All We Need Is a Simple Distraction

"That casino has something to do with Iron Fist."

"I'm not sure, they might be just random visitors," answered Shin while drinking his whiskey.

"They were talking about their boss visiting the casino tonight. I don't think they're just visitors."

"Well, we can keep investigating them. Where is Gina."

"She's sleeping."

"Tough day?"

"I don't think so. She didn't say anything. She would inform us if there's anything worth to know."

Takahiro roughly knew what was the matter with her. Their relationship was complicated, but it looks like an issue that could affect the mission in its current state.

He wasn't sure why, but Gina was valuing him way too much. It's been two weeks since they met, and it was definitely weird.

"What about others?"

"We're still investigating the hotel. And that workshop seems clear. We'll try to get their help in exchange for some money."

"I rather not including any civilians to this."

"Don't worry, they'll just provide us all the information they'll get. We need them anyway, there are not enough personnel in the field."

Takahiro sighed. It felt wrong but Shin was right. They didn't know how much time was left and they have to do everything they could to not see this city in flames in the next morning.

"Well, I'll take some sleep as well. Wake me up if something urgent happens. And don't drink that shit that much."

"Aye aye sir."

As Takahiro got up, he realised that Gina was sleeping upstairs.

"And where do I sleep?"

"In the same room with Gina."

"Are you out of your mind?"

"I'm not telling you sleep with her in the same bed, there's no other rooms than that. Or go and get yourself a hotel. Oh sorry closest hotel is currently our number one target."

"Screw you Shin."

"Good night, Lieutenant," smirked Shin and took another sip from his whiskey.

Takahiro got upstairs and entered the room. Gina had already fallen asleep. Takahiro changed his clothes as quiet as he can. Then he lied down to a sofa in the corner.

'It's too small,' grunted Takahiro.

Well, he couldn't sleep with Gina in that moment. Despite what he said in the tent, there wasn't anything between them yet. It was just an emotional moment. And it wasn't like they were lovers or something. They had feelings to eachother, but that was all.

It's not the time to think about it, though. The situation they were in was too serious. Maybe that was all because of the adrenaline provided by this situation. It had brought them closer so quickly.

Well, whatever it is, they still got a mission to focus.

Takahiro woke up early in the morning. He had already slept a lot yesterday, so he wasn't really tired. He turned his head and saw Gina, with the first lights of the morning. It was peaceful.

That was the peace Takahiro wanted to protect, no matter what it costs. He was ready to die for that cause, just like Taki and others. But his other side was extremely cautious. That side wanted to live with Gina forever, somewhere very far away from here. But Takahiro lived long enough to know that war would visit them no matter where they ran.

He slowly stood up and left the room. Then he washed his face and went down the stairs. Shin was waiting him again.

"Morning, Lieutenant."

"Yeah, whatever."

"We found out Takao Yuuichi visited that casino last night."

Now Takahiro was completely awake. He knew there was something about that casino.

"Tell me more."

"We don't know why he visited the casino. But I would say they're so close to get started."

"And hotel?"

"Whole floor is rented by him. They're connected. It's also where probably Grizzly stays."

"That's good. We gotta act quick before they get started."

"It won't be easy. We're in the city this time, it'll be hard to get ourselves prepared for an operation. Also, cops and in worst case the Russian army might be included."

"Doesn't matter. We're here to stop that war before it even gets started."

"And do you have any plans?" asked Shin.

Takahiro didn't think much about it. He knew it would be hard, but that was their best possible choice.

"Casino heist."

Shin was shocked.

"That's going way too far!"

"And our only choice. Otherwise, we can not deal with the whole police department or, in the worst-case scenario, the Russian army," Takahiro took a breath "just like you say."

Shin didn't say anything.

"It's just a distraction. We won't enter deep inside the casino and will be ready to exit, before the cops show up. Then a smaller team can enter that hotel, and we can catch Grizzly in there."

"What if they capture or kill one of us?"

"Or as a third choice, we can inform the Russian government about what's going on and ask for their help. And if they're the ones behind all of this, everything we've done will be for nothing."

Shin gave up.

"I'll inform the rest of our squad. If we can catch Grizzly it should delay their plans at least one or two more days."

"Then I'll start planning our distraction heist."

"There'll be civilian casualties."

Takahiro had forgotten that. They could start the heist from the rear entrance but then it would be more difficult to create an escape route.

"I'll think about it."

After a while, Gina came downstairs. She was finally awake. Takahiro and Shin explained the situation to her.

"What about fire alarm?" asked Gina.

"We might need a real fire."

"It's not a problem, I can somehow do it."

"Do you have any idea?"

"Best way to start a fire in a place like that is the bar. All I have to do is get two drunks fighting. Then the rest is easy."

"It still sounds dangerous."

"For me or civilians?"

"Both. Fire can grow and spread very quickly because of alcohol."

"Don't worry, everything will be fine. I can start it somewhere a bit far away from the crowd. Security can spot me, but once you start the heist, it won't be a problem anymore."

Takahiro sighed. He was aware that was the best plan they could make, but he didn't want to leave Gina in a risky position. Still, there wasn't any other choice.

"Fine. Let's gather everyone and get started."