by TR Cameron
Andrews let out a small laugh. “Unfortunately, snipers are contraindicated for this situation since our targets technically haven’t committed a crime of sufficient magnitude.” Perhaps we should use them anyway. It seems like coloring inside the lines isn’t going to get this done. Or at least not soon enough to make a difference. It would look pretty bad if another casino went down while we have boots on the ground in Magic City.
He stopped his pacing, turned, and placed his palms flat on the table, leaning over and letting his gaze fall on everyone seated around him in turn. “Okay, here’s what we’ll do. You are going to work the phones and call your most reliable contacts, every one of them. I want you to beg, borrow, requisition, or steal replacement combat drones. Someone will have to talk to the techs and find out how many consumer models they need and arrange that, too.”
Everyone nodded, and he looked up at his subordinate. “Charlotte, you get to handle acquiring a big shipment of anti-magic rounds. Might be worth reaching out to the military, as well as the government. They might be willing to let us sneak a little from the stockpile.”
She grimaced. “That’ll take some time, boss.”
“Yeah, I know. So, you all better get to it. Go.” His team filed out of the room, but he grabbed Charlotte by the arm before she could follow.
When the door closed, he said, “We’re going to work on another angle as well. I want you to beat the weeds and see who the best available bounty hunters are at a price point we can accommodate. Then, have our infomancer break into the Ely PD systems and seed crimes and bounties on the three vigilantes, along with the descriptions we have.”
Her eyes widened, but her face didn’t otherwise express her surprise. “You sure, boss? Ethical line, there.”
He grabbed the back of his chair and pulled it out, then gestured her to the one nearby. When she was seated, he said, “Okay, here’s my logic. Tell me where you disagree. Base situation, we have multiple bad things going on in this town right now, and we’re stretched thin on the ground.” He held up a finger. “First, a casino went boom, and we still don’t know who or why.”
She lifted a hand slightly, and when he nodded permission, said, “Wasn’t that Gabriel Sloane? If so, doesn’t that close that case?”
He leaned back in his chair and laughed, steepling his fingers in front of his chest. “The Ely PD thinks so, but it doesn’t ring true to me. He wouldn’t have been working alone, which implies partners, and even one partner means someone could still be pushing whatever agenda he was after.”
“Trying to get an ‘in’ with the casino businesses?”
“As far as we know, sure. Since they’re not allowing it, anyone who wants to accomplish that will have to do it by questionable methods.” She nodded. He extended two fingers. “Second, we have the anti-human movement.”
Charlotte replied, “Yeah, I didn’t mention it during the briefing, but we’ve increased our surveillance in the south of the city to look for them, too. It’s hard, though. Unlike the costumed group, we can’t really do recognition scans with the drones unless you want a bunch of false positives from every magical in town.”
“That is indeed a quandary. Keep working on it. Eventually, we’re going to get faces, and when that happens, we can have the bots do their thing.”
“Unless their faces are fake, like magical or something.”
He shrugged. “In which case, we’re no worse off than we are right now. But we need to keep more humans in the loop. Increase the people watching the drone feeds in real-time. They don’t need to be on site. Nab some Academy students for that one, too.”
She nodded. “Will do.” It always impressed him that she never wrote anything down and yet seemed to have every bit of relevant information at hand the moment he needed it. It was one of the many reasons he planned to take her with him whenever the agency reassigned him. Hopefully soon.
With a sigh, he leaned forward again. “So, on to number three, a seeming war among the security companies in town. Could be that’s overstating the fact, but we have two strong pieces of evidence that argue for it. The alleged gas leak explosion at Worldspan headquarters is the first. Add to that the attack at Invention, which seemed notably lacking in objective other than to mix it up. If that was the goal, we can only assume that Aces Security was the target.”
“Are you saying Aces was behind the building blowing up?”
