"Darling, I know! It's been way too long!" The brunette is saying loudly into her cell phone with a over the top California accent. "As soon as I wrap this up, we'll do St. Bart's, I promise!" She takes off her coat to reveal an equally over the top outfit and shoves it into her assistant's already full hands as they enter the restaurant bar.
"What do you mean 'he's backing out'? He signed a contract," the younger blonde says frantically into her own cell phone. "You didn't get him to sign? How could you miss that? She's going to kill me now!"
"No, this town is perfect. It's practically Mayberry. We just have to find a house." The older woman snaps her fingers at her assistant, who juggles all the things in her arms but somehow produces a travel sized box of disinfectant wipes. She takes one and continues to talk as she wipes down the bar top and stool before sitting down. "I think we'll do the father and child reunion for sweeps, and the proposal for the season finale. Then we can tie in a wedding special."
"I'm the one who has to tell her, so I'm the one who's going to get fired," the assistant goes on in a hushed tone. "She better still pay for my flight back, she can't just leave me in Minnesota."
The bar is almost empty, the lunch rush has past, so the few patrons that are there can hear every word of both of their conversations.
"Oh, what does it matter? You plant eight new people in a small town, someone's going to hook up with a local. I don't care if they are ex-cons."
"We have five days to fix this! Call him back, I don't care what you have to offer. We need a host."
Both women say their goodbyes and hang up almost simultaneously as the bartender comes over.
"Gin martini and a water with lemon," the brunette orders before he has the chance the greet them.
"Could I just have a water? Thank you," the assistant says almost apologetically. She sets down the three bags, appointment book, folder, cell phone and her boss's coat so that she can finally take off her own.
"I'm going to go freshen up," the woman says with out looking up, eyes glued to her phone. "Just order me a salad or something." She then saunters off leaving her employee looking absolutely drained. "Ok, Parker, he's looking at you so play it cool," Sophie's normal voice issues from the earpiece as soon as she's out of sight. "Alright, heavy sigh, and maybe stretch your neck a bit. Perfect."
"Thank you," Parker says kindly when the bartender returns with their drinks. After he walks away, she turns to rummage in one of the bags and finds a bottle of aspirin. As she struggles with the child proof cap, she can sense the man from two seats down approach.
"Here," he says, taking the bottle from her hands and easily popping the cap off.
"Thanks," she says heavily, taking two tablets and tossing them back.
"Avoid eye contact Parker, look at your hands instead," Sophie coaches.
"You look like you could use something a little stronger than that," the man says with half a smile. "Can I buy you a drink?"
"I wish," Parker replies. "Unfortunately, I'm on the clock." She glances toward the bathrooms nervously before adding, "But, stick around, I'm probably going to get fired in a few minutes."
"She can't fire you. It's Christmas."
"Yesterday was Christmas. Today is just Thursday," Parker says sadly.
"Now look at him," Sophie directs. "Puppy eyes, and little pout, good."
"Why are you going to get fired? Maybe we can turn it around?"
"We're here scouting locations for a reality show and we just lost our host. It took us three months to find him and now we have nothing. The deal is supposed to be locked in on the first of the year…" Parker drops her head and massages her temple, just like Sophie showed her that morning. "It's going to fall apart and she's going to fire me because I'm the only one here to fire."
"Hey, you're not fired yet. A lot can happen in five days." The hand he places on Parker's shoulder sends an icy chill down her spine, but she doesn't show it. "I'm Evan, by the way. It's nice to meet you."
"I'm Karen."
"Ugh, what a creep." Jordan is pacing behind Hardison, putting the hacker even more on edge.
"I can't believe I fell for that act," Sarah mumbles, staring at the camera feed.
"He's good," Hardison scowls, while cracking his knuckles.
"Take it easy," Nate warns. "He's a sociopath, he's been at this for a long time."
"Outstanding," Hardison says disdainfully. "Baby, I know we usually say 'no stabbing', but in this case-"
"Damn it, Hardison!" Eliot growls before he can finish.
"Too many voices…" Parker mutters under her breath.
"What did you say?" Evan asks.
