“This is something I actually recognize. People call this landscape Dieselpunk. That doesn’t sound like anything from Romanticism,” Malcolm commented.
“No, but it should trigger a reaction from my consumers. New York City is primarily a Steampunk environment with some Cyberpunk influences. I’m sure audience will have all kinds of reactions to this painting,” Beauregard explained.
Malcolm ran two fingers across his goatee. “Interesting. This reminds me of something… did you hear about that mob uprising in Las Vegas? That’s Gable’s territory.”
“Vaguely. I heard about a few murders and some type of problem with the black market. Honestly, I’ve been really busy and the news isn’t a priority right now,” Beauregard admitted.
“Maybe it won’t be much of a problem,” Malcolm speculated.
Beauregard disagreed with him. “Mobsters don’t mess around. If they want to cause trouble, it will be quite dramatic.”
*****
Meanwhile, Reb visited Priscilla’s office building. The Victorian woman hobbled through the lengthy hallway with her laptop computer, and eventually found Priscilla’s office.
“Ready or not, I’m coming into your office. We have a lot of work to cover,” Reb declared as she tapped on the door with her baton.
Priscilla immediately opened the door. “A lady should be more polite.”
Reb smirked. “I suppose a southern belle like you should know.”
The attorney entered Priscilla’s office and she opened up her computer.
Priscilla sat in front of her desk. “Go ahead and tell me the details, Reb.”
“Well, I heard about your plantation in Georgia,” Reb commented.
“Isn’t that awful? I can’t believe the storm destroyed my entire crop. It could be devastating for my business,” Priscilla complained.
Reb typed on her laptop while she said, “Growing fruit can be risky because you’re vulnerable to the weather. Luckily, you have more crops across the nation. I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to sell enough products to save you. However, you’re going to lose some money this year because the biggest crop was a bust.”
Priscilla groaned. “That sucks. What else can you tell me?”
Reb carefully examined the data on her computer screen. “Other things seem to be good. You have excellent customer and employee satisfaction. It also seems like your factories are passing their safety inspections.”
“Well, that’s a plus. This is the first time I’ve lost a crop,” Priscilla admitted.
“It’s bound to happen. By the way, where do you spend the most time? Do you spend more time in this office building or the factory?” Reb asked.
Priscilla responded, “It depends. I spend several days a month in my corporate office. However, I have to check on the factory production frequently. I have to commute from one location to the other.”
Reb intuitively sensed a level of discomfort from her sister-in-law. “Something else is bothering you. What’s going on?”
“It’s not a work problem. I guess Maggie is getting interested in boys. More specifically, she has a crush on Parker. Thanks a lot, Reb,” Priscilla muttered.
Reb was slightly surprised by Priscilla’s statement. “No kidding? Parker is going to be quite the lady killer. I thought the kids never met in person.”
“You’re right and that part scares me. Everything is so accessible online. Girls like Maggie are vulnerable and predators can take advantage of them,” Priscilla fretted.
“Parker is not a serial killer, pervert, or rapist. He’s a normal boy who’s looking for friendship and a connection with someone. Giles and I are doing our best to mentor him. Unfortunately, Parker’s real parents aren’t involved enough in his life. I think he’s a lonely kid,” Reb explained.
Priscilla sighed. “Sorry, Reb. I feel really bad for you and Giles. You would have been better parents for Parker.”
“Yeah, but I guess fate has different plans for us. Anyway, we need to keep working,” Reb said.
*****
The three kids sat inside an ice cream parlor and enjoyed their cool desserts.
“What do you think will be the best part of being a Steampunk?” Maggie asked the boys.
Parker lifted up a big spoonful of his ice cream sundae, then looked up and said, “I’m looking forward to those new abilities. We’ll be stronger, faster, and more durable than regular humans. It’s awesome.”
“Those grafted bones would be cool. We’ll be able to handle all kinds of damage if our bones are infused with metal,” Oliver speculated.
