Chapter 18, How Little we Know
I continued to make my way up the red velvet stairs, back to the main level casino, and then up to where Big Sal is located. Judging by how these guys are dressed and the name Big Sal, I'm expecting this guy to be a stereotypical mob boss.
I finally reached the top and was met with a room full of pool tables and people playing. I saw, in the back, a man watching everything unfold with two guards. This could be the one and only Big Sal. I walked in their direction and one of the guards stood up to meet me, but Big Sal motioned him to sit down.
"Are you Big Sal," I asked.
"Hey, you're Cachino's friend. You got business with me," he asked.
"I'd like to talk about Troike."
"Ah, Troike? What's he want? Some more Jet, a fresh batch of girls? Maybe a guy or two this time?"
"Actually, I'd like to see about getting him out of his obligations to you."
He laughs, "Why would I want to do that?"
"Troike is pretty strung out. He'll be more trouble than he is worth."
"Yeah, I see where you're coming from. Okay, tell Troike he can hit the road."
"Alright, I'll let him know."
"Is that all?"
"For now."
I turned around and made my way back to where Troike was. He was sitting on the bed, wrapping up his cigarette. Once he saw me, he stood up to greet me.
"Well?"
"Big Sal agreed to let you go."
"Holy shit, really? Okay, I'll help you, but I'm getting the hell out of here the first chance I get."
"Okay, so what can you tell me about the guns the Omertas have?"
"They're keeping them in a little utility section down off the basement. I don't know what they're arming themselves for, but I know it isn't for the good of mankind."
"What can we do to take care of the guns?"
"As a little pet project I've been making some thermite. Thermite burns as hot as the devil's asshole and can melt through just about anything. I've been keeping it so if the Family betrays me I can hopefully do some damage before I end up dead or in jail."
Thermite. That is some real powerful shit right there. Can melt through just about anything. Back in the vault we used it to destroy debris or
"Give me the Thermite and I'll destroy the weapons."
He hands me a key and walks over to uncover the thermite behind a pillow, "Okay, here's the Thermite and a key to the room where the guns are stored. It's located past the door at the end over there. Place the Thermite on the crates in the room. I rigged the light switch outside the room to kick off a spark big enough to hold the Thermite. That should turn that shit into molten slag. As soon as we're done talking I'm going to make myself like a ghost. I don't want to be anywhere near here when the bosses find out."
I take both of them as he sprints out of the room. On that notion, I make my way to the other side of the room and open the door. I noticed to my right a vault door that more than likely was where they housed the guns. I inserted the key and continued down the stairs and was met with a similar door. As I opened the door, I was met with a dry, almost foul smell.I saw that the room mostly consisted of either large metal containers or regular sized wooden boxes. WIth no time to lose, I placed every thermite I had near the metal containers and quickly made my way out. Once I was out in the hallway, I pulled out the detonator and activated it. I felt the ground shake and could hear the faint noise of the explosion from below. I threw the detonator aside and made my way back to the main stripper hall to where Cachino might be. As I was about to enter, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Elizabeth standing behind me.
"I couldn't get far with Clanden. What about you," she reports.
"Well I got quite a bit done. Seems Big Sal is looking to try to remove Mr. House with some guns and sneak the Legion army into the Strip to take over," I replied.
"Huh. Did you take care of them?"
"Yup. All that's left is just a pile of ashes."
"Great. Are you checking in with Cachino?"
"Just about to. Now it's just handling Big Sal I assume. "
We both walk in and find that Cachino was in the back, having himself a drink. We approached him as he was taking another sip.
"Hey, what can I do for you both," he states in a much more friendly manner.
"I destroyed all the guns," I answered.
Cachino leans back, surprised by what I told him, "Whoa, you managed to pull that off? Solid work. That ought to gum up the bosses' plans."
"What's the next step in breaking up the bosses plans," I inquired.
"Now we cut off the head of the serpent. Big Sal and Nero have to die."
"How do we take care of the bosses?"
"They're a little bit upset about what's been done to muck up their plans. They tasked me to find out who's responsible. There isn't going to be another chance to get both of them together in the same room. I'll slip you a gun and we can take them out."
"What happens when the bosses are gone?"
"When they're gone I'm gonna run this joint. Don't worry, I'll take care of the place," he states.
"Ok lets get a move on."
"Actually, I feel your lady friend should wait. Sal doesn't really take kindly to women attending important meetings."
