Fundraiser Part 1

Bella's POV

9th May

Instead of my usual morning routine, I'd been taken directly to the plane hanger above ground. A private jet awaited me and Trent. I didn't know the eventual destination, but it didn't matter. They knew that I'd eventually figure out what city I was in, so the flight was never direct. It could be a one-hour flight, but they'd extend it three or four, just to confuse me. That way I wouldn't know where the facility is. When we landed, we were welcomed into a long black estate car. Going straight to the hotel, I was already in character, having changed on the plane. That was one good thing. I was never Bella or Issy when on a mission. I was always someone else. Making use of our early afternoon arrival, Trey and I scouted the place out, identifying exits, cameras and staff.

After an hour of last-minute run throughs, I fixed my earpiece in. Trey and I made our way down to the elevator.

"Comms check."

"Shelby ready to go."

"Dr Grey arriving in three, two, one."

The doors of the elevator pinged open.

"Ready?"

"Always."

I took Trey's outstretched arm and he led me into the lobby.

"Okay. Keep it clean. This is a first trial, Isabella. We want to be able to use you in the future."

Max was sitting back in the facility, running the operation from there. He could see everything on the hotel's CCTV cameras.

We followed the signs to the ballroom, lifting glasses of champagne as we were greeted at the door.

"Good evening. Names?"

"Dr Daniel Grey. And this is my wife Shelby."

"Welcome Dr Grey. Please enjoy the evening."

Strutting into the ballroom, both our eyes scanned from corner to corner.

"Target spotted. Centre table, 9 o'clock."

"Approach in 84 mins. He'll be wanting his next fix then."

"Understood."

I took a sip of the champagne. I didn't need to be drinking much, they don't affect us in the same way to other people, but I could act drunk seamlessly.

We casually made our way around the room, speaking with different doctors invited to the event. It was only 12 minutes after arriving that I realised why I had been picked for this mission. Dr Carlisle Cullen and his wife walked into the room. I wasn't needed for my specific skills; it was a test.

Turning away from the doors, I eyed Trey. He was avoiding eye contact though. He knew. He knew they'd be here. Stalking away from him and towards a waiter, I lifted another glass of champagne. After finishing the conversation he was in the middle of, he came over to me. I watched as he pulled out his earpiece, causing static in mine. With them both safely clutched in our hands, silenced, I let my anger out, quietly.

"Fuck you Trey!"

"I couldn't tell you. Don't tell me you wouldn't have planned something if you knew."

Glaring, I started heating his hands. He grabbed my wrist tightly, squeezing it with his strength.

"Stop. This is your test. Prove yourself. You know what will happen if you don't."

I shook his hand off my arm and straightened up.

"You want my trust? You earn it Trey. I know how things work. But you have no idea what they mean to me. I won't try anything. I'm not stupid. But you should have prepared me for this."

"I'm sorry Is. I wish I could…"

Placing my earpiece back in, I didn't want to hear his excuses or explanations.

"Agent 1-23! What's your status? Report back Agents! Come…"

"We're here Max. Someone must have a device that blocks our comms, on them."

"Can you identify them?"

"There are too many people."

"If it happens again, I'll get to my laptop and block all devices. It will draw attention though."

"No. You're leaving that place with no suspicions. No one can know you're there."

"We'll keep an eye out if it happens again."

Dr Alfred Misner, host of the evening, stepped up onto the small stage, standing at the podium.

"Good evening everyone."

The room silenced, everyone turning to him.

"Refocus. Where is the target now?"

"Eleven o'clock. Front left corner. Beside the stage."

I watched him closely, confused by his behaviour.

"You said there was no deal tonight?"

"No. Nothing our contact mentioned."

"Why?"

"He keeps checking his phone. And his body temperature is raised. He's on his third drink since we arrived. He's anxious. He's waiting for something."

"Our contact revealed nothing about anything going down tonight."

