Chapter Two

"Platinum Edition Studios opened it's doors for the first time in a month today. Chief Executive Officer Carlos Garcia released a statement last week on the company's intent to continue operations as soon as possible. A statement from the company's public relations department confirmed that they are resuming their current projects and looking forward to new endeavours. Armando Garcia, the late CEO, passed one month ago, and was laid to rest in Las Vegas, Nevada. Artists, directors, and actors all over the world expressed their heartfelt sympathies to the family…."

The television in the main media room droned on, the reporter's words fading into the background as James glanced down at his laptop. He was reading an article similar to what the woman was reporting, and scrolled down to the bottom, where an image of the new CEO, Carlos Garcia, smiling up at him. Closing the lid of his computer, James tossed it onto the seat next to him on the white leather couch. He pulled himself up from his position and glanced around his home.

He was in the media room of the mansion he shared with his three friends. The white couch stood in the center of the room and a stark white shag carpet billowed from the floor. The marble tile underneath was a cream color, speckled with pale gray spots. The walls were covered in expensive artwork, except for one where the far wall was completely covered in picture frames. They consisted of his, Kendall's, and Logan's family, as well of memoirs from their history. From where he stood, James could see a cluster of photos of all his past cons. Four of them, three women and a man, were his ex-spouses. The rest were old girlfriends, boyfriends, and fiances that he had managed to swindle. The sight of them made pride swell in his chest and he turned away, a cocky smile on his face.

He padded out of the room through a tall archway, into a large foyer where a similar white couch stood against a wall. The marble floor was the same here, but there wasn't any fluffy carpeting. Two sets of stairs stretched up on either side of the foyer, meeting at the top in a mezzanine that branched up to the second floor. A large, crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, swaying slightly as the air conditioning kicked on. Through the windows by the front door, James could see the long driveway that lead down to a wrought iron gate.

Making his way across the foyer, James passed through another archway into the kitchen. There, he saw Logan standing near the stove, cooking something that James was too far to see. An appetizing scent wafted through the air, and James felt his stomach rumble. Usually, people in their gated community would hire cooks to make their meals, but Logan prefered to make his own.

"What are you cooking?" James inquired, sliding into a seat beside the island that stood in the middle of the kitchen.

"Beijing Beef and Pepper stir-fry." Logan answered without looking up. James watched as he picked up a bottle of seasoning and shook it into the pan.

"The company opened up today."

"What company?" Logan asked, looking up to eye James with one eyebrow raised.

"Platinum Edition Studios." James replied, rolling his eyes. "You know, Carlos' company?"

Logan scoffed, "I know what the 'Studios is, thank you James. You just were a bit vague."

Before James could retort, Kendall walked through the archway from the foyer, narrowing his eyes at the two boys arguing in front of him. "What is it now?" He asked, tossing his keys onto the counter next to James. Not waiting for a response, he shuffled past the island and peered into the pan where Logan's stir fry was cooking. He reached in, grabbing a piece of pepper, and diving out of the way before Logan could swat him away.

"It's not done yet, Kendall!" He snapped, "If you take stuff out, there won't be anything left."

"Relax," Kendall laughed, slipping into a chair beside James who watched them with an amused look, "It was just one pepper."

"I hope you guys are hungry," Logan continued, sounding half annoyed, half amused. "I made enough for all three of us."

"You two can dine alone tonight, I have other plans." James replied, "Sorry, Logan. It sure does look good, though."

"What kind of plans?" Kendall asked as Logan shrugged, turning back to the pan and stirring the food before it could burn.

"I've got a date."

Logan and Kendall both paused, looking up at James with identical accusing looks. "Already? Give us a chance, will you?" Logan complained.

"You can't expect to win by standing here cooking all day." James laughed, "If I'm going to be the victor in this bet I have to get my foot in the door as soon as possible."

"Yes, we know your plan. You've only told us about it every day for the past month."

"Well, what's your plan, Logan?"

The raven-haired man didn't look up from the pan as he pondered James' question. He stirred for a few moments in silence, before finally breaking it to explain. "My best persona has always been a doctor. Remember that time I squeezed every last penny out of the McFaulken family? Their old matriarch was on her deathbed for weeks."

