Mr. Roy was a short ,fat man with a beard which didn't become him at all.He went through his mail.Some bills,some buisiness letters and one from an old friend who has moved to Africa ages ago.Another one caught his attention.It was from the local police station.You need to have the most recent photograph on your driver's license and identity card..blah blah.There is a penalty of one hundred pounds for people who break the law blah blah..Bureaucracy!Trade was the future..Sell information and become rich!He had created a network of people who were working for him.He knew all about scandals,secret government projects,company strategies,the stock market.Nevertheless, he felt a terrible chill.The room was still cold.He pulled the blinds aside and let the sunlight come in.His watch started beeping.What a shame...nine o'clock.Time to go.He should try to work less and enjoy life more.He put on his coat,took his briefcase and left.Behind him,the envelope and letter that have just been read started to dissolve.A few moments later a neat pile of dust was left on his desk.He got out of the building and walked towards his car.
Mrs Peel stabed Steed with her elbow.He was looking at a young lady who wore a really short flower patterned skirt.Steed's Bentley was parked near Roy's appartment.
"Steed!This must be Roy."
"You don't have to hit me!Yes,he's the one.I saw him too."He brought up his newspaper to cover his face.Roy could recognise him.
Roy saw a photo booth at the corner of his building.How come he has never noticed it before?Well...quick and cheap photos,exactly what he needed.He got inside.The minute he was in,the door shut behind him.Before he was able to react, the floor disappeared underneath his feet and he fell in to the hole.It led to the sewer.The cement was replaced quickly and the floor appeared again.
"What is he doing?"Steed whispered.
"He's having his photo taken,I think".
"How I hate these machines.They make you look like a beast.I always go to..".He paused.
"He should have come out by now,don't you think?"Emma gave voice to his thoughts.She was ready to jump out of the car but he stopped her.
"Wait...".
There was a white van parked across the street.Two men appeared out of it and began to break the photo booth in to separate pieces.They were probably going to use it again because they put the pieces in to the van.
"Do you feel up to it?".
"I wouldn'd do it if I didn't Steed."
They made the round of the block,so they could surprise the men.They got out of the car and jumped at them.One of them tried to punch Emma,but she grabed his hand and kicked him at the stomach.He grabed her ankle and she fell on the ground.The other one was trying to hit Steed on the head with a part of the photo booth.He stepsided and opened his umbrella in to his face.The first man's hands were around Emma's neck.She used her knee to hit him hard between his legs.He curled in pain.She got up and finished him off.Steed had pressed the other one on the van and was trying to get some information out of him.
"Who sent you?"
"Nobody did".
"Why did you take them?Why?".
The man took a capsule out of his pocket and before Steed realised it he had already swallowed it.He collapsed in Steed's hands.Emma,who in the mean time was searching the van,approached them.
"What happened?"
"He killed himself.I bet it was cyanide.Did you find anything?"
"No."She was looking at the dead man.What a pity!He was so young.."We'd better let the other one go.He isn't going to talk Steed."
The other man was lying unconscious a few feet away.
"I'll have to agree on that.Let's go before he wakes up."
Steed removed the cement at the point where the booth was.He looked inside.The sewer again...It was cold and dark.Emma stood besides him.
"It's useless to follow them.You were right before.Let's go."
She felt that something was missing.She touched her belly and said:"Wait a minute.Where is my belt?"
She looked around her.She could see what used to be her belt amongst the remainings of the photo booth. She kneeled to examine it.
"Oh!It's ruined ..absolutely ruined."
"Tell me about it!Do you know how many shirts I've lost in the line of duty?"
They were about to leave when she noticed something .There was a broken piece of wood,coming from the photo booth and she could see a very small label at the left corner of it..
"What is it?"
"There is a name here.Manfred and sons.The name of the manufacturer."
"It's worth checking it out."
"Well, Mr Manfred is about to make our acquaintance."
"Your acquaintance you mean."
"It's not fair!"
"But it is.You can be by far more persuasive than I could ever be."
