The Legend of Ivan (15 page)

Puffing on his pipe, he replied, "Oh yes. I've delegated much of the responsibility in running this place to others, so I of course needed a hobby." He shrugged. "Call me an obsessive, but looking into my
one
security incident in forty years seemed as good an avenue as any."

I didn't care about his motivations to any solid degree, but I also didn't want to offend the aging fool. I said, keeping my tone even, "Indeed."

Wilhelm nodded. "Still, I'd gladly share some of my findings with you, if you'd like. I'm certain someone of your obvious talent," I could barely restrain myself from rolling my eyes at his compliment, "already knows most of it. Hm, maybe you've got a kernel or two of information to interest me?" He smiled.

"Why don't we begin with the incident at your casino?" I said, folding my hands. "It very well may fit into a larger sequence of pieces relating to my search."

Wilhelm grinned. "Of course, of course. Let me freshen my drink, and I'll tell you all about the day Ivan robbed me."

******

The day began as many did on Luna Resort. Some individuals were stumbling back to their accommodations to gain some rest before the late morning carousing hit full swing. Some folks were awakening for the early tours. Some people were simply arriving, waiting to spend their hard-earned credits on fine lodgings and poor-odds gambling. Some were already in the casino, embroiled in just that.

Gregor Wilhelm climbed out of his ridiculously large four post bed, donned the robe made from the fur of some creature from ten thousand light years away, and went to eat his expensive breakfast.

Since he had taken a backseat to the dealings of his resort and entrusted his management to handle his affairs, Gregor did not have much to do during the day. He caught up on vids imported from the core worlds. He swam in his indoor pool. He also drank a lot.

Throughout the day, one of his managers also doubling as an errand runner would provide a few details as to the days profit, high rollers of particular esteem, or anything else important. Bertram Windsor, whose real name was Doug, attained the job by faking refinement and lying through his teeth. After all, how else could one be hired by an aging, half-senile eccentric who had the requirement of "a butlery-sounding name" on the application?

Regardless, Gregor Wilhelm's average day did not hold much in the way of excitement. Stress, ulcers, and high blood pressure made up his life for many years as he put together and handled the affairs of the resort. These days he overcompensated by completing little to no work at all.

After breakfast, a morning swim and a couple of cocktails, Gregor descended his lift to the balcony overlooking the main casino floor. The unending stream of lights and noise drew its usual sigh of contentment from the old man. A few people glanced in his direction, and he waved, smiling.

As he watched the festivities, Bertram came from the stairway and security area behind him. "Good morning, sir. I trust your day is going well?"

"Ah, yes Bertram. It's been most excellent thus far. How are things on the floor?"

"All within normal ranges, sir. A shade on the low side, but not unusual considering the higher density of alcohol sales yesterday evening." Bertram tapped on an electronic pad.

The servant tapped a few keys. "A few of our regulars are in. Dareth Pym and his current wife are trying the slots. Minister Regine is over at the buffet, but I'm sure he'll return to the tables very shortly. Ah, we also have Veger Montgomery and his," he frowned, "guest playing twenty-one. Though..." he paused, reading the display with a deepening expression. "Though his net gain of late is much more than average. Excuse me, sir; I may need to look into this."

"Very good," Gregor said with a dismissive wave. Bertram departed.

Gregor continued to look out upon the casino floor for a few minutes. He was trying to decide if he wanted to walk about and shake a few hands or return to the penthouse and take in a few glasses of brandy and a vid or two.

He decided upon the latter and stepped into his personal lift.

******

Gregor Wilhelm was dozing in his bathrobe, passed out while sprawled on the couch in front of his massive vid-display. He awoke with a start.

"Sir, please. There is an incident which requires your attention," Bertram said, arms crossed behind his back.

Blinking, Gregor wiped a trail of drool from the side of his mouth. "What... what is it Bertram?"

"It's Veger Montgomery, sir. He's been accused of counting cards with the assistance of his guest. Transmitting devices were discovered on their persons, and we have them now in holding. He's demanded to see you, sir."

