Gable walked around his desk and shook Giles’ hand. “Scary, but accurate. I want you guys to stay here and have some fun. Spend some time in my casino and visit one of the nice restaurants. The concierge has a key to your room. It’s on the house.”
“Thanks, big bro. I have to admit that we’re still feeling wiped out from those sky pirates,” Reb mentioned.
“Terrorism is enough to drain anyone. I’ll catch up with you guys later. Have fun,” Gable said, before Reb and Giles exited his office.
The couple took their belongings and walked out into the hallway where they entered the elevator.
Giles said, “Actually, we could take advantage of this trip. It might be a business venture, but we can still have some fun.”
Reb smirked. “Yeah, we don’t get to enjoy our trips very often. It seems like terrorists always find a way to ruin everything. We took a cruise, but a bunch of pirates attacked us. We took a trip to West Virginia and cannibals tried to eat us. We took a flight on a zeppelin and sky pirates tried to kill us.”
“We couldn’t even have fun during Mardi Gras. Remember when we encountered those crazy Utopians in Louisiana?” Giles commented.
“Don’t remind me. Victor is rotting on death row, but I can’t wait to see him die,” Reb growled.
They reached the first floor and entered the casino. The professional couple walked through the colorful area and watched the consumers gamble. It was a busy and fun environment, with a wide variety of activities for tourists. Reb and Giles had always appreciated the casino’s strong Steampunk theme with its metal decorations and architecture in the form of pipes, cogs, propellers, gears, steam vents, and the like.
“Well, everything seems peaceful at the moment. It looks like the tourists are having a good time,” Giles said as he watched the crowds.
Reb tapped her husband’s shoulder. “You know what? I’m going to check out the blackjack tables. Do you want to come with me?”
Giles replied, “No, I’m lousy at blackjack. I’m going to look at the restaurants. Gable probably has good menus.”
“All right. We’ll catch up with each other soon,” Reb mentioned while she used her baton to hobble away.
Giles tried to find the exit but a woman stepped in front of him. She was a tall, blond, beautiful woman. She wore a sleek red dress, high heels, and the top of her stocking peeked out from under the short hem, revealing a garter belt.
“Aren’t you Giles Hyde?” the sultry woman asked.
Giles was perplexed. “Yes. My apologies, but I don’t recognize you.”
She shook his hand and said, “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Bella Matteo. My business partner is Nero Castiel and we own one of the casinos near this one. Nero and I bought the casino from the previous owner and remodeled it. I need an agent, and some of my friends recommended you. They say you’re a very professional man who gets very good results.”
Giles felt slightly flattered. “We’re taking new clients, but my wife and I are just going to be here for a short time. Let me give you a business card so you can call the office when I’m back in Oklahoma City.”
“I’m sure you can squeeze in a little time for an evaluation. Would you like to meet me for lunch tomorrow? It’s always better to speak with potential clients in person,” Bella recommended.
“That makes sense. Okay, we can have a business lunch at Gable’s café. Does noon sound good to you?” Giles suggested.
Bella nodded her head. “That would be delightful. I’m looking forward to our meeting.”
“Don’t be late. I dislike tardiness among potential clients,” Giles said in a stern tone.
“That won’t be a problem. Have a good day,” Bella replied before she walked away.
Giles watched the strange woman as she walked through the casino. “She might be an interesting woman.”
Reb caught up with her husband. “Who’s the blonde?”
“A potential client. I’m going to evaluate her at a business lunch tomorrow,” Giles explained.
“That’s good. We could use a few more clients,” Reb responded.
Giles scratched his right temple. “Yeah, but there’s something weird about her. I don’t think she’s a Steampunk. Her style seems a little more 1940s or film noir. There definitely wasn’t any grafting in her clothes.”
Reb shrugged. “More like Dieselpunk. Some people prefer other forms of science fiction. Your client Beau lives in New York City and I see quite a few Cyberpunks running around that area.”
