"Agent Keen" was the first thing Lizzie heard as she walked out of the elevator into the Post Office. She noticed Cooper standing outside his office looking over the balcony at her. "Come to my office please". It was Friday and whereas most companies would be enjoying the wind down towards the weekend, the assertiveness in Cooper's tone suggested that she would be doing anything but. Lizzie climbed the stairs to his office and headed towards his door. After stepping inside she sat in the empty chair opposite him. She greeted him with a respectful "Sir" and a smile and waited for him to speak.
"Agent Keen, I have been briefed by Reddington about a new Blacklister known as; Mr X. He is responsible for over half of the most complex and highest profile thefts of gold bullion in the last decade, including the most recent theft from a federal reserve that is estimated to have been worth over $50 million in gold bars. It's understood that he sells the gold on to the highest bidder, who have frequently used it to fund terrorism and human trafficking. It's thought he buries the gold in a secure area of his choice and then leaves the details of its location along with his calling card for his recipient to find. His trademark is simply, 'X Marks the Spot' giving him the name of Mr X". Cooper continued, "Reddington called me this morning, apparently Mr X is in town. You will be accompanying Reddington to a private party tonight, where a source close to him has indicated that Mr X is expected to attend. If he has resurfaced, then it's likely he is planning to meet with a prospective bidder." Lizzie nodded along with Cooper, trying to give the impression of listening intently, but if she was honest she was still reeling at the fact Reddington hadn't come to her first with this information. "An associate of Reddington's will be at the party. If Mr X is there, he will make it known to you. Your task is to identify the potential bidder, gain their attention and then cause a scene, so that Reddington can make contact with Mr X and propose a bid for the gold himself". Accepting the task, Lizzie went on to ask Cooper about her cover story. He responded, "You're an arts dealer called Jennifer Crawford. You're in town on business and accompanying Reddington as his date for the evening." Lizzie felt her mouth drop, "Wait, what? I'm his date?" Lizzie hoped she was hiding the blush growing across her cheeks better than she had hid her gasp at 'date'. "Oh Lizzie, is the thought really that bad?" Red asked as he walked into Cooper's office. He took off his signature fedora and took a seat next to Lizzie. "You might even enjoy yourself," he said with a smug grin. Lizzie shot him a glare before protesting, "Why exactly do I need to be your date?". Detecting her seriousness Red replied, "Quite simply because I do not go to these types of events without a beautiful woman on my arm." Lizzie was definitely not hiding her blushes now and she could tell that Red had noticed too. Looking mildly amused he continued, "A few years ago I made the mistake of going to a party without a plus one. It was far too much business and no play. That was until I met Nancy…" Lizzie cut him off before he could continue, "That's no reason for me…". "Elizabeth" Red said cutting her off. "I have a particular persona to maintain. I'm known for being a ladies' man and therefore need to attend events as such. May I remind you of the seriousness of this. I have it under good authority that the recipient of My X's previous theft, went on to fund a mass terrorist incident that was so enormous in its casualties that I'll spare you the grotesque details. Not only does he need to be stopped Lizzie, but the recipients of his, who have no consideration for human life or for the horrors their actions cause, need to be stopped too." Accepting the seriousness of the occasion, Lizzie nodded and accepted the cover story. Red stood from his chair, put his hat on and walked to Cooper's door before turning and saying, "I've had an appropriate dress delivered to your motel room. I'll pick you up at seven." Lizzie opened her mouth to speak but he turned on his foot and left the room. A few seconds later he peered around the door, his earlier smugness returning, "Oh and you'll need an overnight bag". He was long gone before Lizzie could protest, but the mixed feeling of shock, anticipation, nerves and excitement stayed with her long after.
