by Aman Gupta
Emily posed as a corrupt businesswoman who had a business arrangement with Theo, Pete’s deceased assistant. Pete had no idea who Emily was, as he had never met her before. After a few general questions back and forth, Emily mentioned that Theo used to sell the fuel pellets to her as insurance.
“What fuel pellets? What insurance?” asked Pete. “I don’t know what arrangement Theo had with you, but he’s dead. And so is this arrangement you speak of.”
“Don’t play coy with me, Mr. Gold,” said Emily. “I know about your secret stash. I have seen it myself.”
“I don’t have a secret stash,” said Pete, as he looked to his left, towards the study.
Emily noticed he was looking there, periodically. She could also hear faint echoes from that area, but the Mayor mentioned they were alone.
“The people I work with are powerful, Mr. Gold. You don’t want us to be upset,” said Emily.
“Watch your tone,” said Pete. “I’m not to be trifled with.”
“Is that so?” said Emily.
“Yeah, you see the men stationed outside? They happen to work with the most powerful crime family in this region. Loyal to me. So, I don’t need any ‘insurance,’” said Pete. “You can leave.”
“No one can ascertain where true loyalty lies until it has been tested. You save this powerful tool for the most opportune moment. When the moment arrives, the same loyalty is now a useless tool for the future regardless of where it lied before. If it served you once the time you needed it the most, you can’t use it again without giving something back. If it didn’t, you’ve already lost. You shouldn’t count on loyalty to get you the things you need,” said Emily. “We expected this to happen. Rest assured, we’ll be back.”
She walked confidently out of the compound and stood on the street. Pete instructed his guards to grab her. As they walked towards her, Vik showed up in his car, and they raced away together.
He drove towards the town to make sure they weren’t followed.
“He hasn’t found the treasure yet. But he knows it exists. I think the entrance is hidden somewhere in the study,” said Emily.
“That would explain the Sera Crime Family. He must have brokered a deal. If the family can find the treasure, they get to keep a portion of it,” said Vik.
“Yeah, that’s possible,” said Emily. “Let’s hope Karen is able to do her part.”
“Let’s get the food delivered at the mayor’s home,” said Vik. “He is serving thousands of guests tonight.”
Pete recalled the conversation with Emily when Karen mentioned a potential heist being planned in the mansion. Pete pretended to be unaware of any valuable possessions when Karen asked about it. He was evasive with his answers and was more concentrated on getting the marshals out.
“Mr. Mayor, this group has never failed once. They have hit museums, banks, treasuries, and lots of military bases, leaving behind a trail of dead bodies. I again ask you, do you need our assistance?” said Karen.
“I don’t, because I don’t have any stuff they wish to steal. I don’t know why they’re staying at West Gate and casing my home,” said Pete. “Maybe your information is wrong.”
“It isn’t,” said Eric. “We have information that they are working with Sera Crime Family. Now, these are dangerous people, sir.”
“Sera Crime Family? Are you sure?” asked Pete.
“Yes, sir,” said Eric.
“I’m investigating the Sera Crime Family, and that’s how we learnt about their involvement in this. As per my source inside the family, they are planning to hit the building tonight,” said Bill.
“I don’t believe you,” said Pete.
“That’s your prerogative,” said Karen. “Our job is to inform you. We will keep our eyes on the Sera Crime Family.”
“My team will be stationed outside the compound if you need any assistance,” said Eric.
“I won’t, but do whatever you want to,” said Pete.
“There’s a lamp on the top of your gate. If you feel you’re in trouble, turn it on,” said Bill.
Pete nodded. Pete removed his jacket. He started to feel the heat that was on him and his enterprise.
Karen, Eric, and Bill left the mansion, smiling as they got to the cars.
“Do you think he believed it?” asked Karen.
“He did. He just didn’t want to tell us,” said Bill.
“I’ll tell Kate to setup camp outside,” said Eric.
“Where are we going next?” asked Bill.
“Do you know how to drive a truck?” asked Karen.
“Yes,” said Bill.
