A Thief's Honor [Book 2]

Ch.7 OP: Tar-Be-Gone!

"With Octavio's comeback opera recital just a few hours away, we're all set up for the main event. Get ready for Operation: Tar-Be-Gone!" Bentley said as he began his slideshow, both Sly and Rae chuckling a bit.

"Nice name, Bentley." Rae giggled.

"Yeah, real solid work comin' up with that one." Sly joined in, the two high-fiving as Bentley raised an eyebrow, seeming unimpressed.

"Grow up, you two..." He said before clearing his throat. "Anyhow, our objective: Get Murray back on the team. Sly, you'll start off by using your disguise to sneak into Octavio's Opera House, and Rae, I'll have you stay with me."

"What for?" She asked.

"Protection, of course."

This time Rae gave the unimpressed look. "Oh yes, because the vacuum room is just the most terrifying thing ever..." She said in a sarcastic tone.

"I meant while we head down there. I'll need some cover since I'm limited when it comes to anything combat related."

"Fine, have it your way then..." The fox merely agreed.

"Now, once you've reached the vacuum room, Sly, you'll let Rae and I in through the side door. And thanks to the blueprints we stole, I now know just where to bomb to cripple the machinery, then we'll go for Octavio's detonation switch. I'm sure you both agree that we can't leave a weapon that powerful in the hands of such a madman. So, I'll distract the old mobster with an opera duo--"

"Ahem... Question?" Rae interjected.

"Yes, Rae? What is it? I'm in the middle of explaining the plan."

"Yeah, I know, and Imma let's you finish, except one thing..."

"What is it?"

"Wouldn't it be better if I did the duet with Octavio?" She suggested.

"Oh? And why do you say that?"

"Because I highly doubt you know anything about how to sing opera."

"And you're saying that you know how to then?" Sly cracked a smirk.

"I know a lot more than Bentley does, mostly because I actually know how to sing."

"Oh, then what a treat it'll be." The raccoon leaned in toward the fox, his smirk growing.

"I figured you'd get a kick out of that..."

"Alright, then while you distract Octavio with the opera duo, he's sure not to attack while you're both on stage. Meanwhile, Sly, you'll cut the lines to the chandelier and drop it on his head! While you do that, I'll make sure to go find Murray and let him in on the whole thing. Then, with Octavio down, Rae will swipe the switch and grab Murray. By then, the black water is sure to be running clear and he'll be free to come with us. Now let's get this show on the road, you two!"

Sly was the first to get up, heading to go grab his costume with Rae following after him. However, just before closing the door, he quickly turned, the fox unexpectedly forcing herself to stop, and then she saw it: The sly grin on his face. "...What? Why are you giving me that look?"

"Oh, no, it's just...I'm usually the one following after you, but now, here you are, following after me. I think that's what you would call, what's the word..."poetic justice," right?"

"First off, that's two words, and secondly, no."

"Then please tell me, sweetheart, who followed after who again?"

Rae stood there for a moment until she reached up, yanking Sly's hat down over his face before turning and walking off. She could hear Sly laughing as he fixed his hat, following after her this time, quickly grasping her hips to stop the fox dead in her tracks. Sly then smirked, pulling Rae backwards as her hips collided with his.