“Good point. Anyway, let’s get the key to our room. We still need to unpack,” Giles stated.
The couple left the casino and headed to the concierge desk.
*****
Priscilla drove home after she picked up the kids from school. When they arrived home, Oliver and Maggie plopped their backpacks down in the living room. Oliver stretched his arms and yawned.
“That felt like a long day. I’m grabbing a snack,” he mentioned, before walking to the kitchen.
Priscilla took the opportunity to speak with her daughter. “Maggie, I wanted to ask you something. It seems like you’re online a lot, talking with Parker. He’s probably a good boy, and Reb has an excellent opinion about him, however, you’re spending a lot of time communicating with him. Do you consider him a boyfriend?”
Maggie was shocked by her mother’s question. “What? I’m only twelve! Parker is just my friend. We connect in a lot of ways, but that doesn’t make him my boyfriend.”
“Well, that’s good because you’re too young for a serious relationship. Dating is a very serious step forward in a young lady’s life,” Priscilla sternly explained.
Maggie was frustrated. “Mom, don’t worry about it! I’m not dating Parker!”
Priscilla frowned. “Just be careful. Does that sound reasonable to you?”
“Of course. Let me get started on my homework. I have a lot to finish tonight. There won’t be time for me to speak with Parker until tomorrow,” Maggie stated.
Priscilla watched as her daughter carried a pile of schoolwork into the next room. The southern belle felt suspicious about Maggie’s behavior. It seemed like Maggie was hiding something.
*****
That evening, Reb and Giles read the menu at one of Gable’s fancy restaurants. It was an upscale restaurant that accommodated high rollers and wealthier individuals.
“This place is amazing. We almost never get to eat at places like this anymore,” Reb mused as she read the menu.
Giles agreed with her. “Our busy schedules never allow for fancy dinner plans. It seems like we’re stuck at the office with Chinese takeout or pizza several times a week. I feel lucky when we have time for a home cooked meal.”
“Well, let’s savor this one. On another note, I keep hearing the locals gossiping about mobsters selling weapons through the black market. Do you think it’s true?” Reb discussed.
“Hard to tell. Rumors aren’t usually reliable. However, I’ve been wrong before,” Giles said as he skimmed the menu.
Reb felt pessimistic. “I certainly don’t want trouble from the mafia. Utopians, pirates, bandits, and the list keeps going. We even ran into cannibals a couple years ago. Mobsters just won’t fit into my schedule.”
“I agree with you. That woman named Bella is the one who worries me. She owns a casino with someone named Nero Castiel. Do their names sound familiar?” Giles asked.
Reb thought about it carefully, then responded “Yeah, but I don’t remember any details. Try to learn more information about her and Nero when you guys meet for lunch tomorrow. I’ll try to find some details online about them.”
“That might be helpful. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the evening. I feel grateful to share a wonderful meal with a lovely woman like you,” Giles said, and reached for her hand.
“It sounds like you rehearsed that line. I appreciate it though. Same to you, darling,” Reb warmly responded.
The next morning, Maggie walked through the food co
urt in her father’s casino and eventually stopped next to the coffee shop.
“Hi, Parker,” Maggie said, then she grinned.
Parker returned the smile. “It’s nice to meet you in person, Maggie.”
Chapter 3
Gable was busy in his office when he heard someone knock on the door.
“Come in, but make it quick! I have a lot of work to finish today!” Gable hollered.
A familiar man opened the door and walked into Gable’s office. The man had a medium build and height. His attire sported a Steampunk image with a coachman’s hat, a suit with various metal enhancements, brown flats with spats, leather gloves, and an old-fashioned smoking pipe.
“Hi, Gable. I haven’t seen you since we went to college,” the man said with a smile.
Gable stood up and shook the man’s hand. “Edgar, I’m really glad to see you again! You must be the one who’s opening the new casino across the street.”
