Read Wasteland Angel (A World After Novella) Page 8

  Chapter 8

  July 10, 2034

  Maximus Casino Las Vegas Strip, NV

  Minerva finished her shift and went upstairs to debrief with Jonas, She found him sitting in the command center as usual poring over security tapes. The Maximus may be a dive, but he took his job seriously. Despite it’s rough and tumble reputation it was in fact one of the safer casino’s on the Strip, and the most honest. It was illegal on the Strip for the casino’s to cheat customers, and they were required to have at least a forty five percent chance of winning. But that didn’t stop unscrupulous or desperate casino bosses from cheating customers.

  Jonas had a reputation as a very honest and very capable man. He could have been head of security at any number of the larger casinos, but he had always declined. He liked where he worked and the freedom the owner gave him in running security. It also gave him time for his other pursuits, like mentoring her.

  “So what did you find?” He asked when he finally looked up.

  “I followed Carter into the back alleys, but I got jumped by some bikers before he led me to the warehouse.” Minerva explained.

  “How did you get jumped by bikers? Weren’t you watching your six?” Jonas asked with one eyebrow arched.

  She sighed. “I got too focused on the target and wasn’t paying enough attention. I won’t make that mistake again.”

  “Well, it looks like you didn’t get hurt. But you did lose the target. You need to remember everything I taught you.” He stressed.

  “I know.” She replied sheepishly. “I remembered after they cornered me. It won’t happen again.”

  “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” He said gruffly.

  “I didn’t. I left them all lying unconscious with various broken parts. It wasn’t much of a fight.”

  He laughed. “I’m sure it was a sight to see.”

  “Any more info on our target?” She asked anxiously.

  “My friends tell me that he will be at the Triad tomorrow tonight to meet with one of the bosses.” Jonas said slowly. “But it sounds like a trap to me.”

  “Why?”

  “Because there is a fight night there tomorrow tonight; which provides a great excuse for you to be there. The meeting is supposedly taking place in a high-roller room upstairs, but there is an elevator near the fighter rooms that takes you right up. It seems too easy.” He explained.

  “Maybe it’s just a coincidence?” She suggested.

  “Maybe, but how do you explain a last minute invitation for you to fight?”

  “My reputation for putting on good fights?” She asked jokingly.

  “Seriously Minerva. I think they figured out it was you and they are luring you into a trap. Remember, casinos are like sovereign territory. They can do more or less whatever they want there. Once they have you inside you won’t be getting out.” He said with great concern.

  “I can handle myself.” She said confidently. “Besides, we don’t have much choice. We can take out the slaver leader and find out who is buying the slaves.”

  “I don’t like it.”

  “Don’t you think I can handle it?” She said, a little hurt.

  “Yes. But I don’t want to take the chance of losing you. I have become very fond of you over the last year.” He said thickly. “I already lost my family once.”

  “Oh.” Minerva said, touched by his emotion. “Don’t worry. I promise I will be coming back.”

  “You better.” Jonas said seriously. “This place would be too quiet without you.”

  “So it’s settled. I’m going to infiltrate the Triad.” She said with finality. “More importantly, who is my opponent?”