Page 24 of Thunder

"Alright, listen up," I announce to the group—Bullet, Rook, Eliza, and Maddy. "TheMar y Tierraresort project is hosting a community dinner event tomorrow night to win over the public. We need to sabotage it."

A low murmur of agreement ripples through the group as they exchange glances, their expressions a mix of determination and mischief. Particularly Eliza, who looks downright thrilled.

"Are we sure about this?" Maddy questions, her brow furrowed in concern. "Sabotaging a community event?"

"Trust me," I say, my voice laced with conviction. "We need to make a statement. Show them that Costa Oscura isn't going to be swayed by their shiny, corporate bullshit."

"Marcus is right," Bullet adds, his dark eyes flashing with resolve. "We've got to hit them where it hurts."

"Fine," Maddy sighs, "but let's not do anything too extreme, alright? The implications of getting some bad PR could be damaging for our cause."

"After the shitstorm you put the Covingtons through, we all know you’re the expert on that," Rook chuckles. "But yeah, nothing that'll get us all locked up."

“So, how do we do this?” I say.

“Well, what do we know about the event, other than they’re giving out free food tomorrow night for a bunch of people?”

"So, they've got Chef Vivienne Marcel cooking for the event," I say, leaning against a grease-streaked workbench. "You know, the Michelin-starred chef?" That I even know who that is sends an impressed murmur through everyone, though it’s just printed on theflier. Hopefully none of them take a closer look at it.

"Marcel?" Rook's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Even I've heard of her. She could make MREs taste good."

Eliza claps her hands together, eyes sparkling. "Oh, I love her! She turned a hospital cafeteria into a gourmet experience on that cooking show. I wonder if I can get a chance to talk to her. Maybe she could come by Costa Oscura General and make our cafeteria serve actual food."

"Sounds like they're pulling out all the stops," Bullet chimes in. “Bet they have a lot of high rollers attending this dinner.”

“Which means we have even more reason to make sure this thing doesn’t happen. Any ideas?”

"We could mess with their generators," Rook offers. "A little blackout never hurt anyone."

"How 'bout loosening a few bolts in the serving tables?" Bullet counters, smirking. "Make their gourmet meals hit the floor."

"Or create a fake announcement saying the event's been moved to a different venue?" Maddy suggests, her eyes lighting up with mischief. "No one will show up and it will piss everyone off."

Leave it to Maddy to come up with an idea that is basically sending out a memo.

“We could hire a bunch of clowns to show up at their party,” Eliza offers.

“Clowns?” I say.

“Yes. Clowns. They’re creepy, they’re weird, and no one likes them. They’ll show up and everyone will be so scared that they’ll just want to go home,” Eliza says.

“Lovely idea, honey,” Rook says. “I vote for the clowns.”

“Fuck no,” says Bullet, Maddy, and me in unison.

"None of these are foolproof," I say, my mind racing through potential outcomes. "And some of them are just disturbing. But how can they throw a community feast without any food?"

"A food heist it is then," Rook declares, cracking his knuckles. "I've done covert ops; this'll be a cakewalk."

"Are you trying to make a pun, Rook?" Bullet teases.

"Shut up, Bullet," Rook grumbles, but there's no actual heat behind his words.

"No fighting, Rook,” I say. “We've got a job to do."

"Right," Rook says, his voice soldier-sharp, all business. "I'll scope out the venue tonight. We'll make our move early tomorrow morning. A pre-dawn raid."

"Sounds like a plan," Maddy nods, her eyes serious but supportive.

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