Fragments of a Broken Timeline [Book 3]

Ch.16 Grand Key Larceny

Once the whole situation with rescuing the gang was all sorted out, Carmelita now stuck with them for the time being, it was high time to keep the ball rolling on this operation. With all the pieces falling into place, it was time for the gang to finish off this era and move on to the next, but first, they had to deal with that slimeball, Toothpick himself.

"Alright, thanks to the bug in Toothpick's office, we have a pretty clear idea of what's going on." Bentley said as he got the meeting underway. "Toothpick plans on moving the stolen gold out of the mine using his special train. Unfortunately, that train is also being super-turbo charged by our van, and need I mention that we're stranded in time unless we recover it? Well, anyway, it's useless to go after the train in the mine. Toothpick will have stepped up security since our escape and the place will be crawling with guards. We're going to have to hit that train while it's rolling, but first, we're going to have to catch it, and we'll do that by diverting it's route. After surveying the rail system, I've determined there are four key track switches we'll need to throw, and Toothpick has entrusted the keys to four of his toughest henchmen: Wild-Man Wheezner, Frenchy Le 'Stache, Red-Eye Roblés, and Horace Lotsman. Furthermore, these guys keep the keys around them at all times. The good news is that during the Toothpick appreciation festival, there are a number of contests, and all of them will be competing. Murray, I took the liberty of entering you in the Bare Knuckle Brawl contest. Wild-Man is the defending champion, and he's sure to have the key on his person. Now, Sly, I hope you're feeling fast, because you're going to be competing in the crookedest race in the west -- the Toothpick 500! Frenchy happens to be the defending champ, so it's highly probable that it's his time you'll have to beat. Carmelita, you'll be up against Red-Eye in the shooting contest. As the defending champ, he keeps the trophy closeby with the third key inside. And finally, Rae, as for you, you'll be going up against Lotsman in a gambling frenzy! Now, normally when it comes to gambling, you'll have to get money, which is fine, but you're gonna have to talk Lotsman into betting that key of his, but be careful, because this guy has luck on his side. You'll have to be crafty in order to pull a win outta this one. Now, let's get going, we don't have any time to waste!" Bentley said as he finished explaining the plan to everyone.

Rae was the first to get up from the table, heading for her room to go grab a few things, but she also wanted to change as well. Rather than wearing her thieving outfit, Rae was gonna have to disguise herself if she didn't want to get recognized at the casino. So, while Rae was getting changed, everyone else set out to do their assigned missions, though Sly couldn't help but hesitate for a brief moment. He glanced over toward Rae's room before sighing as he merely grabbed his cane and made his leave from the Safe House.

She's still mad at me... Best not try and push her any more than I already have... Sly thought to himself.

Meanwhile, while Rae was changing into a different outfit, she heard a knock on her door. "If it's Sly, don't bother coming in and just leave." Rae called.

"It's Bentley, Rae." He said from behind the door.

Rae exhaled through her nose. "Come in then." She replied.

She could hear the door open before closing soon after as Bentley wheeled himself into her room. "Hey, Rae? Are you doing okay?"

Rae sighed heavily. "Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I was... In actuality, no, I'm really not..."

"You don't have to do this mission if you don't want to, you know. I can just send Georgia or--"

"I'm not talking about the mission, Bentley." Rae cut him off. "I don't care about doing that because it's not going to be an issue for me. It's...something else."

"Based on that response, I can only assume it's about Sly then?"

Rae sighed again, softer this time. "Unfortunately, yes..." She replied begrudgingly. "Bentely...can I tell you something?"