Chapter 30 - Laurens World
Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 –18:35 pm
Newcastle Airport
Lauren stood and hugged her friend, "Hey, Dyson."
"It's so good to see you," Dyson smiled and signalled to the barman, "What do you want to drink?"
Lauren pondered her reply. She had a job and needed a clear head, but not accepting a drink would be suspicious. Dyson was her alibi tonight, not that he knew that yet. Jack had suggested Bo, but Lauren was adamant that she would never involve Bo in her business. "A beer is fine."
Dyson nodded and ordered two bottles of beer.
"So, how have you been?" Lauren asked. Dyson had recently moved from London to Northumberland a few months ago.
"Divorce is nearly finalised." Dyson hung his head low. "Ciara wants the Dulwich house. It's mortgage-free. She offered to pay half the value to me, so it will be settled when written up. I accepted the Tutor Sergeant job here, and houses are a fraction of London, so I will find something nice soon."
Lauren placed her hand on his arm, "It will all be okay, Dy. A fresh start is hard, but you will be okay."
"I know, and it's better than staying in a marriage that didn't work." Dyson drank his beer, "We dated since high school, but we grew apart. Instead of talking about it, I threw a proposal at it. Thought if we were married, we would sort out our differences. But it didn't. It was only masked."
"Like wallpapering over the cracks?" Lauren added.
"Exactly like that." Dyson finished his bottle and ordered two more. "What about you? I see Bo is here this week?"
"Yes, and we're kinda back together. Or at least we are dating." Lauren smiled.
Dyson jumped up and hugged his friend, "Ohh Lauren, you should have said, I would have understood if you dumped me for her tonight?"
"We're taking things slow. Besides, we saw each other earlier. And I want to be here for you." Lauren told the truth. The timeline was somewhat extorted, however. Bo had the Comic-Con in the area, Jack had a job nearby, and Dyson lived there. Lauren pieced it together so that she could juggle it all. Work, relationships and friendships. Lauren felt confident.
"Let's grab a booth before it gets too busy. I will tell you all about it." Lauren jumped from the stool, and Dyson followed.
Two hours later, Dyson was struggling to keep open his eyes. He apologised. Unknown to him Lauren had slipped him something in his first beer, but it took a while to take effect. Lauren helped him walk to the Police Airport office and slumped him in a seat. He was awake, but he wouldn't remember this in the morning. Looking at her watch, she didn't have much time. Sitting at his work computer, she got the passenger names list from the 20:45 arrival from Los Angeles and got to work. Thirty minutes later, it was done, and Lauren had changed clothes. Dyson was asleep. In a few hours, her mission would be over. She would return, wake him up and help him home. None the wiser.
Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 –22:00 pm
Mozarts, Tynemouth
The music was loud, and Bo's feet were hurting from the new shoes she was made to wear. Tamsin had called, insisting she joined her on a night out. Citing she didn't have anything to wear didn't stop Tamsin as a dress and heels appeared alongside Tamsin five minutes later. Bo walked around the crowded bar. A section had been corned off for the private party for Vincent Lachlan. He had literally come out of nowhere, and now he was a big name in Canadian Television. One call from him would either get you the part or see that you never worked again. Many people were already all over him. He stood in the middle, lapping up the limelight.
Lachlan was Evonys only rival. He was both admired and feared in the business. Unlike Evony, his clients also made movies. In the earlier days, these were adult movies, and that is where he earned his millions. The 'Hugh Hefner' of Canada and Tamsin were keen to learn more about him. Bo agreed to attend with her as if her time with Evony was really over. She would need a new agent one day. Not sure if Lachlan was the right fit, but her choices were limited. Besides, they had heard that many influential people were attending, which could benefit them, including an executive from Sony Movies.
Immediately she had messaged Lauren, but after checking her phone for the hundredth time, she had not replied. Lauren had warned her that she wouldn't be reachable and she would call her when she was able. That never stopped Bo from again trying her number and again the familiar dead tone.
Bo was feeling anxious. Usually, she was fuelled by a concoction of drugs at these parties. It had been four days since her last fix. She promised she would stay clean. However, Lauren said she would be by her side, and she wasn't, so in her mind, Lauren had broken the promise first. Searching her purse, she was happy to find a small folded packet. She wouldn't take it all but needed something to calm her down. Tomorrow she and Tamsin would be officially over, something that she also needed to discuss with Lauren. As well as the fact they were never really a couple, only another showmance. Bo couldn't believe that hadn't come up in all their conversations. Due partly to the no talking of exes rule.
Bo walked into the bathroom, grateful for the pending fix. Inside was empty, and she entered the first cubical. Putting the lid down, she sat and unwrapped the foil. Bo's stomach turned. She said she didn't need any interventions and could do it herself. Looking at the white powder, she knew she never had that willpower.
