Chapter Twenty Eight: The Date*
Marie stood in front of the mirror in her small apartment, making a few final adjustments to her outfit. The black dress she'd chosen was daring—a short, fitted number with a plunging neckline that left little to the imagination. It hugged her body in all the right places, the hem brushing the middle of her thigh, leaving her long, toned legs on full display, the dragon twisting up her leg seductively. Her high heels added a dangerous edge, making her feel powerful, confident. Every inch of her screamed femme fatale, a deliberate move to ensure Kevin was thoroughly distracted.
But beneath the allure, she was wired. A tiny microphone was hidden discreetly under the thin strap of her dress, the wire running down to a small transmitter tucked into her purse. The Eds and Officer Green were sitting in a surveillance van just blocks away, listening to everything.
With a steadying breath, she told herself this was no big deal. It was just another night out like in college, flirting with guys just to see how much she could manipulate them to buy her drinks and drinks for her friends. She's long since matured out of that habit but she would need those skills tonight. Finally, she grabbed her purse and opened the door just as Kevin pulled up. His flashy car gleamed under the streetlights, and the man himself stepped out, wearing a self-satisfied smirk. He looked her over, his eyes lingering on her exposed skin, the way the dress clung to her curves.
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes," he purred, swaggering toward her. He was dressed in a tailored suit, oozing confidence and sleaze. His gaze never left her legs, his smile widening as he closed the distance. "You really know how to make a man feel special, Marie."
Marie smiled, playing coy, batting her lashes as she stepped toward him. "You said it was a special night," she said, her voice smooth, dripping with charm. "I thought l'd dress the part."
Kevin's grin only widened. He opened the car door for her, clearly pleased with himself, and Marie slipped inside, barely brushing against him as she passed. As he slid into the driver's seat beside her, his hand immediately found its place on her thigh, squeezing possessively.
Marie swallowed her distaste, forcing herself to relax into the touch. You're playing a role, she reminded herself.
Just keep him talking.
As they drove toward the upscale restaurant, Kevin's grip on her thigh remained firm, his thumb tracing circles on her skin. He was full of himself, acting like he owned the world. "You're lucky you agreed to this, Marie," he said smugly. "Not many people get to experience a night out with me."
"Oh, I can imagine," Marie said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "It's not every day a man like you sweeps me off my feet."
oh, gag* Eddy's commentary in her ear piece almost startled her. Her hair was down, hiding the bud but so far the boys had been quiet, listening intently.
Inside the surveillance van, Edd shifted uncomfortably, listening to the conversation unfold.
Marie's voice sounded so different— higher pitched, flirty but not when she flirted with him. It unnerved him, but he knew it was all part of the plan. This was just Marie playing a part.
"She's playing him like a violin," Green muttered, monitoring the sound levels. "I can't believe this might actually work."
By the time they arrived at the restaurant, Kevin was feeling like he had already won. They were seated in a private booth, tucked away from prying eyes, just as he had arranged. The dim lighting set an intimate mood, and Kevin wasted no time ordering top-shelf wine and ornate appetizers.
Throughout dinner, his hand never left her leg,creeping higher every so often, while he alternated between talking about himself and sneaking glances at her cleavage.
Marie played her role perfectly, letting him talk, acting impressed at all the right moments. The drinks were flowing freely, and she made sure to only sip at hers, keeping her wits about her. Kevin, on the other hand, was getting bolder with every glass of wine.
"You're really something, Marie," Kevin said, leaning in closer as dinner plates were cleared away. His hand was fully rubbing her thigh now, squeezing a bit harder. "I knew you'd come around eventually. I always get what I want."
Marie smiled, her pulse racing but not from attraction. "I bet you do," she said softly, leaning just enough to brush her hand against his arm, letting him think he was in control. "You've got the world at your fingertips, don't you? Even your friends over there-" she nodded toward a group of men at a nearby table, some of the wealthiest faces in town, who had kept their eyes on them all night. "Even they can't keep their eyes off you."
Kevin's eyes flickered toward the group, a smug grin spreading across his face.
