Harsh Measures against Free Baccarat
Brand gritted his teeth and leaned forward in his chair. Seated at the head of the table, the syndicate chief had waited for his agents to join him in the boardroom. He watched them all now, paying particular attention to young Anderson, and he chose his words carefully but with apparent relish.

"Free baccarat, gentleman," the old man hissed. "I think we all know what it means. And I think we know too how deadly the latest news of this free baccarat could be if information was to fall into the wrong hands." There was silence which Brand took for consent. "Very well," he proceeded. "We know the risk. Special measures have already been taken to curb the free baccarat enthusiasm put forth by some individuals. These have been dealt with in the appropriate manner, and I have been assured they shall not trouble us again."

There was still no comment from the team of agents, although Brand noted a distinctly uncomfortable sheen on Anderson's brow, which the agent was doing his best to conceal. "So may I assume then that we will not have to concern ourselves with free baccarat again aside from the usual containment activities?" the syndicate chief asked. It was at this point that Anderson rose to his feet, cleared his throat and began to address the team.

Spread the Cheer of Free Baccarat
"I think we all know the purpose of Mr Brand's policy toward free baccarat, and I know we all share that purpose and believe it to be for the common good," Anderson began. "However new information has come to my attention that I now share with you all. Despite our success at curbing the spread of free baccarat in this city, our neighbors have not been so lucky. Less than an hour ago 200 prisoners held on suspicion of involvement with free baccarat activities escaped from West County. Indications are that these champions of the free baccarat cause could be planning to infiltrate our defenses, spreading the cheer of free baccarat to all."

Brand slammed his hand on the table. "Why did you not say this before?" he choked. "Go quickly now, all of you." The agents scrambled to their feet. "Free baccarat must not be allowed to prosper here."

Anderson left the board room, concealing a secret smile. It won't be long before Brand is out of the way and I'm in charge, he thought. Then we'll see just what free baccarat can really do.