins, clapping his hands together. "Now that's the spirit! Feels just like old times, doesn't it?"

I glance between the two of them, the weight of the decision settling on my shoulders. It might feel like old times, but this is different. The stakes feel higher, the risks less predictable. For better or worse, the group is back together. And whether we're walking into a jackpot or a death trap, there's no turning back now.