Hey guys!
Didn't want to keep you waiting anymore.
Here's a little update I hope you enjoy!
Cant wait to read your thoughts about it.
Happy reading!
Xoxo,
Nina
The car was brand new, perfect for a sophisticated couple to attend a black-tie attire event and courtesy of the CPD. Adam couldn't believe he was diving such a beauty, but the craziest thing about this was that he was parked in front of her place, for the second night in a row, dressed in suit and tie waiting for her to come downstairs, and when she finally stepped outside the building he felt like his jaw was never going to be able to got to the right place again.
She was wearing a simple black cocktail dress that reached some inches below her knees with a slit in the front that ran all the way up to her mid thigh. The square neckline was perfectly complemented by the thick straps that showed off her collarbone and toned figure. Her hair was up in a messy bun, with two loose strands at the side of her face, which perfectly framed it highlighting the classic red lip look that she went for.
He was quick to step out of the car and open the door for her.
"You don't have to do that. It's not like it's a date." She said acting cool, but secretly loving what he had just done.
"A true gentleman always opens the door for a beautiful lady, no matter what the occasion is. Besides, is it wrong to fantasize about this being a date?"
"Yes. We're working, Adam."
"I missed your professionalism, Burgess. You look stunning by the way. I hope you remember that we're going to that party to stop a crime, not to start one."
"Shut up." She replied playfully as she blushed. "And thanks for the compliment. You're looking pretty good yourself. Got any help picking out the outfit?"
She didn't want to ask upfront, but a part of her needed to know how involved Victoria was in his work life.
"Yup, I did."
"Oh, good." She got in the car and closed the door, leaving Adam standing outside. The small chuckle she heard made Kim even more furious. He had totally figured her out.
"It wasn't who you think it was." He said as soon as he was back inside the car.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Yes, you do. And it was Kev the one that hooked me up with the suit. Who else could get me looking like this?"
She looked at him out of the corner of her eyes, pretending to check the content of her handbag, which she knew by heart already.
"He said, and I quote, he didn't want me looking like a fool at such a high end event." He shrugged naturally, and quite frankly what he was saying sounded legit. Plus, Kevin did have some serious style.
"He did a good job." She said simply and continued to do her thing.
"Thank you."
"Should we go over our back story?"
"We're just a happy rich couple playing stupid to see what we can find out and try to blend into the conversation which we considered has the best link to our case."
"Well, there's more to it than just that."
"Come on Kim, we've got this. It's just a first approach, it's safe and we're covered and wired." Kim rolled her eyes, but said nothing because he did have a point. "Where do you have your gun anyway?"
The brunette just looked at him and crossed her legs looking down at them and slightly moving the fabric of her dress revealing the thin strap of her halster around her thigh. He looked at her with big, surprised eyes and a look of hunger on his face that couldn't be hidden no matter how hard he tried. "If you see me distracted, this is exactly where my head is going to be."
She rolled her eyes. "Where exactly did you think I was going to put it?"
"I don't know. In your purse?"
"Really, Ruzek? Just drive." She was trying not to admit it, but this thing they had going on was rather entertaining.
"Don't blame me. You're the one pulling a Jolie in Mr. and Mrs. Smith on me."
"I'm not pulling anything on you."
"What a pitty."
She started laughing. "Seriously, stop. Let's get our heads straight, ok?"
"You've got it, boss."
The rest of the trip was pretty laid back. Adam miraculously managed to stay away from the flirting and Kim managed to get him to say the whole backstory of their undercover identities and before they knew it they were parked by the docks, right in front of the 'Fair Lady'.
They got out of the car and just stared at the big ship before them. The silence was so loud around them, that they could hear the buzz going on inside the party boat, and the sigh that left her lungs was perfectly audible for him as well. He acted out of instinct and entwined his fingers with hers.
"You ok?"
"Yeah. I just really want to get to the end of this."
"We, will."
Kim looked at him and nodded before offering him a faint smile.
"Are you ready?"
"Uh huh."
"Ok. Let's do this."
And with those final words of encouragement, they walked to the 'Fair Lady' hand in hand.
The inside of the venue was just stunning. It was incredible to see all that money invested in that party, it was obvious for both Kim and Adam that it was a cover for only God knows what kind of sick and twisted things, although, if Aaron Jones was really linked to this, they had a pretty good idea as to what it could be.
It was very easy for them to blend in. There were elegantly dressed couples everywhere and some men that had arrived solo, who instantly became people of interest.
They swiftly moved around the room, trying to eavesdrop on as many conversations as they could, paying attention to keywords and content that could be even slightly connected to their case.
"I think I found something." Adam told her quietly as they both went to get a flute of champagne, taking full advantage of the whole situation to place his hand on the small of her back, and she just melted right into his touch. "The group of people by the corner, they been making comments about the pharmaceutical business. It's the only thing I've heard so far."
"Yeah, I have nothing on anyone else. Besides, the tall guy in the blue suit who came in alone about fifteen minutes ago keeps checking his phone, actively texting someone." Adam nodded to her description, letting her know he knew who she was talking about. "He just joined them."
"He's probably in contact with someone who is much more involved with this, who can't risk being seen here."
"Yeah, Jones."
"Ok, it's showtime."
He held her hand again and started to walk in the direction of their suspects. There were two couples, the man in the blue suit, and an older man that seemed to be leading the conversation.
"This is the perfect time to invest. The product is at its best quality and the revenue we're getting from it is by far the best we have had in a while." The older man explained
"I'm not sure James. You are talking about a lot of money." One of the other guys said, thinking about the deal this James guy was offering.