"A doctor?" James interrupted before he could continue. He remembered the escapade with the McFaulken family as well as if it had happened just last month. Logan's target had originally been Tyler McFaulken, a popular senator who was always in the media for flaunting his money every chance he got. Before Logan got to him, McFaulken had three mansions and several vacation homes all over the country, a private jet, a yacht, and even starred in a reality show featuring him, his wife, and his five daughters.

It was when a massive news story came out about McFaulken's mother being ill that Logan really saw his chance. Logan was always good at posing as doctors, lawyers, executives - anything to trick rich people into trusting him. He approached McFaulken, armed with several medical references and three college degrees in medical school. He was so convincing, McFaulken dropped doctors who he'd trusted for years to put his mother in Logan's care. It wasn't a complete hoax, after all, Logan did have a medical doctorate in family medicine. Becoming a doctor was his original career path, until he discovered the wonders of being a con-artist. Now that he lived this life, he could be a doctor and make tons of money - more than other doctors, anyway.

Logan cared for McFaulken's mother for weeks, prolonging her death and charging the senator tenfold in medical expenses, until the old woman finally kicked the bucket. By the time of her funeral, the senator was broke and Logan was millions of dollars richer. Thanks to one of the best lawyers money could afford, the media never heard a squeak about Logan's con, and the senator had been silenced with a gag order against ever bringing attention to it. James had to admit he was impressed by Logan's success in the field - but that didn't mean he was the best. Logan had to study for years to become who he was today. James never had to lift a finger.

He cleared his throat before continuing, "I don't know how you'll get very far by being a doctor. Carlos is in perfect health and his dad's already dead."

Logan exchanged a knowing glance with Kendall, but James didn't have time to question it. The clock was getting closer to when he had to be on his date. Standing up from his chair, he whisked past Logan, picking a piece of steak from the pan. He ignored Logan's angry protests as he slipped out of the kitchen and into the lobby. His keys hung on a rack beside the front door, labeled with a bull on the keypad. Pushing open the front door, he stepped into the evening sun with his eyes narrowed.

The front driveway circled around the front of the house, with a well maintained garden in the center. A statue of a roman goddess stood among the flowers, peering at the house as though admiring it. James padded down the front steps and headed towards a car so white that it dazzled even in the weak sunlight. When he pulled on the door on the driver's side, he stepped back to watch it raise up instead of open sideways. Perks of owning an expensive car - no need to worry about scratching it on things nearby. He climbed into the driver's seat and smiled when the engine roared to life. He valued a lot of things in his life - but his Lamborghini was at the top of the list.

Pulling away from the driveway, James couldn't help but feel confident that he was getting closer to the prize.

Soft, elevator type music played in the lobby that James walked in to. The air was chilly, but not uncomfortable, and he couldn't help but admire the interior design. A few abstract paintings lined the walls, and hundreds of awards and platinum records were displayed around them. Letting the door close behind him, James stepped farther into the room and quickly identified the front desk, where a young woman with a tight ponytail and glasses sat at a computer.

This was Platinum Edition Studios. To be honest, James had never been to the actual studio before. He'd read about it in magazines and seen pictures, but being there was a different experience altogether. As he made his way towards the receptionist, he noticed that behind her was a waterfall built into the wall. Stones lined the bottom of it, right behind the woman's chair, and the water slipped gently over them. Through the sheet of water, James could barely make out the hallway beyond, that branched off into several offices and recording studios.

As he drew nearer, the woman looked up and smiled. She was young, maybe eighteen or nineteen, and had a very friendly face. "Hello, there!" She greeted him, "Can I help you?"

"Yes, you can." James leaned against the counter, clearing his throat when he realized he was about to flirt with her. He couldn't afford to get sidetracked - not now anyway. His first priority was Carlos. "Is Mr. Garcia in?"

The woman nodded, "Yes. Do you have an appointment with him?"

James shook his head. He'd already come up with a way to get Carlos to see him - even if he was busy. "Just tell him it's James. From Vegas."

"Will do. Have a seat, Mr….?" Her voice trailed off.

"Diamond."

"Mr. Diamond. I'll make sure to let him know you're here!" She assured him cheerfully, and turned back to her computer, quickly typing away.

James stepped back and sauntered towards the wall of awards. He saw several grammy awards, labeled with album and song titles, and several with artist names as well. There were others that he didn't recognize, but assumed they were from festivals or conventions. Beside the wall was a black couch, and he sat down comfortably, crossing his legs and tapping his fingers on the arm rest. For a moment, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind, that Carlos might have forgotten him, but it was quickly gone. Carlos had asked James to visit him, and he intended to do just that.

