Heartbeat

Chapter 28- Clem

Clem's priority was changing the combination to the vault and inspecting its contents. After learning the whereabouts of Meg and Sal, it was difficult not to rush in after them, but she knew they needed at least some semblance of a plan. They couldn't just rescue them, they needed to send a strong message to Ascaht and the Razorgulls as to what it meant to attack one of their own, and she didn't want them to know they were coming. She was sure Ascaht had no idea the repercussions of his choice. Granny most likely made it seem like a simple contractual agreement, a lobbied bill is passed, and he gets an Alkemi in exchange. Coincidentally, one who knows the formula and process to make parem. Clem wouldn't have been surprised if Granny had convinced him to take on her debt.

Clem was certain Hattie had figured out all that Granny had done. She was cruel but not stupid. Although she hadn't mentioned a word of Granny's ailment, she also didn't reveal to the group her betrayal.

Clem inspected the vault, many weapons were gone, but they were finding them on the Widows they had taken down earlier. Sol and Fara were helping her go through the inventory when Clem eyed one of the trap doors in the back corner. She couldn't remember what Granny kept in there, and she walked over to it and crawled under the table that was placed on top of it.

She moved some items on top, grabbed the latch, and pulled it up. She stared face to face with Zelda, crouching like a child and putting her hands up in fear. Clem almost burst out laughing at the sight of her. The ultimate coward and she called me a mouse? Clem took out a large switchblade and held it out threateningly, while grabbing Zelda by the hair, forcibly yanking her out. Sol and Fara saw what she was doing and rushed to help her. Zelda made a feeble attempt to fight, but she must have known it was useless.

Sol grabbed the rope and tied her up. She almost closed the vault door behind her, but Felix and Bangbang caught sight of her and rushed in.

"Oh sweet, Ghezen! Ya found 'er. Ya'gon' let Felix pummel 'er in too?" Bangbang asked, almost salivating in delight. Clem turned to both of them.

"No, weren't going to do anything to her now. Sal and Meg are the priority. She can suffer the indignity of being tied up and waiting on us to be ready."

Felix and Bangbang looked furious, but Clem had made her decision then.

"Everyone out! Sol and Fara take the items we need. I'm locking up the vault with the combination only myself, Ertha, and Fara know. Sara will also be told once she returns from Luckie's."

Sol and Fara nodded, both carrying a box filled with items. Clem grabbed one or two things, closed the vault door behind her, and spun the dial. She opened her hand to Vran, who dropped all the keys in her open palm. She locked both doors, leaving Zelda in there, alone.

Clem went through the plan with each member; it had come to her as soon as she heard who had taken them. As she reviewed the plan with Vran and Sol, Sara walked in with Cece. Fara ran over and embraced her. They hugged silently for a long time. When they broke apart, Sara nodded to the group.

"It is done, Lady Luck too. Zelda did not even arm them much. They are back under us. Many were relieved that Mouse fought Zelda. Only Guillaume put up any real fight. I can't believe Zelda was so arrogant to think no one would fight her."

Mouse nodded in mild relief, but she couldn't celebrate yet.

They updated Sara on what had occurred and included her in their planning. It was agreed that Sol, Vran Mouse and half of the mice would focus on the rescue. Fara would lead the attack on the Razorgulls with Felix, Bangbang and Nikita. Win would manage Alevier and his father.

"Sara, go back and go between Luckie's and Lady Luck; keep yourself seen and managing. We don't want to win a battle and then seem to be completely abandoning things. Rudy, you'll stay here and manage the Warehouse and the Bank; Ertha, you'll keep the Study Hall going. Merro will be working tonight, and the Widows who surrendered immediately. We want everything to seem normal here."