Annie's shopping spree was successful in finding the needed long straight black wig, and a silky type long black negligee that hung to her curves gracefully. Black pushup bra and as much cleavage as possible, long black gloves all topped with a black shawl. Heavy smoky eye makeup and dark red lipstick and Annie had transformed into the Queen of Darkness.
Eyal didn't disappoint, dress in all black suit, with black shirt and tie complete with a cape lined in dark red and wearing a top hat, pushed a bit forward to enhance his dark mystifying eyes and carrying a cane. Damn didn't he look handsome and devilish Annie's mind begins to wonder. A night of sinful delight with this elusive man of mystery and anonymity along with her muse her body reacting she felt a tingle. 'Keep it under control Walker. Eyal is only a friend but my god is he one sexy fine-looking and lustful looking friend.'
"If we don't meet our target tonight at least we'll have some fun. Shall we Elvira and must say you look exceeding sexy tonight." She actually looked more than sexy, she looked fine in many ways to him but he was loath to admit it, even to himself.
"All part of the playgirl cover. And you Eyal are also looking sexy. Now that we are in character, shall we go and have some bewitching fun?" What she didn't say was he always looks sexy to she would keep that piece of information to herself.
The Prince Richard Royal Theatre welcome guest to a night of mystery, mayhem and murder underfoot all in the backdrop of the stage adaption of Agatha Christie's 'Sleeping Murder'.
The lobby decked out in the 1930's decor to set the mood for the play that is also set in southern England during the 1930's. The benefiting charity is Children's Hospice Association of England and a well deserving charity. Perhaps the extreme wealthy didn't contribute with hands on but their money is enormously important to the hospice operation and this evening was no exception to the amount of funds to be raised. The party-goers, all dress in dark colors and their different interpretation of vampires and seductive women of the night were in a happy mood, and of course Scottish whiskey flowing freely. Eyal ordering two Robbie Burns for them to enjoy before the play.
Both with their drinks in hand mixed with the crowd hoping to spot Blair Vogel but no luck. Annie finding the hors d'oeuvre table stops to nibble on a tasty smoked salmon appetizer. Eyal stood by her side also indulging in some Devils on Horseback - fitting for a haunting evening at the theater.
"She just arrived with her escort, bypassed the bar and went straight into the theater, second floor and private box seating section." Eyal leaning close to Annie and speaking just above a whisper. "Our only next chance is the after production party to meet the cast members."
Just then the light blinked to call the guest into the theater for the start of 'Sleeping Murder'. A skillful done rendition of Agatha Christie's novel about the famous detective Miss Marple as she helps a young couple who choose to uncover the events in the wife's past and not let a sleeping murder lie.
The after production party was for VIP's only of which Eyal also had an invitation to attend. As they were walking down the spiral stair case leading to a large reception/banquet room, Eyal took Annie arm and lead her to one side.
"What's going on Eyal?"
"Think I need to read you in on a little detail I may have forgotten to tell you."
"You didn't forget, just chicken to tell me."
"Perhaps you are right Neshema but if we get the chance to speak with Blair I need for you to call me George."
"Oh my god no, you have some track record with her in the past as... Oh let me guess George Yiokas from Cyprus."
"European antique dealers have their place with the social upper class." Eyal smiled and once more taking Annie's arm and they falling in with the rest of the gathering. "Well, let's get going, shall we?"
Light music playing as the cast members mingle with the guest and once more the bar was open. Eyal quickly got a second round of Robbie Burns for him and Annie and started scouring the crowd for Blair Vogel. There she was, standing with another women and her escort nowhere in sight. Eyal quickly pointed her out to Annie.
"Think it best I make to contact alone, you keep an eye out for the escort to return."
Before Annie could say a word, Eyal was gone with Annie's drink in his hand, he was going to offer it to Blair. Annie could only shake her head, which was so Eyal. Well she need to find another drink and made her way to the bar.
"Might I make a suggestion on drinks?" An older gentleman stepped to one side as Annie approached.
"Why yes, please do." Annie smile at the friendly ruddy face man with a neatly cut snow-white beard and hair. He was as others dressed in black but sported a tartan plaid vest and ruffle tie.
"Flora MacDonald, a great mixture of Drambuie, dry gin with two measures of French Vermouth. Must say it is only for slipping and lasting the rest of the evening but oh so good and smooth." The man turning to the bartender and ordering two drinks.
