Today is the day. Anxiety was kicking in. My job wasn't too bad but what if we got caught? If the others get caught, I will get caught too.
"What is bothering you miss?" Hellen asked approaching. I glared at her before replying, "My dog ran away, have you seen him?" Embarrassed, she looked down. She turned obvious things into one of the mysteries of the world.
"Umm-mm your dress, it's ready. Let me know if you need help," She then exited the room.
I stared at the alluring dress in awe. It was sleeveless, dark blue on the top and lighter at the bottom. The back was to die for. It was semi-backless with chiffon beaded straps. The beads were only at the corners. This was prepossessing. It reminded me of prom. I lightly curled my hair and wore fancy jewelry with it.
The dress fitted me perfectly. Getting into the car, I let the others know I was arriving. Our meeting place was the TERIL HOTEL near the venue where the punt-taking would take place in a few hours. "We're here miss," the driver announced before stepping out and opening the car door for me. "Good morning, you must be miss Aurelia Obayashi. Mr. Jay and others are waiting, let me guide you to the right room," a middle aged woman greeted me. "Are you Jay's assistant?" I asked.
"Oh no no, I work at the hotel. Mr. Jay informed me about your arrival and to take you to the right room. You see this is a big hotel and it can be....." I forgot to listen to the rest. We entered the elevator and the door soon opened once we reached the 7th floor. Guiding me to the 3rd room on the right, the lady then left. For some reason I felt brittle and nervous. Once I was stable, I inhaled exceeding the capacity of my lungs and lightly tapped on the door. The door clicked open and Jay was standing there. I was surprised to see him in much more casual clothing, but that is what he has to do, right? Just steal in disguise. This made me feel more exposed but I decided to stay calm. In the room, only Jay and Eden were present. Both in simple black clothes. I felt uneasy in my extravagant dress.' When is Leo arriving?' I wondered. 'What will he be wearing. I hope it is just as extra as my dress. After all this is what people wear at these events, right?' Just then I imagined him in a beautiful blue suit, causing me to inwardly curse at myself and focus. I didn't realize I was blushing until I saw Eden and Jay giving me weird looks. I immediately seated myself on the sofa. "Where is Jacob?" I asked breaking the ticklish silence.
"To act as one of the members of the managing and safety team. Only then we'll be able to know the hiding place and all other details. Weren't you listening during the meeting? I see you have a habit of zoning out, make sure to at least stay alert for today's event," Eden grinned teasingly.
"This was not my job, so I didn't listen attentively. I only know my job which is to look interested and gamble. Also make sure my face is not seen by many ," I responded in defence. They looked like their eyes were about to pop. I quickly asked timidly, "Was there something else?"
"You have to steal the duplicate key for the safe room," Jay reminded.
"Steal the what? I mean can't Leo do that?" I uttered.
"Oliver isn't gay," Eden voiced.
"Say who again?" I asked, bewildered.
Jay sighed, annoyed. "Did Leo not tell you? Oliver is the bartender for the party. He is secretly appointed to look around for any suspicious acts, so be cautious when he is around. However he isn't a man of great ability so you can easily lure him," He looked at me head to toe, making me blush. "He will be carrying the keys with him during the event so make sure you give us the black one out of the bunch. The black one, are you listening?!" Jay's voice faded in the background as another silhouette stood in the door frame. Eden had opened the door and Leo stood there. Looking as fine as ever, exactly like I had imagined. We stood there looking into each other's eyes before I came back to Earth and looked away. The room was awkward again before Leo flashed us a breath taking smile and Jay continued with revising the plan.
Eden and Leo were talking in a low voice while Jay showed me what Oliver looked like and we talked some more and soon it was time for us to act. Leo and I were the first to leave. His royal blue suit had fancy gold embroidery on his right shoulder, the cloth giving off subtle rich fragrance of his perfume. He took bold steps ahead while I walked slowly, observing him. Something was up with me and I needed to focus. I soon realized I had similar affects on Leo, which made the situation worse and uncomfortable. We didn't talk much at first but he soon loosened the atmosphere with his jokes. I never knew I had this timid side to me, which was pretty embarrassing. Soon enough we were normal again and chatted until we reached the place.
The place was profligate. The affluent guests were gathered in the massive backyard of this mansion. Leo offered me his arm and I intertwined mine with his. We both put on our glittery masks before proceeding into the party. A big table covered with silk white cloth was set amid other smaller ones. The guests were donning ornate clothing and masks. The room echoed with boisterous laughter reflecting the competitive yet the joyous atmosphere. Servants also wearing masks carried rectangular trays with all sorts of expensive wines. Multiple heads turned as we stepped in, some with welcoming gestures, some judging while some curious.