"Well, you should think about it, Hugh. The income you'll get out of this will greatly surpass the initial investment. Just think how much happier you could make this lovely lady." He tried to convince Hugh by manipulating his girlfriend. A young red haired who seemed to be easily impressed by money, jewelry and fancy parties like these.
The look on James' face, though, was repulsive.It was obvious, at least to Kim and Adam, that he was clearly fantasizing about Hugh's current 'lady', as he had referred to her.
As disgusting as this was, James had just given them one of his weaknesses, another access door in case the investment idea wouldn't work.
"Besides, you don't have to do this alone. You can find a partner to invest with."
"Who needs an investment partner?" Adam asked with great confidence and such a playful attitude that took no one by surprise, instead, they seemed enchanted by his intrusion. "Benjamin Anderson." He extended his hand out to James, showing interest in what he was saying.
"James Saldivar. A pleasure to meet you Mr. Anderson."
"The pleasure is all mine. So what's this business you're talking about?"
"Why don't you tell me a little bit more about you, first?"
"Of course. I got so excited I forgot all about my manners."
Kim was blown away by Adam's natural ability to take on this role. He was a people person and that charisma was, without a doubt, allowing him to put these people in his pocket. "I'm Benjamin and this is my stunning wife, Angie. Isn't she beautiful?" He added that last question when he saw the look on James' face as soon as he laid eyes on Kim and as much as he wanted to punch him in the face, he knew this was the way to get him to step into the trap.
"She is. With all due respect madam."
"Oh, please. Just call me Angie." It was her turn to give him her hand, which he took and kissed the back of it acting gallantly.
"She's the best decision I have ever made." Adam said, looking at her besotted by her beauty.
Kim looked at him instantly. There was something about his words that didn't feel like part of the act. It was genuine, or at least that's how she felt it. Maybe she was lying to herself, maybe it was Benjamin talking about Angie and not Adam talking about Kim, but still she couldn't stop herself from blushing.
"Anyway, Angie and I have been in the pharmaceutical business for some years now." He arched his brows and slightly tilted his head, hinting that there was more to his business than just medicines. "And we're looking to expand our business, you know? We heard this was the place to be, so here we are."
"You are in the correct place, indeed. I was telling my friend Hugh here," He pointed to the man who he had been talking to. "About this new product that we just manufactured."
"Is it good?" Adam asked.
"The best."
"I believe you James." Hugh commented again. "But it's too expensive."
Adam was following their conversation looking at them back and forth. "What exactly is too expensive?"
James pulled out a card from a pocket in the inside of his jacket and handed it over to Adam. "Oh, that is quite a big figure."
"It's worth every penny." James said with a smug smile on his face.
"What do you think honey?" Adam showed the card to Kim and waited for her response, although he knew what the answer was going to be.
"Yes. It's a lot."
"See, James? I'm not the only one who thinks that." Kim was interrupted by Hugh, but she quickly jumped back into the conversation.
"But, if it's worth it. I mean, imagine what the revenue will be if this is the investment." She looked at her partner, acting like James had already sold the offer to her.
"Beautiful and smart. This woman is a real threat to the business world." James joked and everyone else followed, because they felt almost forced to.
"See, best decision I ever made." Adam replied, hugging her by the waist and pulling her closer to him before placing a kiss on her cheek. "Please don't take this the wrong way James, but I think you can understand that we would like to check the quality of the product before we actually make the investment."
"That is a very sensible thing to do, Benjamin." James looked around and set his eyes on the man with the blue suit. "Oscar." At the mention of his name, Oscar took his phone out and immediately started typing. "My partner can set up a little exhibit for this lovely couple to see the goods if you want."
"That sounds great." Kim answered in a soft purring voice, before Oscar walked closer to James and showed him his phone, nodding at him after he read the message on the screen.
"You are in luck. Our source is currently in town and would love to show you the product."
"Great. When?" Adam said, excited.
"We can have everything ready in two nights from now. There is a wide range of merchandise to choose from if you decide that our best product is not the best option for you."
"Sounds perfect, right hun?" Kim commented again, getting a nod from Adam as an answer. "Do we contact you to get the details?"
"No, we will contact you." Replied James, who quickly was handed a business card by Adam.
"We will be waiting for your message." Adam shook James' hand again and looked at Hugh. "Think about it man, if I were you I wouldn't want to miss out."
"Ben, leave him alone. He will get there. And you can always reach us if you want to partner up with us. We are always looking for new investors."
"I love your attitude." James spoke again, holding Kim's hand now. "I think we will make great business together." He kissed her hand before they turned to leave. "We'll be in contact."
Kim walked away swaying her hips, knowing that James would be looking at her.
"That went well." She said naturally. "Did you also think the source in town could be Aaron?"
"Totally. We're really close, Angie." He joked.
"Oh yeah Ben."
"Ten more minutes and then we leave?"
She froze, not answering her question. "No, we need to go now."
"It's going to be a bit obvious."
"You don't understand. We have to go now."
"Why?"
"I know that guy." She gently nodded to the left.
"The one that's walking over here?"
"Yes that one. He can't see me here. it could blow our cover." She was getting nervous and started to tug on his hand to get him moving.
"Ok. Ok." He started to look for the way out. "The door is too far away, he could see us."
"Shit."
"Don't worry. I've got you." The man was getting closer to them and he was running out of ideas, although there was one that he knew was not not going to fail. He closed the space between them, snaking his arm around her waist moving her closer to the wall and blocking the view to make sure her identity was safe and protected, before he crashed his lips to hers in a passionate but classy kiss.
