I stared into the cracked mirror, tilting my head slightly as I dabbed concealer along my jawline. The cool touch of the makeup felt foreign against my skin, but every movement was precise. If I was going to pull this off, I had to be flawless. A soft brush of blush gave my cheeks just the right amount of color. I ran the lipstick carefully over my lips a deep, muted red that she would've chosen.
I leaned back, inspecting the woman I had become. Not too glamorous, but not cheap either someone who could slide under the radar but still catch attention when needed. I tucked a strand of the wig behind my ear and gave the mirror a soft smile.
"Yes," I whispered to myself, imitating her voice perfectly. "I've gotten much better now."
I turned from the mirror to the wardrobe, its hinges creaking as I opened it. Inside was a small collection of women's clothes, picked over the years for moments like this. I pulled out a simple black dress that clung in just the right places, slipped on the fur-lined coat, and added a subtle necklace for good measure. The heels pinched slightly, but I could manage.
On my desk, scattered among notes and photos, was the envelope I'd prepared. I picked it up, feeling the weight of what it contained, and tucked it into the inner pocket of the coat. This wasn't just a game. Every step had been meticulously planned, down to the tiniest detail.
I had chosen her because she was perfect on sick leave, not likely to be missed tonight. The white-suited man frequented went to the bar where she worked, always slipping in at the same hour. He'd be expecting to see her. He wouldn't notice the difference.
The moment was ripe. Everything was falling into place.
I slipped out of the house, the door creaking behind me as it shut. The cold night air wrapped around me, but I welcomed it. Each step I took down the desolate streets brought me closer to my goal.
The bar wasn't far just a few blocks away. Its neon sign flickered weakly, casting a dull red hue across the street. Music pulsed softly from within, and the sound of faint laughter leaked through the entrance.
As I stepped inside, a wave of heat and the scent of cheap perfume washed over me. One of the employees glanced my way, a puzzled look flickering across her face before recognition dawned.
"You're back so soon?" she asked, tilting her head. "Feeling better already?"
I smiled warmly, batting my lashes. "Yes, I've gotten a lot better now," I said, letting the soft, girly voice slide easily off my tongue. She gave me a once-over, then shrugged and returned to whatever she was doing.
The room was dim, lit by the glow of neon lights and the soft amber of hanging lamps. Dancers swayed lazily on stage, and patrons lounged at tables, drinks in hand. But I wasn't here for them. My eyes scanned the far corner of the room, and there he was.
The man in the white suit.
He sat in the back, leaning comfortably into his seat, a half-empty glass of whiskey on the table beside him. His broad shoulders relaxed, his expression calm and slightly bored. His bodyguards loomed nearby, watching the room with sharp eyes, but none of them paid me any mind.
Perfect.
I took a deep breath, adjusting the strap of my dress, and made my way toward the stage. Every step felt deliberate, each movement smooth and calculated. The music shifted as I stepped into the spotlight.
I let my body sway to the rhythm, moving with just enough allure to capture the right attention. My gaze lingered on the white-suited man, throwing subtle glances his way, letting him know that I was performing just for him.
And just as I'd hoped, his eyes locked onto me.
His boredom melted away, replaced by curiosity, then something else a gleam of desire I knew all too well.
When the song ended, I stepped off the stage, making my way through the crowd with deliberate slowness. As I approached his table, I leaned down slightly, giving him a coy smile.
"Would you like a special moment with me?" I whispered, keeping my voice soft and inviting.
The white-suited man's lips curled into a smirk. "I think I would," he replied, his gaze lingering on me a little too long.
He didn't hesitate. With a snap of his fingers, he gestured to his bodyguards, and within moments, I was being ushered out of the bar and into a sleek black car. The doors clicked shut, sealing me in with him.
He leaned closer as the car started moving, his breath warm against my ear. "You're quite the surprise," he murmured, running a finger along the edge of my coat.
I gave him a playful smile, tilting my head just enough to stay in character. "Save it for later, darling," I whispered, brushing his hand away with a teasing laugh.
He chuckled, clearly enjoying the game. The bodyguards said nothing, their faces cold and indifferent as the city blurred past the tinted windows.
This was going exactly as I had planned.
The hotel wasn't far just a short drive away. As the car pulled up to the entrance, I let my mind drift to what would come next. He thought he was in control, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
Tonight, he'd fall right into my trap. And by the time he realized it, it would be far too late.
As the car glided smoothly to a stop in front of the hotel. Without a word, the white-suited man stepped out, motioning for me to follow. The doorman gave us a brief nod as we passed through the grand entrance. The warmth of the lobby welcomed us, but my focus stayed sharp, my heart steady. This was it the moment where everything either went according to plan or unraveled.