"Something is off with him. Either he's just run a marathon, or something is going down tonight."

"Enjoy the evening, and please, open your cheque books for tonight's charity fundraiser."

"Max get on to the contact. Isabella is right. Something is off."

"Okay. Keep to the plan. I'll notify you if something changes."

Everyone at the party had returned to mingling. I scanned the room, pinpointing the Cullens location. I wanted to avoid them at all costs. Holding onto Trey's arm, he led me over to a guest. Whilst he engaged in conversation, I played my part of giggling and flirting all the while monitoring the target. I watched as his eyes roamed the room; looking for something. He read a message on his phone before turning from the room.

"Danny, honey, I'm going to use the ladies' room. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Completely unaware of what just occurred, Trey smiled down at me, a glint of confusion in his eyes. Pecking his cheek, I stalked away, following the target.

"Target's on the move. Moving through the lobby."

"Where's Agent 1-23?"

"Busy keeping cover."

"Don't divert from the plan, 1-28. You can't take him now."

"I'm only surveilling. I'll only step in if something happens. We need to know what he's doing."

"Fine. Keep your distance 1-28."

Pushing open the staff service door, I heard two men's voices, deep and croaky. I slipped down the hallway and leaned against the wall.

"…don't have it. We agreed the shipment would be in this afternoon."

"There were complications. I can get it to you Monday."

"Monday isn't good enough. I have clients. I need it tonight."

"I don't have it tonight."

"What am I supposed to tell my clients?"

"Nothing. They aren't your concerns anymore."

There was a new set of footsteps and the unknown man started shouting.

"What? Who is that? What… What are you doing? Patrick… Patrick, what's going on? Stop… Stop!"

I heard the soft click of a silencer and a body hit the ground. Grabbing the pistol tied to my thigh, I gripped it tightly.

"One less to deal with. Clean up. I have a party to enjoy."

A quick glance around the corner told me all I needed to know. Dashing back down the corridor and out the door, I slipped away unseen.

"We have a Doe. Dr John Faris I believe. Deal gone bad. The target has a man inside the hotel, cleaning up. How did your contact not know about this?"

"We're looking into it. Where's the target now?"

"Headed back to the party."

"I'm by the door, 1-28. The mission can go ahead as planned. I'll track the cleaner once I get upstairs."

Entering the ballroom again, I immediately took Trey's arm. He led me off to the left just as the target re-entered.

"Max, the cleaner has a tattoo of a windmill on the inside of his forearm. From wrist to elbow. See if you can get a name."

"Anything else?"

"Tall, 6"1. Black hair. Caucasian. Scar on the right side of his neck."

"Got him. Carlos Diego. 34. Used to be associated with the Boston crime family. Disappeared six years ago."

"Do you want us to take him out? We have time."

"No. Leave him. There'll be too much attention tomorrow. Keep it clean."

I watched, out of the corner of my eye, as Esme and Carlisle made a beeline for us. I'd seen them interacting with just a few so far, mostly keeping to themselves. But I had noticed Carlisle handing over a cheque to Alfred earlier in the evening, which had made him smile. That's the Carlisle I knew, always too generous.

I tried to move Trey away, but he held his ground. Again, not looking at me. He was doing this on purpose. Another test.

"Dr Grey?"

"Yes. And you must be the famous Dr Cullen. I've read about your work in New York. Quite the forward thinker."

"Thank you. This is my wife, Esme."

Trey held his hand out and shook both their hands. Whilst Esme looked to him when their hands touched, her eyes were trained on me.

"Hi, I'm Shelby."

"My fiancé."

"Congratulations."

"I've been waiting for this man to propose for years. All it took was a ring slipped into his jacket before he got the idea. Seriously, sometimes I don't know how men operate without us women."

I watched Esme's eyes darken in sadness. But I could see that a part of her recognised me. How, I wouldn't know. My grey contacts and blonde wig were enough to fool even the perceptive of people.

