Russ flipped open his handheld TAB and brought out the screen in midair. “This is your assignment.”
A picture of a man with white hair appeared. His wrinkled forehead defined his age, his eyes drooped, and his nose seemed large for his face.
“His name is Jonathan San. He’s your target. Don’t terminate him. You need to bring him in. You’ll be allowed to use your Tasers; however, if you feel necessary, use the boot daggers. We won’t know the circumstances of the situation until we’re inside. Whatever you need to do to stay safe, do it. Even if it means you need to kill the guards. You’ll be going to one of the biggest charity functions held in the Leviathan Hotel in the East. Ava and Mitch will go in as a couple. Lydia will give you identification cards. You’ll be attending as Mr. and Mrs. McCann. Tamara, you’ll be attending as my assistant. Brooke and Justine, you’ll be housekeepers.”
“Wow. That’s just awesome.” Justine leaned back with her arms extended behind her. “Ava and Tamara get to dress up, and I get to dress like a maid. That’s not fun.”
Russ pressed his lips together and his blade-sharp gaze pinned Justine like a butterfly to a board—the longest, deadliest stare I’d ever seen from him.
“You think this is fun?” His words were slow but lethal. “This is not a dress up tea party.”
A long, awkward silence followed.
After a moment, Russ continued in a level tone. “One very important thing you can’t forget: if you don’t meet us at the assigned meeting time, you’ll be left behind. That goes for all of you.” Then he shifted his attention to me. “Do you know what will happen if you don’t come back? Mitch will activate your tiny capsule filled with cyanide that’s attached to your chip with a trigger. Not only will you die from a heart attack, you’ll be dead before their security guards have a chance to question you.”
I’d already learned about the cyanide capsule, so Russ’s speech didn’t frighten me. But being it was my first time, trepidation crept in.
“Glad I mean so much to ISAN. Like I have a choice?” Brooke scowled, flicking something off her shirt.
“Why the cyanide?” I asked.
“It’s not only used to keep your team focused and on track, but also to keep ISAN’s identity hidden. ISAN can’t afford to be found if one of you gets captured,” Russ answered.
“Lucky us.” I dipped my head, saddened at the possibility of one of us not returning.
Words from Russ during a training session entered my mind. Don’t have such negative thoughts. Being a good leader means having a positive attitude.
Bullshit.
I stretched my arms and legs. “Why does it have to be a heart attack? It seems so brutal. Why not something like a poison?” I wanted to laugh at our conversation.
“Either way, it does the same thing; however, you can detect poison in an autopsy.”
“What about Helix?” I asked.
“You won’t be dosed at the beginning. You won’t need it until it’s time. The security will be on high alert. You’ll be scanned, and they’ll take a breath test to detect any drug in your system if they suspect anything. And yes, Helix will come up as an unknown drug. You’ll not only be escorted out but possibly be labeled as a terrorist. It’s the reason why you’re training with Mitch right now. However, if you stick to Lydia’s plan, you won’t need to worry. This should be an easy in and out.”
“How will this be easy?” Tamara tucked her knees under her chin and wrapped her arms around her leg, as if she needed something to hold onto. “Is Ava going to just walk up to the person and stun him?”
“That’s the reason why you’re not planning this mission, Tamara.” Mitch shook his head.
Russ frowned at Mitch then faced us. “Mr. and Mrs. McCann’s room has already been set up by Kendrick. Their room will be next to Mr. San’s room. Don’t worry about the details. You’ll get them from Lydia.”
Lydia shuffled black cards in her hands, about the size of a playing card, and handed one to each of us. “All the information you need is in here. Place your thumb in the middle to unlock it. Your thumbprint is the key.”
Russ closed his TAB and moved around Lydia to get closer to us. “Your attire has been sent to your rooms. Do you have any questions?”
Justine raised her hand.
Russ dragged a long, agitated breath. “Yes, Justine. This better be important.”
“Do I have to do this?” she asked sheepishly. “I’m concerned I might freeze up without Helix.”