It wasn't long before he heard the receptionist call his name. Springing to his feet, he turned to her smiling face. "Mr. Garcia will see you now," She said, gesturing to the hallway behind her, "I'll show you the way."

James followed her around the waterfall display, gazing curiously around as they passed several offices. He heard music coming through the walls of a room labeled "STUDIO," but didn't have a chance to stop and listen as he followed the woman through a maze of hallways and offices. She finally stopped outside a silver doored elevator, and pressed the "up" arrow. She turned to smile at him as she waited for the elevator to arrive. From the lobby, James heard a phone start to ring, and the woman glanced in the direction reluctantly.

"I'm sure I can find my way if you give me directions." James offered.

The woman gave him a relieved look, "Take the elevator to the eighth floor. Take a right, go down the hallway to the very end and you'll find his office. You can't miss it."

"Thank you!" He called as she scurried away, casting a bashful glance his way before disappearing around the corner.

He waited a few moments before he heard a ding, and the doors to the elevator opened. Stepping inside, he saw that the other side was glass, and overlooked the city. He pressed the large button labeled "8" and stepped back to admire the view. It wasn't often that he took a moment to actually stop and look at the city he lived in. The Platinum Edition Studios building was at the heart of the city, surrounded by other business buildings and the like. He saw people bustling along the sidewalks below, clearly in a hurry to get to their destinations. It was almost dusk, so most people would be going home by now. He didn't envy the cars lined in traffic on the street below, and turned his attention away as the elevator reached his floor.

He stepped out into another hallway, similar to the one on the bottom floor. He turned right and found himself surrounded on both sides by glass. He must be crossing a gap between buildings. He gazed over the vast skyline, but kept walking until he reached the end. Glass double doors stood in front of him, and he could see another lobby, much smaller than the one downstairs, but similar in design.

There was another receptionist desk, but it was empty. The receptionist must have already left for the day. He saw a door on the far side open, and a familiar face smiled at him from inside.

"James!" Carlos exclaimed, holding the door open, "Come in!"

James crossed the lobby quickly and stepped inside Carlos' office. It was what he would expect a Chief Executive's office to look like. A large window took up the far wall behind a white desk, overlooking the city like the hallway and elevator. On Carlos' desk was a desktop computer, stacks of paperwork, and a few picture frames. Glancing at them casually, James noted they only seemed to consist of pictures of family, a few pets, and Carlos' late father. No romantic interests, it appeared.

Carlos gestured to one of the chairs in front of the desk, and James eagerly took a seat. He expected Carlos to sit behind his desk, but the man took the chair next to James'. He was looking at James as if he was talking to an old friend, not a stranger he met on a night in Vegas.

"I was beginning to think you wouldn't keep your promise." Carlos said, leaning forward to rest his arms on his knees.

"This was the only place I knew where to find you." James explained, "and I heard today was the first day the 'Studio was open again."

"Yeah," Carlos sighed, looking distant, "It's been a busy day. I always knew my dad worked hard, but I didn't realize just how much work he actually did."

His tone was wistful, but had a hint of humor in it as well. James chuckled and leaned back against the chair, resting one of his arms on the arm rest. "How are you settling in?"

"Fine." Carlos replied, looking happier, "Good, actually. It's a lot of work but it's actually pretty fun."

James glanced around the office, his gaze landing on the stack of papers. With a doubtful look, he replied, "Is paperwork fun?"

Carlos laughed, "No, that part isn't. But helping people make art is."

James didn't respond but instead stared at Carlos. He seemed much happier than he had when he was in Vegas. His brown eyes, once sad and lonely, sparkled with happiness. He hadn't been lying when he said he was interested in his father's line of work. James didn't blame him either. A lot of people dreamed about become a producer, and Carlos was one of the people lucky enough to live that dream.

"You didn't come here to ask how I've been settling in." Carlos broke into his thoughts, "How can I help you?"

James smiled for a moment, biting his lip before asking the question that would finally launch his plan into action. "How would you like to go to dinner with me?"

"What are you planning to get?"