"I wanted to ask you of your latest report on the human psyche. A fascinating read."

"Of course. It was a fun study into the workings of the brain. Watching the brain activity in children compared to adults whilst presented with the same hypothetical scenarios really gave a new insight into different ways of thinking. Did you have a specific question, Dr Cullen?"

"I was merely curious as to how you presented the scenarios to the children. I have previously attempted to work with children myself. Not my forte. And as much as I enjoy it, keeping them focused and understanding what it is I am saying is really rather difficult."

"Yes, they do present a challenge don't they. I had a team of graphic designers create an animation to play out each scenario, with no inappropriate images, of course. They were played for both children and adults, and it was the adults that responded most physically to them."

"Curious isn't it…"

Our eyes turned to Esme.

"…The way a child's mind works. So understanding to the world around, yet oblivious at the same time. Do you have children?"

"Us? Oh, no. Most definitely not. We don't want children. Not for another few years at least. I am not ready to give up my life yet."

"You do not have to give up your life if you have a baby. Children give a new meaning to life."

"You have children?"

"Yes. We've five adopted. They're all teenagers now though. Nearly adults themselves."

"Such a responsibility. On top of a successful medical career too."

"I wouldn't be able to do it all if it wasn't for my wife. She is the glue to our family. Holds us all together."

Esme leaned in and pecked his cheek. I wanted to jump into their arms and hug them so tightly that they'd stop breathing. I wanted to shout that everything was going to be okay and that I was okay. I could see the depression in their eyes. A part of me felt better knowing that they missed me, that they hadn't moved on with their lives completely. But I mostly felt guilt. Guilt that I had allowed myself to get so close to them, knowing that I would end up leaving at some point.

"Someone once told me that the hardest, most under paid job in the world is the position of a Mother."

A light shone in Esme's eyes as she stared at me, her hand squeezing Carlisle's just a little tighter.

"One day I hope to be a wonderful Mother, but I'm young, I have a great body, and I want to enjoy it. I mean, you only live one life. You have to enjoy every minute of it whilst you can. Soon enough we're going to be as old and useless as most of these men in the room."

"5 minutes. Wrap it up and get moving Agent 1-23."

I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay here and talk with Esme and Carlisle forever, even if I wasn't Bella.

"Excuse me, I'm just going to use the ladies. I won't be long."

Walking off, I hurried to the bathrooms. As I was touching up my lipstick, the door swung open. Esme came in. Lifting my earpiece out quickly, I clutched it in my hand. With no one around, she wasn't going to hold back. And if anyone knew she had any suspicion as to who I was, she'd be dead by the morning.

"Bella? Bella, please tell me it's you?"

"I'm sorry, Esme. My name is Shelby. I don't know any Bella."

"If that man is hurting you, forcing you to do anything, just give me a sign. I can help. You don't have to be scared anymore."

"I really am sorry. But I don't know what you're talking about. I love Danny. He would never do anything to hurt me."

Stalking out of the bathroom, I held back the tears as I said goodbye to any chance of making an escape. With my earpiece back in, I shook my hair out behind me. Trey had gone. This next bit was up to me.

"1-28, target is locked. Begin approach."

I made my way over to the target and stumbled as I neared. Falling into his side, I knocked the glass of whiskey out of his hand.

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. I don't know what happened."

Righting myself, I stared down at the broken glass and spilt liquid. Flipping my hair over my shoulder as I looked up, I gazed up at him. His eyes were raking up and down my body, appreciating what he was seeing, and no doubt undressing me.

"Don't be worrying about it little darling. Accidents happen."

"I don't know what came over me, one minute I was walking, the next I was falling. Let me get you another drink."

"In no world should a pretty lady be getting the drinks, even if they are free."

"Why thank you. I'm glad someone thinks so."

I rolled my eyes and brushed my fringe out of my face.

"I'm sorry someone doesn't."