"I'm driving Steed".She jumped into the driver's seat.Steed got in too,just in time.
"OH!No,you are not..."
She pushed the pedals as far as she could.The Bentley was moaning.
"Mrs Peel...."His voice trailed off.He should have expected it.It was difficult for the two most important ladies of his life to get along.
A man in a policeman outfit was watching them go.He pushed a button on his watch and a little antenna appeared.He brought the watch close to his mouth.
"This is number sixteen calling Zero."
"Hello number sixteen."
"Numbers 102 and 103 are down.I repeat Numbers 102 and 103 are down."
"Idiots!"
"Steed and Peel are responsible.I'm sorry Zero".
"What about the target?"
"The target is on its way."
The other man started to laugh hysterically."So they're worthy of their fame.Let them come to us number.."
"Very well.Anything else that you'd like me to do?".
"Destroy all evidence.At once!"
"Consider it done".Some children in the street were watching him talking to his watch and laughing.
"Communication is no longer possible.Goodbye Zero."
"Well done number sixteen.Goodbye."
The man headed to the van.He pretended to examine the crime scene but he didn't.He took a parcel out of his pocket,made sure nobody was looking at him and threw it into the van.Then he disappeared in to the alley behind Roy's building.A few minutes later,the van exploded,destroying everything around it.
The next day..
Emma was trying to locate Mr.Manfred's office.She has taken her Lotus and a map of London was spread all over the seat next to the driver's.35,Oak Street.Where was that?.Ah!Voila.She turned on her right and found it.If only she has taken a taxi!There was no parking space.She managed to squeeze in her car between a lorry and a motorcycle.She refreshed her lipstick and got out.She straightened her bloody red coat in the elevator.Manfred's office was on the top floor.There was a small waiting room where his secretary was.She must have been around sixty and was wearing a black skirt and jacket.A plate on her desk said: Mrs Dreikurs.
"Hello".
"Hello.I'd like to see Mr.Manfred please."
"Do you have an appointment?".
"I think I'm his twelve o'clock appointment."
"So you must be miss Watson".
"Yes,I'm Emma Watson."
Mrs Dreikurs eyed Emma from top to bottom.She wasn't fond of tax authorities.
"Mr Manfred will see you in a few minutes."
Emma sat on the leather couch.She took off her coat,picked up a magazine titled "The world today" from a small table next to the couch,and started to read.Mrs Dreikurs casted a glance at her.What a shame!Such a pretty young girl!The way her dress revealed her thighs...and one could almost see her bodice.She was good looking too when she was young but she wouldn't even think of wearing something like it.And the way she wore her hair!Falling loose all over her face..Emma pretended not to notice.She wanted to smile but it would be unwise to do so.Afterall,the article she was reading was by far more interesting than Mrs Dreikurs' point of view.The headline said:Gifted children,a new approach...There was a psycological analysis and some children photos.Children who were distinguished in a way.Joshuah Klemm aged ten won an award for his new invention..He was a fat boy with buck teeth who had an absent minded look..Mathew Nickolas Rogers,aged thirteen could compete with professional violin players.Mathew looked like he was going to join the cavalry.Sheila Harley,aged nine was nominated Best Young Actress of the year.Sheila had dark,long hair and a captivating blue eyed look.Like cold fire..Marlene Clarissa Leigh,aged eight won a mathemathical contest which was called Maths for children.She could have swore she had seen this girl before.Wait...it was that girl at the opera.Marlene was looking straight and sharply at the camera,her little fingers forming a fiest.An independent child... She appeared to be playful and a little bit mischievious,but overall an endearing and graceful child.Emma looked at the photos.We're all vulnerable in a way and strong in an other way,she thought.She couldn't help wondering what life had in store for these children.Better not follow that line of thinking..too painful.
"Mr Manfred will see you now miss."Mrs Dreikurs' voice startled her.She hadn't finished reading that article yet.She tore the page off the magazine,folded it and put it in her purse.