Before Bo could decide what to do, her phone pinged a message. She had changed a name on her phone from Lauren to Bubba Lo, and just the sight of it made her heart flutter.
Bubba Lo: Please don't do that. Also, I need you not to react when you get outside.
Curiosity got Bo jumping up and running out the door. Not sure what Lauren meant but wanting to find out. As soon as she stepped out, a bear hug grabbed her. Looking up, it wasn't Lauren. It was Lachlan. Bo signed and tried to wiggle free. Lachlan pulled Bo closer to him, "Bo, Bo, please come here. There is someone I want you to meet."
Bo was frozen to the spot. Standing behind Lachlan was Lauren, her Lauren. However, instead of long blonde hair, she had short red hair. Bo swallowed and tried to remain calm. "Hello."
Lachlan placed his arms on the shoulders of both Lauren and Bo, "Bo, this is Lola Matthews. I had to pull a few strings to get Lola here tonight. Lola, this is who I've just been telling you about. I wanted you two to meet. Bo, Lola is the Production Assistant for Sony and has literally flown in from California just now."
Bo looked at Lauren and hid her reaction. She knew that was a lie but had to play along, "That's fantastic. Lo, erm sorry, Lola was it."
Lauren played the part well. Her American accent was perfect, as was her knowledge of the movie industry. If only Bo didn't know better, she would be excited by this conversation. Lachlan was eating up every word also, rubbing his hands together. Bo could see as he mentally counted the money from potential projects.
"Vincent, Bo, lovely to speak to you both. I've just spied someone that I need to speak to. Catch you both later?" Lola Lauren flashed a smile, then was gone in a turn of her heels, mingling amongst the crowd.
"Can't believe she is actually here." Lachlan eyed as Lola Lauren walked casually through the crowds. Her long silver dress open at the back, showing her toned muscles. "She's so hard to get to any event. I had someone check the flight list twice to ensure she was on it."
"Yeah, she seemed nice," Bo replied. Knowing the real reason for the departure was because Massimo was walking toward them.
"Bo, you shouldn't be here. I am taking you and Tamsin back to the hotel." Massimo grabbed Bo's arm and pulled her to the side. Massimo looked around, the room full of celebrities and movie executives, not a crowd he enjoyed
Bo spotted Lauren ducking into another room, obviously clocking Massimo too. "Mass, you shouldn't be anywhere near me."
"Calm down, princess. I'm just driving you and Tamsin back to the hotel at Evony's request."
"I don't know why Evony took you back?" Bo folded her arms, already annoyed that Lauren was pretending to be someone else at this event. "But regardless of what she does with you, it's in my contract that you are to be nowhere near me."
"Well, stop sneaking off in the middle of the night." Massimo got into Bo's personal space. "Did you have nothing else to do? Your chef did not think you were worth the three-hour train trip up?"
Bo smirked if only he knew. Lauren had travelled up and been with her at comic con most of the day. Although Bo wasn't Lauren's motivation, her job was. Massimo was right with that. Lauren wouldn't have attended otherwise. Bo did know that Massimo hated her love, so she knew she had to get rid of him before he spotted her. "Fine, let's go."
Massimo was expecting a fight and was pleased not to have had one, with Bo anyway. Tamsin would be more difficult. She always was. "Good, stay here. I will get Tamsin."
"No, I have a better idea." Bo flashed a smile. "Get the car, meet me outside. I will get Tamsin."
Massimo liked that idea better, nodded and left.
Bo walked around the room and finally found Tamsin. She was deep in conversation, but Bo managed to pull her away for a few minutes. She told her about Massimo, but Tamsin didn't care. "He can wait. I am a grown-ass woman and can do what I please."
"Please, Tam."
Tamsin wanted to scream at her to go, but something in Bo's pleas stopped her. "Okay, in a minute. An executive from Sony is here, Lola Matthews. I just want to introduce myself, then we can leave."
Bo contemplated her options but decided the truth was her only option. "Lola Matthews is Lauren, undercover. And us here could get her hurt, especially if Massimo spots her. Please, Tam, can we leave."
"You got to be fucking kidding me. Meeting Lola was the main reason I dragged us here. For fucks sake, Lauren really pisses me off. Fine, we can go. "
"Thank you." Bo hugged her friend, "Massimo is in the car outside. I'll be just a minute."
Tamsin acknowledged Bo, said her goodbyes to the crowd she had previously spoken to and left. Bo pulled her phone out of her pocket and started a type a message. BO: Hey, where are you?
Bo was about to press send when she felt a familiar presence behind her. She stopped and leaned back into a familiar scent.
"Right here," Lauren whispered. "Don't turn around."
"What's happening?"
"I need you, Tam and Massimo gone."
"Already sorted."
"Thanks. One more favour."