Gregor sighed. "Can't you send him away, ban him or something? Isn't that what we do to cheaters, or have things changed so much?"

Bertram made a hand motion. "He has connections to our investors. We doubted any threat, but he's demanding to speak with only you, sir. We thought it best to hear what he had to say."

The aging, wealthy man frowned. "I don't like him, do I? He's somewhat of a windbag, if I'm not mistaken."

"You have said that before, sir."

"Let me go change." Gregor stood, gathering the bathrobe and tying the cord. "Wait for me downstairs; I'll be there in a moment."

With a bow, the manager-servant departed.

A few minutes later, the re-attired Gregor Wilhelm emerged. Slumping posture, tired, and irritated, he was ready to deal with the problem quickly so he could return to his drinking, watching, and nap. "Get on with it." He waved a hand at Bertram, who gave a nod.

They walked through the back area, housing behind-the-scenes security and other necessary equipment, arriving at a simple room. It was used for the occasional interrogation when security couldn't simply throw an offender out.

"It's about time!" Veger Montgomery shouted when the door opened and Wilhelm entered. "I've been waiting to see you for over an hour! Is this the kind of establishment you run, Mr. Wilhelm? Because I am not impressed, not impressed in the slightest! And where is my assistant? I was assured she would not be taken away from me!"

Gregor rolled his eyes during the rant, uninterested by the captive man. Irritation at the interruption of his leisure time faded, and he slid into the cool, calm, and ruthless nature, which in early years had granted him success and strain in equal measures. In his prime, he had handled near everything. That time was long past, but he still knew how to manage his business. He turned to Bertram and said, "You said he was somehow important?"

With a nod, Bertram said, "Minor influence to investors; it's best to hear him out."

"All right, Mr. Montgomery." Gregor pulled up a chair. "You have been accused of fraud in this establishment. There is no criminal penalty, but it is against our policy to allow any manner of progressive odds calculation."

"This is outrageous! My assistant and I were keeping in communication for completely legitimate purposes!" the other man shouted. "I cannot believe I would receive such shoddy treatment in such a highly esteemed-"

"Yes, yes." Gregor cut him off with a wave of his hand. He snapped his fingers, and Bertram handed him the datapad. He glanced up and down the information. "Your transmitter signals were intercepted, decoded and recorded, as was your method of counting cards in the twenty-one game. It is a clear-cut violation of our terms of use."

Red-faced, Montgomery's expression of the shock at being caught recovered and returned to vindictive anger. "You violated my privacy and spied upon my personal transmissions? I'll have this establishment torn down, I will! You better believe-"

Gregor sighed. "Again all monitoring is conducted as per the agreement terms to using the casino. When winnings increase above the norm, established in your first thirty hours of play," he leveled a gaze at the angry man, "investigation is allowed to discover illicit use."

Flustered, Montgomery stammered. "I... I don't recall any sort of agreement."

"This is your signature, correct?" Gregor punched a key, bringing up the all-purpose liability contract resort-goers were required to sign. It covered everything from ground excursions to tripping and falling in the hotel rooms. It also included casino use. He slid the pad over.

"Preposterous! My legal counsel will tear this contract to pieces! You'll be facing lawsuits from every person who's ever passed through this place!" He jabbed a finger at the pad as he shouted the threats.

Gregor folded his arms, prepared to humor the man for the time being. "Very well, tell me what it is you want." He was not concerned about the legal threats, but he thought it might save some time if the man's request was able to be handled without fuss.

With a smug air, Montgomery straightened in his seat. "I require my assistant and my winnings returned to me immediately. I also will receive compensatory accommodations for my personal distress in this matter as well as immunity from further harassment."

The casino owner had a thought the very moment Montgomery lumped the assistant in with the winnings. He made a hand motion to Bertram, who crouched next to him. Montgomery leaned forward, trying in vain to hear what Gregor whispered.

