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You nodded gratefully. <span class="mu-r">“Thanks. I’ll try my best.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“You’d better.”</span> Benga replied. It wasn’t at all meant to be a rude or aggressive statement, you were sure. It was most likely a genuine warning about the dangers of pissing off a main member of The Family.
<span class="mu-g">“We’ll keep that in mind.”</span> Ana offered. She was about to turn away when you jumped in to stop her.
<span class="mu-r">“Hey. Now that the cast and crew of Cirque du’ Soleil isn’t evil anymore, I’m gonna take a few pictures with them.”</span>
Ana looked surprised by your suggestion, but you were already looking past her and at the pair of pint-sized thieves.
<span class="mu-r">“Wanna get in on that? I’m sure they’d be grateful.”</span>
Both girls exchanged a look, and then nodded almost at the same time. The chatty one was clearly more eager, while the deadly human-like robot looked at least mildly interested.
<span class="mu-g">“Hold on a minute. What are we gonna do about these guys?”</span> Flint asked, reminding everyone of the unconscious men and women sprawled along the floor.
The brunette winced at the sight of the Ringmaster, a woolen cloth wrapped around the empty pits where his eyes used to be, red stains already soaking the filthy rag.
<span class="mu-r">“Don’t worry about it. The cleanup crew will be here in a bit.”</span> she confirmed.
This time, it was you and Flint’s turn to share a look. It was just a niggling little feeling, but you were pretty sure that you were both wondering whether you’d ever see these chumps ever again.
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A little while later, you were back in your hotel room admiring the group photo you’d taken. As expected, the cast and crew were more than grateful for your contribution in freeing them, and agreed to your suggestion of taking a group pic with every member of the audience that had dared to remain in the hotel. You, your team, the two girls and a number of brave civilians stayed for the shot, with Prowler and Cat being evenly spaced so as to avoid suspicion. And seeing Ana pose near the downed elephant like a big game hunter who’d made the kill herself was absolutely priceless.
It was a nice photo. You’d have to show Cindy when you got back. You were also pretty sure that you saw Benga tucking it away in her hoodie for safekeeping.
Stashing the picture in your suitcase, you got up, turned on the TV, and checked yourself in the mirror. Still looking good, but it was a shame that you would have to change again so soon. Couldn’t go to the meeting without putting your face on, after all.
You grabbed your briefcase, checked its contents, nodded to yourself, and headed out the door. As casually as you could manage, you walked down to the casino in the main lobby, bought some cheap food, and engaged in some light gambling to kill time. An hour and a half later, you went back upstairs, but didn’t return to your room.
(Cont.)