Bo turned around and, without thinking, took one of Laurens' hands in her own, "what do you need?"
Lauren was unable to hold eye contact with Bo. "I'm leaving now with Lachlan, and I need you to again not react."
Bo closed her eyes, "Will you sleep with him?"
"Christ, No."
"But he thinks you will."
"I need to do something, then I will leave. I promise. It'll be an hour, and then I'll call you."
"Lo, don't do this," Bo begged.
"This is my job, Bo." Lauren half-smiled. "I won't be long, then we'll talk."
Lachlan appeared, wrapped his arms around Lola Lauren's waist and kissed her neck. "You ready?"
"Sure." Lauren returned a smile.
Bo, seeing Lauren in the clutches of another being kissed, stung. "Bye, Vincent. Bye, Lola."
Lachlan leaned in close to Bo and whispered the next part. "Don't worry, a night with me, and she will push the movie forward."
Lachlan's grinning made Bo's stomach turn as if she would throw up.
"Ahh, Massimo is back." Lachlan laughed, "Evony does keep you on a tight leash."
Both Bo and Lauren looked to the front door and saw him stomping through the crowd. "Lola, can I borrow you a minute?"
Bo took her hand and led her to the bathroom. As soon as they were inside, Bo handed her Lachlan's phone, "Here, now you can leave without him."
Lauren grabbed the phone, "How did you get this? And why?"
"Kenzi taught me skills." Bo shrugged, "And spies always want the phone in the movies."
"Bo, I could kiss you." Taking a device out of her jacket, Lauren plugged the phone into it. A few beeps later, Lauren handed it back, unaware that her earlier words had affected Bo. "Do you think you can get it back without him noticing?"
"Of course." Bo took back the phone, hiding her smile and her urge to give Lauren that kiss. "So, you done? Can you leave?"
"I wish." Lauren checked the data on her device. "What I have is proof that I really need to complete this."
"Complete what?"
"Bo, darling," Lauren took Bo's hand, "Please, I can't tell you anymore. You already know too much. Please go back to the hotel. I will call you in an hour."
Bo sighed. "How do you expect us to be out in public if you need to do things like this."
"I don't." Lauren dropped her hand away from Bo to scroll through the phone, the contents exciting her more.
"Right then." Lauren's revelation hit Bo hard. The job would always come first, as predicted. "I will get a lift back with Mass. Get him out of your way. After you are done, will you come to the hotel?"
"No, sorry. Just a call." Lauren needed to get back to Dyson, or her alibi would be ruined. "But will see you back in London, okay."
"Okay." Bo looked down, "Do you think we should cancel Monday?"
"No." Lauren shot up, taking back Bo's hand. "Please, I never wanted you to see this side of my job, and I promise you won't again. We can get back on track. This is just a minor bump. I promise this won't happen to us again."
"I understand that you cant tell me about what you do. I get that. The clue is in the name, Secret Service." Bo rubbed her fingers over Laurens' palm. "But I don't get how we will navigate a relationship when I am in the limelight and you are in the shadows."
Lauren smiled, "The fact you are thinking about how we can make it work will be what makes it work. Us, Bo, we will make it work."
"We will?" Bo sniffled, a tear quickly wiped away using the back of her hand.
"Of course, we will. We have the spark. Excitement, happiness, anticipation, pride. I can feel you, and I know you feel me too. The Spark is powerfu-" Lauren didn't have time to finish her sentence as she was thrown against the wall. Bo's lips crashed down on hers as she was pushed into a cubicle. The attack on her lips continued as her dress was hitched up.
"Ah-hum." Massimo was standing in the middle of the ladies' toilet. "So that's what happened to Lachlan's date."
Bo closed the cubicle door on Lauren and walked over to him, "Tell him nothing, Mass. Keep your fucking mouth shut." Bo had clocked Massimo moments before he had seen them, and all she could think of was to shield Lauren's face and get her away from that monster.
"Well, aren't you something? Lachlan is outside like a dog with two dicks, and you're in here finger-fucking his date." Massimo walked to the cubicle, "Do I know her?"
Bo walked toward the bathroom door and opened it. "Doubt it Mass, now let her dress. She can explain to Lachlan why she took so long."
Bo stood defiantly holding the door.
Massimo rubbed his chin and stepped away from the cubicle, unaware Lauren was standing on the other side, gun in hand. "Fine. Let's go. I knew you weren't serious about the chef. I told Evony that if a slut like you could fuck half of Toronto's escorts, how could you be serious for a hook up from five years ago." Massimo exited the toilet.
Bo looked back at the cubical, but the door didn't open. She exited.
Once outside, they were stopped by Lachlan, "What the fuck is happening."
Bo shot Massimo a look.
Massimo ignored Lachlan, "Bo, say your goodbyes. The car is waiting outside," and with that, he left.