"That's my fiancé. Never does anything for himself."

"Your fiancé?"

"Dr Grey. He's around here somewhere. I'd managed to escape to the ladies' room for a break from his constant talking."

"I saw you with him earlier in the evening. Bored out of your mind you looked."

"At least you saw it. I only come to these things for the free drinks."

"I'm ready when you are 1-28. Get him upstairs."

Clearing my throat, I tilted my head to the side slightly.

"If only there was some real entertainment around here, people might actually enjoy themselves. I swear, I've not been to a party and had fun in a long time."

"I know how to have some fun. Why don't you join me in my room for a little while? I can have a bottle of something sent up, and we could make the night more interesting."

"You know what, Doctor. I think I'll take you up on that offer. I could do with a break from my fiancé."

Holding his arm out to me, I wrapped my hand around it. He walked me out to the lobby and to the elevators.

"Camera circuits have all been looped from a static twenty-minute period earlier today."

We got out of the elevator on the ninth floor and proceeded down the hallway. The doctor lifted out his key card, letting us into his suite.

"What would you like sent up, doll?"

"Honestly, I think I could do with something a little stronger than a drink."

"Whiskey? Vodka?"

"I'm not really interested in liquids. If you know what I mean."

He eyed me suspiciously for a moment as I sat back on the plush couch. I lifted one leg over the other, giving him a brief glance between my legs, my gun safely tucked away.

"Why don't you put some music on and come sit here?"

"I think I know just the fun you're looking for."

He went over to the speaker and plugged his phone in, putting on some quiet music. He then opened the top drawer and lifted out a little black toiletry bag. Sitting beside me, his hand touched my knee and his thumb stroked circles on the inside.

"Your fiancé?"

"Doesn't have to know. I want to have fun."

Opening the bag, he lifted out a tiny, clear bag with a white powder inside.

"What sort of stuff is it?"

"The good kind. One hit of this will do you hours. You won't care about the dull party downstairs anymore doll."

"Why don't you set it up? And I'll get out of this dress. As sexy as it is, it's so uncomfortable."

I stood and made my way around the table, heading for the large bedroom doors.

"You don't have to be going anywhere. You can take it off right here."

"Less intrigue though, isn't there?"

He grinned as I opened both doors and backed away from him. Quickly sliding out of the dress, I placed my concealed pistol down on the bed. I wouldn't be needing it for this. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I heard him take a sniff of the coke laid out on the table.

"We are go 1-28."

"You ready?"

"And waiting."

Opening the doors slightly, I placed one foot out, my long leg on full display. I heard him sit back on the couch, getting comfortable. Spinning around the door, I leaned my back against the narrow edge, one leg lifted up onto it.

"You are one sexy woman."

"Why thank you."

"Ready to have some fun."

I stalked over to him, my eyes trained on him like the prey he was. Climbing onto his lap, I ran my hands up his chest. His grabbed my thighs, pulling me over his hard crotch.

"Don't you want to have some snow first?"

"Maybe in a minute. I'm enjoying myself right here."

Leaning forwards, I pulled the shell of his ear between my teeth. He groaned loudly, his hands rocking me over himself.

"This is everything you deserve."

My hands slid up to his neck, grasping it tightly. The passion dissipated in an instant, pure fear taking over him. With his body trapped underneath my burning hot one, I glared down at him, a fire blazing in my eyes. All the anger I'd kept within me the last few months came pouring out and into my hands.

He was struggling for breath, his hands trying to pull me off him, but I was stronger than him. I didn't relish in the fear in his eyes, something I would have done before. All I could think about was Carlisle and Esme down in the ballroom. Well, I'd hoped they'd have left by now.

Within two minutes, the target lay limp below me. Dead. I slowly climbed off him, staring at my handywork.

"Target terminated."

"Good work 1-28. Begin the extraction process."

This was it. This was the mission over. It was a success. So why didn't I feel good about that?