Elizabeth gave Cachino an agitated look, "Are you serious? I am not letting Evan go in there without me."
"Elizabeth, it's fine. To handle this it's best we don't raise suspicion. "
Elizabeth stared at me, not with upset, but more with concern. She really didn't want me to go in there without me. But I can handle myself. I've been in situations like this before. I'm more worried about her. I don't want her to get hurt in something like this and I especially don't want her to lose her second chance at life.
"Ok, " she replies, grabbing my hand, "Please be careful."
I grip her hand back, " I will."
She took a seat while I followed Cachino up to where Big Sal is located. Once we arrived outside his door, Cachino pulled me aside.
"Hey, here is that gun I promised you. I suggest using it while they are talking, I'm pretty sure they're going to kill you after they've talked," he whispers, as he hands me a gun.
I took it out of his hands and inspected it. It was just a regular 9mm pistol, nothing fancy. I put it in my holster and we walked in.
I saw that it was just Big Sal and what I assume to be Nero standing there, finishing up their cigarettes.
"Go ahead and take a seat," Big Sal said.
I sat down on the sofa and Cachino stood to my left.
"So I assume you know why we called you here," Big Sal asked.
"No. Are you having a rat problem maybe, "I remarked.
"Oh a wise ass huh. Well you've been a real thorn in our side. We've got business plans. You set us back a little bit, I'll admit that. However, we wanted you to know that nothing you did made a shit bit of difference, and you're going to die a failure."
"Hold on. Don't you want to know who helped me?"
Big Sal looked at me with surprise, "What. Who helped you? Tell me and I might just shoot you in the stomach to give you a chance to live."
"Well none of this would have been possible if Nero hadn't convinced me to take you out. Said you were a giant pussy."
"The fuck? I knew there had to be someone higher up helping you. Nero, you backstabbing, two-timing motherfucker. I knew this day would come."
Nero took a step back, "Hold on boss, you gonna believe this lying sack of shit?"
"It all makes sense. You just couldn't live with your cut from the last job. So you wanted to be Mr. Bigshot and take my place huh?"
"No boss. I told you it was more than enough."
"Yeah, the sly smile you gave spoke more than the shit you're spewing out now."
Before they could continue bickering like an old married couple, I drew my gun and shot Big Sal right in the throat as he fell down. Cachino wasted no time in drawing his revolver and fired a few shots into Nero as he fell backwards and hit the table. I sighed with relief once the dust had settled.
"Phew. That was easier than I thought. For a second, I thought you were going to rat me out," Cachino said.
"Why would I do that," I replied as I stood up.
"Dunno. Just felt like it at the moment. Was not expecting you to pull that lie off though," he answered with a smile.
"Saw it in a movie," I said, "Well, I'm gonna go let Elizabeth know I'm alive."
"You do that. I'll handle the mess here."
I handed his gun back and walked out of the room. With no time to lose, I made my way back to where Elizabeth was. Once I got down there, I saw a show had started with strippers coming out to perform and Elizabeth looking down in disgust. I tapped her on the shoulder.
"Not really enjoying the show huh," I stated.
She turns to face me, alleviated, "Yes. Are you ok?"
"Yup. It's been handled."
She stands up and takes my hand, "Then let's get out of here. I can't take another minute of this."
Can't argue with that. As I said, not much of a fan of strip clubs, but they got their uses for other suspecting souls.
We make our way back to the desk to pick up our guns. Once everything was holstered and together, we exited Gomorrah and back onto the street of the Strip.
"Now we just have the Ultra Luxe to handle next," I comment.
"And then we are free to do what we want to do," Elizabeth responds.
"Yup. Any ideas circulating in your head?"
Elizabeth pauses then sighs, "Well I have a few ideas. I like the idea of traveling around New Vegas. Maybe meet some other people or see what else is out there. But on the other hand, I'd also like to read and catch up on things around here. Maybe take some time to… reflect on a few things."
I thought for a moment on what Elizabeth said. I think her having a day to herself would be good for her. Or even having the rest of this day to give her some space. I mean we've been together for almost two weeks. I think we both need some space.
"I got an idea if you want to hear," I stated.
She turns to face me, her blue eyes giving me her full attention, "What is it?"