“Cool, let’s get some,” said Karen.
*******************************************************
Kate, Emma, and Joey left for West Gate following the Sera’s fleet. The entire 23rd street had gone to West Gate. Bruno needed to bring in the house back in order. Ever since the death of Port Lane, coupled with Chad’s rogue behavior reached the ears of the gang, it was split into two factions – one-sided with Bruno while the other sided with Chad.
They reached West Gate around 6 PM. Their armada was welcomed by a fleet of trucks, lined up to be let inside the compound. A lot had changed in the past few hours. Vik and Emily had marshalled their resources and connections to get enough food for over 1,000 guests that were expected at the Mayor’s party. Of course, Vik knew the real number would be close to 10,000.
Pete was informed by his guards about the fleet of over 10 trucks standing at the gate of the mansion. Behind the trucks were the guests, in their private cars, who had started to arrive for the party around 5 PM. The massive jam caused by stationary vehicles forced the Mayor to open a side street to allow the owners to securely park their vehicles. This wasn’t the only trouble that Pete faced. Ever since Bruno learnt that Pete was willing to cooperate with the US Marshals to bring down the Sera Crime Family, Pete was placed under house arrest by his goons. Pete realized he couldn’t leave the mansion when he tried to walk out the door around 5 PM upon hearing the commotion. The windows were shut, and the security cameras were turned off. Pete felt it was retribution for turning Emily away, and that Sera Crime Family was involved in the heist as mentioned by the cops.
Pete’s personal guards were held captive. He was told via intercom that it was done to ensure his safety, but Pete realized he was a sitting duck. His phone lines were disconnected. He rushed throughout the mansion to check for landlines but realized all of them were down. His cell phone service was blocked too. He panicked. He delivered the message the only way he could – he turned on the light bulb mounted at the gate.
Eric was waiting in his car when he saw the light globe turned on. He immediately called Karen and Bill, who were sitting in their vehicle.
They got out of the car and walked towards the gate. Sera’s men tried to block their way and told them that the mayor hadn’t asked for them. Bill bluffed that the trucks parked near the compound were security forces, which could be mobilized in a moment’s notice. Sera’s men weren’t able to reach Bruno due to a jammer installed in one of the trucks. They were forced to let Bill, Karen, and Eric inside the compound, as Bill and Karen put forth their acting skills. Bill even signaled to the truck drivers, to sell the illusion that his team was sitting inside.
They noticed the heavy security inside the compound. Eric mentioned that Bruno had left Morrow and was due to arrive within the hour.
“Let’s see if we got the mayor paranoid,” said Karen.
They entered the mansion and told the guard to keep the gate open. Pete was sitting on the foot of the huge circular staircase in the main hall, holding his head.
He was delighted when he saw Eric at the doorway. Eric, Karen, and Bill looked at each other and smiled.
“You got to help me,” said Pete. “They got trucks outside the compound.”
“Actually, that’s us,” said Eric. “We got word that Bruno Sera was headed here himself. Emily’s team has also been spotted in the vicinity.”
“What do you mean, it’s you?” asked Pete.
“They can’t pull off the heist if we get enough people. They can kill three of us, but not 1000 people. So we spread the word in the town that you’re organizing a party,” said Eric.
“What good would that do? I don’t have money to throw a party,” said Pete.
“The US Marshals are bearing the cost. It won’t cost you a cent,” said Bill. “If you want to live, let the trucks and the people in. By the time the party’s over, we will have enough evidence against Emily and Bruno Sera to arrest them on sight.”
“But..” said Pete. “I don’t know.”
“You have to trust us, Mr. Mayor. You’re a prisoner in your own home. Without us, you don’t have a chance to stand against these guys. The stash you have, is worth killing for,” said Karen.
“Okay,” relented Pete.
He was scared for his life. He wasn’t exactly comfortable roping in the crime family but had no choice. They were the only ones with resources to pull it off, but he realized he had made a deal with the wrong devil.
Bill and Karen walked outside and told the guards to open the gates. The guards were forced to open the gates.