Mr Manfred must have had the same age with his secretary.He was a stern man with what looked like a bird's nose.Emma intoduced herself.
"I'm Emma Watson,the new inspector.I understand your part of the town is under my jurisdiction now."
"Yes...yes miss Watson.May I see your credentials?"
Emma showed him some fake papers.He seemed totally satisfied.
"Would you like to sit down?"
She accepted his proposal.Her chiffon dress fluttered her long legs.Her eye lashes were flapping like a butterfly's wings.
"I'd like to see your records."
"Of course.My accountant has prepared this file for you."His look was contemptuous.It didn't take her long to realise that Mr.Manfred was woman proof!She opened the file.An order list.. expenses,profit..numbers..numbers everywhere.
"I'll also need your client list".She didn't gave up.
"That I'm afraid,is for my eyes only.Company policy..you understand."He was enjoying it.So you came here to inspect me..it's my money that you're after you little weasel.My hard earned money...
"I will need your client list Mr Manfred.We need to verify that the orders that have been placed are real."She woudn't take no for an answer.
"If you want it I'll have my lawyers contact yours.We can settle this legally."You wouldn't want a court battle,would you?
"It's not in your best interest to withhold information from the tax collectors.They have full authority and if they suspect that you break the law,the penalty can be really high.I assure you it will be.Besides,from what I hear the last year was difficult for your company.You can't afford it... .and when one can't afford it a merger is the only answer."So you want to play a hard game,is that it?I can play hard too..I was in buisiness once.
"Very well then..."
Mr Manfred was a smart buisinessman.He 'd hate to admit it,but he was defeated.Defeated by a woman for god's shake.He rung Mrs Dreikurs and asked for a client list.In a few minutes the list was in his hands.He extented his arm to give it to her.The last minute he let it fall,just to humiliate her.As Mrs Peel bent to pick it up,she stepped as hard as she could on his left little toe.
"Aaaah!You..."He took off his shoe to rub his toe.She had already left the room,a wide smile on her face.She needed some fresh air though.What an unfriendly place!
Steed had to attend a really boring speech titled "The future of the Service".These people had never been out in the field,have never put their life on the line.And they appeared to have formed an opinion on everything.Well,thank god it was over..He heard the doorbell ringing.
"Googmorning Steed!"She was smiling.
"Goodmorning Mrs Peel!I see Mr Manfred has lifted your spirits!Or it's the other way around?"It was the perfect opportunity to get even for all the times she has teased him.
"Mr..Manfred got what he deserved".
"Oooh!What did you do to him?"
"All I did was to inspire him a sense of respect for the tax authorities.The important thing is that I got what we wanted."She showed him the list.
"The order has been placed by a law firm.Someone doesn't want to be traced.."
"It's the perfect cover up."
"Is it?".Steed's smile was demonic.
"I see.I should have seen it coming...but I 'll need a partner this time."
"I'm all yours Mrs Peel".
She laughed but then got serious suddenly."You know..I have a feeling that I'm being watched."She was reluctant to admit it.I don't want you to believe that I'm afraid because of what happened to me,she thought.
"Me too.You're not the only one Mrs Peel.You're not the only one..."He was standing by the window,looking outside.Just some people passing by..a stray dog..the wind playing with an empty tin.
"We must act fast."Emma wanted to get to the bottom of it.
"Tommorrow..so we can go over the security plans".Steed organised everything to the last detail.
"All right.But ...I can't underdestand it."
"What?"He turned around to face her.
"All these people.Different kind of people...important but different."
"They must be still alive,working on something."
"A project that involves people and science."Emma couldn't help thinking as a scientist.
" A project that's been going on for years.What troubles me is why so many of them?I mean so many of them missing,out of the blue.It wasn't a smart move..".
"It's ambition I think.They've tried in the past,they've pulled it off and now they're asking for more...".
"And the sewers..Always the sewers..what makes me think that the opera shooting and the kidnappings are linked."
