Chapter 6 6

The conference room on the second floor of the Plaza was quiet.

Mullins closed the door. He locked it.

He turned around and snapped a salute so sharp it vibrated.

"Young Warlord," Mullins said.

"Don't call me that," Gideon said. He sat down heavily in a chair. "I'm retired."

"We thought you died with your father," Mullins said. His voice was thick with emotion. "The unit... we mourned you."

"I'm hunting," Gideon said. "The people who killed him are still out there. Today was just the bait."

There was a banging on the door.

"Let them in," Gideon said. "Time for the show."

Mullins opened the door. Marcus, Gasper, Celestia, and a phalanx of lawyers spilled in.

"This is an outrage!" Marcus yelled. He slammed a briefcase on the table. "That man is a criminal!"

Gideon reached into his coat. He pulled out a folded piece of paper. He slid it across the table.

"Read it," Gideon said.

Marcus grabbed it. It was a copy of the original pact.

"Erich House saved your father's life," Gideon said. "In exchange, he got 10% of Grimes Industries or a marriage alliance. You chose the alliance."

"That was fifty years ago!" Marcus shouted. "House is dead!"

"Contract law doesn't expire with a heartbeat," Mullins said. He glanced at the paper. "The heir inherits the claim. It's valid."

Gasper slammed his fist on the table.

"He killed my man!" Gasper yelled. "One of my guards is dead! The one he cut!"

Gideon looked at Gasper.

"He bled out?" Gideon asked. "Shame. He should have applied a tourniquet."

"Murder!" Gasper pointed a shaking finger. "You are going to prison."

Mullins picked up a tablet. He tapped the screen.

"Actually," Mullins said. "The deceased has been identified as Gregor Vanko. An Interpol Red Notice fugitive. Wanted for war crimes in Serbia."

Gasper's jaw dropped. "What?"

"By neutralizing him, Mr. Combs actually performed a public service," Mullins said. "And since Vanko drew a hidden blade first-as seen on security footage-it was self-defense."

Gasper turned purple. "You're rigging this!"

Mullins leaned forward.

"Are you accusing the Department of Defense of corruption, Mr. Davidson?"

Gasper choked. He looked at his lawyers. They shook their heads. You couldn't fight the military.

"Fine," Gasper hissed. He looked at Celestia. "You chose your side, girl. Singleton Global depends on Davidson microchips. As of now, that supply chain is cut."

Celestia paled, but she didn't look down.

"We'll find other suppliers," she said.

"Good luck," Gasper sneered.

He stormed out. Marcus followed, shooting Gideon a look of pure venom.

The room emptied until only Gideon, Celestia, and Mullins remained.

Celestia looked at Gideon. She looked at the General.

"Who are you?" she asked. "Why is a General protecting a bodyguard?"

Gideon stood up.

"I'm your partner," he said.

Mullins stepped in. "Miss Singleton, Mr. Combs is... a national asset. His safety is paramount. We trust you to keep his location discreet."

Celestia nodded slowly. She thought he meant Gideon was a scientist, like his mentor.

"Let's go," Gideon said. "Take me to your home."