“You’ll be roaming down the hall with Brooke. All that’s required from the two of you is to get the housekeeper’s cart and make sure our weapons are in place. Our contact will have it ready for you. Read the instructions and you’ll be fine. Once Mr. San is on his way to his room, you’ll be instructed to leave the premises and meet us at the specific location where the sub-glider will be hidden. However, if I need your assistance, you’ll be informed. In that case, you’ll get your Helix.”
“What about the cyanide?” Justine folded her arms, feet tapping the mat.
A nervous habit of hers, I realized.
“You’ll be fine as long as you stick with me,” Mitch scrubbed a hand down his face, as if he didn’t want to be bothered with questions.
Justine’s shoulders relaxed, but she gnawed on her bottom lip.
Mitch stretched his arms behind him and cracked a few knuckles. “If that’s all, I’d like to get back to the training.”
“After you’re done, send them to my office.” Russ flashed a quick grin or a scowl—I couldn’t tell which—then left with Lydia.
The east side of the city was mostly covered with water, where the tsunami had hit the hardest. Citizens lived in skyscrapers and traveled predominately by underwater transportation and gliders.
The Leviathan Hotel was as grand as its name. Standing tall, the structure towered over the rest. Glimmering lights adorned the bridge, leading to the enchanting and magical entrance. I felt like I was inside a fairytale, going to a ball. With my hand over Mitch’s arm and the other around my clutch purse, I gracefully followed the line heading to security.
The blazing sun had dropped lower from the magnificent sky painted in periwinkle, illuminating the undulating water around us like sparkling gemstones. So beautiful. I had seen such sunsets before with my mom, but I was young and hadn’t appreciated such simple beauty. I had taken it for granted.
I pushed away the thought of my mom, the regrets, the harsh words I had spoken to her before I’d ran out of the house over something so trivial we’d fought about. Then when I came home, the ambulance was there, and that was when ...
“You okay?” Mitch asked. “You seem a little edgy, besides the obvious reason why we’re here.”
I loosened my tight grip on him and took deep breaths, inhaling the salty air. The cool breeze seeped through the thin fabric of my dress, making me shiver. I couldn’t wait to be inside.
Mitch leaned in to whisper. “If you’re afraid of heights, this isn’t the bridge you want to be on. We’re almost there. By the way, you look stunning. You should wear red more often.”
My face flushed so I dipped my head. I didn’t want him to think his compliment got to me. “Like I have a choice. And keep your eyes in front and not on my dress.”
Mitch scoffed, then lightly chuckled. “Just keeping your mind occupied. We’re almost there. You should be going over your schedule. You remember what to do?”
“Don’t worry about me. Just don’t do anything to distract me.”
Mitch squeezed my arm a bit too tightly, then loosened it. It was his way of telling me to keep my mouth shut, and letting me know everything would be just fine.
Mitch wore a black tuxedo with a red bowtie to match my dress. I loved how his tuxedo jacket flowed downward like a train but stopped short of touching the ground. The men in line wore similar outfits in different designs and colors. The women’s dresses were more creative. Some of them reminded me of the ones I’d seen during the fash
ion show on the net. According to their attire, I assumed everyone invited was of high-class status.
As I approached the entrance, the rippling water became less visible. Soft instrumental music floated through the night air just as the moon rose, casting a silvery glow and dancing across the water. Ice sculptures in abstract shapes dotted the front. After I passed the cascading water fountain, a security guard greeted me. He wore a navy uniform with three silver buttons and a matching box-like hat.
“Welcome to Mr. San’s third annual charity gala. May I see your passes?”
Mitch withdrew two cards and handed them to him. The security guard placed them into a machine. A few seconds later, my face appeared, and then Mitch’s.
“Mr. and Mrs. McCann, please place your hand on the scanner. Mrs. McCann needs to set her purse on the holder.”