"Too soon to tell."She made a silly face,then picked up her purse and said:"I have to go now Steed.Don't forget we have a rendezvous tomorrow!!!".
"Do stop by in the morning."
"Ok.Bye!".She left.
Suddenly the room was so empty...It was time for some dish washing for Steed.
Emma entered the large building where Benson and Cox-the law firm-had their headquarters.It was almost as if it was made out of glass.A large number of offices demanded a receptionist.She was wearing a cleaning lady's outfit.It was two o'clock and there was a lot of traffic.Nobody noticed her.She approached the receptionist's corner and pretended to be dusting.When the opportunity came she took the vase that was on the receptionist's desk,put it in her bucket and replaced it with a look alike.Then, she disappeared in the same way she has appeared.
Steed saw her approaching in a black catsuit,always practical.He was wearing a plain suit,he couldn't let go of it.Emma was carrying a pile of boxes which had holes.Steed had more of the same in his car.Some weird noises were coming out of the boxes.
"Ready?".He asked.
"Always.Mission accomplished!"She was so excited.She reminded him of a child that has just lost his first tooth.".
"There 's no other way around.Lawyers don't talk,they have their own way of protecting their clients."
"I could ask my father's lawyers to help us but it might be dangerous to involve them.".
"It might be very dangerous.They're changing shifts in half an hour Mrs Peel."
They approached the back side of the building,walking on their toes.Steed knocked down the only guard at the back.He put one arm around his neck and hit him with the other before he was able to talk.He searched for the alarm box,opened it carefully and started to work on it.
"Where did you learn to do that?"She asked.
"I'm older than you Mrs Peel..and wiser!!".
"You forget that I've already tested all of your secret skills Steed...".
"Any complaints?"He was trying to connect a blue wire with a red one.
She didn't answer.She let him wonder instead.In a few minutes he was done and with the help of a screwdriver he opened one of the back windows.There were only very small windows in the back.She headed towards the entrance.The guard met the man who was going to replace him.They chatted for a while.Emma waved at Steed.He opened all the boxes that they have brought with them .At least ten cats broke free in the building through the window,making tremendous noise.The guards hurried inside leaving the front door open.At exactly 1.30 the vase that Emma had left inside started to release some strong odors.The doorman who was using the receptionist's desk was trying to figure out where the odors were coming from.Too late...he had inhaled enough.He fell on his desk.Steed and Mrs Peel slipped inside,removed the doorman and left a note that said he was going to the bathroom.Then they used the stairs to reach the fifth floor.
Mrs Peel stabed Steed with her elbow.He was looking at a young lady who wore a really short flower patterned skirt.Steed's Bentley was parked near Roy's appartment.
"Steed!This must be Roy."
"You don't have to hit me!Yes,he's the one.I saw him too."He brought up his newspaper to cover his face.Roy could recognise him.
Roy saw a photo booth at the corner of his building.How come he has never noticed it before?Well...quick and cheap photos,exactly what he needed.He got inside.The minute he was in,the door shut behind him.Before he was able to react, the floor disappeared underneath his feet and he fell in to the hole.It led to the sewer.The cement was replaced quickly and the floor appeared again.
"What is he doing?"Steed whispered.
"He's having his photo taken,I think".
"How I hate these machines.They make you look like a beast.I always go to..".He paused.
"He should have come out by now,don't you think?"Emma gave voice to his thoughts.She was ready to jump out of the car but he stopped her.
"Wait...".
There was a white van parked across the street.Two men appeared out of it and began to break the photo booth in to separate pieces.They were probably going to use it again because they put the pieces in to the van.
"Do you feel up to it?".
"I wouldn'd do it if I didn't Steed."
They made the round of the block,so they could surprise the men.They got out of the car and jumped at them.One of them tried to punch Emma,but she grabed his hand and kicked him at the stomach.He grabed her ankle and she fell on the ground.The other one was trying to hit Steed on the head with a part of the photo booth.He stepsided and opened his umbrella in to his face.The first man's hands were around Emma's neck.She used her knee to hit him hard between his legs.He curled in pain.She got up and finished him off.Steed had pressed the other one on the van and was trying to get some information out of him.
