Premonition

Chapter #18: Casino Capture - Part 2

***7pm the next night***

Keiji looked at himself in the mirror of the washroom inside the brewery. He was dressed in the same blue suit that he had worn when Duke had recruited him. So many thoughts were running through his head…mostly nervous ones. Would he be able to keep up with Ricky and all the real-time events that could happen during the mission? What were they going to do with Jin Woo once they captured him? Everyone in squad beta was battle hardened and knew what they were doing. Keiji was the only one who was still a beginner despite his extensive training over the past 2 weeks. Keiji hoped that he could convert the training to a real mission because if he didn’t, things could get ugly for them. He tightened the hair tie on his long hair and straightened his suit. ‘Just take it one step at a time,’ he thought to himself.

Walking out of the bathroom now, he headed over to the table where most of squad beta were setting up. As if he had always known, Duke went up to Keiji and pat him on the back.

“It’s ok to feel nervous. You’ve only been through training for the past couple of weeks. A real mission is a much different beast. You have a pivotal role in the mission…but we all do as well. Success won’t happen without workings of its smaller parts. Just focus on what your doing, and keep Ricky informed. We’ll always be in radio contact,” Duke said.

“Thanks Duke,” Keiji said. He let out a breath he was holding in. “That reminds me, how will you distract the security at the tables?” Duke smiled and responded.

“By causing a ruckus,” Duke said who looked mildly amused. “Counting cards is illegal in any casino, I can just accuse someone of it and there will be security present, immediately to check it out.”

“Sounds like a plan Duke,” Keiji said.

“You all ready to head out?” Ricky said who interrupted them.

“Yeah, let’s do this,” Keiji said.

As all 4 of them got into their van, Hella drove off into the car lanes of the station and drove with haste. She arrived at the casino within 45 minutes.

“Be safe tonight everyone, and let’s hope things go well. Remember, Duke will radio us when things are safe enough to go in and capture Jin Woo. So, relax here for now,” Hella said.

“Good luck Duke,” Ricky said. Duke nodded and exited the van.

“How long will it take?” Keiji asked.

“As long as it takes for Duke to get most of security away from Jin Woo,” Ricky said.

“Ok,” Keiji said.

As Keiji and Ricky waited in the van silently, Keiji closed his eyes and tried to control his breathing. He could hear his heart beating fast and tried with all his might to relax. Almost 20 minutes passed and they still heard nothing from Duke. Then, almost 45 minutes later, there came a crackle on the radio.

“Hella come in,” Duke said.

“Hella here,” Hella said. “What’s the situation?”

“I’ve amassed most of security here. I think I might have pushed it a little because the guy I started an argument with is threatening to fight me. Security is trying to settle things, but hopefully I’ve bought Keiji and Ricky enough time. Go now.”

“Got it,” Hella said as she turned to Keiji and Ricky. “It’s now or never you two. Good luck.”

“Let’s go Keiji,” Ricky said. Keiji nodded and they both exited the van. The parking lot was just about empty of people except for them and they hurried into the casino. Just as they entered, they could hear shouts coming from the middle of the room. Keiji followed Ricky who was heading to a security door, but looked onward before they entered. The scene was hectic.

3 security officers were holding and talking to one guy, while another 2 were holding back a very animated Duke. He was yelling at the top of his lungs, but noticed Keiji and Ricky. Quickly flashing a thumbs up at them, Duke then resolved to go back to his yelling and animated self.

“Got to give it to him,” Ricky said. “He’s a quiet guy, but loud when he needs to be.”

“Right,” Keiji said as he stopped behind Ricky, who had himself, stopped in front of the security door. The door led to the second floor and directly to Jin Woo’s office.

“Well Keiji, my friend, its all you from here on out,” Ricky said as he pushed up the sleeves of his long shirt. “Keep me informed and I’ll keep you protected.”

“Ok,” Keiji said. Keiji then proceeded to use his powers for the first time tonight. As he did, he saw a black and white vision of the hallway. Nothing and nobody were present for about 20 seconds. Then, as he and Ricky approached the bottom of the staircase, he saw Ricky get into an argument with a guard on the stairs. Consequently, Ricky was shot twice and fell to the floor. Keiji released himself from the vision and tried to maintain his composure.

“What’s up Keiji?” Ricky said. Keiji gulped and strove to analyze the situation – just as he was trained.

“Nothing for about the entire length of the hallway, except until we get to the bottom of the staircase. We will run into the guard with a gun. I recommend letting him descend down the staircase first then putting him to sleep,” Keiji explained.

“Alright Keiji, I trust you,” Ricky said and flexed his arms. The two then headed into the hallway and closed the door behind them.