Soon, the trucks entered the compound, followed by the guests. Bruno Sera had arrived soon after. In a matter of a couple of hours, an empty lawn was filled with guests and huge tables offering scrumptious dishes and delicacies.
Pete dressed up in professional attire and walked out in the lawn as the night fell. As per Eric’s instructions, he was told to mingle with the guests, while staying away from the family. Pete soaked in the applause and the appreciation for the party. The guests loved Pete. His ego and social esteem reached new heights when he shook hands with nearly 5,000 people and gave a small speech to cement his place as the mayor for the near future.
Vik and Emily arrived separately, posing as guests. Emily approached Pete, who recognized her instantly. It spooked him off that the heist was still on. He couldn’t leave as the guests continued to arrive. As Vik expected, more than 10,000 people had shown up.
Vik also made contact with Pete, running into him when Pete was staring at Emily. Vik thanked him for his help with the warden, while Pete expressed his gratitude towards Vik for keeping the secret about Anton and Jericho.
“Let me know if I can help in any other way,” said Vik.
“I will,” said Pete. “I saw you interacting with Bruno Sera earlier. What was that about?”
“Oh, nothing. I helped him one time when I was at Stanton Penitentiary. He felt he owed me,” said Vik.
“Are you loyal to Sera?” asked Pete.
Vik laughed. “Only an idiot would be loyal to them.”
“What did you help him with?” asked Pete.
“I know a few black market dealers. I sell whatever it is hot,” said Vik. “Bruno uses my services from time to time. Anthony used to do that too.”
“Interesting,” said Pete.
“Now, if you’d excuse me, I got to make a call. Bruno said he is selling a shipment of 100,000 fuel belts tomorrow,” said Vik.
“What? Really?” asked Pete.
“Yeah, I got him a good deal. It could have been better if he had additional stuff to sell,” said Vik. “God, I miss Theo.”
“You knew Theo?” asked Pete.
A couple of guests walked up to Pete to talk to him, but Pete hushed them away. Vik knew he had gotten Pete eating out of his hand. Pete took Vik away from the crowd for a private conversation.
“Yeah, he unloaded a lot of stuff. He and Anthony had a deal. You don’t know?” asked Vik. “I helped Theo in figuring out the maze.”
Pete’s eyes lit up.
“You’re lying,” said Pete.
“I’m not,” said Vik. “I’m sure he told you. You know the maze, right?”
“I do. Can you believe it? Right out of my bedroom,” said Pete.
Vik read Pete’s expressions. He was trying to bluff Vik. Vik didn’t have much to go on with, but he knew Emily thought that the entrance was near the study.
“Bedroom? I don’t know that one. I know the one in the study,” said Vik.
Pete’s expressions confirmed Vik’s suspicions. Pete knew about the entrance, and the entrance was in the study room.
“So, how much treasure is really there?” asked Pete. “For the sake of my curiosity.”
“I don’t know. I haven’t been down there myself. I had access to the blueprints,” said Vik. “But if what he illustrated to me is real, you could buy an entire state for yourself. Even a country.”
“And what did you charge for it? For your services that you rendered to Theo?” asked Pete.
“It depends on the deal. Usually a percentage. 5%,” said Vik.
“Wow! Isn’t that too high?” said Pete, haggling over price.
“Better than 100% of nothing that you get with Sera. That’s why no one does business with them anymore. They steal everything and leave behind bodies,” said Vik.
“Would you come to see me tomorrow?” said Pete. “I believe we can work out a deal.”
“Of course,” said Vik, as they shook hands.
An hour later, around 8 PM, Vik approached Rick and Bob. He told them that the mayor had arranged for a parting gift as a consolation for running out of food. The gifts were to arrive a few hours later, so the guests were expected to stay till midnight. Rick mentioned that he would try to convince every one of the same. Rick went to Pete and told him that he appreciated the parting gifts. Pete had no idea, obviously, but nodded as Rick had cornered him in a group. Pete had already apologized for the shortage of food and knew he couldn’t displease his guests, as occupying the mansion for a long time was paramount. Pete sought Vik’s help and asked him to arrange 10,000 gifts in a moment’s notice. Pete told Vik that he could adjust the payment against the future commissions that he was to earn.