Edgar Stockton took a puff from his pipe. “Guilty. Business was doing well in Reno, but I always wanted an upgrade. Las Vegas is the biggest gambling center in the nation. I have enough money and popularity to jump on the opportunity now.”
“That means you’re going to take some of my customers, but it’s all right. I’m glad you’re doing well,” Gable replied.
Edgar straightened his vest. “We never kept in touch. Why do you think that happened?”
Gable thought about it, then replied, “I guess we became busy with our careers. For a while, I spent a lot of time at the nightclubs and wooed quite a few women. Then Priscilla entered my life and we had a whirlwind romance. I took her on a lot of trips and lovely dates. Later, the Apocalypse destroyed my first casino and nearly killed all of us. I don’t know your story, but it seems like there wasn’t a lot of time for me to reconnect with old acquaintances.”
“That sounds pretty accurate to me. Well, my staff and I will be celebrating our grand opening soon. Maybe you can stop by the casino and check it out?” Edgar suggested.
Gable nodded his head. “Absolutely. I always try to keep an eye on my competition.”
Edgar laughed. “That’s the spirit. I’ll see you soon.”
“Good luck, Edgar. I’m sure you’ll enjoy staying here in Las Vegas,” Gable said, as his old classmate left.
Meanwhile, Parker and Maggie walked through the shopping center in Gable’s casino. The two preteens got to know each other while they casually strolled through the shops among crowds of tourists.
“How long are you going to be in town?” Maggie asked.
“My parents and I are staying for a week,” Parker said.
Maggie took a sip of soda. “What are your parents going to say about our spending the afternoon together?”
“They won’t notice. My dad is here on a business trip. The oil industry is going to start drilling in Nevada soon. My mom will be spending all her time at the spas, casinos, and shows. They brought me here, but we never seem to spend time together as a family,” Parker explained.
Maggie felt bad for him. “I’m sorry, Parker. My family is really close. Sometimes I take it for granted.”
Parker sipped on his soda through a straw. “That’s why it was so exciting when I thought Reb and Giles were my biological parents. I thought they would take care of me.”
“They still like you. Both of them communicate with you a lot, right?” Maggie asked.
Parker nodded his head. “Yeah, they watch out for me. It’s kind of hard because they live in another state.”
The boy reached out to hold Maggie’s hand, but quickly changed his mind. Maggie pretended that she didn’t notice.
“What do you think about the Steampunk craze? Most of these tourists seem to fit the image,” Maggie noted.
Parker glanced at the Victorian individuals who wore dresses, suits, boots, hats, and corsets that were modeled after the 19th Century. “We’re going to become them at some point. Can you believe it?”
“My parents said we’ll like the splicing. It gives people special enhancements,” Maggie commented.
“That part sounds really cool. I know that’s how Reb kicks butt with her bad leg. However, I’m not sure about those clothes,” Parker responded.
Maggie looked at the women’s elaborate outfits. “Why are you complaining about the clothes? I’m the one who’s going to be stuck in those restrictive dresses.”
Parker snickered. “Maybe I am the lucky one.”
They looked at each other and felt an unfamiliar sensation of warmth and admiration. It felt awkward, so the two kids looked away from each other while they walked through the shopping center.
*****
On her lunch break, Priscilla called Savannah on her cell phone. The older woman picked up her phone - she was still in the office.
“Hi, Priscilla. What’s going on?” Savannah asked.
Priscilla bit her lower lip. “I wanted to ask you about something. My daughter is getting older and she’s interested in things I never had to worry about before. You had two kids, so I wanted a little bit of advice.”
Savannah pushed her clothing designs aside. “I had two very interesting kids. You’re asking the right woman.”
“We all know Maggie is spending a lot of time communicating with Parker. She claims that he isn’t her boyfriend, but I think they’re trying to form a relationship,” Priscilla discussed.
“That’s perfectly normal at her age. Isn’t Maggie twelve?” Savannah inquired.
Priscilla wasn’t happy with her mother-in-law’s statement. “Yeah, but she’s not old enough to date boys yet.”