"Who sent you?"
"Nobody did".
"Why did you take them?Why?".
The man took a capsule out of his pocket and before Steed realised it he had already swallowed it.He collapsed in Steed's hands.Emma,who in the mean time was searching the van,approached them.
"What happened?"
"He killed himself.I bet it was cyanide.Did you find anything?"
"No."She was looking at the dead man.What a pity!He was so young.."We'd better let the other one go.He isn't going to talk Steed."
The other man was lying unconscious a few feet away.
"I'll have to agree on that.Let's go before he wakes up."
Steed removed the cement at the point where the booth was.He looked inside.The sewer again...It was cold and dark.Emma stood besides him.
"It's useless to follow them.You were right before.Let's go."
She felt that something was missing.She touched her belly and said:"Wait a minute.Where is my belt?"
She looked around her.She could see what used to be her belt amongst the remainings of the photo booth. She kneeled to examine it.
"Oh!It's ruined ..absolutely ruined."
"Tell me about it!Do you know how many shirts I've lost in the line of duty?"
They were about to leave when she noticed something .There was a broken piece of wood,coming from the photo booth and she could see a very small label at the left corner of it..
"What is it?"
"There is a name here.Manfred and sons.The name of the manufacturer."
"It's worth checking it out."
"Well, Mr Manfred is about to make our acquaintance."
"Your acquaintance you mean."
"It's not fair!"
"But it is.You can be by far more persuasive than I could ever be."
"I'm driving Steed".She jumped into the driver's seat.Steed got in too,just in time.
"OH!No,you are not..."
She pushed the pedals as far as she could.The Bentley was moaning.
"Mrs Peel...."His voice trailed off.He should have expected it.It was difficult for the two most important ladies of his life to get along.
A man in a policeman outfit was watching them go.He pushed a button on his watch and a little antenna appeared.He brought the watch close to his mouth.
"This is number sixteen calling Zero."
"Hello number sixteen."
"Numbers 102 and 103 are down.I repeat Numbers 102 and 103 are down."
"Idiots!"
"Steed and Peel are responsible.I'm sorry Zero".
"What about the target?"
"The target is on its way."
The other man started to laugh hysterically."So they're worthy of their fame.Let them come to us number.."
"Very well.Anything else that you'd like me to do?".
"Destroy all evidence.At once!"
"Consider it done".Some children in the street were watching him talking to his watch and laughing.
"Communication is no longer possible.Goodbye Zero."
"Well done number sixteen.Goodbye."
The man headed to the van.He pretended to examine the crime scene but he didn't.He took a parcel out of his pocket,made sure nobody was looking at him and threw it into the van.Then he disappeared in to the alley behind Roy's building.A few minutes later,the van exploded,destroying everything around it.
The next day..
Emma was trying to locate Mr.Manfred's office.She has taken her Lotus and a map of London was spread all over the seat next to the driver's.35,Oak Street.Where was that?.Ah!Voila.She turned on her right and found it.If only she has taken a taxi!There was no parking space.She managed to squeeze in her car between a lorry and a motorcycle.She refreshed her lipstick and got out.She straightened her bloody red coat in the elevator.Manfred's office was on the top floor.There was a small waiting room where his secretary was.She must have been around sixty and was wearing a black skirt and jacket.A plate on her desk said: Mrs Dreikurs.
"Hello".
"Hello.I'd like to see Mr.Manfred please."
"Do you have an appointment?".
"I think I'm his twelve o'clock appointment."
"So you must be miss Watson".
"Yes,I'm Emma Watson."
Mrs Dreikurs eyed Emma from top to bottom.She wasn't fond of tax authorities.
"Mr Manfred will see you in a few minutes."