"Yeah, well, l've got connections. Those guys know who's really in charge. They'd be lost without me. They should be worshipping *me*" He chuckled darkly, clearly drunk with both alcohol and power.
Marie kept her expression neutral, but inside she was tensing. She needed more. She ran her fingers over his hand on the table, "And who do they worship if not you?"
Kevin leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear. "Baby, you don't need to know that. I will be me soon enough," he whispered, his hand sliding further up her thigh to rest on her hip, his fingers dangerously close to places she was not willing to go. "But maybe I could show you... if you're nice to me."
Marie crossed her leg, forcing him to readjust his hand, which he rested on her knee. "You think you could handle me?"
Kevin's eyes darkened with desire, licking his lips like she was his next meal. "Oh, I can handle a lot. Especially when it comes to stubborn women like you."
Her heart pounded, she'd had enough of his hands on her but she knew she needed to push more. There lives at stake, she could handle some sleazy groping.
Careful Marie.* Green's voice was low in her ear, *Try to get him back on track.*
"Maybe you could show me some of those properties you own," she suggested, her voice sultry. "I'm curious about what a man like you does with all that power."
Kevin grinned, clearly thinking he had her wrapped around his finger. "I could show you a few things," he said, but then his eyes darted back to the table where his associates were seated. His expression shifted, becoming more guarded. "But not tonight. I've got... other things on my mind."
Marie followed his gaze, watching the group of wealthy men laughing and talking in low voices. "Your friends seem to be having a good time," she said casually. "You don't need to be worried. They should be worshiping you after all."
Kevin's grip on her thigh tightened, and his smile faltered for a moment. "Let's just say... we all have our roles to play." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a hushed, almost dangerous tone.
"For now. Would you like a spot at the top, in the throne next to mine, where I can keep you safe?"
Edd clenched his fists, he could only imagine what was going on in there. They could hear everything but they didn't have eyes on the scene. His imagination was running wild and he had to take several deep breaths to calm himself.
"Don't worry, Double D," Ed whispered, sensing his friend's distress. "She's just playing him. This isn't really her."
Edd nodded, avoiding meeting anyone's gaze.
"They're coming out," Eddy whispered.
Sure enough, across the street, Kevin and Marie stepped out onto the sidewalk, Kevin's arm draped over Marie's shoulders, locking her to his side. Now that he could see them, Edd could see the set of Marie's shoulders, her stance keeping her turned away from Kevin just enough so he didn't notice her trying to keep distance between them. Her jaw was clenched even though she had a smile on her face.
"Don't worry," Marie was saying, obviously trying to wrap up the date. "My place is only a few blocks from here, I can walk."
Kevin shook his head, "I always escort the ladies home."
Marie batted her eyelashes and pouted her lip, "But you've had too much to drink. I wouldn't want something to happen to you behind the wheel."
Kevin chuckled even as he stumbled a bit, "You poor little woman, worrying about your man."
"I even called you a cab already," Marie gestured to a cab perfectly timed pulling up to the curb.
Kevin relented, making show of using the cab so his little woman didn't want to worry about him. Marie closed the cab door and waved it away, keeping up the show as the cab drove away.
"Kevin's friends are still inside, watching," Marie said for the benefit of those listening in the van. "I'm going to start walking home. Wait ten minutes before you follow me."
Copy.* Green's voice came through the ear piece. *Do you recognize any of the friends?*
Marie kept her pace slow and steady, casual. "The mayor's secretary was there. One of the others I know is from that family that owns the power company. One of the kids, but I can't remember his name. Jeremy or something like that."
Johnathan.* Edd's voice now, sounding oddly strained. He cleared his throat and continued, *That could the Johnathan named in the day planner. He's met with Kevin twice in the last month.*
Marie had turned a corner and was out of sight now. "We know now that someone else is in charge, pulling the strings. Kevin is just a player in the network, looking to move up and take over."
By the time the van pulled away from the curb, Marie was already unlocking her door. "I'll get the wire back to you tomorrow, Green. Let's rendezvous then and work out our next move."
Copy. The Ed's will drop me at home and I'll be in touch tomorrow.*