Maggie thought about it. “I’m looking forward to something else. The adults in our culture have a really strong bond with each other. They appreciate community and family. It seems like Steampunks are almost tribal. I want to know what that feels like.”
Oliver ate his ice cream. “That’s a really good point.”
“My trip isn’t going to last much longer, but I’m really glad we met,” Parker said, then he smiled at Maggie.
She felt flattered. “Yeah, me too.”
*****
That night, Gable and Priscilla prepared for bed. She walked out of the bathroom wearing a bathrobe. Priscilla tossed her towel in the hamper and sat on the bed.
Gable sat next to her and asked, “How did your meeting go with Reb?”
“Better than I expected. She thinks my sales will ultimately be fine,” Priscilla replied.
Gable gently rubbed her arm. “I thought it would be okay. Sometimes you worry a lot about the company.”
Priscilla leaned her head on Gable’s shoulder. “I’m a perfectionist. Our children and marriage are very important, but I also care about my career. I need that independence.”
“Let me loosen you up. It’s been a long weekend and we could use some affection,” Gable cooed.
Priscilla gazed into his beautiful eyes. “Is this what you wanted? A stressful career, a Post-Apocalyptic wasteland, a wife who keeps getting older, and two rebellious kids?”
Gable smiled. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This life is exactly what I want.”
He gently kissed her on the lips and slowly untied her bathrobe. Gable slipped the robe from Priscilla’s body and then caressed the curves of her body. They embraced and kissed each other again. She ran her hands along his muscular back while they nuzzled each other. Priscilla planted her hands on Gable’s chest and gently pushed him down on the bed. Gable lied on his back while she leaned over and passionately kissed his lips. She pulled down his pajama bottoms and discarded them. He massaged her shapely bottom while she straddled on top of his pelvis. Gable held one of her hands and kissed it while they pleasured each other. He sat up, held Priscilla close, and sensually kissed her collarbone area. The couple breathed heavily while they remained straddled together. Priscilla grabbed Gable’s shoulders and pressed his upper body against her as she moaned with satisfaction.
“I will never get tired of this,” Priscilla mentioned.
“Neither will I. Right now, we both need each other,” Gable said, as they remained intimate with each other.
Chapter 7
Malcolm and Beauregard took a hike on an old trail in a rural part of Arizona. The two men wanted a chance to go sightseeing before flying home. The sun glared down on the earth while they hiked on the dirt road.
Beauregard rubbed sunblock on his face. “It’s a good thing Steampunk clothing regulates our body temperature. Otherwise, this sun would roast us.”
“You don’t strike me as an outdoorsman. This hike seems like a lot of work for you,” Malcolm commented.
“I’m an artist. Outdoor activities are your specialty,” Beauregard responded.
Malcolm took a swig of water from his canteen. “I thought women liked artists and athletes. Why can’t we find chicks to bring on these trips?”
“That’s a good question. I don’t understand the problem. Both of us are wealthy, handsome, intelligent, fun, and popular. It seems like we should
be able to choose from a slew of great women,” Beauregard griped.
Malcolm contemplated their bachelorhood. “Here’s the real problem. The two of us can find a slew of bimbos, junkies, and gold diggers. Substance is much harder to find.”
Beauregard continued to trek on the trail. “I can’t argue with that. You’ve always been a strong guy, but it seems like you’re an idealist who wants a good relationship.”
“I’m not a hopeless romantic like you, but a solid relationship would be nice. Reb reminded me that forever is a very long time. I already had a lousy marriage. That’s why I want my next serious relationship to bring out the best qualities in me,” Malcolm explained.
Beauregard strapped on shade goggles to keep the sun out of his eyes. “As a Steampunk painter, I took the time to learn about 19th Century art. Romanticism places a big emphasis on feelings and emotions. It can be happiness, sadness, fear, anger, and many other feelings. Our Steampunk culture reminds me that we experience all of those emotions in a healthy relationship. Nothing will ever be perfect, but a good relationship should make a couple feel like they belong together.”
Malcolm was impressed with Beauregard’s philosophical side. “Look at you, thinking like a real intellectual! It sounds like our culture expects us to choose partners for the right reasons.”