Emma sat on the leather couch.She took off her coat,picked up a magazine titled "The world today" from a small table next to the couch,and started to read.Mrs Dreikurs casted a glance at her.What a shame!Such a pretty young girl!The way her dress revealed her thighs...and one could almost see her bodice.She was good looking too when she was young but she wouldn't even think of wearing something like it.And the way she wore her hair!Falling loose all over her face..Emma pretended not to notice.She wanted to smile but it would be unwise to do so.Afterall,the article she was reading was by far more interesting than Mrs Dreikurs' point of view.The headline said:Gifted children,a new approach...There was a psycological analysis and some children photos.Children who were distinguished in a way.Joshuah Klemm aged ten won an award for his new invention..He was a fat boy with buck teeth who had an absent minded look..Mathew Nickolas Rogers,aged thirteen could compete with professional violin players.Mathew looked like he was going to join the cavalry.Sheila Harley,aged nine was nominated Best Young Actress of the year.Sheila had dark,long hair and a captivating blue eyed look.Like cold fire..Marlene Clarissa Leigh,aged eight won a mathemathical contest which was called Maths for children.She could have swore she had seen this girl before.Wait...it was that girl at the opera.Marlene was looking straight and sharply at the camera,her little fingers forming a fiest.An independent child... She appeared to be playful and a little bit mischievious,but overall an endearing and graceful child.Emma looked at the photos.We're all vulnerable in a way and strong in an other way,she thought.She couldn't help wondering what life had in store for these children.Better not follow that line of thinking..too painful.
"Mr Manfred will see you now miss."Mrs Dreikurs' voice startled her.She hadn't finished reading that article yet.She tore the page off the magazine,folded it and put it in her purse.
Mr Manfred must have had the same age with his secretary.He was a stern man with what looked like a bird's nose.Emma intoduced herself.
"I'm Emma Watson,the new inspector.I understand your part of the town is under my jurisdiction now."
"Yes...yes miss Watson.May I see your credentials?"
Emma showed him some fake papers.He seemed totally satisfied.
"Would you like to sit down?"
She accepted his proposal.Her chiffon dress fluttered her long legs.Her eye lashes were flapping like a butterfly's wings.
"I'd like to see your records."
"Of course.My accountant has prepared this file for you."His look was contemptuous.It didn't take her long to realise that Mr.Manfred was woman proof!She opened the file.An order list.. expenses,profit..numbers..numbers everywhere.
"I'll also need your client list".She didn't gave up.
"That I'm afraid,is for my eyes only.Company policy..you understand."He was enjoying it.So you came here to inspect me..it's my money that you're after you little weasel.My hard earned money...
"I will need your client list Mr Manfred.We need to verify that the orders that have been placed are real."She woudn't take no for an answer.
"If you want it I'll have my lawyers contact yours.We can settle this legally."You wouldn't want a court battle,would you?
"It's not in your best interest to withhold information from the tax collectors.They have full authority and if they suspect that you break the law,the penalty can be really high.I assure you it will be.Besides,from what I hear the last year was difficult for your company.You can't afford it... .and when one can't afford it a merger is the only answer."So you want to play a hard game,is that it?I can play hard too..I was in buisiness once.
"Very well then..."
Mr Manfred was a smart buisinessman.He 'd hate to admit it,but he was defeated.Defeated by a woman for god's shake.He rung Mrs Dreikurs and asked for a client list.In a few minutes the list was in his hands.He extented his arm to give it to her.The last minute he let it fall,just to humiliate her.As Mrs Peel bent to pick it up,she stepped as hard as she could on his left little toe.
"Aaaah!You..."He took off his shoe to rub his toe.She had already left the room,a wide smile on her face.She needed some fresh air though.What an unfriendly place!
Steed had to attend a really boring speech titled "The future of the Service".These people had never been out in the field,have never put their life on the line.And they appeared to have formed an opinion on everything.Well,thank god it was over..He heard the doorbell ringing.
"Googmorning Steed!"She was smiling.
"Goodmorning Mrs Peel!I see Mr Manfred has lifted your spirits!Or it's the other way around?"It was the perfect opportunity to get even for all the times she has teased him.