Handing Annie her drink with a smile. "I must have lost my good manners, I'm Brayan McDuff from Edinburgh and that is my wife Carrie over there trying to hit the wealthy up for a sizable contribution to our charity."
"Your charity is the beneficiary of this event?"
"Yes, Children's Hospice Association of England and there is another one in Scotland as well as North Ireland, the only one of its kind. Just for children and young adults with terminal illness. We started it twenty-eight years ago when our daughter was in need of such a residence the last months of her life. She died of cancer."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, it was thru her death that we found our calling beyond the rush of making money one could never spend in a lifetime. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to make my rounds and help the wife."
Leaving Annie alone with her drink, she was content to watch the guest and soon the cast member came in, chatting and shaking hands with all. The woman who played Miss Marple quickly found her way to the bar and stood by Annie.
"Enjoyed the performance very well done." Annie smiling at the short older woman still with heavy makeup.
"Thank you. That looks inviting, what is it?"
"I think it's call a Flora MacDonald."
"Smashing. That is what I have." And the woman hastily turned her back to Annie - so much for small talk.
Annie tried to find Eyal but was difficult in the mass of people so she decided to just slip her drink and watch. Speaking once to one of the actors but mostly watching and sizing up the different VIPs that had gathered. Wasn't long before Eyal found Annie.
"So far so good. We have an appointment with Blair Vogel tomorrow." Eyal slipping close beside Annie. "Now would you like to stay longer or leave."
"I've seen enough so if it is okay with you I would like to go." Annie slipping her arm through his.
Their walk along the misty and foggy London night was reminisce of the nights so many tales of murder and mayhem would take place in the 1800's with maybe Sherlock Holmes or even Dr. Watson roaming about. A lone man stood next to a lamp-post smoking a pipe and watching, his hat pulled low over his eyes and as Eyal and Annie walked by the man nodded his head ever so slightly.
"A night for Jack-the-Ripper to be out and about." Eyal in his low yet haunting voice.
"Don't say that. It is a ghostly of a night and I'm not all that settled with it." Annie stepping a little closer to Eyal.
"You are with me Neshema and nothing will happen. Well maybe something will happen."
"There you go again with those quips." Annie bumping him with her hip.
"What quips."
"About us and well you know." Her chin tilted up to his in a teasing way, a slightly seductive way.
"I don't know but wish I did. Come on Annie light up. It isn't if we haven't thought about it. Not since that time back in DC, the Honey Trap. And I have to verbalize the pleasure in looking at you tonight with your Elvira, Mistress of Darkness black and exceptionally fantastic sexy outfit. A man's fantasy in walking and breathing flesh."
"Maybe I should have chosen something different, more in the line of a nun. I'm still the blonde underneath all this black. "
"And still a man's fantasy or my fantasy. I understand the put off Annie and won't push but one day, yeah one day timing will be right for you. So until then I take you back to your hotel room and leave you alone."
"Maybe I don't want to be left alone."
"Neshema timing is everything and it isn't our time yet. I know I've make uncalled for remarks and I shouldn't and for that I'm sorry... oh no, I'm not sorry in the least. You are a gorgeous woman and I have had fantasy but we should be both are ready. Right now my sweet Annie, you are not at that point and I know it."
"Maybe you are right and I hate to wreck a beautiful friendship. But one day timing will be right and..."
"It will be a lovely evening for both of us."
The drive to Chesham the next morning was nice, the English weather with a touch of nippiness was bright and clear. When they reached Blair Vogel estate, Eyal hurried from the car and rushed around to get the door for Annie. Making sure to tuck her arm into his, he placed his hand on hers, for the benefit of anyone who might be observing them. Annie said nothing and went along with the ruse, relishing in Eyal's attentions, even though his purpose in doing so irked her, he was showing off for some reason.
As they walked towards the front door, Annie scanned the house and was impressed with the three story mansion. The outside, composed of stone and heavy beam, with high arched windows, somewhat gave the impression of a medieval fortress.
"Interesting house," she remarked as they approached the entry.
"Wait till you see the owner." Eyal remarked.
Annie shot him a puzzled look as the door was opened and an elderly man ushered them into the foyer.
"We're here to see Lady Vogel." Eyal told him. "My name is George Yiokas. I believe I have an appointment."
The man eyed him warily and looked even more suspiciously at Annie but said only, "This way," as he pivoted to his left and led them into a richly decorated yet very masculine study.