"Nothing Vincent. I needed Lola to help me with my dress." Bo patted his chest, slipping the phone back into his inner pocket. "She'll be out in a few minutes."
"You don't fancy coming back with us, Bo?" Lachlan handed Bo a card with his address written on it. "I don't mind making it a party?"
Lauren exited the toilets, spotting Massimo leaving to her left, and kept her head down.
"You don't mind, Lola?" Lachlan had his arms over both women's shoulders and hugged them close to him. "If we make it a party. I've seen how you two look at each other, and I'm a twenty-first century kind of guy."
Lauren blushed, pushed herself away from Lachlan's clutches, and held out her hand to Bo. "Lovely to meet you, Bo."
Bo took her hand, "And you, Lo. Lola."
"Right, well, in that case. We're leaving." Lachlan placed his hand on Laurens' back, and they left.
Bo said nothing as she watched them leave the bar.
Moments later, she left also. Lauren and Lachlan got into a waiting car to the right. Massimo illegally parked to the left. Lachlans' car pulled away. Bo stepped into the back with Tamsin. The drive would take only twenty minutes to get to the hotel. Bo and Tamsin sat in silence for the journey.
Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 –23:30 pm
Innside, Townhouse Suite
As soon as they entered the hotel, Tamsin pulled Bo to the side. "What's up?"
"Nothing," Bo lied. "Do you fancy a drink?"
Tamsin didn't but also knew that Bo alone right now would end badly, "Sure."
They had ordered their drinks and sat at the bar. Tamsin tried to speak to Bo again, "So I guess this is Lauren related?"
"It's not always about her." Bo lied again.
"Of course it is." Tamsin sighed.
"What was she doing there tonight?" Bo asked.
"I'm sure she said the same about us. We weren't on any guest list. I blagged us in. She probably shit herself more when she saw us." Tamsin drank her single malt whisky. A rich, warm, woody taste lingered on her tongue. She had only recently discovered drinking scotch and found it enjoyable. "And you can't entirely blame her for being there. It was rife with criminals."
Tamsins' statement took Bo off guard, "Excuse me?"
"You know that the people in our business are corrupt. Everyone I spoke to was either a tax evader, high on drugs or abused their power. Lachlan is a snake with more than one skeleton in his closet." Tamsin stated matter of fact, "and she works in Law Enforcement, so our worlds are bound to collide. And I hope she cuts that snake's head off."
Bo gave a belly laugh, causing Tamsin to stop drinking and stare.
"I can't believe I considered him an agent for me or you. What a slimy little fucker." Tamsin had another sip and leaned in to whisper the next part. "Rumours tonight were that his workers are enslaved in his mansion. So maybe Lauren is onto something."
Bo was about to reply when Massimo stormed over to her.
"Bo, where's Lola?" He grabbed her arm and pulled her from the barstool.
"Fuck off, Mas and get the hell off me", Bo protested back.
"Is Lola Matthews your bitch chef Lauren?"
The question blindsided Bo, and she stumbled on her reply, "Er, no-no, course not, why say that." Even Bo wasn't convinced by her answer.
"I knew it," Massimo slammed the passport photocopy of Karen Beauchêne onto the bar. Bo looked down at the picture, undoubtingly Lauren, and more like Lola with the red wig on.
"She isn't Lola." Bo lied. "And why do you carry that around?"
"That bitch sent me to prison." Massimo leaned in, "I knew it was her in the bathroom. The way you protected her. Yet she said nothing when I called you a slut. When are you going to learn, Bo? That they fuck you then leave you."
Tamsin slapped Massimo hard across the face, "Fuck off. You've overstepped your position. You're hired help for an agency we employ to represent us. You have no right to get personal. This will be reported to Evony, and she won't like it."
Massimo tenderly rubbed his red cheek. Tamsins' blow had hurt, but her words about Evony resonated more. He needed damage control and fast. "You're right. I apologise, Bo."
Bo still had not said a word. Tamsin jumped back in, "Fine, she heard. Now fuck off. Leave us alone."
"I bet she is with Lachlan. I will find her, and when I do, I'm gonna kill her so slowly and so painfully that she'll beg to die. That will teach her to respect you." Massimo smirked and walked away, shouting back over his shoulder. "You should have chosen Tamsin. At least she defends your honour."
With that, Massimo was gone. Tamsin, for once, remained quiet. On the other hand, Bo jumped from her seat, ran and pressed for the elevator to her room.
Tamsin caught up to her, "What you doing?"
"I need to get changed. I need to warn Lauren that Massimo is looking for her. And I need to be quick." Bo stepped into the lift. "Are you coming?"
Tamsin didn't hesitate, "Yeah, I'm in. Where is it?"
Bo pulled the card from her purse, "Morpeth."