"Mr..Manfred got what he deserved".
"Oooh!What did you do to him?"
"All I did was to inspire him a sense of respect for the tax authorities.The important thing is that I got what we wanted."She showed him the list.
"The order has been placed by a law firm.Someone doesn't want to be traced.."
"It's the perfect cover up."
"Is it?".Steed's smile was demonic.
"I see.I should have seen it coming...but I 'll need a partner this time."
"I'm all yours Mrs Peel".
She laughed but then got serious suddenly."You know..I have a feeling that I'm being watched."She was reluctant to admit it.I don't want you to believe that I'm afraid because of what happened to me,she thought.
"Me too.You're not the only one Mrs Peel.You're not the only one..."He was standing by the window,looking outside.Just some people passing by..a stray dog..the wind playing with an empty tin.
"We must act fast."Emma wanted to get to the bottom of it.
"Tommorrow..so we can go over the security plans".Steed organised everything to the last detail.
"All right.But ...I can't underdestand it."
"What?"He turned around to face her.
"All these people.Different kind of people...important but different."
"They must be still alive,working on something."
"A project that involves people and science."Emma couldn't help thinking as a scientist.
" A project that's been going on for years.What troubles me is why so many of them?I mean so many of them missing,out of the blue.It wasn't a smart move..".
"It's ambition I think.They've tried in the past,they've pulled it off and now they're asking for more...".
"And the sewers..Always the sewers..what makes me think that the opera shooting and the kidnappings are linked."
"Too soon to tell."She made a silly face,then picked up her purse and said:"I have to go now Steed.Don't forget we have a rendezvous tomorrow!!!".
"Do stop by in the morning."
"Ok.Bye!".She left.
Suddenly the room was so empty...It was time for some dish washing for Steed.
Emma entered the large building where Benson and Cox-the law firm-had their headquarters.It was almost as if it was made out of glass.A large number of offices demanded a receptionist.She was wearing a cleaning lady's outfit.It was two o'clock and there was a lot of traffic.Nobody noticed her.She approached the receptionist's corner and pretended to be dusting.When the opportunity came she took the vase that was on the receptionist's desk,put it in her bucket and replaced it with a look alike.Then, she disappeared in the same way she has appeared.
Steed saw her approaching in a black catsuit,always practical.He was wearing a plain suit,he couldn't let go of it.Emma was carrying a pile of boxes which had holes.Steed had more of the same in his car.Some weird noises were coming out of the boxes.
"Ready?".He asked.
"Always.Mission accomplished!"She was so excited.She reminded him of a child that has just lost his first tooth.".
"There 's no other way around.Lawyers don't talk,they have their own way of protecting their clients."
"I could ask my father's lawyers to help us but it might be dangerous to involve them.".
"It might be very dangerous.They're changing shifts in half an hour Mrs Peel."
They approached the back side of the building,walking on their toes.Steed knocked down the only guard at the back.He put one arm around his neck and hit him with the other before he was able to talk.He searched for the alarm box,opened it carefully and started to work on it.
"Where did you learn to do that?"She asked.
"I'm older than you Mrs Peel..and wiser!!".
"You forget that I've already tested all of your secret skills Steed...".
"Any complaints?"He was trying to connect a blue wire with a red one.
She didn't answer.She let him wonder instead.In a few minutes he was done and with the help of a screwdriver he opened one of the back windows.There were only very small windows in the back.She headed towards the entrance.The guard met the man who was going to replace him.They chatted for a while.Emma waved at Steed.He opened all the boxes that they have brought with them .At least ten cats broke free in the building through the window,making tremendous noise.The guards hurried inside leaving the front door open.At exactly 1.30 the vase that Emma had left inside started to release some strong odors.The doorman who was using the receptionist's desk was trying to figure out where the odors were coming from.Too late...he had inhaled enough.He fell on his desk.Steed and Mrs Peel slipped inside,removed the doorman and left a note that said he was going to the bathroom.Then they used the stairs to reach the fifth floor.
