I scanned the room, feigning interest in the glittering event as Asher leaned in to chat with one of the sponsors. The room buzzed with polite laughter and the clinking of glasses, but my attention was elsewhere. Aurielle's doubling of security gnawed at my thoughts, a silent alarm warning me that something was off.
Aurielle's decision to double security was baffling. He had enough security why involve the police? It wasn't like him to act out of paranoia—he thrived on control, always two steps ahead of everyone else. Everyone knew him at the station, he was not one to be messed with. So whoever is making him scared, must be one hell of a person. Now, armed guards patrolled every corner of the house, their movements precise and coordinated.
I needed to find an excuse to get away from Asher. I know he won't leave my side, and that sucked.
I nudged Asher. "I'm going to grab a drink. You want anything?"
"Just water," he replied, distracted by the conversation around him.
Perfect.
I slipped away, blending seamlessly with the crowd. I maneuvered toward a side corridor, where a security officer stood near a closed door—probably his office. My plan was simple: create a distraction, gain access, and find out what Aurielle was so desperate to protect. We all have the cards to each room so I can get inside and see if I can find anything.
Reaching into her bag, I grabbed the end of the second walkie-talkie. I had hidden a walkie-talkie nearby so I could talk into the second one, and distract the guard into checking it. Seconds later, a sharp crack echoed through the hall as I pressed my end of the walkie-talkie. My voice echoed around the corner, "The room should be here somewhere, there shouldn't be anyone there possibly". The officer turned his attention to the voice and went to investigate.
"Now or never," I muttered under her breath.
I darted forward, brushing past the distracted guard. My hand moved swiftly, swiping my card at the door. Card declined. Shit. Fuck. I ran fast. The guy is not stupid enough to make the card the same for each guard. I headed back down to where Asher was holding a glass of water and a bottle of champagne for myself.
"Here you go" I handed him his glass of water before gulping down on my champagne.
"Why did you take so long?" he asked giving me a suspicious look.
"Uhm…bathroom," I replied smoothly, my face betraying nothing.
"Oh, okay then" he continued to scan the room. He was diligent in his work, and I respect him for that.
I needed a new plan. My gaze scanned the room, landing on the nearest security guard stationed by the hallway entrance. His badge dangled invitingly from his chest. I need to get that badge from that guy over there. I needed another excuse. But before I could come up with one Asher came to me, he frowned slightly, tilting his head. "You've been distracted all night. Everything okay?"
I hesitated for a split second before flashing a reassuring smile. "Just the crowd. It's a lot to take in."
Asher didn't look convinced, but he nodded. "If you need a break, just say so. Don't push yourself, okay?"
"Got it," I said, my voice light. Internally, I was already calculating my next move.
Moments later, I fidgeted, clutching my stomach. "I think I need to use the restroom again. Must be something I ate this morning," I said, trying to act as real as possible. I hope he buys it.
Asher's concern deepened. "Are you sure you're okay? I can get someone to bring you ginger ale or something."
I waved him off with a small laugh, trying to keep it casual. "I'll be fine. Just give me a few minutes."
He nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but if you're not feeling better, let me know. Seriously."
I turned and slipped into the crowd, making my way toward the hallway. My eyes locked on the guard I saw earlier. The security badge glints under the dim lights. The first attempt with my card had failed earlier. Now, I needed his.
I smoothed my dress, adjusted my posture, and walked toward him, heels clicking purposefully on the marble floor.
"Long night, huh?" I said, flashing a warm smile as I approached.
He glanced at me, surprised. "You could say that."
I tilted my head, letting my hair fall over one shoulder. "I bet it gets old, standing here all night, watching everyone else have fun."
He chuckled, his stance relaxing slightly. "Part of the job."
"Part of the job, but still no fun." I leaned in just enough to make it seem like I was sharing a secret. "You should sneak off for a drink. I won't tell."
He smirked, clearly amused. "And what happens when I get caught?"