"How about I handle the Ultra Luxe and a few other things while you have the rest of the day to yourself? I'm sure this thing at the Ultra Luxe won't take that long. Seems like it's a simple check in and there's other things I could get done as well."
"Are you sure? I mean, I don't want you to get hurt or have to tackle this on your own. And you might need my help if it escalates. "
I grab her hands, "I'll be fine. Remember, before I met you I had to do everything myself. You just enjoy some time to yourself. I think out of the two of us, you've earned it."
Elizabeth smiled and leaned in to plant a quick kiss on my lips, "Ok. I'll be at the Lucky 38."
She walked away while I made my way down the Strip to the Ultra Luxe. I'm honestly expecting a lavish kind of place filled with gold or marble columns. The stories I've heard about this place, that's what it sounds like.
I approached the steps of the Ultra Luxe and was greeted by the stairs, one by one, glowing at each step, like it was inviting me in. I then walked up the steps, opened the doors and immediately my assumptions were right. The place had exotic plants potted around the area and had a giant blue flower of some kind in the middle with the bar surrounding it. The area was spherical with clean, elegant marble surrounding the area and a few people in black and white tuxedos, wearing white gloves and white masks were walking around.
Before I could continue to marvel at the sights, one of the people wearing a tuxedo and mask approached me.
"Beg your pardon, but could I trouble you to turn over your weapons," he asks.
I want to try something. Never occurred to me until now to try it.
I take a breath, "Actually, I am a representative from Mr. House and he has asked me to conduct an investigation. He requires me to have all of my weapons until this is over."
"Huh. I request to see your face to prove if you are a representative of Mr. House."
I take off my helmet, revealing my face.
"I see. You are the one who was permitted into the Lucky 38. My apologies. I will allow you to have your weapons, however, I would ask you to hand over your helmet so others can see your identity."
Better the helmet then my weapons I'd argue.
I handed him my helmet, "Very well. Here you go."
"Pleasure speaking to you," As he bows and walks away.
Glad that worked. I had to assume my face has started to become more popular on some level. I assume that was a White Glove Society member. I continue on my way down towards the flower, drawn by its aura. I mean I've never seen a flower this big and so elegant before. It must have been a bitch to grow this thing, but man is it quite the sight. My hypnotic trance was interrupted by a man with a southern accent trying to get my attention. I turned to face him. He had a black cowboy hat on, with a white shirt and black suit jacket to accompany it. The final touch was a red ribbon tied under the collar.
"Beg your pardon, stranger, but I'm looking for someone. You ain't seen a young man with dark brown hair and a white hat on lately, have you," he asks.
"No, I haven't," I reply.
He sighed, "Ain't nobody got one darned piece of news about my boy? Not one lousy speck of information? Ain't got one Brahmin unaccounted for across a dozen ranches, but I'm here for an hour and my own son just up and disappears on me."
"You lost your son," I asked.
"My boy, Ted. He was right here. I didn't leave him but a minute. I told him to stay put while I talked some things over with the White Glove folks. He never was one to stay tied down to a spot, though. Gets that from his most of my staff out looking for him now. I'd be out myself, but I keep hoping he'll show up back here. Course if he does that I'll whup him till his skinny hide turns to leather for putting me through this. But that don't mean I wouldn't be grateful. "
Well Mr. House's concerns are right. Something is afoot here at the Ultra Luxe. And Heck's son is right in the middle of it. I'm going to need more information to establish a motive.
"So you're a rancher," I assed.
"Yep, got a whole mess of brahmins to my name. Bighorners, too. Used to just have the one ranch, but land was easy to grab before the soldiers moved in. Before I knew it I was running one of the biggest ranching operations east of California. Now everywhere I go, folks I never even met shake my hand and call me 'Mr. Gunderson.' Don't know quite what to make of that," he responded.
"What business did you have here at the hotel?"
"That's between me and the White Glove Society. But let's just say they control the food supply around here, and I got lots of food to give, but that ain't as welcome as you might think."
At least I have established a motive as to why they kidnapped his son. Clearly for some sort of power play of some kind.
"Let me help find your son," I expressed.
"I'd be more than happy to have you. Heck, I'll hire anybody with a pair of legs and at least one good eye at this point. There'd be a lot of money in it for you if you can get him back to me safe. And if he ain't, you can bet I'll pay for the names of the sons of bitches responsible."
