The Old Firm XVIV: A Steampunk Tale

"Good, I was just going to call for you," John said when Rebecca appeared. "We're an hour from the border."

"Any word?" She asked as she took the seat next to him.

"Nothing. And that is worrying."

"He's not crazy enough to detonate the fissionables," Rebecca said with certainty.

"I don't know, he's growing more unstable I think."

"John, criminal masterminds are not known to be the most stable individuals in polite society."

"Neither are we, Becca," John said to her softly his hand touching hers.

"John please, not now," she pulled her hand away the slightest distance.

"Yes, of course, business first of course," John cleared his throat.

"You know I don't mean that." Rebecca turned away and wiped at the corner of her eye.

"Of course," JOhn's voice was flat as he stood. 'Keep track of Stefania, it's going to be sticky on the border." he handed Rebecca a wireless. "Seems that the Duke of Westchester-on-Stratford has moved his regiment within a mile of the border on maneuvers."

"I know that there are those on both sides who desire war to sate their thirst for vengeance but to involve fissionables is madness!"

"We are not seeing the whole picture," John said rubbing the bridge of his nose. "There is another plan, one that only benefits Master M. I'll be damned if i can figure it out though."

"We'll stop him, we always do," Rebecca said firmly and smiled. "Besides, you don't think we would let you get out of taking us to the continent for some time on the beaches of Italia. Stefania wants to show us around her village."

"Sun, wine, and beautiful women. How can a man argue with that?" John smiled broadly.

"They can't," Rebecca grinned now lets catch this bastard."

To Be Continued......