Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or X-Men, titles or characters. Evie is my character.

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Chapter 12 - On The Hook

Gambit knew it was time for the girls to arrive. He decided to go outside and wait for them. What he didn't expect was for them to be coming in the door. "Let Remy guess. You let Marie drive." He smirked at her. "Come on an' meet the boss lady. Petite," he slipped an arm around Kitty. "Stay close," he warned. As soon as they entered, they could feel that all eyes turned toward them. Murmurs began instantly, appreciating the new scenery. Remy felt Kitty tense under his arm and drew her closer. "Don't be afraid, petite, Gambit watch out fo' you. Jus' play along." He leaned down and gave her a small kiss on the lips so all could see and get the message. When he turned again, Chastity was coming toward him.

"My, my, Remy. You were right. You still got it." She looked from girl to girl.

"Ladies, Miss Chastity is a friend of Remy's and the boss lady here." He formally made introductions. "Chastity, this is Marie, Rosie and Kitty."

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. Ah already told Remy that if you want the jobs, they're yours. "Ah'll get you a key for a room. Ah hope you don' mind sharin'. Space is a little tight with this poker weekend goin' on."

"Marie and Ro are here to work fo' you, chere. Kitty just came to be with Remy, she stays wid me." He tightened his arm around her so there would be no questions.

Chastity raised her eyebrow and looked at the young girl, clinging to him. "LeBeau, you are shameless." She chuckled as she walked away.

Storm and Rogue scanned the room and made eye contact with a few patrons. Soon Rogue found just who she was looking for. Adam, like the rest of the men, noticed the girls come in. He was staring very intently in her direction. She met his gaze then gave only a slight smile of encouragement. She knew she had to keep his attentions and was glad he seemed willing to play her game. Storm needed to get into the base. She looked for security personnel. Not as lucky as Rogue, she noticed that the security guards were staring at Kitty, completely undaunted by the tall, well-built man wrapped around her.

In a moment Chastity was back. "Here's your key, girls. Ah thank you for comin' to help me out. Club's about to close now. Ah'll see you in the mornin' and show you what we do."

They thanked her and said good night as everyone saw Gambit guide three ladies up the stairs.

Once settled in, Gambit and Kitty went to the girls' room. "You be careful with mah man, little girl." Marie smiled at Kitty.

"I'll make sure not to hurt him, too much," Kitty quipped back and went to sit on the bed.

Gambit went and put his arms around Marie. "Come on, now. Don' fight over Remy. Dere's plenty to go 'round."

Marie got in a punch before he landed a kiss. "Did you find your new beau, chere?"

"Yeah, Ah found him. The look in his eyes gave meh the shivers. Ah hope ah can pull this off for Evie's sake."

"Jus' play hard to get---and deck him if he gets too fresh." Remy kissed her again.

"I, on the other hand, have my work cut out for me." Everyone turned to Ro who was hanging her clothes. "I need to find someone to get me into the base. Kitty mesmerized all the young security officers down there. I will have to find another friendly employee."

"Get rest now. Dey will all give you a run fo' your money, tomorrow." Gambit reached for Kitty's hand and led her back to his room.

Gambit could see there was something bothering Kitty. "Why so distant, petite? You can't tink Remy would hurt you?"

Kitty snapped out of her thoughts, "No, Remy, you know I trust you." She went over, hugged him and rested in his arms. She really felt he was a big brother to her. Growing up at the mansion gave her the family she never could have had at home. An only child, her parents never rejected her for her powers and loved her very much. They felt sending her to Xavier was in her best interest. Unlike many of the others she had the love of both her parents and the new large family with many who easily stepped into the roles of big sisters and brothers. She was especially close to Logan and Remy. "I was just thinking about Jesse. He was drunk and in bad shape when we left. Logan promised to talk to him. I just hope he's ok."

He gently pushed her back so she would look at him. "Don' you worry your lil' head 'bout it. Logan will take care of Jesse. I know you care 'bout him. Remy can see it in your eyes." He smiled at her. "But right now you got to keep your mind on de mission. You can't be mon amor and be daydreamin' 'bout some oter guy." He pouted and made her laugh.

"Boy, you teachers don't ever quit do you? Logan gave me the same speech. 'Stay focused,' she did her best Wolverine impression as she walked away.

"Some students need remindin'." He threw her the pajamas she had laid on the bed.

By the time most people in Johnston started moving the next day it was about 11 am. Chastity met the girls in the dining hall and gave them the run through. She made sure they had the proper attire to be one of 'her girls'. Sophistication was the name of the game. She was pleased with how well they seemed to catch on to everything. When she had finished she again thanked them for being willing to help her during this hectic weekend. With the big party being catered by outsiders all the locals could just enjoy themselves and everyone was looking forward to the break. She told them their shift would begin at 2 pm and excused herself to see to other details.

Gambit was down to visit the breakfast bar at about 11:30 and took breakfast for two up to his room, wanting to make his cover convincing.

By 2 pm the poker tables were busy and the waitresses were moving quickly. Saturday and Sunday were the big game days. Then the Sunday night party would give everyone the chance to do some good-natured bragging about their winnings.

Kitty was elegantly dressed and graced Gambit's arm as they descended the stairs to the club's main room. Looking around she spotted her friends waiting tables. As they passed the bar she heard Adam speaking to his friend from last night. Seeing him made her think of his team who were praying for his safe return. Immediately, her mind left the entire team and turned to one man. She missed him and was worried about how he was doing since she left the hotel. Logan promised to talk to him, she reminded herself. Then remember what he told her to do. 'Stay focused, yeah right. Easier said than done.'

"What are you going to do tomorrow when you don't have a date for the party?" Dave instigated.

Adam smirked as he took a sip from his glass. "When have you ever known me not to have a date?" He turned and leaned back against the bar so he could look out over the floor. "There's my date. She's a hot number." His stare guided Dave's eyes.

"That's one of the new girls that came in last night. She's hot alright but she was with LeBeau. What makes you think she'll go with you?"

"He had his arm on the other one. This one's available. I'll have her eating out of my hand in a couple of hours."

Marie was headed in their direction after cleaning off a table. She caught Adam watching her and decided it was time to see what he was made of. The tray in her hand was full of dirty dishes and glasses piled high. Linen napkins were sitting precariously atop the pile. As she got closer to the bar a few napkins fell to the floor. Balancing the tray and lowering herself gracefully toward the floor, she saw a hand reach for the napkins before she could. Looking over to the Good Samaritan she found herself face to face with Adam.

"Allow me." He placed the napkins back on the tray then put a hand under her elbow to steady her as she arose.

"Why thank ya, suga. Ah guess Ah'm just clumsy today."

"I think you've been doing a wonderful job." He had a look of interest in his eyes.

"You make a gal feel as if she's been watched." Rogue looked to her tray and idly fixed the items on it.

"You caught me, but that's only because you're very beautiful to watch."

"Mah you are forward. Ah think Ah should get back to work." She quickly side stepped him and walked away. After a few steps she turned slightly and smiled coyly at him. She quickly returned to her duties after she saw him smile back and wink.

TBC