"Uh… so many choices," She clarifies, nodding at the menu. When the bartender returns she orders a simple sandwich for herself then takes five minutes ordering an elaborate salad for Sophie. "She wants the carrots diced, not slivered and is that dressing fat free?" The bartender shrugs, clearly not enjoying himself. "Ok, just put it on the side, and if she asks, it definitely is fat free. Thank you."
"There is no way you're getting paid enough," Evan decides after she finishes.
"Tell that to my boss," Parker replies. "Wait, no don't. She'll think I was complaining."
"Why do you work for her? She seems like a bitch."
"She's a very important producer. She's earned the right to be a bitch." Parker explains. "And, If you put in a year or two with her you can pretty much handle anything. Her last assistant is VP of alternative programming at NBC now."
"Wow."
"I don't believe carousing with local soaks is in your job description, Karen," Sophie says caustically when she returns.
"Alexa, this is Evan James, he owns that huge house we passed on Lakeview Road. I was just asking him some questions about the local real estate opportunities." Her voice is tight and wavers slightly, the act impressing even Sophie.
"Alexa Kint." Sophie's whole demeanor changes in an instant. She puts down her phone and offers a perfectly manicured hand to Evan. "So, nice to meet you." He shakes her hand cordially and returns the sentiment. "I absolutely love your house. Is there any chance you'd like to lease it out for a few months?"
"Lease it? For what?"
"We're shooting a reality show in the spring and summer and we desperately need a location. Your house would be perfect."
"It's been in my family for generations. I don't think I could," Evan replies regretfully.
"Oh, come on. You haven't even heard my offer yet."
"Ok, tell me about this show." He leans back and folds his arms. If Sophie didn't know better she would think he wasn't remotely interested in show business.
"It's called 'Halfway Home.' It's like the 'Real World,' but it's a halfway house. Ex-cons dropped into an adorable little god-fearing community. They get a clean slate, have to re-assimilate themselves into society, make amends, reconnect with family. It's really a beautiful concept."
"You want to put a bunch of criminals in my family estate?" His voice sounds shocked but there is smile at the corner of his lips.
"They're all on parole for good behavior. It's not like they're mass murders or anything. Plus they'll be monitored better than most parolees. Cameras, mics, and, of course ankle bracelets."
"Why my house?"
"We need someplace large, preferably on the lake, private," Sophie reasons. "And, it's got to have the right look. Your place would be ideal."
"If I were even considering this deal, I'd want to be a part of the production," he states carefully.
"Well, there's always room for another intern."
"No, I think I'd like a more visible position."
Sophie gives him a look that is both annoyed and impressed with his shrewdness. "Unless you're a parole officer or an ex-con, you're out of luck. We already have a host."
"No, we don't actually," Parker interjects timidly.
"What?" Sophie asks angrily.
"Mark called, the movie pushed back the shooting schedule and it created a conflict. So, he backed out before signing." She relays it as quickly as possible, then adds quietly, "Please don't fire me."
"That changes the game, doesn't it?" Evan says coolly.
"I've got to hand it to you," Sophie admits, "You played it perfectly." She then turns to Parker sternly, "You're not fired yet, but if this blows up in my face you will be." Her blonde head nods quickly. "And, you….It's not a done deal. I want a tour of the house before we decide anything. Karen can set it up." She waves her hand at them dismissively and turns to her salad that has just arrived. "Is this dressing fat free?" Sophie asks as Parker pages through the appointment book.
"Yep," the surly bartender states without question.
"How did you do that?" Jordan asks in awe.
"Do what?" Sophie wonders as she removes the heavy gold jewelry of 'Alexa Kint.'
"You got him to do exactly what you wanted and you made him think he was tricking you."
"This is what we do."
"You guys keep saying that, and it's starting to scare me."
"Don't worry," Sophie laughs. "We only use our powers for good…now." Before Jordan can ask what she means by that, Sophie continues. "Nate, you're up."
"He looked up Sophie and called his lawyer, he wants this deal," Hardison announces from his computer.
"Perfect," Nate says, straightening his lime green tie. "Time to go to work."