"Tell them I distracted you. I'll take the blame," I said, letting my fingers lightly trace the edge of the clutch in my hand, the movement subtle but calculated to draw his eyes.
"You'd take the fall for me?" he asked his tone teasing but intrigued.
I shrugged, letting out a soft laugh. "I'm feeling generous tonight."
As we exchanged a few more pleasantries, I shifted closer, timing my movements perfectly. When he glanced toward the crowd, I made my move. My fingers brushed against his belt, finding the badge and slipping it free in one smooth motion.
"Thanks for the chat," I said, taking a small step back. "Try not to work too hard."
He nodded, his focus already returning to the room. "Enjoy the fundraiser."
I darted upstairs going back to the office. Now I have to think of a way to distract the officer again. Would I need to flirt? I hated doing that but I don't have a choice. I got to the corner where I would turn only to find it empty. Was this a trap? The guy was there earlier.
Maybe he is still checking for the voice. I decided to risk it all and head inside. I swiped the key card, and this time it opened.
Inside, the office was immaculate, every surface polished to perfection. I moved quickly, knowing my time was limited. The drawers of the massive desk were my target. The first two opened easily, revealing files and supplies. The third was locked.
I picked a hairpin from my hair and bent it into shape, working it into the lock. Every second felt like an hour as I listened for the telltale click. Finally, the lock gave way, and I pulled the drawer open.
A single brown envelope sat inside, marked HARRINGTON. My fingers hesitated for only a moment before I grabbed it, slipping it into my purse.
I didn't have time to question. I retraced my steps, locking the drawer and ensuring everything looked untouched. Heading back to the main floor, I had one last task to complete.
The security room was just ahead, and probably another guard would be in there. I straightened my dress and approached confidently. When I opened the door, he appeared to be eating not paying attention to the computers. Thank God.
"Hey," I said with a friendly tone, "they asked me to take over for a few minutes so you can grab a break, maybe use the toilet or something."
He raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. "Thanks," he said, heading off.
When he left, I got hold of the computer, wiping everything that made me seem suspicious only the part where I stood alongside Asher to make it seem I had been there all day. I quickly finished up and waited for the guard.
The guard returned after about ten minutes. "All good," I said cheerfully, moving away before he could linger.
I headed down to the main room. Going back to my position, I noticed a paranoid Asher.
"Is it that bad?" he asked the concern on his face worsening.
"Yeah, I was on the seat for close to an hour, and it still hurts" I lied while clutching my stomach. I should've become an actress. I'm pretty good at this.
"Don't worry it will soon be over, then I can take you home" I nodded while smiling at him.
The crowd around us erupted in applause. I looked behind to see who they were clapping for, and there he stood. James Aurielle. Master manipulator, traitor, and killer.
As Aurielle stepped up to the podium, the room fell silent, everyone watching him. I tried to keep a polite smile, but my grip on the champagne glass tightened. His deep voice carried through the hall, confident and calm, but then his eyes landed on me. It wasn't just a glance; his stare lingered, sharp and unsettling, like he was trying to figure me out.
My heart skipped, and for a moment, I felt exposed, like he somehow knew me. He gave a small smile—if you could call it that—but it wasn't friendly. It felt like he was telling me we shared a secret, one I didn't want to have. I looked away quickly, turning to Asher, trying to shake off the unease creeping over me.
"I think it's over now," I told Asher pulling on his suit.
"Yeah we can go" he went over to Jamal to explain what was happening to me, my diarrhea—which by the way, I was faking. Jamal assured him, and he decided to take me home.
I didn't mind Asher taking me home after our fight, I know he would want to ask me more questions but I don't really want to be around that man. His gaze was too scary, scary in a bad way. Like he was waiting for me to show. Well, l am one step ahead of him. I slipped my hand into my purse, squeezing the envelope in it.
I have a lead now, whoever this Harrington is, is gonna get a visit—and not the good kind.