"The flowers are beautiful," she said to the man standing by the stone wall. "I didn't realize any bloomed this late in the year."

Carlton Smith turned and smiled at the beautiful woman who had spoken to him. He appraised her with his eyes and determined she might be a bit of fun. Okay, he'd pick up on her line. After all, he was irresistible to the female humans, he knew, when he wanted to be.

"Oh, these are a special winter variety. I believe the hostess had them bred just so she could show them off for occasions such as these," he stated, giving her one of his most charming smiles.

She smiled in return, even though she felt repulsed by him. Fortunately, she was able to cover that. Reading the file on this man had turned her stomach, and she'd be glad to be rid of him. They'd have to be careful, though. He was tricky.

"I'm Alison," she said, holding out her hand, playing the innocent. "You are?"

He raised her hand, kissing it gallantly. She felt her skin crawl, but hid it with a charming smile of her own.

"Just call me Carlton. And what has led such a beautiful lady out here alone in this chilly night air?"

She let him continue to hold her hand, where he was massaging the back of it with his thumb in slow strokes. Don't look him in the eyes, she reminded herself, as she felt herself being hypnotized by the motion.

"A breath of fresh air. Normally, I enjoy these types of parties, but tonight," she shrugged. "A little crowded, a little noisy."

"A lot boring," added Carlton, chuckling softly. "I can see you're a woman not used to inaction. Maybe I have a solution to keep you….busy and not so bored?"

She gave him a dreamy smile, knowing he was expecting it, and nodded.

"Let's adjourn to my townhouse. It's not too far from here," he told her, his own smile growing as he realized she was falling into his trap. This one would be fun, he thought, admiring her athletic body. She'd have a lot of stamina and would keep him entertained for awhile.

She let herself be led away by the monster as he found a hidden gate in the wall.

"We wouldn't want people to talk," he chuckled, and she nodded her head, still acting the dreamy state.

She could sense Stealth and Grunt behind her, knowing they were following, which gave her a sense of relief. She had seen that look in Carlton's eyes, and knew that without their help, she might not have a chance with this one.

Flint frowned as the little scene replayed in his head. What was she doing with Senator Smith? Was he her intended target? He didn't know much about the man, only that he was a Senator….from where, he couldn't remember. He was sure to have a residence in D.C., though.

Duke joined him as Lady Jaye walked away with Smith, and he, too, frowned at the scene.

"What's going on?" he asked his friend.

"Looks like the spider is catching the fly," he replied scathingly. "What did I tell you?"

Duke's frown deepened. "Yes, but which is which? Looks to me like he was leading her, and she was looking a bit like she was in a trance."

He had noticed that too, but had dismissed it as her talent with acting.

"Let's follow them," he told Duke, jingling his car keys. "I've got my car parked around the corner and I bet I can get it out before the good Senator gets the valet or chauffer to bring him his. Plus, we already know they're going back to Smith's house."

Duke crossed his arms, regarding his friend. "And you know where this guy lives?"

Flint smiled, pulling out a device and typing a name in. After a few seconds, he replied, "I do now."

Duke sighed. "Are you sure this is worth it? I can't imagine this is sanctioned by…"

"If I'm right, then it won't matter."