The door buzzed and I entered. I placed my small purse on the holder as instructed. The red lights zigzagged across my body and my purse at the same time, and then I took a breath test. The door opening signaled I was cleared. Mitch handed me my purse, helped me take a step up, and I advanced through a curtain.
I sucked in a breath.
The biggest crystal chandelier I’d ever seen caught my eye. Shaped like tear drops, the crystals shined like diamonds, reflecting the surrounding lights. In the center, large rectangular tables decorated with flowers contained gold plates that were filled with drinks and appetizers of various sorts. I had never seen so much food in my life. When Mitch pointed, I peered up to see the long stairway, leading up to a banquet room where I assumed dinner would be served.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to do, overwhelmed by the opulence around me. But when I recalled the lessons I’d learned in my finishing class, I raised my head and smiled at those who made eye contact with me. As I reminded myself they had no idea of status, I became elegant and graceful, and I allowed Mitch to lead the way up the stairs. When I relaxed my muscles and observed with ease, I noted both sides of the walls were mirrored.
The first person I saw reflected in the mirror was me, wearing a silky-looking red dress. It showed a little bit of my cleavage, but chiffon material crossed over my shoulders and in front of my chest, giving it elegant but sexy appeal.
Exquisite diamonds sparkled in my ears and at the throat. Wrapped around my arm was a small, black night purse, studded with crystal beads. My hair was pulled up with soft curls flowing down, making me look like a princess. As I ascended the stairs, my gold wedged heels glistened in the light reflected by the mirrors.
“Like I said, beautiful.” Mitch’s lips moved on the reflection of the mirror as I watched us climb higher and higher.
Not knowing how to respond, I focused on the table we approached. The layout matched the same as downstairs. At the drink tables, Mitch and I grabbed glasses filled with yellow liquid. I assumed it was wine or champagne, so I took a sip.
A deep grumble escaped from Mitch’s mouth.
“Why are you growling at me, Mr. McCann?” Luckily the music drowned my sarcastic tone.
“You shouldn’t be drinking.”
I gave him a wry smile. “They didn’t have water.”
Mitch took a step. “You’re not eighteen. You shouldn’t start, especially today of all days. You need to focus. You’ve never drank before. You don’t know how your body will react to the alcohol. Not to mention it’s written in our handbook.”
Rules. Rules. Rules. Too busy rolling my eyes, I almost tripped over my own feet. If Mitch hadn’t had a strong grip on me, I would’ve stumbled. At least he was good for something. I was clumsy with heels, but I had to be mindful. Kendrick had made them especially for me.
“Seriously, you’re going to lecture me about drinking when I’m about to ...” I stopped, knowing there were cameras around.
I’d wanted to ask Russ about Jonathan San, but he had been unavailable after my second session. I was pretty sure he purposely avoided me. He’d hardly said a word to me when they were seeing us off on this assignment.
“You’re right. What was I thinking?” Mitch released his hold of me, took my glass, and chugged it down. “There. You have no temptation now.”
Before I could blink, Mitch had downed both glasses. Insufferable man. I scowled, clenching my jaw, but then I thought I saw Sniper and my mind went blank.
My heart thundered out of control. My cheeks burned as I recalled his tender lips on mine. I blamed my shallow breaths on the worry that he might try to kidnap me again. If there were a next time, I would have no choice but to tell ISAN the truth. I shook the thoughts away, thinking my mind played tricks on me.
When I entered the dining area, the sweet scent filled my nose. Enormous floral arrangements all around the room had me in awe. From the dome ceiling, to the centerpieces on the table, the archway where I’d entered, and even on the floor, roses of varying colors were the theme for the party. The room became a fairytale garden filled with white linen-covered tables and chairs slip-covered with black velvet. Every inch of the place seemed like a dream.
The host escorted us to a round table. I introduced myself and then Mitch to everyone seated. Two couples were young, while the other two were much older. The scale of luxury reminded me of haves and have-nots, and I wondered what my life would’ve been like if my parents had been wealthy, or if my mother was still alive. I hadn’t known what I was missing until I’d seen it, and I’d seen plenty that day.