I nodded as I walked away. As I continued to walk around, I was just enthralled by the place. It looked so clean and well kept. I continued down the hall and was met with a main room with another garden in the middle with a small palm tree and some other smaller exotic plants. To the left of it was a light blue sign with a crown on top of it labeled, "Cashier" and underneath it was a single man, protected by steel bars that even then were stylized a certain way. No surprise that even something as simple as the bars were screaming stylized or exotic in some way.
I continued forward and was met with another lobby with a receptionist desk clear towards the back with strangely no one behind it. All I saw was another White Glove Member without a mask but adorning a top hat talking with another member. This rest of the room just felt like a hotel lobby with small tables, potted plants, and bright chandeliers littered throughout the place to only add more to the elegance of the place. Regardless, I made a left and walked through a doorway with green curtains tied together and introduced to two doors on each side. I inspected the door on the left and it had a sign next to it labeled, "The Gourmand" Seems like a good place to start looking.
I pulled the doors open and walked inside. I was shown a receptionist desk to my right with a woman wearing a black, silk dress and short blonde hair and to my left, more exotic plants potted.
I walked up to the receptionist and was met with her gray eyes.
"Welcome to the Ultra-Luxe. I do hope it exceeds your every expectation. My name is Majorie, what can I help you with," She reported with her uptight voice.
"I'm looking for someone who went missing here recently," I replied.
"This again? I thought all this was settled. I answered every one of that investigator's questions to his satisfaction and gave all the help I could. I know our reputation hasn't always been spotless, but that's all in the past now. How some people can't get over it is beyond me. For the last time, the White Glove Society has never and will never consume human flesh for any reason. It's written in the charter."
"Who did you talk to about the disappearance," I pressed.
"There was an investigator who came through here last week. He'd been hired by a young man whose bride-to-be went missing during their stay here. Well you can already guess what probably happened, can't you? It seems perfectly likely that she got cold feet and ran off."
"I'm investigating someone else. A man. And he just recently went missing."
A look of shock was expressed on her face, "A man? Well then this... well this can't be. Two disappearances in my hotel? What will people say? I'm going to have a word with my staff about security on the premises. Whether these people are found or not, our guests simply must feel safe in their own rooms."
"Is there any way I could talk to the investigator," I inquired.
"Why yes, I think so. If he hasn't checked out yet, that is. I had our maitre d', Mortimer, offer him a complimentary room for as long as it took for him to be satisfied. You see? The White Glove Society remains the very picture of courtesy, even in the face of such impolite accusations. We have nothing to hide here. You'll find him down stairs at the receptionist desk."
"One more thing, Heck Gunderson said he was here to talk business with you. What business?"
"What else? Mr. Gunderson and I have been discussing his livestock. It's put us in rather a delicate position, you see, his coming here. Not that we aren't grateful for his generous offer. But our executive chef Philippe has transformed brahmin steak into a delicacy. He really is a genius. Everyone wants it. But a delicacy is just that - delicate. If everyone can get it, it ceases to be a delicacy. It becomes a perfectly ordinary staple. And if the Gourmand served staples, it would no longer draw the caliber of people it deserves. It'd be a diner or a... a family restaurant. So as much as we'd all love for there to be enough steak for everyone, I'm afraid there are more important things to consider."
"Ok that's all. I'll go speak to Mortimer. Thank you for the information."
"My pleasure. Please let me know if you need anything else," she finishes.
So with all this information, whoever kidnapped Ted clearly wanted to interrupt the trade routes on some level or force an ultimatum on Heck. Who that is remains to be discovered yet but I'm assuming it's someone here or related to the Ultra Luxe.
I left the room and made my way back to the receptionist desk. As I turned the corner, I saw that the person with the top hat was behind the desk, writing down on a clipboard. I approached the desk and got a closer look, he had a small short mustache and brown eyes.
He looks up from his clipboard, "How may I be of service, sir?"
"Marjorie said you gave a free room to a private investigator," I reacted.
"Private investigator... Ah, yes. I remember the gentleman. This was about the missing bride. Such an awful thing. I do hope he finds her whereabouts. If I might pry, have you found something that will help his investigation?"
"Actually, I just need to speak with him."
"Of course, of course. Actually, I just need to speak with him. Ordinarily, we don't give out guest information, but I think given the circumstances, he'll want to speak with you. Let's see... he hasn't checked out yet. If you head to the hotel rooms on the right, his will be one floor directly above you after you exit the lobby.I hope we can put this whole matter to rest at last," he finishes as he hands me a key.
