*****
Reb and Giles also hurried down a different section of the sidewalk. Reb was frustrated hobbling with the aid of her baton.
“You should go without me. Find the kids and help my brother,” Reb insisted.
Giles refused. “That’s not happening. I love those kids, but it’s my duty to protect you.”
Reb looked directly at him and said, “You’re a gallant man, babe. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
They stopped when two of Nero’s thugs ran around the corner of the nearest building and aimed their rifles at them.
“Those guys don’t look too friendly,” Giles muttered.
The two mobsters fired their weapons, sending tranquilizer darts toward the couple. Reb quickly held up her baton and deflected the darts. The two men fired their rifles again, but Reb and Giles swiftly dove out of the way.
“Get them!” Reb yelled.
Giles charged at the goons and tackled one of them. Reb jumped on a parked car and then she leaped off the vehicle. She kicked one of the mobsters in the face and knocked him out. Her mate punched the other thug several times, until he was unconscious.
Giles stood up and tossed the tranquilizer rifles out of reach. “Terrific. Now the mob is chasing us.”
Reb felt frazzled. “We have to worry about mobsters, too? We can’t go anywhere without running into terrorists! I guess that’s what happens in a Post-Apocalyptic nation!”
“Honey, I need you to focus. Those mobsters will go after Gable and Priscilla too. What do you think is the best plan? Should we regroup with Gable and Priscilla or should we find the kids?” Giles questioned.
Reb tried to remain logical. “Gable and Priscilla can fend off the mobsters. The kids will be completely defenseless. They don’t even have grafted bodies or clothes.”
“All right. Let’s hurry to the casino and hope we can find them,” Giles recommended.
He helped Reb hobble faster through the dilapidated streets as they headed to Gable’s casino.
Meanwhile, Percy relaxed in his corporate office’s break room. The computer wizard sipped on a cup of tea that was freshly prepared, as he watched news footage on the television screen. Soon, a special report showed graphic imagery of the destruction in Las Vegas. It revealed Steampunks and tourists running through the streets while ashy, gray smoke billowed through the atmosphere. Percy saw that pieces of the destroyed casino had been thrown throughout the city by the blast. Among the chaos, many people were injured and several buildings were damaged. Percy became alarmed and immediately picked up his cell phone.
He got Savannah on the line and said, “Tell your employees that we’re going to be gone for a few days. We need to catch a flight to Las Vegas right away.”
Savannah was confused. She had been busy working in her office and didn’t know about the situation. “Why? I don’t understand the problem.”
“One of those casinos was blown up. It’s on the news. I don’t know which building was destroyed. Hopefully, it wasn’t one of Gable’s casinos. I want to make sure the kids are okay. Reb and Giles were visiting them,” Percy explained.
Savannah immediately got up and grabbed her coat. “That’s horrible! How did someone figure out how to blow up one of those buildings? It’s almost impossible to destroy a building that’s made out of grafted metal!”
Percy didn’t have a good answer. “I don’t know, but we need to hurry. Stay at your workplace and I’ll pick you up.”
The computer manufacturer ended the phone conversation and hurried out of the break room.
Chapter 9
Malcolm and Beauregard sat in a bar and sipped tropical drinks.
“I’m just not much of a hiker,” Beauregard muttered.
Malcolm raised an eyebrow. “You shouldn’t be complaining. Steampunks have enhanced bodies that are superior to regular humans. That means a simple hike shouldn’t be difficult for you.”
Beauregard couldn’t argue with him. “I suppose that’s true. However, you’re the one who enjoys the outdoor life.”
“Why don’t you spend more time outside? It might provide inspiration for your paintings,” Malcolm suggested.
Beauregard responded, “I spend plenty of time at parks and other public places. Athletics just aren’t my cup of tea. You’re the guy who likes to show physicality, masculinity, and power. Truthfully, I like to show my refined and artistic side.”
