A/N: Hi Readers! Sorry it's been about a week since I've updated. I've been sick and have been working on other stories. But here's an update so enjoy. I posted a link for River's dress if you're curious. Head over to my profile page if you want to see it. Remember to review! Let me know how you're liking the story so far. Thanks - Dante.
Chapter Six
They had been in Miami for two days. In a few hours they would be sneaking into the gala to spy on Walsh and to follow Sable if he showed up.
River was currently sitting in the back of a van with Breaker as Snake Eyes, Duke and Rip were doing last minute recon. Scarlet was sitting on the other side of Breaker, her eyes glued to the small screens that were embedded in the wall of the specialized van.
As she sat there, River's mind was elsewhere.
She was thinking about Momo. She was different. There was something about her that River couldn't help but think was familiar. She just didn't know what yet.
There was something in her eyes that made River feel as though they had been through something similar. But what?
The door slid open, the bright sunlight from outside blinding River for a moment, her eyes squinting.
"Ow." She mumbled as she rubbed her eyes.
The three men stood outside the van, Duke leaning against the side of the van, "Everything's set and ready to go."
"Wonderful! Can we go now?" River asked, wanting to get out of the stuffy van as soon as possible.
Breaker turned around in his chair, "Everything looks good, surveillance is up and running."
The three men jumped into the van, Rip closing the door behind him.
River crawled around the now crowded back space of the van and scooted next to Snake Eyes, who had offered her the seat next to him, "Thanks."
He motioned with his hand to his mouth, You're welcome.
She smiled at him before looking out the window as the van began to drive back to base camp.
The ride was silent for the most part, except for Duke who was complaining about River going into the gala. She merely rolled her eyes and continued to look outside.
It had been a while since she had been in Miami.
She had gone months ago, trying to find more information on Sable and his operation. She finally had enough data to seriously put him away, but the evidence was unavailable to her at the moment.
Now she was back and hopefully, with the Joes' help, she could finally get closer to Sable's employer and put Sable away for good.
They arrived at the hotel they were staying at, a small hole in the wall place. They didn't want to be noticed after all.
Sighing, River rolled her neck and exited the van, along with the others.
They entered the hotel room and began going over what they would be doing individually at the gala.
She fell on to the bed and looked at Duke, he stood with his arms crossed, "Okay, let's go over one last time. River and I will be going in. As far as Walsh is concerned, he has no idea who River is. The story is that she's looking into donating to his charity."
Ripcord couldn't help but snort, "An arms dealer running a charity; that's ironic."
Duke smirked but continued, "I'm her escort. Scarlet, you'll be on surveillance with Breaker. Rip, you and Snake will enter the upper floor of Walsh's penthouse from the outside. We're expecting Sable to show. When he does, Snake will track him."
Snake Eyes nodded firmly.
River sat up and looked at the clock. It was nearly six o'clock. The gala started at nine. "Guys we should get ready."
Rip looked at the clock and then back at her, "We got three hours."
River rolled her eyes, "Yeah, and it'll take that long just to get ready."
It was his turn to roll his eyes, "Women."
Scarlet looked at him sharply, "Excuse me?"
"Nothing!" Rip said quickly, flashing a giant smile at her.
Sure enough, nearly two and half hours later, River was scrambling to put her pump stilettos on. Scarlet was running behind her with a hair brush, "Ow!"
"Sorry!" the redhead said as she hit a tangle.
Taking the brush from the genius woman, River took her by the shoulders and said, "Scarlet, I got it. Thanks."
A knock came to the door.
River dashed back into the bathroom as Scarlet walked towards the door. Looking at her reflection, River admired the glittering silver dress that adorned her figure. She turned around and curled her lip. It swooped down, revealing her back.
She finished her hair and rushed back into the main room where Duke stood in a civilian suit. Duke looked at the woman who nearly fell out of the bathroom and was surprised.
River cleaned up nice. Very nice.
Clearing his throat, Duke said, "We better go."
She nodded.
Following behind him, River was led to a limo. "Wow, what's with the wheels?"
Duke grinned, "Well, you are a wealthy benefactor after all. We can't have you arriving in anything elseā¦gotta arrive in style."
She laughed as he opened the door for her. Sliding in, she scooted across to allow him room.
They sat in silence for the most part until Duke turned to her and asked, "Nervous?"
River looked at him and shrugged, "Not really. I just want to get Sable."
Duke gave her a look of confidence, "Don't worry, we will."
He stressed "we" and gave her a pointed look.
"What?" she asked, somewhat offended.
He shook his head, "Don't act like you don't know. You act as though we don't want the same thing."
Confused, River raised an eyebrow, "How is that now?"
Sighing, Duke looked out the window before turned back to her, "You act all independent, as if you're the only one who can do this. You should trust us. We know what we're doing."
River played with the diamond bracelet that wrapped around her wrist carefully, "You don't understand Duke. There are things, that if you knew, would understand why I act the way I do."
Curious, Duke leaned closer, "What things?"
She looked up at him, "Things you're not going to hear about."
He raised his hands in defense, "Fine, fine. Sorry I said anything."
She sighed, "Sorry."
The silence refilled the limo until they arrived.
Before Duke opened the door he turned to her, "Remember, you need to distract Walsh until Snake Eyes follows Sable. I'll be right there with you."
She nodded, giving a quick smile before he opened the door and helped her out due to her heels. He stared down at them, "How can you walk in those?"
She chuckled, "Practice."
He offered his arm and she took it. As they entered the building that held Walsh's penthouse, Duke said, "I think you could stab somebody with them."
She rolled her eyes.
She knew he was trying to keep her relaxed. Little did he know she was cool as a cucumber. Maybe he was more nervous than she was.
The lobby was filled with people already. They made their way to the elevator where two security guards stood tall and stoic. Duke reached into his jacket and pulled out well forged and very fake invitations.
The guard to the right took it and looked it over. He offered a fake smile to River, "Welcome to Mr. Walsh's fundraiser Ms. Young. Enjoy your evening."
River nodded, "Thank you very much."
They entered the elevator.
Duke looked down at the small woman and was surprised to see that she was smiling, slightly swaying to the music coming from the elevator speakers. She didn't seem nervous at all.
The doors to the lift opened and River and Duke entered the penthouse. It was filled with people dressed in expensive dresses and jewels and Armani suits.
River was quick to spot Walsh.
He was standing in the back with a rather pretty young woman who was whispering something in the older man's ear. He pulled back and grinned down at her, his arm circling her waist suggestively.
River cringed.
She pulled Duke to the side, "Okay, I'll go over and introduce myself. Go ahead and look around."
Duke leaned closer, giving her a hard look, "I'm not leaving you alone with him, River."
She rolled her eyes, "I'm fine Duke."
He didn't lose the look, which caused her to roll her eyes and sigh heavily, "Duke, you just told me to trust you. Why don't you do the same with me?"
Duke blinked.
She had a point.
But he didn't want to leave her alone in case something happened.
He was a Joe but that didn't mean mistakes couldn't happen.
Duke looked over at Walsh and noticed the young woman walk away, leaving Walsh alone. He walked outside to the balcony, where he stood with a glass of champagne that was nearly empty.
As a server passed by, Duke grabbed two flutes and handed them to her, "Fine, I trust you."
Taking them, she grinned, "Thanks. I'll try and keep him occupied for as long as I can."
He nodded, giving her one last look before disappearing into the crowd.
River turned and made her way towards the balcony where Walsh stood alone.
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