I put the key in my pocket and made my way to the hotel rooms. I pulled the doors open and walked up the stairs and turned to my right to the hotel room door. I dig the key out of my pocket and open the door. As the door opened, I was met with quite a mess. A lamp was on the ground, books everywhere, and a body was on the floor. Before I could inspect it, I felt something metal hit me on the back extremely hard. I fell on the ground and was met with another blow to my stomach before kicking my attacker in the face. Realizing this was with lethal intent, I drew my revolver and shot him right in the upper chest as he fell over. On quick inspection, I saw that it was White Glove Society Member. To my surprise, there was another Member charging at me with a metal cane. I wasted no time in shooting him as well until he fell down on the ground. I took a breath. Well at least I know now the prime suspect. Mortimer. For whatever reason, he clearly wants to keep Ted's disappearance under wraps. As for these two, they clearly couldn't kill someone since they went for the body instead of the head. If it was the head, I could have been dead or knocked out. From now on, I'm keeping that helmet for the near future.
Reloading and Holstering my revolver, I inspected the body. He was wearing a light brown trench coat and a black fedora, like a stereotypical investigator from those old films back in the day. I padded his body and all I found was a matchbook and some sunglasses. Great no leads and I don't know how I'm going to find a way to prove that Mortimer is the culprit.
I threw the matchbook on the ground in frustration. Only option I got at this point is maybe asking around while avoiding Mortimer but that is going to be really hard. I don't know if I can pull it off. And no way I can get back to Elizabeth for her help since I would be seen by him at the front desk.
"Shit," I yelled.
I noticed the matchbook out of the corner of my eye and saw that it had something scribbled on the back of it. I inspected it and saw that it said, "Steam Room. 4 PM." I picked it up and put it in my pocket. This is the lead I need. Whoever he was going to meet, they would be there hopefully. I looked at my Pipboy. It was 2:30. I just have to get to the steam room and wait for him.
I exited the room and saw at the end of the hallway a sign pointing to the Bathhouse. If there is a Bathhouse, there has to be a steam room near it. I wasted no time making my way to the door. I opened the doors and the smell of chlorine filled my lungs. I was also met with nothing but tiles lining across the entire room. White tiles were lined against the entire room and blue tiles were there to show where the water in the pool filled up to. Looking around, I saw a light blue ceiling with little white lights lined across them as if they were imitating stars in the night sky. They also had a wave style mimicking water. The final touch was blue marble columns with arches lined across the entire place to give it even more elegance. I walked around, marveling at the look the place had. There were people walking around in swimsuits and people in the water, swimming about and enjoying themselves.
I turned right towards a door that was labeled steam room. I opened the door and was met with a circular room with just wooden long benches in the area. Right in front of me was another door that I approached and opened like the last. This room was much smaller than the latter and just had two wooden benches together. I sat down on the bench and leaned back, waiting for the investigator's contact to arrive. I just leaned back, and closed my eyes.
An Hour and a Half Later
I felt a tap on my shoulder that awoke me. I looked to my left and saw an African American man sitting next to me dressed in the same attire as the White Glove Society, but without the mask.
"Who are you," he asked.
"You first," I responded.
"You don't know? Good. That's good. So they didn't send you after me. Where's the gentleman I'm supposed to meet?"
I sighed, "He's dead."
Shock washed over his face, "Oh my goodness me! They must know he was talking to someone on the inside. They'll be watching everyone closer now. I knew this was a mistake."
I put my hand up to try to calm him down, "What were you supposed to discuss here?'
He took a breath, "The girl. The one who disappeared. I know what happened to her."
"So is Mortimer behind the disappearances," I questioned.
"Yes. The White Glove Society strictly forbids eating humans. But we weren't always the White Glove Society. Mortimer and some of the others have... regressed... to the old 've taken many people over the last few months. But always from Freeside or secluded places, where they wouldn't be missed. It wasn't enough. Lately they've gone for tourists here on the Strip. Even in the hotel. I guess that's the hazard of a cannibal becoming a gourmet - it's hard to please a refined palate."
I stood up shocked by what he just said, "Wait hold on, Mortimer is a cannibal?"
"Yes and a few others unfortunately."
Fucking hell. That is disturbing on every level. I mean it's one thing to see a lone cannibal, but an entire society of them hiding in plain sight, that is something else.
