A Thief's Honor [Book 2]

Ch.13 Bloodied Frame

"Okay, fellas, and lady, according to the ACES flight line-up, we're going up against Team Iceland and Team Belgium in tomorrow's semi-final round. As you're all aware, we've only got a single plane while our opponents will be flying fifteen a piece. You got that guys? It's thirty to one against us. In order to give us a fighting chance, we'll need to pin these two teams against each other. To start off, Sly and Murray will paddle through the sewers beneath town to gain access to an air vent leading up to Team Iceland's hotel room. Steal one of their trademark Viking helmets and then head over to Team Belgium's hangar. Vandalize one of their aircrafts and then plant the helmet on it to frame Team Iceland for the damage. Next, Murray and I will steal one of Team Belgium's monogram handkerchiefs, meanwhile the Guru will break into the Team Iceland supply truck carrying their lucky ice sculpture. Rae, you will steal the art and then place the handkerchief insinuating Team Belgium for the crime! Get it? We frame both teams so they'll be gunning for each other and not you two in the semi-finals. All the while, I'll be setting up defenses around the Team Cooper air hangar. You never know when one of the other teams might come looking to do us some harm..." Bentley explained.

"Relax, pal, our plane is as safe as a baby." Sly reassured.

"Your reassurance isn't much of a solace, Sly..." Bentley sighed. "However, to ensure our plane is safe, while I set up the defenses, Murray, I'll have you and Rae be on standby in case some of the other teams manage to get past my security."

"Why me, exactly?"

"Is that really a valid question? I thought that was obvious."

"Then please, enlighten me." Rae waved her hand, sounding sarcastic.

"Because you have combat skills, that, and you tend to, how should I put this...?"

"Kill people?" She finished, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, that..."

"Only when I deem it necessary. I prefer not to unless the situation calls for it, but if you're so insistent, then fine, I'll help out Murray in protecting our plane."

"Then what should I do?" Sly then asked.

"Sit there and look pretty." The fox replied.

Sly smirked. "I thought that was your job?"

"Cute..."

"You love it." Sly quipped.

The fox rolled her eyes. "Not the point."

"Then what is?"

"Just...sit there and don't do anything stupid."

"Noted." Sly shrugged.

"Uh-huh..." Rae frowned.

"Don't act like you don't love it." Sly chuckled.

Rae flashed a smirk. "I'm not saying I don't, but--"

"Okay, okay! Save the flirty commentary for later, or in your own room!" Bentley quickly cut in.

"As you wish. Ringtail, follow." Rae got up from her seat, beckoning Sly toward her as she head for the door.

"Right behind you, my love!" He said, eagerly following after her.

Once the two were gone, Bentley sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I swear, those two... They just cannot contain themselves sometimes..."

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Murray exited the hotel, heading out for his mission as Bentley tried to contact him. "Looks like hard-partying Team Iceland has already gone to sleep. Time to "borrow" one of their Viking helmets."