"The lady of the house will be with you shortly." He told them as he left and closed the doors behind him.
The room was large, dominated by a huge mahogany desk with elaborate carving and flanked with bookcases fully loaded with seemingly weighty volumes. A large settee and two leather wing backed chairs sat in the far corner by a large window, a large oval, glass and wood coffee table sat in front of that. On just every surface sat expensive looking vases and other items that made Annie nervous just to be in the same room with them.
"The room seems dreadfully dark for a woman's taste. I would have thought there would be more cheery colors." Annie whisper to Eyal.
Eyal shrugged with a grin and led her over to the couch. "You'll understand when you meet her." He said just as the door opened and Blair Vogel walked in.
She was tall and thin, with a pale complexion, wispy reddish/blond hair cut in a short bob, a large aquiline nose, and a prominent mole on her left cheek near her nose and over tweezed pencil thin eyebrows. She was most certainly not attractive. Her clothes, though expensive, the dark green tunic hung loosely over her thin body only giving a glimpse at some well rounded breast implants. Opera length pearls and several precious expensive rings on her long graceful fingers enlighten Annie of her wealth. Bright red lipstick highlighted her thin lips and deep blue eye shadow did nothing to help her wide-set blue-gray eyes.
"George, Darling," Blair exclaimed as she came into the room. "I am so…" she paused when she spotted Annie sitting beside Eyal on the couch. "Oh, hello." She gave Eyal a bewildered glance as she moved towards Annie and extended her hand. "I'm Blair Vogel. You must be George's secretary?"
"Uh… no," Annie shook her hand, trying hard not to snicker at the high reedy voice coming from the woman in front of her. "I'm…"
"She's my partner, Anna Walters." Eyal spoke up, giving Annie a tight and overly friendly hug. "I'm sorry about this Blair. I was on my way over here when Anna called and asked if I'd pick her up. See her car broke down and well, you understand. I had to help her out, so I just brought her with me so I wouldn't miss my appointment with you. Meeting with you is so important to me and of course when we got here, I just couldn't leave her out in the car."
Annie cut her eyes at Eyal. 'Now who's rambling?' She thought and what a dumb story.
"I see." Blair's tone was cold and brusque. "Well, George," Blair practically snarled. "I'm sorry you came over here for nothing. But I am simply too busy to meet with you right now."
She hatefully eyed Annie as she spoke and Eyal realized his bring Annie may have been a mistake but he didn't cherish any desire of rekindling the sexual affair he had once had just to gain access to McMillan's castle. To keep Blair at bay by bringing Annie with him may have kept her too far at bay. "Oh, I thought we had an appointment." Eyal said.
"We did." She glared over at Annie.
Annie wasn't blind but was awfully uncomfortable. "You know, George…" She avoided Blair's scowl. "I think I'd like to walk around a bit. It's a nice day and well…" she trailed off seeing the look on Eyal's face. One that was begging her not to leave him alone with Blair Vogel but she knew if Eyal stood any chance of gaining access to that castle, it would be without her around.
"I have the most scenic and expensive landscaping in Buckinghamshire and the colors are beautiful this time of year." Blair nodded towards the door. "Please feel free to roam the garden."
"Thank you." Annie gave her the briefest of smiles and barely glanced at Eyal as she hastily made her way to the exit.
Eyal wanted to go with her but he had no choice. "Well." He swallowed hard when he saw the look on Blair's face. "What do you say, we sit down and talk."
An hour later, Annie was beginning to get worried and a bit nervous, rethinking her quick exit from the house. But Eyal was a trained agent and quite capable of taking care of himself beside that had been some type of history between them. He would be just fine. Wouldn't he?"
"Annie."
She turned to find him near the front gate.
"Let's go." He said, waving her over.
When she reached his side, she saw his hair was mussed and he had a lipstick stain on his collar. Arching a brow at him, she had to work hard to stifle a giggle. "Well, I see she got what she wanted." She noted. "Did you?"
"We're to meet her at the castle tomorrow afternoon." Eyal said. He desperately wanted to get to the hotel and take a shower to wash Blair's cloying perfume from his skin. He also wanted to be mad at Annie for abandoning him, but she'd been right.
"We?" Annie questioned.
"We." Eyal confirmed. "It is part of your mission as well and I will not be caught alone with that over sex shark again."
"Giving up the fight and I thought it would make you happy to have a rich woman make advances toward you." Annie started laughing as they climbed into his car and drove away.