"He referred to the assistant in the same manner as his profits; I believe he considers them both property. Look into it."

Bertram's eyes widened, and he nodded before stepping out of the room.

"I'm waiting..." Montgomery said in a haughty tone.

"Yes," Gregor gave a nod, "and you will continue to do so." The captive opened his mouth to object, but the proprietor held up a hand. "I am no longer thoroughly convinced you are operating within the full boundaries of the law. It is my duty as a citizen of the Galactic Central Government to pursue illegal matters conducted upon my property."

Montgomery reacted as though slapped. His face paled slightly, and his mouth churned up and down. "I... I can assure you-"

"I'm very certain you can, and I cannot express how glad I am of it." Gregor smiled, smug satisfaction at pegging the man flooding through him.
I'd forgotten how excellent it felt to knock these idiots down,
he thought.

The captive raised his chin. "If I am thought to be the perpetrator in some illegal activity, I am entitled to know the charges against me."

"Hmmm, not so." Gregor tilted his head. "At the moment you're being held due to violation of casino policy, pending the decision. However, while we work on that, we can at least wait until proper authorities can be summoned to take you into their custody, if necessary. It's their job to inform you of any charges, not ours."

"This is an outrage!" Montgomery spoke through clenched teeth, but the fear in his eyes was very obvious. "You cannot treat me in such a fashion!"

Gregor rolled his eyes. "Mr. Montgomery. You've now far overplayed your hand, and I have no interest in your continued business. In fact, I believe I'll take great pleasure in watching your impending incarceration. Goodbye."

As the captive continued to shout about the indecency he was facing, Gregor stepped out of the room. He turned a corner and was knocked sprawling by someone moving very quickly.

"Sir, sir, I'm so sorry!" Bertram hauled the older man to his feet and dusted off his employer's suit.

"For God's sake, Bertram, what's the big hurry about?" Gregor scowled, shoving him away. "Did you find out about the woman? Is she his illegal property?"

Bertram shook his head. "No, but-"

Gregor folded his arms. "No? Damn. I could have sworn Montgomery was sweating about just that." He sighed. "Now I'm going to have to go back in there and actually try to compromise with that oaf."

"No, sir, I didn't find out, but you don't understand! You have to come with me immediately!" The servant grabbed his master's arm and started running and half-dragging him toward the main security room.

Gregor shook himself free. "Have you lost your
mind
, Bertram? You had better give me a damn good reason why you're manhandling me here!"

With frightened eyes, Bertram looked at his employer. "Sir, it's the main casino floor. We're under attack!"

******

"Dear sweet mother of God," Gregor said as he viewed the security monitors. Arms folded, he watched the chaos of his casino floor. Turning to Bertram, he said, "This room is secure, correct?" His servant, pale as a sheet, nodded without actually listening to the question.

People were running and screaming. Panic ensued as machines and tables flew everywhere. Cameras went black one by one as a man, a very large one, ripped them from the walls and flung the shattered remains at the security people. The huge man tore through the casino floor, shouting something indeterminate, masked by the screams of the people. A few security guards charged with stun batons, but they were knocked aside by the brute who appeared unstoppable.

"I'm getting requests for weapons free," one of the operators at the console said as the intruder pried one of the slot machines loose and hurled it, scattering a group of security people. "Can they open fire?" He directed the question at Bertram.

"Of course not, you idiot!" Gregor slapped the man on the back of the head. "There are civilians in that room!" He jabbed a finger toward one of the camera displays. "Under no circumstances are they allowed to use their side arms!"

One of the guards, terrified, determined, or simply having lost his earpiece, did not obey the order. He pulled a pistol and started firing on the intruder.

With a terrifying speed which belied his massive size, the man dodged behind cover. He darted back and forth behind columns and gaming equipment before charging the guard. The large man pounded a shoulder into his attacker, sending the guard flying halfway across the room. Other guards followed suit and aimed their side arms. More screams from civilians ensued as weapons fire flashed about the room, but no one seemed to be able to hit the intruder.