Malcolm sipped on his drink. “Once again, I fail to understand why we can’t find a variety of beautiful women. I’ll make a deal with you. If my workplace has any sensible and sweet gals, I’m going to hook you up. In return, maybe you can send a cute artistic girl or model in my direction.”
“Sounds fair to me,” Beauregard admitted.
They became distracted when a news report flickered on the bar’s television screen. It showed images of Las Vegas sustaining heavy damage from an explosion.
“Isn’t that the casino district in Las Vegas? It seems like one of the casinos was blown up,” Malcolm said in surprise, as he stared at the television screen.
Beauregard tried to figure out the details. “I hope it wasn’t one of Gable’s casinos. It’s a mess over there.”
Malcolm gave his friend a stern look. “You know what happened.”
“Terrorism,” Beauregard replied.
“I think we need to catch the soonest flight to Las Vegas that we can. The Nelsons got us out of trouble more than once. We should return the favor,” Malcolm stated.
Beauregard stood up and grabbed his hat. “I agree. Maybe we can save their lives for once.”
*****
Gable slowly woke up and looked around at his surroundings. He appeared to be in some type of conference room. Gable soon realized that he was tied to a chair. He glanced to the right and saw that Priscilla tied up as well, and unconscious. The casino owner tried to wiggle out of the restraints, but he was weak and groggy. He scooted his chair closer to her.
“Priscilla, wake up. Can you hear me?” Gable whispered.
The southern belle stirred and slowly opened her eyes. “Gable, where are we?”
“I don’t know. Are you hurt?” Gable asked in a worried tone.
“No, but I feel tired. Those guys shot us with some type of tranquilizer,” Priscilla muttered.
Gable still felt weak. “I think we’re on the wrong side of the mafia. Nero isn’t just an enthusiast of film noir and Dieselpunk. He must be a crime boss.”
“Why not? We haven’t dealt with mobsters yet,” Priscilla said, then sighed.
“You’re really good at staying calm in bad situations. Look, I’m going to find a way for us to escape. Everything will be fine when I get out of these restraints,” Gable discussed.
Nero stepped out of the shadows and stood in front of the helpless couple. “It will only be fine if you cooperate with me.”
Gable was furious. “Why did you kidnap us? You won’t be able to take over Las Vegas! We live in a different era! It’s not the 1940s!”
“Well, it’s not the 19th Century either, but your culture warped the world into a pseudo-Victorian civilization anyway,” Nero countered.
Priscilla’s arms felt like gelatin when she tried to move. “We don’t want any trouble. Why did you blow up that casino?”
“I needed to make an example out of someone. At the moment, I have enough modified diesel engines to blow up every casino in Las Vegas. However, I’m a businessman who’s willing to make a deal. Sign over your casino franchise and I’ll spare your lives,” Nero recommended.
Gable refused to help the mob boss. “I’m not giving you anything! We’re not going to let a terrorist like you take over Las Vegas!”
Nero grew impatient with Gable’s resistance. “I take offense to the word terrorist. We don’t live in a warm and cuddly world anymore. This is a Post-Apocalyptic landscape and everything is about survival. I’m much more refined than the other groups who protest against the Steampunks. Pirates scourge the sea a
nd bandits terrorize the Wild West. Apparently, there was a cannibalistic town in West Virginia that you overthrew. However, I’m a professional businessman who only resorts to murder when it’s necessary.”
Priscilla angrily glared at him. “That means you should let us go.”
“Why are you fighting against us? I don’t understand your motivation,” Gable said in a confused tone.
Nero crossed his arms. “It’s about competition. As a subculture, the Steampunks are always growing. I agree that retro-futurism was the solution to mankind’s salvation. Unfortunately, you picked the wrong era. I prefer a world that brings back elements of mystery, spectacle, film noir, Art Deco, sensuality, and the vast weaponry from our wartime days.”
“Human beings made their choice. I’m sorry, but majority rules,” Gable bluntly replied.
“Your manifesto doesn’t matter to me. Let us go before someone from our family comes here and forces you to face justice,” Priscilla threatened.
