Gideon
Matthew Ryan Fischer
Queenie sat back and watched. No one would speak to her if she
didn’t want to speak. Her men knew to form a blockade of sorts. She had her nieces
and nephews at her sides, the perfect picture of family. She came to the
funeral and said all the right words. She shook the hands and gave the
appropriate hugs and kisses. One man stayed away, as if by accident, but she
knew better. There was an art form to avoiding someone. You stayed one step ahead
in the other direction. You noticed their movements and subtly changed yours.
You ended conversations a beat too soon and moved to the next group before
anyone had a chance to tie you down. Gideon had been on the move all day, but
Queenie couldn’t quite figure out why. They weren’t friendly, but certainly weren’t
enemies. Their families had never had much to feud over, and in recent years they
were finding more ways to work together. But Gideon wanted nothing to do with
her today. It was odd, but she was more curious than insulted. It wasn’t
everyday that a member of the Dragon’s Claw was killed; Gideon could be
forgiven a bit of rudeness. But the thing was, he didn’t seem all that concerned.
She watched him as he walked the room. He said the words and he wiped his eyes
and shook his head and gave all the appearances of grief, but he glided from
group to group. There was a bit too much energy in his step. Gideon was a man
who knew how to smell opportunity for sure, and this was one moment that a boss
could demand whatever he wanted from the other families. Gideon was smart and
was biding his time, which made Queenie more uneasy. It would have been better if
he had simply asked for a favor that couldn’t be refused. Taking your time and
keeping it a secret, only made it seem like something far too big was going to
be pursued.
Queenie made mental notes of those around the room. Seven was
surrounded by his entourage of sworn brothers. She wanted to speak with him,
but preferred to do it alone. Nine had died in Seven’s apartment. Three had
been there. Her own blood, distant as it may be. But Three kept his mouth shut and didn’t
reveal any secrets to her. A slight problem but nothing impossible to handle.
She had spies in the city and could find out most of the movements of the
families if she needed to. But this was something different. Nine’s last days
were a mystery to her. If Three knew anything he wasn’t letting on. The Dragon’s
Claw would want vengeance or justice, but in this case, the families would
decide. Ten was loyal and would properly investigate. But Ten would report to
all the families. Queenie wanted something she could take advantage of. Seven
might feel bad enough about letting a sworn brother die that she could use him.
If only she knew what Nine had been investigating, she and her family might
have some advantage. She would need to find a private moment to interrogate Seven.
Later, after many speeches and kind words, Queenie lost sight of
Gideon and knew she had to make a move. She sent her nieces across the party to
lengthen any conversation they could, and she disappeared off towards Gideon’s
office. When she arrived, Jacob, Gideon’s son, was leaving. She gave him the
customary respect and said a few words of condolences. Jacob thanked her, but
he didn’t seem very upset. Gideon watched as Queenie entered the office and
shut the door behind her.
“We didn’t get to speak at the funeral. I wanted to tell you how
sorry I am for your loss.”
“For all our loss. Nine was a member of the Dragon’s Claw. He
served all of us.”
“Of course. But this affects your family the most. You will need
to name a new protector.”
“In due time. I’m focused on the solving this tragedy and making
sure the families are safe. A seat can stay vacant when there are more
important matters to attend to.”
“You haven’t picked a successor?”
Gideon stared off for a moment and looked at the door. She could
tell there was something more to it, but that he wouldn’t share it with her.
“No. Not yet.”
“And you’ve heard nothing yet from the agents.”
“Ten will tell us all when he knows something. Why should I know
something sooner than the rest? Tell, me Queenie, why are you really here.”
“I wanted to let you know my family is at your service. Three will
help you however he can.”
“I’m sure he would. But we should let the system work. No family
deserves special treatment.”
“Of course.”
“But I do appreciate your concern.”
“I also wanted to ask you something.”
“Oh?”
Gideon leaned forward, perhaps out of courtesy. Queenie doubted
that he actually cared what she thought or had to offer. But he was tactical
enough to pay her some small respect, even if he had avoided her all day.
“I heard about some trouble in Bandung. I wondered if you needed
any assistance with that.”
“Bandung?”
“A real-estate developer was murdered along with several of his business
associates. Jon Quer.”
“I’m not sure I recognize the name.”
“My mistake. I thought he was an associate.”
Gideon tried not to stare, but Queenie could tell he knew what she
was talking about.
“I’d hate to see business slowed. I’m glad to hear this unfortunate
death had nothing to do with us.”
“Nothing. Everything is fine.”
“Good. You’ll let me know if I can help.”
“Of course.”
“And if you want suggestions for Nine’s replacement.”
“Appreciated. You’ll be the first person I ask.”
Queenie excused herself, confident she had made her point. She
might not know what Gideon’s plan was, but she knew more than he wanted. She
needed to talk to Seven, but more importantly she needed to get a step ahead if
she was going to gain anything. She needed information. It was time for her nieces
to step up and start helping the family. Gideon wasn’t the only one with
ambition. She just had to make sure hers were better set.
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