After a few drinks, a girl our age approached Leo and threw some nasty and outdated dialogues trying to get his attention. Just then, a little older man glided past us with curly brown hair held back with gel. I instantly recognized him. This was Oliver. I smirked, "My time to shine." I separated myself from Leo, leaving him with the girl. I turned back to look at his betrayed face, winking playfully I proceeded towards Oliver.
"No more drinks left?" I pouted. "I could get you more. Don't you have a man to enjoy them with?" Oliver asked. "Now I do," I raised my brow seductively as Oliver excitedly went in to get some drinks. He almost flew towards me. I didn't take off my mask so I don't show my face. The old man kept drinking on his own for a couple more minutes before he started hiccupping and whispered, "You look beauuuttifulll. Wannt onne?" The way he was dragging his words made me impatient. I glanced around and saw everybody was gathered around the large table. The gambling must have started. Where was Leo? I diverted my attention back to the drunk man and suddenly said, "Hey what is that on your pocket?" I swiftly moved my hand towards his left side pocket to try to grab the keys but Oliver was quick enough to hold my hand and use his other hand to remove my mask to kiss me. Without thinking I snatched away my hand, grabbing the bunch of keys I poked Oliver's eye. This happened so quickly that I didn't realize how hard I hit him. I pushed him in the bushes, completely knocking him out. With zero regrets I left Oliver there with blood oozing out his eye.
"Oh no... this shouldn't have happened," I whispered to myself while rushing inside the mansion. I didn't want this to turn violent but the biggest problem was probably that Oliver saw my face. I hope he doesn't remember my face when he is sober again. I am happy there were no cameras in that corner. I was lowkey mad at Leo too. He wasn't only here to flirt with other girls and enjoy the event but also to help me if I end up in such a situation and now he is nowhere to be found. I stomped angrily until I reached the end of the hallway near the bathroom. Jacob was supposed to be here. I tapped my feet on the floor as my breathing finally slowed down.
"Boo!" Jacob sneakily came from behind me. I flinched and hit him on arm. His expression then turned serious as he examined my face. "What happened?" He inquired. I told him all that happened and after calling Leo irresponsible, he left with the keys. At least we've got the key now. I walked back to the backyard only to find Leo standing there with another girl, laughing. I nearly murdered a man for assaulting me and look at him. I gave him the deadest expression after which he excused himself and walked towards me, all smiles.
"Are you done? Do you remember what we are here for?" I said sulking. "You are no help, undoubtedly the worst partner."
"At least I haven't been with old men and murdering them later," He grinned. "Firstly, he isn't dead. Secondly, if you knew, why didn't you help me?" I asked.
"You didn't look like you needed any help. I'm impressed." When he saw no change in my sullen mood, he decided to joke. "And I actually did help. I distracted the crowd when the man yowled in pain," Leo declared, proud.
"And how did you do that?"
"I fed somebody's dog wine. You don't want to know what happened next. It was crazy," He told with exaggerated hand gestures. I chuckled, "What did it turn into? Shrek?"
"No, he also murdered a-" I slapped his arm, laughing. He was silly, yet fun to be around. I didn't realize my muscles had already eased. We yet again joined the event to blend in well. A hot competition was now going on. Luck could leave these families with hardly anything or everything.
All of a sudden, the lights went out. Everybody booed and grumbled but Leo and I knew it was time for us to run. Jay messaged me to come near the back entrance which they had unblocked. As we shoved people away to find our way towards the exit, I heard a raspy voice cry out, "The safe is unlocked and empty! Look for Oliver in the mansion! All the phones are out of power and hacked. Find a flashlight!"
Everybody threw away things in frustration on the loss of property and possessions. In a matter of seconds, chaos took over the chill atmosphere.
"Who is going to tell them Oliver is dead in the bushes-" "He is not dead, for god's sake!" Leo and I laughed, out of breath.
Holdings hands we finally exited the place and stepped onto the road. Eden honked the horn and we immediately hopped inside. "Good job guys!" Jay inspirited. We all joyfully cheered and drove away hurriedly before the lights came back on....
The big hurdle was finally over and I enjoyed more than I expected. Nerve racking and at the same time it was something new and fun. I soon got closer to these strangers than I had expected...