Nero wasn’t fazed by their complaints or threats. “What’s going to happen when I find your son and daughter? If you don’t sell the casinos to me, I’ll torture them relentlessly. Eventually, I’ll kill both of you, and it’s going to be slow and painful. For now, I’m going to let you think about the options. I’ll come back very soon to hear your decision.”
The mobster exited the conference room and left the Steampunk couple alone.
“We can’t let anything happen to the kids. How are we getting out of this mess?” Priscilla fretted.
Gable’s mind raced and he said, “I don’t know, but we’ll find a solution. You’ll just have to trust me.”
*****
Oliver drove through the streets of Las Vegas with Maggie and Parker in the backseat.
“Oliver, what are you doing? You’re a fourteen-year-old boy who’s driving around in Aunt Reb’s Jeep!” Maggie complained.
“You should thank me! This rescue plan made sense at the time!” Oliver stressed.
Parker tried to remain calm. “So what’s going on? We’re being chased around by guys in business suits. I guess they’re the ones who blew up that casino?”
Oliver kept his eyes on the road while he explained the situation. “They’re mobsters. I’ve heard a lot of rumors and I guess they’re accurate. Some of my friends and classmates say the mafia is trying to regain control of Las Vegas. They have a huge black market in the desert outside of the main city. I don’t know all of the details, but those mobsters are dangerous. They’re not afraid to kill people.”
Bubba jumped in the passenger seat and chattered.
“What’s going on with the prairie dog?” Maggie wondered out loud.
Parker shrugged. “Maybe he’s trying to communicate with us.”
“Sorry, but I don’t speak robot,” Oliver responded.
Maggie rolled her eyes. “Where are we going? We can’t drive around all day long. The Jeep will run out of gas.”
Oliver made a left turn and said, “We’re going to find the mafia’s cargo hangar. I don’t want to scare you, but those jerks are probably searching for everyone in our family. In fact, Mom and Dad are probably much more valuable to them. Our parents are the ones who own corporate franchises. The desert is a good place to hide hostages without trouble from the police.”
“Dude, you have a plan!” Parked became excited.
“Don’t get too excited. His plans usually suck,” Maggie growled.
Oliver drove on the highway and argued with his sister. “Let me know when you figure out a better idea! I would love to hear it!”
Maggie frowned. “Fine, take us to the hangar! Just don’t kill us!”
“We’re Nelsons. I think we can manage,” Oliver commented.
*****
Meanwhile, Reb and Giles entered the parking structure that was connected to Gable’s casino.
“What are we doing now?” Reb wondered out loud.
Giles placed his hand on her shoulder. “Get the Jeep ready. I’m going to find more weapons in our hotel room. We’re going to need firepower.”
Reb agreed with him. “That sounds like a good plan. I’ll meet you here.”
“Be careful! Don’t trust anyone who isn’t a Steampunk!” Giles hollered, as he ran through the parking structure.
They separated while Reb tried to find her Jeep among the sea of cars. She hurried through the parking structure and hunted along one of the rows. Eventually, she stopped at an empty parking space.
“Where’s my Jeep? This is exactly where I parked it!” Reb griped while she smacked the concrete with her baton.
She heard footsteps and saw a lone man wearing a business suit and fedora. He slowly walked across the parking lot. Reb felt wary from his presence. He picked up a submachine gun and then he immediately fired it in her direction. Reb hid behind the cars while bullets flew across the parking structure. The bullets penetrated various cars while Reb moved from one vehicle to the next. She stopped behind a large sports utility vehicle, bullets smashed its windows and penetrated the grafted exterior. Reb used her arms to shield herself from the falling glass.
“That bounty on your head is mine!” the mobster shouted, while he rapidly fired his weapon.
Reb felt defenseless. “Are you kidding me? These bullets are obviously the product of alchemy! I’m screwed if there isn’t an escape route! These bullets are tearing through the cars and I know they can penetrate my clothes!”
