Amazon's Coliseum III (ENG)

Chapter 64: Warcry

Bernardo Navarez's office, The City

-Alright, gentlemen -Navarez began, presiding over the assembly that included his associates and the members of the Vitebsk Office, Attila Csongvai among them-. Tomorrow's the big one. Truth be told, we've weathered a few storms, quite a few folks turned out to be a real pain; still, we've managed to iron out some wrinkles. While the National Guard's been a bit of a headache for me and some of you, it's nothing we can't handle by tomorrow, according to my people. So, as for those who've been raising a fuss, let's just say there's less pie to go around.

A few chuckles rippled through the room, but others remained stone-faced.

-The bottom line is, you and I both know they're gonna come after us sooner or later. What makes you so sure they won't come down on us before Saturday and drop our files?

-Relax, we've already got that covered -Boris, head of the Vitebsk Office, assured them-.

-How so?

-We're 'troubleshooters' -he replied to one of the jittery Financial Messiahs-. We pulled down those videos and had a little chat with some folks to make damn sure the rest of that dirt stays buried. Plus, a few politicians are feeling the heat too.

-And what about the dumbass who spilled the beans?

-That's been taken care of too...

...

One day prior, in Ruta's apartment

-You know, a heads-up next time you decide to drop by, Attila, would be nice. I could even rustle up some grub or something.

-I know you dig surprises. Seriously though, your taste still sucks: if they ain't American, they're those Japanese's twinks types, or some little dude with a moronic look -he quipped, gesturing towards a nervous Tavoron.

-Hey, lay off him. He's just a bit on the lean side -despite her monotone delivery, a hint of sarcasm laced her words.

-Alright, do me a solid: make sure this guy doesn't pull any stunts in the next few days. Otherwise, his death'll be on your conscience. Plenty of people would love to get their mitts on him.

-... b-but...

Ruta's gaze softened as she looked at Tavo, her calm demeanor easing his anxiety.

-Let's make a deal: you beat Aurora, you get all that intel, and you can even hand over her address.

-But Ruta...!

-Deal.

-Hey!

-Alright... you just better not leak any of that sensitive info before Saturday, it'd be a real shame if something nasty happened to you.

The man turned and left, leaving the young man in a silent, defeated state.

-Don't worry, I'll see to it that...

-No, it's not my life I'm worried about... if that information falls into their hands... they...

-They'll win? That's been the writing on the wall since that bet was struck.

-But you're not getting it! Maybe with this info we can save the girls. You know Aurora won't win!

-Tavo, I'm actually surprised at how down you are.

-Do you honestly think she stands a chance?

-Everyone's got a shot. Yeah, some might have a better one than others, that's a given; still, no matter how small, everyone's got a chance, a possibility against anything. A single grain of rice can tip the scale.