He nodded. “That’s my working hypothesis, as bizarre as it sounds. I mean, I don’t see an obvious reason, and when you hear about corporate warfare, it’s normally more of the backroom espionage kind of thing.”
He shook his head. “Everything else is weird here in Magic City so I wouldn’t put it past them. The real question, in my eyes, is whether there’s someone behind them. If it’s only them protecting turf, it seems pretty expensive. One would think the companies’ primary concern is profit, rather than position.”
She was silent for several seconds, then asked, “Do you think they’re in with the vigilantes? Aces, I mean?”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t seem like it, but who knows, maybe the costumes came to the gnome casino to intervene on the side of their allies. There’s the fourth issue. Everyone thinks it’s great when local citizens fight crime, but no one considers the fact that they’re not following rules, and no checks and balances are in place to keep them from doing pretty much anything they want.”
He recognized the same words could also describe him at the moment, but he had risen through a system designed to weed out psychopaths and people who would misuse power. He couldn’t say the same of the vigilantes.
Unless they’re law enforcement, freelancing. That would explain a lot of their information. “You know, it just occurred to me that maybe we should review the rosters of police, sheriff, state police around here. See if any of them are magicals, for a start.”
Charlotte nodded. “I agree. It does seem like they have a lot of inside knowledge and the sort of skills that would fit.” She looked slightly uncomfortable.
“You still think this is an overstep?”
She lifted a hand and rocked it back and forth. “Might be. Might not be. I don’t really have a guess as to where that line is.”
He nodded and rose, and she copied his motion. “I always appreciate your counterarguments. Keep them coming. But right now, my position is that we must stop these vigilantes and the anti-human gang that’s probably in league with them. So, I’m still convinced this is one of those moments where the ends justify out-of-the-ordinary means.”
She nodded. “Then I’ll get on the phone and let the local freelancers know it’s hunting season for vigilantes in Magic City.”
Chapter Five
Dieneth walked into the gourmet restaurant that was the primary draw of the Atlantean casino. Well, other than the gambling, but that doesn’t interest me at all. Money isn’t an interesting stake anymore. It was a strange place to be meeting his date, but she had explained it was important for her to visibly frequent all the casinos equally, as she was now the head of the Council.
He thoroughly understood the need to make an impression. That was more or less his whole purpose in Magic City nowadays. It was certainly a lot more fun than his previous gig as a dealer at Darkest Night, so low on the totem pole that the owner didn’t realize that the man across the table had once worked for her.
He’d dressed for the occasion in a black suit, shining ebony shoes with a bit more heel than was particularly stylish, and a crisp, dark blue shirt underneath. In place of a tie, he wore a stylized wolf-head pin at his throat. Although it wasn’t her casino, Elnyier had managed to secure a table in an out-of-the-way nook, and she nodded a greeting as he sat across from her. He asked, “Been waiting long?”
She gave him a small smile. “No, I just finished hobnobbing with the owners. They’re an excitable bunch, to judge by how much effort they’re putting into impressing me.”
He laughed. “Well, that’s kind of why you took the gig,
right? What’s old Maldren doing now, anyway?”
“He doesn’t have any business interest in town, aside from a small percentage of ownership in the two Mist Elf casinos. So, he’s spending some time on Oriceran, most likely licking his wounds and wondering where he went wrong.”
Dieneth grinned, showing her his teeth. “You like that, don’t you?”
Elnyier lifted an eyebrow. “How could you think such a thing?”
“Because I know you.”
She brought her napkin up to pat her lips, probably to hide a smile. “I’ll have you know I am only a member of the Council to serve my constituents. I have no ulterior motives whatsoever.”
He laughed loud enough that a couple of people at nearby tables looked over at him. “Please. You’re Drow. The only ones among us who have no ulterior motives are those who are already dead. Even then, you can’t really be certain they’re not up to something.”
Elnyier dropped the napkin back to her lap, revealing her smile. “Of course, you’re right. Yes, I do like that Maldren is out of the picture for the moment. Had he stayed, he could’ve proved a nuisance.”