The mobster walked forward while he fired at her. “Come out and face me, you little coward! You’re supposed to be tough! I expect you to die like a hero!”
Reb dove forward and slid on her knees across the concrete until she reached a support structure. She hid behind the concrete pillar while the mobster tried to assault her with his weapon. Pieces of the support structure broke away and fell on the ground.
“Okay, I need a serious plan,” Reb grumbled.
*****
Giles reached the floor where his hotel room was located and jogged down the hallway. One of Nero’s henchmen followed the attorney and pulled out a submachine gun. Giles heard the man load his weapon and became instantly alarmed. The mobster fired his submachine gun while Giles now frantically ran through the hallway. The attorney performed a series of defensive moves, from handstands to backflips, avoiding the flurry of bullets. He eventually tumbled across the floor and bolted way ahead of the mobster.
“Since when did Steampunks become gymnasts?” the henchman asked in disbelief.
“Enhanced agility! It’s one of the perks of alchemy!” Giles gloated as he ran down the hall.
He knocked open his hotel room’s door and tried to find weapons. The mobster hurried through the corridor and quickly found him.
“You’re dead! I want to collect that reward!” the mobster shouted, then he fired the submachine gun again.
Giles quickly flipped over a table and used it as a shield. The bullets destroyed nearly everything in the hotel room.
“These aren’t normal bullets! I’ve never seen gunfire that can create this much damage to Steampunk furniture!” Giles yelled.
The mobster continued firing at him. “There’s nowhere for you to hide! You can’t outrun a submachine gun!”
Giles used his great strength to heave the table directly at the henchman, then he dove out of the way to avoid the gunfire. The table slammed into the mobster and knocked him out. Giles looked up to see if the scene was safe. He quickly found some rope and hurried to the fallen evildoer. Giles tied up the disoriented mobster and dragged him into the bathroom. Afterward, the attorney tried to find weapons, but the room was almost destroyed.
He found a Steampunk pistol and a handful of throwing knives. “It’s better than nothing. These mobsters are going to be difficult enemies. I hope Reb is okay.”
The Steampunk grabbed his weapons and hurried out of the mangled room.
Chapter 10
Percy and Savannah anxiously waited at the airport. They felt stuck among the crowd of tou
rists. For some unknown reason, all of the flights were cancelled out of San Francisco’s airport.
Savannah grew increasingly impatient. “What’s the problem? I don’t understand why all of the flights are cancelled. There must be a reason.”
“I can’t stand waiting here. Let’s find a customer service representative or an information desk,” Percy said, then he led Savannah through the mass of travelers.
They approached the information desk and inquired about their predicament.
“Can you explain the problem? We have a family emergency out of state,” Savannah firmly stated.
The representative answered her question. “I’m very sorry, but we can’t let any of the planes leave the airport. There was a bomb threat and the police are investigating the situation.”
Percy became furious. “You can’t be serious! How long is the delay going to take?”
“I honestly don’t know. In a worst-case scenario, we might not have available flights until tomorrow,” the representative sheepishly mentioned.
Savannah shook her head. “Maybe we can reach another airport. Let’s get out of here.”
“Actually, you guys can’t leave yet. There’s an ongoing investigation and everyone inside the airport is quarantined until the police find answers,” the representative replied.
“That could take hours! We don’t have that kind of time!” Percy yelled.
The representative tried to keep them calm. “Look, it’s out of my hands. None of us can leave until further notice.”
Percy and Savannah stormed away from the information desk.
“Great! We probably won’t reach Las Vegas today,” Savannah grumbled.
Percy placed his hand on her shoulder. “Just hang in there. We’ll find a way to get out of this airport.”
*****
Back in Las Vegas, the assailant was still firing grafted bullets at Reb while she hid behind a concrete pillar.
Reb pulled up her right sleeve. “I won’t last very long in this parking lot. Maybe one of my hidden weapons can be useful.”
The Post-Apocalyptic Society: A Nelson and Hyde Vendetta Page 27