Anaheim Run

Chapter Fifteen

Other eyes were also gazing at the approaching frontal storm.

“Look!” Kraken declared, pointing to the west.

The Gild members, their arms laden with Darters, uniforms, and supplies, were tramping to the east, seeking another suitable temporary headquarters.

“It’s a storm, guv,” Charley commented.

“So what?” Leftwich chimed in.

“So the elements themselves are working in our favor,” Kraken said.

“How do you figure?” Leftwich inquired.

“This storm is an unexpected ally,” Kraken stated. “We can use it to our advantage.”

“What do you have in mind, mate?” Charley asked.

“We’re going to change our plans,” Kraken replied. “We’re going to hit the Federation leaders this evening.”

“But I thought you wanted to hit them tomorrow night,” Charley observed.

Kraken glanced from Charley to Leftwich. “What is the distinguishing earmark of a professional in our trade?”

“Skill with weapons,” Leftwich replied.

“Smarts,” Charley opined.

Kraken sighed and shook his head. “Wrong, brothers. The distinguishing earmark of a true assassin is adaptability, being able to adjust according to the constantly shifting circumstances you’re confronted with, being able to modify your plans to suit the situation.”

“I knew that,” Leftwich stated.

Kraken looked at Nightshade, who grinned.

“This storm is a godsend,” Kraken informed them. “I estimate the front will arrive here in about two hours, just about the time it gets dark. The storm will enable us to easily penetrate hotel security. Terminating the leaders will be a simple task.”

“Are all of us going in at once?” Charley queried.

“Yes,” Kraken responded.

“Shouldn’t we hold someone in reserve, just in case?” Charley questioned.

“No,” Kraken answered. “We’ve tried sending in one at a time and the strategy hasn’t worked. We’ll go after them in force. There are enough Army uniforms left to go around.”

“What about the motorcycles?” Leftwich asked.

“What about them?” Kraken countered.

“Are we going to leave them stashed in the Plaza?” Leftwich inquired.

“The bikes will remain where they are,” Kraken said. “Once the delegates have been terminated, we will return to the amusement park, retrieve the cycles, and head for the coast. The sub is waiting for our signal. We can be on our way home by tomorrow morning.”

“What about Emery?” Leftwich questioned. “I never did get to contact him and tell him to lay low.”

“We’ll find him tonight,” Kraken stated.

“I’m looking forward to some action,” Charley remarked.

Kraken swept them with a somber stare. “Before we go into action, I must reiterate the essentials of our contract. We have been hired to terminate all of the Freedom Federation leaders. But should the circumstances prevent us from killing all of the leaders, we are to concentrate on hitting the most important ones. You’ve all read the file.

Which three leaders must be terminated at all costs?”

“Toland, the president of the Civilized Zone, is one of them,” Leftwich noted.

“And Plato, the head of the Family,” Charley said.

Nightshade, holding two Darters tucked under his left arm, moved his hands in sign language.

“Yes,” Kraken said. “The third one is Governor Melnick. Our employer does not want the Free State of California to join the Freedom Federation.

So remember the description provided in the file. Plato, President Toland, and Governor Melnick must be killed no matter what. The rest are not as crucial.”

“Don’t fret, guv,” Charley commented. “All their bloody leaders are as good as buried.”