A bowl of soup appeared in front of each of them, delivered by an Atlantean waiter who bustled away without a word. She said, “I’ve already ordered for both of us.”
“Bold.”
Elnyier shrugged. “That’s what happens when you’re late.”
Dieneth chuckled. “Technically, I walked in the door exactly on time.”
“Which means you were late.”
He lifted the spoon and tasted the soup, an interesting seafood chowder in a tangy, spicy broth. “Oh, so you’re one of those people, huh?”
“Of course. Early is on time.” She waved her hand, and the world around them quieted. “So, we have a little privacy. How are your plans coming along?”
“Same as ever, seeking the tipping point that puts the humans in their proper place.”
“I’ll be using my position on the Council to do a lot of the same work you’ve been doing. The others don’t have the stomach for a fight. That became clear during the whole Sloane incident when they essentially rolled over and hid in their shells.
“That gives me an opportunity. As things get more stressful on the surface, and the chaos builds, they’ll be more likely to listen to offers for a buyout, or, worst case, to leave their businesses with younger, more resilient family members.”
A frown turned down the corners of his lips, which he’d polished with some sort of strange sandy lotion he didn’t fully understand in preparation for the date. I should never have walked into Sephora alone. They can sense fear. “I see where the former helps you. How does shifting ownership work to your benefit?”
Elnyier grinned. “Younger people are much easier to manipulate. You, for instance. A little shake, a little shimmy, and I have you eating out of my hand.”
Dieneth laughed. “Well, I wouldn’t put it quite that far. You’re not that much older than me. But I can see where your statement is true, generally speaking.” He paused as the waiter exchanged empty soup bowls for filled salad bowls, chopped vegetables with shrimp and salmon. “However, I doubt you’re immune to my appeal.”
She laughed. “Far from. You are an excellent partner, both in and out of the bedroom. Plus, you’re pretty, which makes me look better out in public.”
He shook his head but couldn’t smother his smile. “You never turn off, do you?”
“Never. In fact, I’m not sure if you noticed, but the dwarf in the corner is one of Underground’s owners’ children.
He managed not to glance over. “Always on stage, I get it. I’m glad my people and I have been able to be of service toward your goals. Fortunately, after our initial statement, we haven’t had to injure anyone seriously or kill to get our point across.”
Elnyier nodded, set down her fork, and stared into his eyes. “It’s time for that to change.”
He’d expected such a thing would come from her, eventually. Whatever else he might be, he also was the leader of a group of muscle, and people usually employed muscle for a very limited array of purposes. “Do you have suggested targets?”
“I do. Would you like to guess?”
Dieneth laughed. “Okay, I’ll take a shot. Um, you want us to go after the humans who have set up their little residential community outside the city limits.”
She shook her head. “Boring. They’re only low-cost labor at this point. Certainly, if they should become a threat, they’ll be easy to deal with. No, I was thinking of bigger prey. Specifically, the Paranormal Defense Agency.”
He considered the fact that he didn’t choke on his food to be a major accomplishment. He set down his fork and chewed, then swallowed carefully. The waiter reappeared to whisk away their salads and replace them with a pasta dish, again heavy on the spice and the seafood. Well, I guess that makes sense in an Atlantean casino. They probably just ask the fish to jump into the nets, and they comply willingly. Finally, he replied, “That’s rather bold, as well.”
Elnyier nodded. “This is not the time or the place for half measures. My thought is that the Agents might overreact in very useful ways. The more they lock things down, the more upset the Council gets.”
“And the more upset the Council gets, the more likely they’ll turn to a strong leader and do as she suggests.” His stunning partner inclined her head in affirmation. “Damn, woman, I like the way you think.”
After dinner and dessert, he’d expected they’d go back to her place or his place to finish the evening in a more active fashion. Instead, she took him into Darkest Night casino. It was entirely familiar, unchanged from when he had worked there before.