“I guess it’s good advice,” Beauregard admitted.
*****
Back in Las Vegas, Gable, Priscilla, Reb, and Giles strolled down the sidewalk as they examined the busy casinos.
Priscilla glanced at Reb’s pinstriped outfit. “I see you’re going Dieselpunk today.”
“It’s Las Vegas. Dieselpunk seems to fit in pretty well,” Reb said, as she smoothed out her suit coat.
“At the moment, that Dieselpunk image reminds me of Nero and his shady methods of business,” Gable muttered.
Giles also wore a Dieselpunk suit. “Can you be more specific?”
“Nero wanted to buy my casino franchise. I’m not talking about one casino, he wanted everything I own!” Gable explained.
Reb furrowed her eyebrows. “That doesn’t make any sense. Nero can’t possibly have enough money for buy your entire franchise.”
“Maybe he was just messing with you. He’s probably jealous of your success,” Priscilla said, using her metal fan to keep herself cool in the desert heat.
Gable didn’t believe her theory. “No, he was serious about it. Actually, he became pretty upset when I refused.”
“Nero thinks he can become the most powerful entrepreneur in Las Vegas without actually doing any of the work. Unfortunately, he’ll never make a deal strong enough to make it worth your while. You’re making a fortune from this casino franchise. He could never give you that kind of money through a sale,” Reb explained.
“I don’t understand how he bought the first casino. From what I heard, the original owner was very proud of his business. It seems uncharacteristic for a successful CEO to do something like that. Plus, that casino was making a lot of money from tourists. He should have kept it,” Priscilla discussed.
Reb scratched the side of her head. “Yeah, it seems pretty weird. We should keep an eye on Nero.”
“There’s more. His business partner, Bella Matteo, wanted me to become her agent and lover. It was a very awkward conversation,” Giles admitted.
Gable started to become suspicious. “Why would she target you?”
Priscilla smugly replied, “She was looking for secrets. Think about it. Giles is our agent and a family member. He knows our deepest secrets, both professionally and personally.”
Giles shook his head. “They’re plotting something. Where do you think their master plan is heading?”
“Well, Dieselpunk tends to adapt elements from the Roaring Twenties through the postwar 1950s. During the 1940s and 1950s, Las Vegas was allegedly controlled by organized crime. I keep hearing people whispering about a mob revival. Maybe we need to watch out for that type of thing again,” Reb explained.
Without warning, a huge explosion blew out the windows in the center of Edgar’s casino high rise. The civilians on the street level watched as fire erupted throughout the building, and the explosion caused a chain reaction that infiltrated the rest of the casino. Soon, the building collapsed in on itself, sending glass, metal, and debris flying across the city.
The Steampunks and other tourists shielded themselves while rubble landed on the streets. Eventually, the casino was completely destroyed and dusty ash-colored smoke violently flew across the city. People fled while the smoke and debris rained on them. A massive iron beam catapulted toward the Nelsons, but they successfully leaped out of the way before it smashed into a nearby window.
Gable helped Priscilla stand up and he said, “That was Edgar’s casino! Do you think anyone survived?”
Reb and Giles also stood up and brushed the dirt off their clothes.
“I’m sorry, buddy. He’s gone. Nobody could survive that much destruction. If you’re lucky, he wasn’t in the building,” Giles truthfully stated.
Reb used her right hand to shield her face from the smoke. “Somebody is definitely causing trouble here! I think we need to speak with Nero and Bella!”
“First, we need to find the kids. Oliver and Maggie should be out of school at this time of day. Gable and I will head to the schools and the two of you can see if they’re hanging out at the casino. We need to keep them away from danger. I don’t want a repeat of our battle in the sky,” Priscilla insisted.
“You’ve got it! We’ll meet you guys at Gable’s casino!” Giles said before they dispersed.
*****
Further away from the chaos, Maggie exited her school. She noticed a huge plume of smoke hovering over the casino district.
The preteen girl became extremely confused. “What’s that?”
