Ethan strolled confidently into the ballroom. He adjusted his bowtie and smoothed down his jacket. He looked good, he knew that. His tuxedo was cut perfectly to fit his body, his hair fell easily into place in a boyish way that made him look younger than his thirty-seven years. He made his way casually through the room taking in the scene. Everybody was dressed to the nines and stood around chatting in small or large groups as waiters bustled about carrying trays of drinks and hors d'oeuvres. There was a large staircase in the middle that led to a balcony where guests could sit at tables. To the left of the staircase was an expansive dance floor with a small orchestra.
"The mark is near the dance floor," came a voice in Ethan's ear. Luther had arrived earlier and made himself comfortable at one of the tables on the balcony from where he could watch the entire room. Ethan looked up and they shared the slightest of nods.
Ethan walked over to the staircase and leaned against it watching the dancers making their way around in a waltz. Then he spotted the person he was looking for. She was standing among three men, listening politely to their conversation.
"Go get her, cowboy," Luther prompted in a mocking tone. "Are you getting excited about this mission? I haven't known you to go for the older ladies."
"You do what you have to do," muttered Ethan.
The mark was facing him and he had a good opportunity to study her. Her brown hair fell almost to her shoulders with a few curls that reminded of the 50s. Her handsome face featured high cheekbones and an aquiline nose. She was wearing just a trace of makeup for an attractive natural look. Her halter top dress did not show off much cleavage, but when she turned around to greet a passing guest it revealed an exquisite back. The dress hugged her hips and accentuated her curvy figure. Overall she exuded a certain femininity that was quite beautiful and at the same time the way she held herself made for a commanding presence. Ethan may have responded snidely to Luther, but he found that he wasn't dreading this mission at all. Irene Fraser was quite attractive and he had a feeling this could get very interesting.
She must have sensed that she was being watched, because she looked up and straight at him. He put on all his charm and smiled. She studied him for a few seconds and returned the smile. Then she leaned her head just slightly to one side and flicked her eyes toward the dance floor, raising a questioning eyebrow at him.
Taking her hint, Ethan walked over. "Excuse me," he said and held out his hand. "Madam, would you do me the pleasure of this dance." He bowed slightly.
"The pleasure will be mine, I'm sure," she said graciously, taking his hand. "Gentlemen, please excuse me," she added to her companions.
Ethan led her to the dance floor. The orchestra was just leading into a tango. He put his right hand at her waist and firmly pulled her in just a little too close. He held up her other hand in his and looked at her to make sure she was ready. She smiled at him in a way that made him feel like she was onto him, like she could read all his intentions on his face. He shook off the feeling and concentrated on the task at hand. He started out slow and found that she responded easily to his lead, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. He started throwing in more complex moves and did not miss an opportunity to snap her tightly to his body or to brush her cheek with his. He was really getting into it and spun her around and away from him, but while switching his hands he misjudged her speed and missed her hand. With lightning quick reflexes he jumped forward and grabbed her just as she was about to crash into the lead violinist. She gave him a playful accusatory look and he smiled apologetically. Dancing wasn't his strongest skill, he only practiced it because it was fun and came in useful once in a while, and he was glad of his quick reflexes. As the piece ended he dipped her with his face just centimeters away from hers. Their eyes locked and they both knew that they couldn't, didn't want to, leave it at this. Ethan brought her back to standing, still holding her hand.
"Thank you for and enjoyable experience, Mr..." she said letting the question hang.
"Cooper, Ian Cooper."
"Thank you, Mr Cooper."
"The pleasure was all mine." He said with a slight bow of his head. "Might we continue this in a more private location," he asked, smiling with all his charm.
She laughed. "I would like that. But you know as host I can't just leave in the middle of the party. I still have a speech to give, after all." She studied him for a few seconds, then, making up her mind, she pulled a folded piece of paper about the size of a business card from some secret pocket in her dress and handed it to him. "Go to this location at 10." With that she went off to entertain her guests.
Ethan unfolded the card and examined it. He realized it must be a map of the mansion. There was a large open space in the middle, which was the ballroom. In the hallway midway down the western wing was a red dot. "Well, that takes care of that," he said and looked at his watch. "Now I just have to kill two hours."
"You could always go back to dancing," Luther said in a mocking tone. "There's still a chance you can get someone impaled on the violinist's bow."
"Ha," Ethan responded, "Maybe you'd like to volunteer."