“I got a dealer who is in town. I will call him just now,” said Vik.
“Thank you. Things are heating up,” said Pete.
Emma, as per the plan, started hanging out near Bruno, who was sitting near the pool. She pretended to be drunk. After flirting with his guards, she jumped into the pool and started swimming. Kate blasted Emma for her behavior. They had a very public spat, after which Emma was told to leave the party immediately. Kate dragged Emma off the limelight. While leaving, Kate dropped her wine glass on Bruno Sera, who came after her in a fit of rage. Joey intervened and whispered to Bruno that the mayor asked Vik to sell the stash. Bruno was frantic.
Around 9 PM, Pete returned to the mansion, only to see that the guests were roaming inside the mansion, admiring its beauty. Pete saw Eric talking to the guests.
“Where are the marshals? That woman is here,” said Pete. “And Bruno and his men are circling like sharks who have smelled blood.”
“We know. Don’t worry, we have our eyes on them,” said Eric.
“Get these people out of my house. They can stay in the compound but out of my house,” said Pete.
“That would raise questions. If you have any private areas that you want us to cordon off, let me know,” said Eric.
Pete thought about it for a minute.
“The study,” said Pete.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” said Eric.
“Why?” asked Pete.
“We have caught Emily. She’s tied up in the study room,” said Eric.
Eric waved to Kate and Joey, who were standing nearby.
“Take the mayor to the study room,” said Eric.
“Okay,” said Kate.
Pete went to the study room and saw Emily and Emma tied to a chair. Karen and Bill were standing next to them. Pete told them to escort the thieves out, but Kate warned that it would raise questions.
“What is she doing here? Isn’t she a cop?” said Pete.
“She’s drunk,” said Kate, as Emma pretended to be drunk and started spitting at everyone’s faces.
“We can keep them h
ere. Once the party’s over, we can take them with us,” said Karen.
“Okay,” said Pete. He knew if he asked them to move Emily and Emma to some other room, it would set off an alarm in their minds.
“Do you have the key?” asked Karen.
Pete handed over the key to the study. Karen and Bill escorted the Mayor out. Karen locked the door. Pete insisted on getting the key back. Karen tried explaining that she would need it again, but Pete told her that she could ask for it again.
Karen relented and gave the key back to Pete. Pete walked away with the key. They smiled when he did that.
Eric went to Bruno Sera, who was pissed on seeing Chad walking freely at the party. Eric could sense the tension brewing inside the gang. There were odd reports of scuffles between the gang members.
“What have you learnt?” asked Bruno.
“Mayor is cooperating along with Chad. There’s something else. Chad is giving up information about our entire operation throughout the country, but he has refused witness protection, and so has the mayor. I heard them talking about splitting the treasure. Just thought you should know,” said Eric, and walked away.
Bruno looked at Chad, who couldn’t help but see Bruno still hanging out with the sheriff. It confirmed Chad’s suspicions. He approached the mayor to come to an arrangement. He tried telling the mayor that Bruno was working against the family. But the mayor was done with Sera Crime Family. Vik had offered him a much better deal. Pete played safely and shook hands with Chad.
Bruno saw them together and rallied his troops. Chad felt threatened and left the party in a jiffy, not before shooting two of Bruno’s men.
Around 11 PM, the guests started leaving. Pete was embarrassed that the parting gifts hadn’t arrived. He tried to contact Vik, but couldn’t reach him. By 11:30 PM, only a 1000 guests remained when few trucks carrying the parting gifts arrived. The trucks contained racks of boxes containing gift bags.
Pete himself offered the gifts to everyone. The gift was a bag made of a shiny blue paper, containing a rectangular red box. When Pete opened the box, he saw a blue colored stone, the size of a toddler’s fist, framed inside a steel container.
