"So you lost the girl." The man behind the desk spoke coldly.
Dane shifted on the grey carpeting. "We had her…then the guy with the cards showed up."
"And this individual had a name?"
"Gambit. Had an accent." The man behind the desk nodded, as if Dane was merely confirming something. The lackey battled down a growing sense of unease. "He pretty much blew up the back of the place, and took the girl with him. She was knocked out by then."
Steely eyes regarded him. "Was she injured?"
"You said we could do whatever we needed to bring her in." Silence. "We dosed her drink, but before she passed out, she put up a little bit of a fight. Jimmy might have roughed her up a little."
"She's of no use to me if she can't perform."
"Perform what?" The minute the words were out of her mouth, Dane regretted it.
The frigid smile returned. "Do not ask questions you have no hope of understanding. I want the girl. Do what you have to, but make sure that when she arrives here, her faculties are intact."
"It might take a while. She's probably back at that mansion by now. Getting her out away from all the other mutants could be tough." The wiry man did not relish another encounter with the red-eyed freak.
"I want the girl," he repeated. Then, to himself, "She's the key."
"I'll do my best," Dane said uncertainly.
"Indeed you will." The man turned away. The audience was at a close, Dane knew, and he hurried away, feeling almost sorry for the mutant girl with the streaky hair.
A/N
I know it's a short chapter. It just couldn't be put combined with either the preceding or following ones with any sort of grace. Besides, it's a twofer, so count your blessings.