A Server exited a door on one of the side walls of the game floor of the Ocean’s Bounty. After a few seconds Tasha slid the same door open and peeked her head around the corner.

“I think we’re finally out of the access tunnels. But we seem to have come up under the Gambling Hall.”

Ein’s ears twitched. “Do you hear someone chanting the word shoot?”

“I can’t hear anything over all of this noise.” Tasha looked around at the game floor.

“Who was that huge man with the revealing muscles that had you so frightened?” Eins looked up at her.

“Look, we all have someone in this town that we’re trying to avoid, okay? It’s not important right now. Let’s look for a way out of here.” she said.

“Hold on. Are those the people that Ash and Luke were running from?” Eins pointed across the room with a paw.

Jack and Ted stomped up a spiral staircase into the high roller’s section of the building.

“It does look like them.” said Tasha.

“Should we follow them? See what they’re up to?” Eins asked.

“It’s not really our business…”

“Look. There’s an intimidating woman walking up to meet them.” Eins pointed again.

Lady House ascended a staircase on the opposite end of the hall.

“Luck and lunacy. I don’t normally break into someplace unless I’m being paid to do it.” said Tasha.

Eins wiggled in the front of her overalls. “But, maybe just a little bit more sneaking?”

“Only a little.”

#

“There you are Jack! Where have you been?”

“Sorry dad. I thought I saw someone in the crowd.” said Jack.

“So you decided to run off into the streets in some strange city? Hmmm?” Jack’s father put his broad hands on his hips.

Jack looked at the floor.

The older man turned to Ted. “And you Ted. You’re supposed to be looking after Jack.”

“Yes sir. Sorry sir.” Ted also looked at the floor.

Jack’s father puffed out his chest. “Listen to me Jack. You have responsibilities. Schedules have to be met. Appointments have to be honored! You’re going to be Mayor some day.”

“If I’m elected you mean.” Jack told the floor.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

“Don’t be flippant with me boy. Elections in Star Town are a formality not a determination. You will be Mayor. Just like I am. It’s about time you started preparing yourself for that responsibility.”

The Mayor flipped out a watch. He gave the watch spring precisely three turns. He checked the time.

“I don’t have time for this right now. I will expect to see you in your room at exactly nineteen hundred hours so that we may continue this conversation.”

“I got it dad.” mumbled Jack.

“What was that?”

“Yes sir. Understood sir.” said Jack.

Jack and Ted turned around and walked away into the Gambling Hall.

#

Lady Winsome House ascended the stairs to the luxury suite. She brushed a single strand of hair back into place behind her ear. A sequined Server was immediately at her side with a drink in hand. She took the drink glass between her manicured nails, siped it once, and handed it back. She faced the older man who was waiting in the suite for her.

“Mayor Letterman. How nice to meet you.” Lady House flashed a smile.

“The pleasure is all mine Lady House.” the Mayor replied.

Champ Letterman extended a firm hand to Lady House. Champ was tall and broad in equal measure. A streak of silver hair curved across his otherwise black hair like a crescent moon in the night sky. His mustache sparkled at the edges with the same silvery color. His face was naturally handsome and he had passed his square jawline down to his son. Only his nose was out of proportion, the upper cartilage forming an unusually symmetrical right angle with the rest of his face.

Champ was wearing a suit made of high quality fabric. For some reason no matter which way his tailor cut it his jacket always looked small on his bulging chest. A ceremonial nutcracker in the shape of a soldier dangled around his neck as his mayoral symbol of office. A cedarwood cologne lingered on his neck and wrists.

Lady House grasped the Mayor’s hand firmly with her right hand and delicately with her left.

“Our two towns are so close. It truly is a shame that we don’t have better relations. How are you enjoying the Ocean’s Bounty?” she said.

“It’s a marvel my Lady. Such a… huge building. It is very impressive.” Champ said.

“You’re too kind. I’m glad you could make it. I look forward to working very closely with you in the future. Now if you will excuse me I have to leave immediately.”

She dropped Mayor Letterman’s hand suddenly and stalked past him to the railing at the edge of the suite.

“Uh, yes, good to meet you too?” Champ was left with his hand dangling in the air.

#

Lady House’s lacquered fingernails seized hold of the railing like the claws of a bird of prey. Down below on the Gambling Hall floor she could see Vance and Privati standing on top of a table next to the buffet. The two of them were using fondue forks as fencing foils and were jabbing back and forth across the table at each other. Bede stood nearby picking shrimp tails out of his vest.

Lady House put her thumb and forefinger up to her lips.

*Fwwwweeeh*

She blasted out a whistle so high pitched it was almost imperceptible over the ringing of the game floor.

Bede’s head spun around. He looked up at the luxury suite, made eye contact with her, and bit his bottom lip.

Lady House pointed forcefully at the table.

Bede shrugged.

Lady House pointed again. Then she made a cutting motion across her neck with her hand.

Bede looked back and forth between her and the other two that were sparring on the table.

Lady House squared her shoulders. She would not point a third time.

Bede slouched over. He went over to the table and started yelling at Vance. Vance turned to yell back at him. Vance’s foot planted itself in a punch bowl. Bede and Privati started yelling at him in stereo. Vance retaliated by kicking punch at them with his wet foot. Privati grabbed ahold of his leg at the same moment that Bede lifted up on the tablecloth to try and shield himself. Vance tumbled ass over teakettle into the buffet table. He hit a cheese fountain.

Lady House pinched the bridge of her nose between her thumb and forefinger.

#

Tasha and Eins sunk down behind the potted plant they had been hiding behind.