"Ok. How do you know what happened to the girl," I requested.
"Because I distracted her fiance while they took her. Well, I'm not proud of it! But I had to. They could see I was having second thoughts. Some of the White Gloves began meeting privately a while back. Started talking about how we'd lost our identity.I started attending because I thought it was about changing our they started talking about returning to the old ways, and there was no way out. They'd kill me for the things I'd heard them say."
"What about Ted Gunderson?"
"He's alive, as far as I know. They're trying to keep him fresh. Mortimer has special plans for him. The White Glove Society has a banquet every night at 7. It's in our private section. Mortimer wants to reintroduce humans into our cuisine. Since eating people is a crime we punish by death, he's going to do it in secret. After everyone has eaten it he'll tell them. With no real way to punish everyone, in Mortimer's mind, anyway, their minds will be open to the idea of eating people as a delicacy."
I folded my arms, "Wouldn't they punish Mortimer for the deception?"
"They might. But to him the legacy of returning to the old ways is worth his own life. I don't think he expects it, though. I don't, either. Nothing is more important to the Society than to be on the cutting edge of New Vegas cuisine. Mortimer's idea will appeal to that need. He just has to get them over the taboo."
Ok there's still time to get him. Question is where he is. We got three hours and no time to lose.
"Where are they keeping Ted," I expressed.
"I don't know exactly. I wasn't in on it. I think some of them have stopped trusting me. But you can bet they're keeping him near the Gourmand. Our chef, Philippe, has an obsession with fresh ingredients. It'd be back in the members only section, so you'll have to be careful. Don't be seen, and more importantly, don't let them see Ted in the open. It's guarded both at the lobby entrance and in the access tunnels leading from the main restaurant."
"Ted's father is a wealthy man. With his resources, this should be easy to stop," I stated.
"That may be true, but I wouldn't recommend it. He's built a reputation, and it isn't for calmness and impartiality. He's not what he looks like. They call him "Hurricane Heck." The man built his empire by hiring mercenaries to drive off the competition. Lately he's been attacking our Brahmin suppliers so he can take over their business. He's the sort to pound in a nail with a wrecking ball. If you gave him the whole story on this he'd be liable to raze the entire hotel. And God knows what he'd do to the rest of the Strip."
Well shit. This guy is a real asshole. Hiring mercenaries to drive off your competition just to have all the profits you want is disgusting.
"Anything you can do to help me," I inquired.
He paused for a moment, "I... could sponsor you as an honorary member. The White Gloves are always looking for people who can elevate their status. You'd certainly fit the bill with everything you've done around here. Otherwise, you'll have to find some way to get inside quietly. It won't be easy. And it'll be harder still to get him out."
"Any suggestions on how to get Ted out?"
"Hmm. Well, they'll all be sampling Pre-War wines before the meal. Maybe it's as simple as drugging them. Although... that wouldn't stop any future kidnappings. You'd have to expose Mortimer. But he's going to confess anyway... What if... what if his revelation were a lie? What if no one had eaten human flesh but him? If you could somehow replace Philippe in the kitchen and serve a convincing substitute instead... You could walk Ted right through the middle of that room after Mortimer speaks. And then he'd have some explaining to do. Philippe has been trying to approximate the taste of human flesh for years. He must have a recipe somewhere."
These are the best options we have in this. Cooking a different recipe is how we can prevent this from ever happening in the future.
"Ok then it's settled. I'll go the cooking route," I answered.
"Let's plan on meeting again as soon as- Wait. Did you hear something? Were you followed?"
Before I could react, I felt the door slam me into the wall extremely hard. I heard a silenced gunshot and immediately drew my revolver and shot through the door. I heard a body thud and pushed the door away from me. I got a good look at the attacker and it clearly was an assassin of some kind. He had blue eyes and blonde hair parted to the right with a mercenary style outfit with leather pads and bullets adorned across him. I turned around and saw the contact was slumped over and clearly shot dead.
"Fuck," I screamed out loud.
I took a breath. I need to figure out how I am going to switch the meals. Time is ticking and I need to somehow save Ted, stop Mortimer, and somehow make it out alive. The worst thing is, I can't call for help. So I am the only one who can stop this insidious plot. I have to find a way to piece this together and make a move to accomplish those things. Otherwise, the whole Strip will feel the consequences if I don't.