She trotted toward the sight until one of Nero’s goons snatched Maggie and covered her mouth. Maggie tried to scream while the mobster attempted to kidnap her.
Chapter 8
Maggie struggled and kicked her legs, but the villain gripped her tightly.
“Stop squirming, you little brat!” the mobster growled.
Parker hurried to the scene and whacked the man’s head with a shovel. He dropped Maggie and fell unconscious on the ground. Parker discarded the shovel and helped Maggie stand up.
“Are you okay?” Parker asked in a panicked tone.
Maggie breathed heavily while she looked at the unconscious mobster. “Yeah, thanks to you. Where did you come from?”
“I wanted to walk you home from school today. It’s a good thing I found this shovel in the schoolyard,” Parker replied.
“I was kidnapped last year and it wasn’t very much fun. We need to get out of here,” Maggie warned.
Parker took her hand and the two kids hurried down the sidewalk. “Hopefully, our parents can help us.”
Ironically, Oliver drove up to them in Reb’s Jeep, with Bubba in the passenger seat. “Get in the Jeep! We’re being attacked by mobsters!”
Maggie raised one of her eyebrows. “I didn’t know you could drive. Doesn’t that vehicle belong to Aunt Reb?”
“Yeah, I had to improvise. Let me explain the story in a nutshell. A thug tried to kidnap me at school, but I knocked him out with a tree branch. I took a cab to Dad’s casino, but there’s more mobsters hanging around the city. Out of desperation, I hot-wired Aunt Reb’s Jeep so I could find you guys,” Oliver explained.
“How do you know they’re mobsters?” Parker questioned.
Oliver was becoming impatient. “You guys are wasting time! The rumors must be true! Those mobsters must have blown up the new casino! Who else could do that much damage in Las Vegas? I don’t think the mafia is a fairy tale!”
“Fine, but don’t kill us on the road! I also fail to understand why the robot has to tag along with us,” Maggie grumbled, as she and Parker hopped in the backseat.
Oliver had no explanation. “He just followed me. Anyway, let’s f
ind our parents.”
“Good idea. I just want this nightmare to be done,” Parker mentioned.
Maggie patted his hand. “Get used to it. This type of thing happens a lot in our world.”
Oliver weaved onto the street and struggled as he drove.
Parker clutched the door. “Oliver, try to stay in one lane! We don’t need an accident!”
“Dude, it’s my first time driving! I need to figure it out!” Oliver protested.
Maggie rolled her eyes. “We’re going to die today. Either the mafia is going to kill us or we’re going to die in a car crash.”
“You’re not helping!” Oliver griped.
*****
Meanwhile, Gable and Priscilla hurried toward the parking structure.
“We can’t let anything happen to Oliver and Maggie!” Priscilla declared.
Gable tried to keep his wife calm. “I learned from our last trip! Nothing is going to happen this time!”
Two mobsters jumped in front of the couple and aimed rifles at them.
“Stop! You’re coming with us!” one of the mobsters hollered.
Gable grabbed Priscilla’s hand and frantically led her in the opposite direction. “Run! We need to get away from these guys!”
The couple ran away from the mobsters, but the two men fired their rifles, striking Gable and Priscilla both in the neck with tranquilizer darts.
“Bull’s-eye! That was surprisingly easy!” the second mobster gloated.
His companion waved a hand toward the unconscious pair. “We can’t waste time! Let’s grab them and get out of here!”
The terrorists dragged Gable and Priscilla to their getaway vehicle. They evildoers shoved Gable and Priscilla in the backseat of a 1950’s convertible.
“Steampunks weigh a ton! It must be the metal in their bones and clothes!” the mobsters complained.
The second mobster hopped in the driver’s seat and started the engine. “Nero is waiting for us! Hurry up!”
His companion sat in the passenger seat and slammed the door shut. “Drive! I don’t want these two Steampunks to be in the car when they wake up!”
They hurried away from the chaotic scene while Steampunks, and other tourists, were still running away from the destruction.
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Vendetta Page 26