"You're not seriously planning on going to the gala?" Naomi asked as Bailey was checking out her dress. Since the rock had been thrown, it was completely quiet. Eerily so. However, Bailey has been getting a barrage of messages. It was quite clear, she had to go to the Gala and impress the boss's friends, or she would get into huge trouble.
Although the trouble of losing her job did not compare to the trouble that both Clay and Silva had brought to the table -- Bailey really wanted to keep her job. And Joe had now gone the extra mile to boost the security of the hotel which Bailey was going to visit.
He was also going to attend, as he had earned a whole lot of favor with her boss. As he was the hero of the mad shooter who appeared in their offices, her boss had no issues inviting him to the gala too -- no doubt to show him off.
"There's going to be another agent who's going to be here while we're going to be gone…"
"Aren't you scared?" Naomi asked.
"I am terrified," Bailey said and turned around. "How do I look?"
"You better come home tonight."
"I will make sure I do," Bailey said as she drew her sister into a tight hug.
"You look beautiful, baby sister," Naomi whispered. Bailey knew why she was so worried, and couldn't blame her. She was worried too. Being out as bait was not appealing. Although she had a whole agency behind her, and Joe coming directly with her -- it did not set her mind at ease.
She thought the college was safe, and once it was attacked, she thought help would arrive. Yet the cops did not burst in, not until the last moment. And this was all due to Silva's tactful decisions -- his negotiations, and the fact that majority of them did not bring guns to the attack.
He managed to convince the cops for the majority of the time that this was a hostage situation.
Bailey walked out, and Joe looked up. He looked slightly uncomfortable in the tux, despite the fact that he wore very similar clothes to his day-to-day uniform. However, he wore a sleek black jacket and instead of a tie he had a bow.
His hair was just as slicked back as usual. "Ready?" he asked.
"Really? No compliments? No telling she is pretty? All business and serious?" Naomi asked and Bailey shook her head.
"This isn't a date you know," Bailey turned to Naomi.
"I know, it just…it fits into the picture…."
"You're beautiful girl, Bailey, I don't think anyone really needs to tell you that," Joe stated as he pulled out his phone and answered a call.
"I guess that is a compliment," Naomi said. "Good enough for me."
"He's here to keep me safe, not to flirt, I would be worried if he flirted," Bailey said and grabbed her bag.
Another agent walked into the room just as Bailey left. His name was Hector, and he was very skilled. However, Bailey was still uneasy. She did not want to be away from Naomi, yet at the same time, her being here might be putting her sister in jail.
She followed Joe down the stairs and into the car. It wasn't too long before they arrived at the hotel where the gala was being hosted. Bailey waited for Joe to open the door, and she could see security were covering the area. Joe just needed to make a few tactful phone calls.
Yet, with so many people in one place, she was still uncertain. Her nerves were growing. This was a new place, out of habit, out of routine. As much as she hated to admit it -- she never liked doing something new. She used to.
The college had ruined her entire personality. It ruined her entire life.
"Not today," Bailey whispered. She was going to try and enjoy this night. If something were to happen, she would not let that influence her whole reality on life.
Once Clay was behind bars again, and once Silva was dead -- then her life could perhaps go back to normal. Joe offered his arm and she linked to it as they walked through the carpeted floors. She smiled as there was a little girl pointing her pudgy finger at them. They kept walking to the elevator.
"Everything's clear so far," Joe said. "No unexpected guests…nothing."
"I see,"
"Neither Clay or Silva are getting in,"
"Are you sure?"Bailey asked and turned to look at Joe.
"Nothing is fully guaranteed," Joe responded. "If there is any trouble…any at all, I will pull you out."
"If Clay is here, he will be here for a reason…" Bailey whispered.
"He knows he'll be grabbed," Joe said.
"And what then? He'll escape again, and find my way back to me…" Bailey whispered.
"He really did a number on you, huh?"
"If you're asking me whether or not I am afraid of him, I am…yet, as crazy as it might sound, whenever he is around, I know I'll survive…because I would be dead if it wasn't for him," Bailey sighed.
"You don't sound crazy to me, you just sound like someone's been through hell, and did what you could to survive,"
"What happened to me being behind it?"
"I have found out enough information to know better, forgive my prior suspicions, but you really were not connected to any of it…" Joe spoke just as the elevator doors opened. They walked in and were immediately greeted by people who were dressed just as fancy as them.
Bailey always loved dressing up, and a part of her could not help but smile at how everyone made a whole lot of effort now. She walked in side by side with Joe.
Mason suddenly appeared. "Hey Bailey, you see those guests over there…go talk to them…they want to know about your work force…and how you always stay motivated…Joe, I need to introduce you to my new head of security."
Joe wanted to protest, but Bailey shook her head. "It's ok…I'll be fine, meet up with me later…" Bailey turned to walk towards the people whom Mason motioned to. She walked up to them, and noticed one was a beautiful blonde girl, and the guy had his back turned towards her. He had his hair slicked back, and he was quite tall.
"Hi, you wanted to speak to me?" Bailey asked. "I am Bailey."
"Yes, right…" the guy said. "Olive, you can go…" The blonde girl suddenly walked away, and the man turned around.
"No…"
"Hello Bailey, you really didn't think I would miss your very first gala…did you?"