Carlos' voice brought James' gaze away from the menu he held in his hands. The two of them sat across from each other at a table alone, with a white tablecloth draped over it. Between them was a set of candles, their wicks flickering gently, and a small arrangement of flowers. Two wine glasses stood on either side of the table, accompanied by several plates and the accommodating silverware.

They were at one of the most fancy restaurants in the entire city. When they'd pulled up, the valet didn't even bat an eye at James' Lamborghini before taking it away to park. Overhead, a chandelier sparkled, and several others hung above other tables. Quiet music played and the steady hum of people talking added a certain intimate atmosphere to the restaurant.

James himself was wearing a black jacket over a white dress shirt and a black tie to match. He'd styled his hair up for the occasion, and even dabbed a bit of foundation over the shiny parts of his face. Black dress pants and black Armani shoes made up the rest of his outfit, with a silver watch on his left wrist that sparkled in the dim lights. His eyes sparkled as he gazed at the man across from him, who was studying the leather bound menu carefully.

Carlos wore a similar jacket and tie combo, but of a designer James couldn't pinpoint. He'd gotten to used to buying the latest and most fashionable clothes, that he usually could recognize the designer from a mile away. However, Carlos was one of the richest men in the city now. He'd probably gotten a suit custom made, like most high profile people. His jacket was black, draped over a dark gray dress shirt and red tie. He had a watch, like James, but it was a dazzling gold. James could tell it was old, just from the way the chain hung slightly from Carlos' wrist. Carlos had told him the watch belonged to his father, and wore it almost everywhere.

"I'm thinking about the steak and garden salad. I've had it here before. The dressing is a house classic - the best I've ever had." James said, gazing at the description on the menu as he spoke.

Carlos nodded, looking up and meeting James' eyes, "Then I'll get that."

James folded up his menu and placed it on the edge of the table before leaning forward, crossing his arms. "You're an easy date." He muttered, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Easy?" Carlos asked, pretending to act hurt, "You're calling me easy?"

"Well, you did say yes the moment I asked you to dinner."

Carlos snorted, trying to hide a smile by looking down at his hands. "I guess you're right."

"I always am."

Carlos looked at him, pretending to look annoyed, but couldn't hide the smile that tugged at his lips. He was saved from trying to think of a response when their waiter stepped up to their table, picking up their menus and smiling at them. "Are you ready to order?"

"Two steak and garden salads, please." James said before Carlos could order for himself, "And would you bring a bottle of your finest Merlot?"

The waiter smiled and nodded, "Sure thing, sir."

When he'd left, James turned back to Carlos and asked, "Do you have any romantic interests back home?"

"If I did, would I have agreed to this date?" Carlos replied, "No, it's just me."

"Really? You don't strike me as the kind of guy to be single." James teased.

Carlos was silent for a moment, looking up when the waiter returned with a wine glass in his hands. The waiter nodded towards James' glass and gently poured the red liquid into the crystal cup. James winked across the table at Carlos as the waiter filled him his glass as well, before placing the bottle on the table and leaving again. Carlos took a sip from his glass before speaking again, "I've been on a bit of a break from dating."

"Why?" James couldn't resist asking. He'd always been too curious for his own good.

"My last relationship ended pretty badly." He began, "I was with them for almost three years. I was even planning to marry him. I went out and bought a ring and everything. But before I could ask him to marry me, I found out that…." He broke off, as if it were too painful to continue.

James blinked sympathetically at him, though mentally taking notes of this new information. It could be valuable to know the relationship history of people, especially if he was to get them to fall in love with him. Carlos was silent for a moment before he continued. "I found out he'd been cheating on me for two years. Apparently I wasn't good enough for him."

"I'm so sorry to hear that." James extended his hand and grabbed Carlos', squeezing it sympathetically. "You're wrong, though."

"What?"

"I think he wasn't good enough for you." James explained, continuing before Carlos would interrupt, "You're a good guy, Carlos. Anyone would be lucky to have you. It's a shame he couldn't see it."

Carlos didn't say anything but smiled at him in response, looking down at their hands as if he were too choked up to speak. He rubbed his thumb along the side of James' hand and reached for his wine glass with the other hand. As he took a sip, James couldn't help but smile to himself. He knew the moment that Carlos hadn't pulled his hand way that he had gotten what he wanted. He'd found a spot of weakness, and went for it as soon as he found it. It was easy to swindle someone into marriage, but even easier on someone who was broken hearted.

He knew, in that moment, that he was going to win.