Chapter Four

"I'll give you some advice about the work of money," James Cern stated, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed smile, "if you want to make it anywhere in the business, you have to let people believe that you control all the cards, and that is important in every aspect of this life. Do you understand?"

"Yes James." Rosalind smiled pleasantly, her eyes only straying from the leather bound menu for that moment. Apparently, as Cern's secretary, she was to accompany him to lunch, which was why she currently sitting at a circle table in 'Foliage', one of the most expensive restaurant in London. As soon as Cern had told her of this arrangement, she had sent a text to Mickey to let him know where they were supposed to be. The supposed randomness of the encounter would not raise suspicion to the Financial Manager.

Over the top of the menu, she was frantically searching for the two familiar faces.

"Only the rich can afford to dine at places such as this," Cern continued, "It shows who is worth doing business with, and it's important for the company to bring forth potential clients."

"Because the more money the company makes, the more the staff get?" Rosalind questioned, her eyes wide, playing her role of the woman naïve to the business world.

Cern smiled. "Exactly – and even more for the head of the department."

"Table for two please, by the window if you don't mind," Albert's voice could be heard at the front of the restaurant. Rosalind trailed her eyes away from her 'boss' to watch her old friends be escorted to their seats, the table close to them. Mickey gave her a tight lipped smile and nodded his head in her direction.

"…I haven't ever seen those two before though." Cern commented, leaning forward, his eyes narrowed on the two figures.

"You haven't heard of them?" Rosalind gaped in fake disbelief, "its George Barkley and Nico Harlem: they're the joint owners of 'Global Intec' – you know the big production company. Apparently, they were the first to think up the idea for the iPhone."

"…Really?"

She hummed. "My Dad has shares in the company, a good will to old friends, and they made him near 200,000 last year."

"'Old friends'? You know them?" Cern wondered.

"Well, not well. I've met them a few times, though." Rosalind explained quickly, "They're good business men; know exactly what the market wants."

"Sounds perfect," Cern grinned at her as he stood up and straightened his suit jacket, "You're in for a special surprise, Elizabeth, because you're about to see a businessman at work."


"He's coming this way," Albert muttered, clearing his throat and raising his voice, "It seems our sales have risen by 5% since last month and all because of that Touch Screen technology everyone is crazy about. Harlem, be sure to remind me to use that in some of our other products – let's see if we can shift off those mechanical toy dogs using that poly, yes?"

Mickey smiled. "Of course George."

"Mr. Barkley, Mr. Harlem – what a surprise to see you here." Cern greeted.

The two looked up with feigned confusion.

"I'm sorry…do we know you?" Albert questioned.

"I'm James Cern; I work for Carnal and Change, and I was wondering if I could have a minute of your time to ask about any opportunities you could think of that could bring our two companies together."

"Carnal and Change, huh?" Mickey raised an eyebrow, impressed, "A worthy company in the investment business I hear…listen, Mr. Stern was it?"

"Cern."

"Yes, my partner and I are here for pleasure, not business. We are merely here to enjoy the fine dining experience that Foliage can offer." Mickey continued to explain, "Despite that, we would be lying if we said we weren't interested."

"That's perfectly understandable Mr. Harlem." Cern agreed instantly, submitting, as he fumbled in his pocket. He pulled out a small business card and handed it over, "This is the number for my department. Call whenever you want to make an arrangement."

"We'll be sure to do that." Albert smiled, "Oh, and be sure to say hello to Miss. Peters over there, from us."


"God my feet hurt." Rosalind moaned as she threw herself onto the sofa of the suite, "I have no idea how women can walk around like this all day."

"That's because you haven't done an honest days work in your life." Ash pointed out.

She scoffed. "You say it like it's a bad thing."

"Did he buy the Global Intec act?" Emma asked.

Sighing, she rubbed her eyes. "Yeah, he did. I told him my Dad was old friends of Mr. Barkley and Mr. Harlem, and that they had made him a lot of money through shares in the company. I don't think he believes I would lie to him. Either way, he checked out the company and found all the articles that Dad made. He asked me some more about the company – like the products and other companies that have invested. But I think he's taken the bait. We're good."

"Excellent." Mickey smiled, "We'll wait a few days, let him ferment for a while, before our secretary Miss. Emily Carter will call to arrange an appointment. Until then, it up to you Babygirl to keep him interested."

"You make it sound easy." Rosalind muttered, "I'm pretty sure I have holes on my arse cheeks – he was staring hard enough."

"You're doing well Rosie, for your first proper long con." Ash assured, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She leant into her Dad's hug and muttered a thank you. "Don't worry too much. Keep up the act and it will all be over soon."

"I know, but until then I need Cookies and Cream Ice Cream – anyone want any?"


"Are you okay?"

Ash turned his head at the sound of voice. Mickey was standing in the doorway of the balcony doors, two glasses of scotch in his hands. He returned to leaning against the metal railings, muttering a quick thank you when he accepted the drink his friend handed to him.

"Are you okay?" Mickey repeated.

"…I honestly don't know." Ash muttered, "It's been eleven years, Mick. She used to be this sweet innocent little girl that drew us those crayon pictures, but now…we're using her as a distraction on a bloke that has files on sexual harassment law suits. I just…" he trailed off, shaking his head. He knocked back his drink.

"You'll always see Rosalind as a little girl. She still is, in a sense, but only to us." Mickey attempted to explain, "You may think she's growing up too quick but, with her Mum and the move, she had no choice. That doesn't stop her being your little girl. She needs her Dad…"

"I know, I just…I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with this when it concerns her, but she did decide she was going to it herself…it was forced…"

"Exactly. She's old enough to make her own choices now and I think she needs to know that her decisions are accepted, especially by you. And we're watching her at all times. I was going to ask if you wanted to pose as Mr. Adrian Peters…"

"Easiest role I've ever played." Ash said sarcastically, silently agreeing to the position.

Mickey hesitated for a moment. "I also thought I should let you know…I've decided who should play Miss. Peter's 'on and off' boyfriend…" his eyes slid behind him.

Ash followed his friend's gaze and let out a choked laugh. "You can't be serious…"

Mickey looked bemused. "Who would you rather: James Cern or him?"

"Is that a trick question?" Ash muttered and downed the rest of his drink.