Queen’s Gamble
Matthew Ryan Fischer
Gideon always underestimated her; she dared not do the same of
him. The man accrued power but had not noticed yet her playing at the same
game. Or so she thought. It was only a matter of time. Gideon had hired his assassins,
funded a drug-fueled gang and infiltrated The Dragon’s Claw. She could hardly
compete with that. But she did secure new funds from overseas. While she
doubted the Japanese would actually fight for her, she could use their money to
hire as many new recruits as she could. She thought her niece could neutralize
Seven, but there had been no word from her all day. Ace had built her army,
training them as best he could. The fool loved her. She was sure of it. He would
have been a powerful ally. The other families trusted him and he was one of
Gideon’s oldest friends. Whenever Gideon made his move, it would pay to be able
to take allies from him. But that was trusting that he really did love her. And
now he too had gone missing. Jade and Ace; one might be random, but both, on
the same day, seemed like an attack. Was Gideon making his move already? Queenie
knew she wasn’t ready for it. But she might not have any other choice.
She should raise her army. Call in her family. Gather forces. But
she still didn’t have the strength to combat all the other families. If lucky
she could match Gideon. And he if had actually gone to war, the others would be
distracted and then he’d have more than luck on her side. But had he gone to
war? It didn’t seem so. If anything, he was making a targeted attack against
her.
Queenie chose to believe there was still time to come to an agreement
with Gideon. If they couldn’t be equal partners, she could certainly be an
important assistant when it came to taking power from the others. Plus, she hoped
to find Jade and Ace safe. She hated to admit an emotional weakness, but caring
for their survival was about as close as she got.
Gideon would be at home, in his penthouse suite. When she arrived,
she found Seven approaching as well.
“You haven’t seen my father, have you?”
“Not for days. I was afraid I might find him here.”
“Along with your niece?”
“She a little too obvious with you?”
“You mean did she throw herself at me? Yeah, she did. And no, she’s
not clever or ready for leadership. But she also doesn’t deserve to be punished
or held back. She just needs a few more years to grow up.”
“I just hope they’re okay up there.”
“You think Gideon has them? Is he making a move?”
“I hope not. But I fear the answer is yes to both questions.”
“I met my uncle. You know him?”
“I do. I thought he was long gone though.”
“Not quite. But my dad came running here right after we talked.
Seems there are all sorts of secrets that need to come out. I think you and I
should probably have a real conversation soon.”
“I can’t tell you about your past, if that’s what you’re wanting.”
“I’m sure you have decades of secrets you can share. But right
now, let’s go find out if our loved ones are still alive.”
Seven and Queenie entered the building together.
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