by J.G. Martin
Chapter 10
July 11, 2034
Maximus Casino Las Vegas Strip, NV
He gave her the location and she stormed out of the casino. Mike was waiting for her in the lobby with a confused look, but she just walked right by him. He saw the look on her face and thought better of asking any questions. Instead he just followed along as she headed back to the Maximus. He disappeared as soon as they got there and she assumed he had run off to tell the others about her strange behavior. They probably wouldn’t be too surprised, she had a reputation as a loose cannon.
Jonas was waiting for her in the command center when she came in. He breathed a large sigh of relief when he saw she was unharmed. She pulled up a chair and sat down facing him. He stared at her for a minute before talking.
“Good to see you came back in one piece.” He said cheerfully. “I guess it wasn’t a trap after all?”
“Oh it was, but I handled it.” She replied flippantly.
“Really? Must not have been much of a trap if you if you got out without a scratch.”
She laughed. “Let’s just say that the architect of the ambush wasn’t exactly motivated to make sure it succeeded. I think it was more of a test than a trap.”
“What does that mean?” He asked curiously.
“You know Michael Gambrone?”
“Yeah, he runs the Triad. He was the casino boss meeting with Carter?”
“Not exactly. They do work together, but Carter wasn’t there. He paid Gambrone to ambush me, but he wanted me alive. Gambrone could have shot me but he didn’t, instead we struck a deal.” She informed Jonas.
“What kind of deal?” He asked suspiciously.
“He lets me go and I go kill Duncan.”
“That’s an interesting deal…”
“Not really. Gambrone owes Duncan money, if I kill him Gambrone doesn’t have to pay.” Minerva explained. “I think he is also ready to end their partnership in general.”
“Huh. Sounds like a lucky break for you.” Jonas mused.
“Maybe. I assume Gambrone has told Duncan I escaped, so they will be waiting for me at the warehouse. I came here to get geared up before I go over there.” She replied.
“They are going to have a lot of guns. You need to take some backup.” Jonas insisted.
“I can take care of it myself, no need to risk anyone else.” She told him.
“How many guys are there?”
“Gambrone said at least eight; I assume Duncan hired a few merks or bikers to beef that up. Still just a bunch of rabble. I can handle it.”
“At least let me come with you. To watch your back.” Jonas urged.
“It shouldn’t be that risky, I have a plan.”
“What kind of plan?” He asked cautiously.
“Do you still have a friend in the Sanitation Department?”