“You’re right, but it’s going to happen at some point. I’m surprised Oliver isn’t trying to bring girls home yet. He’s a hormonal fourteen-year-old boy. Right now, it seems like he’s focusing on schoolwork and making you guys proud. Gable ran into a lot of trouble with girls when he was a teenager. When Reb was in high school and college, she only wanted boyfriends for sex. I don’t think she wanted to deal with anything emotional. Believe me, you don’t have to worry about Maggie,” Savannah bluntly explained.
Priscilla understood her point. “I suppose you’re right. Maybe that’s why Giles is a good husband for Reb. Neither one of them talks about their feelings.”
Savannah twiddled her pencil. “Some people are less emotional than you or me. It took a long time for Reb to connect with the right man. I’m pretty sure Maggie won’t have any problem sharing her feelings. She seems like a sweet girl.”
“Yes, but she also has a fighting spirit. I just hope she makes smart decisions,” Priscilla replied.
Savannah looked at her clothing designs again. “If necessary, Maggie can learn from her mistakes. I need to start working again. We can talk later.”
“No problem. Have a good day, Savannah,” Priscilla said.
“Same to you, Priscilla,” Savannah responded, before she ended their phone conversation.
*****
Gable walked through his casino until he encountered a gentleman wearing a fedora.
“Nero Castiel?” Gable asked.
The other casino owner patted Gable’s shoulder. “In the flesh. How did you know it was me?”
“I heard you have a penchant for Dieselpunk attire. What can I do for you?” Gable said in a friendly tone.
“I’ve been making a lot of investments in the gambling scene in Las Vegas. You already know that I bought an old casino and remodeled it. However, I want to expand my franchise. Your casinos are legendary. Would you be interested in selling your business to me?” Nero bluntly asked.
Gable was stunned by the question. “I’m surprised you’re asking me that. Most people wouldn’t expect a businessman like me to throw away my livelihood.”
“You’re still going to be a rich man. I’ll buy the franchise from you and it won’t be cheap. You’d going to make a lot of money from the sale,” Nero stated.
Gable became suspicious. “Look, this casino franchise was my dream. I had to rebuild
everything after the Apocalypse leveled Las Vegas. Why can’t you build an original franchise like Edgar? It seems like you’re more interested in buying other people’s assets and taking the easy way out.”
Nero kept his composure and said, “Have it your way. But this conversation might come back to bite you.”
The dapperly-dressed man exited the casino, leaving Gable very perplexed.
Chapter 4
The following morning, Reb and Giles were still in their hotel room preparing for their day when Bubba scurried to Reb and made a series of squeaking noises.
Reb knelt down and paid attention to her mechanical companion. “What do you want now, Bubba?”
“He probably feels lonely because we’ve been working this entire trip,” Giles commented.
Reb patted Bubba’s head and then she stood up. “That doesn’t seem to be what he wants. Bubba has different needs based on the noises he makes.”
Giles was skeptical. “You can understand robot gibberish?”
“It’s more like a language. I haven’t figured it out completely yet though,” Reb explained.
Giles headed to the door and said, “When you learn how to communicate with robots, let me know. I don’t want to be late for my lunch meeting. Hopefully, Bella will be a good candidate. I’ll keep you posted.”
Reb opened a drawer and searched for appropriate attire. “Sounds good to me. I’ll see you later.”
*****
Elsewhere, Maggie and Parker were walking down a sidewalk in Las Vegas to check out some more casinos.
“Today is Saturday and that means no school. My parents are working today, so they won’t know we’re hanging out,” Maggie said gleefully.
Parker smiled at her. “That’s good, because I’m not sure if they have the best opinion of me.”
“My parents think I’m getting too interested in boys. Otherwise, they would like you,” Maggie mentioned.
“Are they right?” Parker asked.
Maggie pushed him. “None of your business!”
Parker stumbled on the sidewalk. “You have that southern spunk. I like it.”
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Vendetta Page 24