"The Predas... Yes, I am going to have fun dismantling them, bit by bit..." purred Rachel.
"And I look forward to seeing you do it. But first, we need to deal with this betrayal. Our Fruit Baron is about to become an example of why nobody crosses Danny Rupert. Do you feel that the prisoners have anything else useful to offer?" Danny asked, now back to his normal self. Which was very bad news for his enemies.
"Perhaps. But I think the one who calls himself Mozzarella Mike gave me the most important information. Barry can continue where I left off, if you have an assignment for me." she replied, knowing full well what Danny's next move would be.
"Find the Fruit Baron, and proof. Or get him to confess his plans. No torture, I want the truth from Frederick Busk, and I want him to give it willingly. The prisoner could be mistaken, or even lying. I want to make sure that he really is the rat he appears to be... Then once you find out, bring him here - alive."
"I'm on my way, as soon as I fill Barry in." she said with a gleam in her eye, ready for action.
Rachel quickly found her brother, and told him everything. "Don't be gone too long, it gets boring around here without you!" he said, only half joking.
"I won't. Danny told me to bring him back, after all. Don't leave the prisoners alone together without putting the gags back, those two are tough birds." she suggested before leaving.
Rachel gathered her gear, and grabbed a bridle and saddle from the stables. She walked out into the pasture where she had last seen Bucephalus. The horse had never liked living indoors, unless it was required for a job. But somehow the powerful animal had always seemed to be in the right place, at the right time.
WHISTLE
WHISTLE
Before she could whistle three times, the huge black horse was nuzzling the top of her head. She laughed, and rubbed the velvet soft muzzle.
"Hello, old friend. We have a job to do." she whispered, as she prepared for the journey. Soon they were trotting towards the Fruit Baron's estate.
"Message for the Baron." she announced to the housekeeper who answered the door of the servant's quarters.
"You can leave it with me. He's away at the moment." said the older lady, probably a member of the senior staff judging by her demeanor.
"I would, but I have orders to deliver it to him personally. Do you know where he is?" she explained, acting apologetic.
"I really can't say. But you can wait here, if you want?"
"I have other messages to deliver too, I can come back later. Thank you for your kind offer though, it really is appreciated." she said warmly.
Rachel then rode away. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but that was all part of the fun. If she could catch him away from his estate, this would be a lot easier. And there would be less chance of innocent people getting hurt.
About two hours later, she heard hoofbeats ahead. She took a detour into the brush, and waited. Their oil lanterns revealed a small party, but unfortunately her target was not among them.
Once they passed, she returned to the road and continued her search. Eventually it led to an old estate which the Solar Baron had used occasionally as a retreat. It had been neglected since his death, because Danny preferred to remain in close contact with his people. It was a shame that the old place really had no purpose any more, she mused as she approached.
As Rachel rounded the last bend, she gasped. The whole place was lit up like a Christmas tree, and there were enough cars parked beside it to accommodate a small army.
"Stay close, friend." she whispered as she slid off of Bucephalus' back, leaving the saddle on. The intelligent animal trotted a short distance into the woods, and waited.
Rachel got as close as she dared, with the guard station being manned. Unfortunately they seemed to be on high alert, rather than going inside for a game of cards.
Voices were coming from an open window. The master spy had a few tricks from before the Fall which could enhance one's hearing. Soon she could make out words, despite the annoyance of the background noises.
"I agree Frederick, Danny Rupert has too much power. But he also has his entire capital city fortified like some medieval castle, minus the moat. Going up against him is suicide!"
"Ah, but there's where you are wrong, my friend. We aren't going to try to break through his defenses, we are going to outthink him. And I know exactly how to bring him down..."
This is a 100% power up post
Cover image is from Canva, using their gallery