Chapter Five

"Your coffee James," Rosalind rested the polystyrene cup on his desk early that morning, sniffing sadly. She had learnt as a child that she could make herself cry, something very useful for female grifters; a skill that had become very useful that day.

Cern looked at her with exaggerated concern. "Elizabeth? What's the matter? You look as if you've been crying…"

Rosalind waved her hand. "Nothing, it's nothing, I…just some personal stuff. I can take care of it myself – it's nothing for you to worry about."

"As my secretary, your well-being is important to me." Cern explained sternly, "Besides, I can't stand to see such a pretty woman cry." He walked around his desk and grasped her hand, gently tugging her to sit on one of the leather chairs. "Now tell me...what's wrong?"

Rosalind hesitated. "Okay...remember I told you about my boyfriend, Harry?" she waited for his nod of confirmation before continuing, "Well, we got into this huge fight this morning. It's stupid really but...I've never seen him so angry...I was scared..."

"Aww, Elizabeth, it isn't stupid – especially when it's something like this. If you don't feel safe, you shouldn't stay – safety is an important part of a relationship."

She sniffed. "Really?"

Cern nodded. "Of course. You're still young; don't stay with just one person. Finding the perfect someone, finding your soulmate, it's important, but you're not going to find him unless you look."

Cern was positive, from that point forward, that he had young Miss. Peters exactly where he wanted her. He knew from experience that women in relationships, especially one so young and naïve, were harder to lure into his bedroom (or the back of his car). This argument between the 'happy couple' couldn't have come at a more convenient time. So when he walked back into his office after lunch, he was not happy with what he saw there.

Sitting in the middle of Elizabeth Peters' desk was a bouquet of roses, about two dozen of the red flowers. The young woman's eyes were bright with pleasant surprise as she gushed over them, her fingertips brushing the petals delicately. Cern had no doubt they were from her should-be ex-boyfriend.

Forcing a smile to his face, he made his way over to the secretary's desk. She beamed up at him as he leant against the table. "Beautiful flowers..."

"Thank you James. Harry sent them to me to say sorry. It's so sweet."

"That was very nice of him, but do remind Harry that it's against company policy to allow such gifts."

Rosalind's smile dimmed. "Of course sir...I'll let him know..."


"Did it work?"

"Definitely. He's been pulling pick-up lines on me all morning. Nice touch with the roses by the way."

"Thank you. I thought so too."

"Who knew you were such a romantic?"

"Well, I'm full of surprises, me. Like a box of mystery..."

"Hmm...I can't wait to figure you out. I've always loved a puzzle."


Ash checked his watch. He glanced at Mickey and nodded once. The man nodded in return and turned his gaze to Emma, who was sitting across from them. She flipped her phone open and dialled the number from the card that was set on the coffee table.

"James Cern."

"Hello Mr. Cern. I am calling on behalf of Global Intec. Is now a good time?"

"Global Intec? Ah, y-yes, I'm uh...yes, how can I help?" Cern fumbled around on the other side of the call.

"The company is hosting a small get together for the many share holders and investors tomorrow evening." Emma explained, "Mr. Barkley and Mr. Harlem think it would be beneficial for both Carnal and Change, and Global Intec for you to attend. There are some propositions they wish to discuss with you."

"Propositions, huh?" Cern muttered before clearing his throat, "Ah yes, that seems good. Perfect in fact. Um, where and when?"

"Seven, at the Royal Langham Hotel. Someone will be sent to greet you." Emma told him.

"Excellent. Tell Mr. Barkley and Mr. Harlem that I will be there, and I look forward to doing business with them."

"I'll be sure to pass on the message. Goodbye." Emma ended the call and let out a sigh, "He's coming. Let Rosalind know."

"Oh, I don't think we need to say anything," Albert stated with a smile, "Mr. Cern is most likely spreading the news proudly as we speak. Rosie knows what to do from there."


Rosalind stopped in front of his desk. "Mr. Cern? You called for me."

The man was practically jumping in his seat with his excitement. "Yes I did. Do you know who I just got off the phone with?"

She feigned curiousity. "No. Who was it?"

"That was someone from Global Intec. Your rich friends invited me to a gathering tomorrow night." He explained, "I have a meeting with Mr. Barkley and Mr. Harlem."

"Really? That's great."

"I told you I could do it." Cern reminded over handedly.

"I guess that means I'll see you there."

He raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Rosalind hummed. "Yeah, my Dad is one of the share holders, remember? And, as they're good friends to the family, I'm invited by extension, even Harry's coming."

"Harry, your infamous boyfriend, is attending?" Cern stated, almost shocked, "How'd he swing that one?"

Rosalind shrugged. "He's my plus one."

His smile dropped slightly at the edges. It wasn't noticeable. "Is he now? Well, I'll be sure to meet him officially tomorrow then."

"You want to meet him?"

"Of course, I need to make sure my employees are being taken care of, don't I?"

Rosalind made her cheeks heat up. "I...thank you James. It's very nice of you, but you shouldn't worry about me. I can take care of myself."


"We have exactly 19 hours until our special guest arrives," Mickey started, leaning against the back of the sofa, "We have to make this perfect for Cern, make it believable...Ash, I need you to get some guests, many twenty or so, and get the room ready – also we need a product to pitch. Something simple but affective. Sean will help you."

"Snacks and champagne good?"

"Wonderful. Albert, use your contacts to find some real stock information, but with the added information from Global Intec. Cern should be able to see this during his visit so it has to be authentic. Can you do it?"

Albert looked thoughtful before he smiled. "I think I know just the person. Even better, he owes me a favour."

Mickey grinned. "Excellent. Emma, Rosie, you two are going to go shopping. We need something new for tomorrow evening – something classy and elegant, business like. Only the clothes please."

"That was only one time Uncle Mickey," Rosalind objected, "I learnt my lesson so leave it alone."

Emma raised an eyebrow.

"We were working a long con – this Judge with a fondness for young escorts and prostitutes, but not with paying them." Ash clarified, smirking at the memory, "This one was about ten, eleven. Sent her down to get these pictures processed – came back an hour late, sent us all into a right panic, with this charm bracelet and some stray puppy. Her Mum was not happy."

Her cheeks turned molten. "I'm older now, smarter than I was. And I loved Skippy."

"Oh, we don't doubt that, Babygirl." Mickey assured, "When you get back, you and Sean have to work on your act and back story. Remember, it has to be convincing."

"Back story? Act?" Emma questioned, her eyes darting between Mickey, Rosalind and Sean, "What are you talking about?"

Mickey grinned mischievously down at her, his eyes sparkling like he found something amusing. Emma flushed. "Emma, I'd like to introduce you to Harry Lister, Elizabeth Peters' 'on-and-off' boyfriend and Darren Peters' bodyguard."


"Elizabeth...may I ask you a personal question?"

"...Of course James."

"Why are you with this Harry Lister? From what you've told me, he's not the nicest person in the world..."

"That's the point then isn't it?"

"I'm sorry? I don't think I'm following you..."

"I like the fact he's dangerous. I love the risks and his Devil-May-Care attitude. Even better, my Dad absolutely hates him."

"So...you like a bad boy?"

"Um, something like that."