The sky resembled a field of stars, and the gaming tables were all in black, deep scarlets, and dark blues. Embedded against the ebon expanse above, barely visible enough to be sensed rather than seen, rested a variety of images to inspire fear: demons’ faces, spiders, and many, many other creatures often found in nightmares. They distracted even the most hardened and unimaginative person, which generally caused them to play worse and increased the casino’s profits.
Elnyier led him to the upstairs offices, then took him to an elevator in the back of the hallway that connected the owners’ suites. It opened at the touch of her fingers on a pad outside, revealing a narrow car with only enough room for four. They stepped in, shoulders touching, and she placed her hand on a matching screen on the inside.
The door swished closed, and the elevator started to descend. He quipped, “Make-out session in an elevator, huh? Well, I won’t resist. It’s a little weird, given the quality of your lodgings, but it’s my sole desire to make you happy.”
She let out a soft snort. “If that was my goal, I’d have you on one of my sisters’ desks, just for the amusement it would give me later. No, we are about bigger things tonight.”
The doors opened to reveal a small chamber, about ten feet by ten. Guarding a door on the opposite side were a pair of Drow in traditional battle gear, light armor with reinforced portions to cover essential spots. He followed Elnyier forward and only then noticed two more Drow stood in the corners on the same side as the elevator, with pistol crossbows aimed at him. He had zero doubt that they held poisoned bolts and not to render a target unconscious.
His companion strode to the left wall, where another hand plate waited. Her touch caused a small panel to pop free, and she retrieved a silver bracelet, about as wide as his thumb was long, etched with black sigils. She pulled it apart at the hinge as she approached him. “It’s time for us to formalize this arrangement.”
He nodded solemnly. “You’re asking me to marry you? Of course, I accept. I’ll need a stake in the casino and my own office. Is hitting on your sisters on the table?”
Soft laughter accompanied her head shake. “You are hilarious. Truly.” She turned serious. “Swear now that you will be trustworthy and dependable. That you will never hear a word against me that goes unchallenged. That you will defend me with your li
fe. That you will kill yourself, rather than turn traitor.”
He nodded, recognizing the importance of her words and the significance of the bracelet she held. “I so promise. I shall remain faithful to the end of my life, or until the shared decision to free me from my vow.” He pulled back his sleeve enough that she could slide the cuff over his wrist. When the two ends touched, the bracelet writhed momentarily and resolved into a solid band of metal, completely unremovable. It felt disconcertingly like the thing had chewed on him a little as it closed.
She smiled, a genuine one he’d seen only a few times before. “This object lets me know where you are. It can also,” she paused as if searching for the right word, “dissuade you from acting against me, should that become necessary.”
He nodded. “I’ve heard of such things and accept it willingly.” He lifted an eyebrow. “You will properly reward my agreement in this matter, I presume.”
With a laugh, she stepped forward and kissed him hard, pulling his face into hers. “Have no worries. Spoils galore await us both.” The guards opened the door, and she led him through.
A portal rippled in the chamber. Elnyier explained, “This is permanent, self-sustaining by magic from the opposite side. It connects this place with my family’s true home on Oriceran. My ancestors came through here and somehow rigged it to never close. Come on in, let me show you around.”
Chapter Six
Ruby scraped her knuckles along a sharp edge on the tiny drone that was part of her field gear. She dropped the screwdriver and muttered curses under her breath, then sucked on the knuckle, tasting the metallic tang of blood. People are shooting at me all the time, but when it comes right down to it, I’ll probably die of tetanus or something from an experiment gone wrong. She shook her head and tried setting the panel properly in place again.
Magic happened nearby, hitting her senses like a gentle caress. It could only be one of her allies arriving. She rose, stretched, and ambled out into the main room. Idryll lay on the large chaise lounge they’d gotten for her, curled up like a cat despite being in her humanoid form. Ruby shook her head. “You are such a slacker.”