The elevator doors closed with a soft chime, and soon we were inside his room a lavish suite filled with expensive furniture and panoramic windows overlooking the city. He shut the door behind us, the sound of the lock clicking into place making my pulse quicken, not with fear but excitement. I needed privacy, just a few moments.
"Mind if I freshen up in the bathroom, darling?" I asked, my voice still dripping with the feminine sweetness I had perfected.
He smiled lazily, waving me off without a second thought. "Go ahead. I'll be waiting."
I glided toward the bathroom, closing the door behind me. Once inside, I grinned at my reflection in the mirror, the same wicked smile I had used countless times before. Reaching into the hidden pocket of my coat, I pulled out the envelope and took the small pill from inside. A sedative quick, effective, and undetectable. I slipped it into my coat pocket, my grin widening.
"Almost there," I whispered to myself, adjusting my dress one final time.
I returned to the room, giving him a soft smile as I approached. He gestured toward his bodyguards standing near the door. "Get out," he said curtly. "I want privacy."
The guards left without a word, closing the door behind them. Perfect.
He was already on the bed, reclining comfortably, watching me like a predator waiting to pounce. I let my coat slide off my shoulders, pulling the small pill from my pocket as I did so.
I approached slowly, swaying my hips just enough to keep his attention locked on me. When I reached him, I leaned in close, placing a hand over his eyes.
"Let's do this, baby," I whispered seductively into his ear.
With my other hand, I slipped the pill into my mouth. Then, without hesitation, I kissed him deeply, transferring the pill into his mouth. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer, but the deed was already done.
I pulled away just as the sedative began to take effect. His pupils dilated briefly in confusion, and then he lunged toward me. But I was ready. As he tried to grab me, I let out a series of soft, sultry moans, disguising the struggle.
From the other side of the door, the guards would think we were just having a good time.
His strength ebbed quickly, the drug taking hold. His hands loosened, and within moments, he collapsed onto the bed, his breathing deep and slow.
I moved fast. I rifled through his pockets, pulling out his wallet, jewelry, and watches anything valuable. I found a duffel bag in the corner of the room and stuffed it all inside. Cash, credit cards, rings it all went in.
Once I had everything, I adjusted my dress, wiped my lipstick off his lips with the edge of his pillow, and took one last glance at him.
Then I screamed.
"Something's wrong! Please, help!"
The door flew open as the bodyguards rushed inside, their attention immediately on their unconscious boss. While they fumbled to wake him, I slipped behind the door, grabbed the duffel bag, and darted into the hallway.
Just as the guards noticed my absence, I slammed the door shut and jammed it with a small stone, a precisely cut piece I had prepared to fit this lock perfectly. They pounded on the door from the inside, but it was too late.
By the time they broke free, I was gone.
The cold night air hit me like a wave as I made my way through the city streets, grinning with every step. I had done it. The duffel bag was heavy with wealth, but lighter than the satisfaction I felt.
But as I approached the broken house my base the grin on my face vanished.
Flashing blue and red lights painted the walls and pavement. Police cars surrounded the house, officers moving in and out like ants around a disturbed nest.
My heart sank. Did they find out?
I always abandoned my bases after each job, but this time, I had made a mistake. I'd stayed too long. The house contained too much notes, stolen information, my next plans. If they discovered it, I was done.
A police officer noticed me standing at the edge of the scene and approached, his hand resting casually on his belt.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
I forced a nervous smile, quickly searching for an excuse. "I was meeting a client," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's fine, I can cancel"
Before he could respond, his radio buzzed to life. He raised a hand to silence me, pressing the radio to his ear.
My blood ran cold as I heard the voice on the other end.
"We've got confirmation," the voice said. "It was a middle-aged woman. She killed someone we know. We've got all the proof."
The officer gave me a sharp look. His gaze lingered on the duffel bag slung over my shoulder.
I could see the shift in his posture the way his hand moved slowly toward his gun.
I acted on instinct. I hurled the duffel bag at him, catching him off-guard. The bag hit him square in the chest, knocking him off balance. Before he could react, I lunged forward, driving my fist into his jaw.
He stumbled, letting out a grunt of pain as I clamped a hand over his mouth to stop him from shouting.
For a moment, the alley was silent, except for the pounding of my heart.
Then I heard it another voice, distant but closing in.
"Hey, Paul! You okay? I'm coming to check on you."
Panic gripped me. My mind raced. I was out of time.
I glanced down at the unconscious officer, his radio still buzzing softly. A thin trickle of blood slid from my nose, the rush of the moment overwhelming. The footsteps of the other officer echoed closer, growing louder with every moment.
I had seconds to decide.