No, you don’t. You just have to do exactly as I tell you for this little time. You have to be my friend and trust me. I’ve explained that to you. She was guiding him into the gate. Will you do it?

I’m king. I should choose what I do. What if I believe you’re being foolish, and I don’t like it?

You’ll like it. She looked at Reardon, who had joined Masenak after the jockey had positioned Nightshade in her gate. They were smiling at each other as they waited for the bell and the gates to spring open. Enjoying themselves, yet responsible for so much evil and cruelty committed against all the innocents of the world. I know you will.

How?

She leaned forward, tensing, getting ready.

Because I’m going to stomp them…

*  *  *

Helicopter Canyon
10 Minutes to Race Time

“Could you have cut it any closer?” Korgan murmured as he checked his watch. “I told you to move fast, Gilroy.”

“Always complaining.” Gilroy slid down behind the ammunition crate beside Korgan. “You sent me to take down both of those sentries guarding that north canyon. And I had to use a knife, not a gun. If you’d wanted speed, you should have gone with me. I could only give you perfection.”

“I was a little occupied myself,” Korgan said dryly. “I managed to take out these two guards in the ammunition warehouse. Plus I had a few last things on the checklist I had to go over with the rest of the team here before I called Vogel. I had to discuss his agenda, which I’m sure you wouldn’t have regarded as important.”

“Vogel is a good guy but seldom interesting. And if he’d been here, he would have spoiled your fun. I have to admit you did very well. It was like old times.” He loaded his gun but then replaced it in his holster. “Only three more of Masenak’s scumbags to send to hell. Want to flip for them? Tell me you’re not enjoying it.”

“I’m not enjoying it,” he said flatly. “Because I heard from Vogel that Reardon’s transport helicopter is only minutes away and it should be here anytime now. And it’s almost five and you know what that means.”

“Hell, yes.” His smile faded. “It means you’re worried and scared, that I’m an ass, and I should have been quicker.”

Korgan nodded as he turned and crawled toward the door. “Exactly. Now let’s clean up the rest of this mess.”

*  *  *

Jubaldar Racetrack
One Minute to Race Time

The starting gates were going to open any second.

Sasha took a last look around. Memorize everything. The grandstand, the guards. The gates leading from the track to the outside road. Imprint it. Absorb it. She might not be able to remember it during what was to follow.

The bell sounded!

The gates opened!

The crowd roared!