“How long have you been married?” The old lady tapped Mitch’s arm to get his attention.
The diamond on her ring practically blinded me.
“Oh, we’re not ...” I said, but stopped when I felt a tug from Mitch under the table.
Mitch placed his arm around my shoulder and pulled me tightly to him. “Two wonderful years.”
Mitch twitched when I pinched his thigh.
“Such a lovely couple.” The wrinkles on her forehead creased deeper when she smiled.
“Thank you.” I tipped my head slightly.
Fortunately, a waitress distracted her by leaning over to pour wine into her glass. I glanced toward the stage and spotted Tamara and Russ taking their seats. Russ wore a dark gray tuxedo with a violet tie. It was nice to see him out of his usual work attire. Tamara looked gorgeous in a violet gown adorned with butterflies at the bottom. She fit right in with the garden theme.
A man appeared at the front of the stage. A hologram image of him popped up in the center of our table.
“Good evening, my friends. My name is Jonathan San and I am your host tonight.”
Clapping and cheers erupted.
I almost choked on the water I had just sipped. Jonathan’s appearance signaled the start of the mission and my nerves tangled in my stomach. Swallowing, I listened carefully.
Mr. San continued when the noise died down. “We’re here to celebrate our third year of success, and with your help, we’ll be able to continue to maintain the low cost of water.”
Mitch caught my eyes and jerked his head slightly to the side, a silent command to get ready to leave the party.
Mr. San took a moment to pause, then resumed, “Let’s face it, everyone. Our unpredictable weather is not likely to change soon. Our unseasonable snowfall and cycles of drought and flood are a blessing compared to the continuing drought elsewhere. However, I foresee it getting worse in the future. We need to find a solution for our children and for generations to come. Water is scarce. In fact, many things are scarce, but we will not survive without water.
“Today, I’m going to show you a home filter called Hydro Home System. It can be managed at your home, from the rain and snow that falls directly on your property. Hydro can filter on the spot. You can drink from the second it falls into your system. You won’t need to rely only on one source.
“For those who live in the east part of the world, you’re in luck. We have the most rain and snow. With this home system, you’ll have clean water that’s cost effective. These are your donations hard at work. With more donations, w
e’ll improve this system. Every family in all territories will have plenty of drinking water. I thank you all for making this possible. Enjoy your dinner. I’ll be back on shortly.”
Soft instrumental music started up again after the clapping died. Jonathan left the stage as indicated on the itinerary.
“Excuse me,” I said to the people at our table. “I’ll be back. Ladies room.”
Mitch stood up. “Let me escort you.”
“Thank you, dear.” I flashed a fake smile at Mitch and took his arm.
Weaving around tables, I glided across the floor. Just as I exited the grand ballroom, Russ and Tamara left their seats.
“This way to the elevator.” I clutched my purse sandwiched between my arm and the side of my chest.
“I know. There’s an elevator sign.” He pointed to the sign, as if I should’ve seen it.
I smirked. “I’m glad you can read.”
Mitch parted his lips to offer a comeback when the elevator door opened. A young couple with wide eyes paused for a moment. Their casual attire informed me they weren’t from the party. Returning a smile, I inserted a special cardkey to allow us access to the top floors.
My stomach lurched as we shot upward, and I gasped when the elevator walls opened up to reveal a glass window. The colorful lights twinkled against the dark below. I recalled telling Brooke and Tamara how I wanted to see the city lights. Mesmerized with the view, I hadn’t realized I’d reached the designated floor until Mitch gently tugged me.
“Focus.”
I sneered at his sharp tone and snapped back to the task at hand.
The young couple stepped out with me, making me more uncomfortable. Then they followed us. Their soft steps on the beige carpet intensified my anxiety and threw my imagination into overdrive. I imagined them being Mr. San’s spies or maybe they worked for a competing secret organization. Who knew how many secret organizations existed?