Wolf's Surrender: Part of the Immortal Ops World (Shadow Agents / PSI-Ops Book 1) (15 page)

And Gabriel, while many things, was not a stupid man.

Gabriel had a stand-up reputation as a businessman, and while he’d never ventured into the business of carnivals or circuses before, he knew how to turn a profit in his endeavors. The old man had parted with the carnival for less than he should have. It wasn’t for lack of Gabriel trying to pay him a fair price. He’d simply refused to take all of what was offered to him. He’d gone on and on about how Gabriel would do right by his family, his people, and that he could die in peace knowing so.

As Gabriel looked around, he questioned if they’d be open and receptive to him—someone they believed to be human. For now, he’d let them think as much. It was easier that way. They’d be less on guard with him that way, even with the ugly events in their recent past. He, like the previous owner, had a strong sense that someone within the carnival had been part of the trouble—part of the reason three had died and nearly ten more had been hurt. Gabriel would ferret out the culprit, or culprits if that was the case, out and see to it they answered for their crimes.

He only hoped his suspicions were wrong. It was hard to believe any here would turn on the other, but the smell of humans among the carny folk rode the air. He didn’t automatically distrust humans, but he’d learned long ago they were as deadly, if not more so, than others like him. Plus, he knew some of the element that was attracted to the traveling lifestyle had sordid pasts—some were even criminals or con-artists.

He’d weed those out and judge them for himself. He’d honor the owner’s last wishes of keeping the carny family safe even if it was from themselves. He was a man of his word after all. Often, a man only had his word to hang his hat on.

Already, tents were popping up everywhere, dotting the horizon as the sights and sounds of people buzzed through the air. Pride continued to swell in him. He’d acted rashly, buying the carnival without putting too much thought behind it. But it had felt right.

His gut had demanded he act upon the urge to purchase. That he own it at all costs. He knew better than to ignore a deep calling. The carnival turned a profit even in parts of the New Frontier Territory where people didn’t have much coin to spread around. Gabriel considered avoiding those areas so the good people there wouldn’t be tempted to spend little they had, but he knew how much they looked forward to the carnival rolling in to town. He’d not take that from them.

Besides, his carnival was the best-priced one out there. The sad truth was a good deal of the New Frontier Territory didn’t have a pot to piss in. Yet, for the most part, the people were happy. Pockets of money existed, and more and more, Gabriel could see things starting to change for the better. In no way were they as well off as the Old Territory. It was hard to have everyone up to that level of living.

He took comfort in the knowledge his newest purchase managed to bring happiness and joy to people in desperate situations. It meant something to him. He’d figure out a way to continue to turn a profit, keep the workers safe and happy while making sure those in impoverished areas were still offered the experience of the show.

The magik of it all.

Tumbleweed blew past. He silently cursed for what he’d gotten himself into. The southeast section of New Frontier Territory hadn’t seen water in months and was hotter than a stick of dynamite lit on both ends. If something didn’t give soon, he’d likely burst into flames before he had his first official opening night. He had big plans for the carnival. For now he needed to focus on getting rid of any acts that ripped off patrons. A clean-running operation was what he was looking for. There were plenty of acts who were what they claimed. He didn’t need anyone making their dime by stealing from those less fortunate.

A large bald man approached, his handlebar mustache looking well-maintained and out of place with the current trends in men’s facial hair. The tight pants he wore were comical, but Gabriel kept his laughter to himself. The man had to be Gusto. The strong man he’d heard so much about. Gabriel didn’t want to point out he could lift more than the human male, so he offered a gentle smile. If Gusto needed to feel like the biggest, baddest guy around, Gabriel would permit it.

At least for now.

END EXCERPT

Gabe’s Fortune (Prospect Springs Shifters) is available for purchase from all major e-book vendors. Details can be found on Mandy’s website
www.mandyroth.com