Chapter 11:

Their "rooms" were actually swanky suites that could house 50 people easily. Grace made pleasantries and acted like the perfect guest until the door closed. "What the hell was that all about?", Sully asked. Nate was just as confused.

"Look, there's something off about that guy, I agree. He also knows too much about you guys to just have coincidentally found us out in the middle of nowhere and to be interested in the same treasure we are after. This was definitely a setup."

Sully rolled his eyes. "Anything else obvious to everyone you need to bring up, Princess?" Nate instantly winced. Gracie did not like the name Princess.

Grace walked over to Sully with a look Norman Bates would have cowered away from, "Yes, Sully there is… if he's interested in the Ark, he done his own research on how to find it. Chloe was brought in to do most of the work, but now he's going to have her try to distract Nate to get information. We let her think she's winning, you'll run interference with Nate, and I'll flirt with Bela Lugosi to find his office. Which means we can find what he knows while the party is going own, steal all the supplies we need, and be gone well before anyone is the wiser."

Nate wished he had a camera with him. He'd never seen Sully go from tough guy, to scared, to impressed in under 20 seconds. Sully finally spoke up, "Alright, you keep the old guy busy, Nate distracts Chloe, and I'll scope out the office."

Grace held up her hand, "No, no, no, no, Sully. I'm going to get into the office. You're going to keep Chloe distracted by running in between her and Nate. She'll think I'm just the distraction while you two are doing the real work. Girls like her always underestimate other women because they're too use to the boys' club."

Nate was never more impressed in his life. "Damn, she's right. Chloe would never expect her to go for the mark."

Sully silently contemplated, even though Nate knew he would agree. It was too good of a plan. "Fine. But if this goes sideways, we bail and head for the safehouse". They all nodded in agreement.

A few hours later, Nate was fitted into a tux provided by Mr. Jameson. The mansion was full of beautiful people, drinking, laughing, and dancing. If they weren't on a mission, Nate would already be three Gin and Tonics down with a beautiful woman in his arms. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Nate's breath caught when he saw Grace descend the stairs. She wore a Black, fitted, strapless gown with a slit from the floor clean up to her thigh. She was a vision of an angel and temptress rolled into one. Nate forgot how to breathe until Sully spoke in his ear through the mic, "Might wanna wipe that drool away, kid." Nate wiped the back of his hand across his chin, realizing it was a joke, and locked eyes with Sully without any humor.

Grace met them by the bar on the far side of the ballroom. "Any sign of them?"

"Jameson's been with the suits over there talking business for about 30 minutes. Satan's niece has been right beside the whole time.", said Sully.

"Dammit, how can I distract Jameson if I can't even get his attention?", said Grace as she grabbed a nearby glass of champagne; Nate and Sully followed suit.

"We'll think of something. Might not even need to distract him if he's busy with the suits, anyway." Nate said with a slight bit of relief at the thought. If the way that guy eyed Grace the instant they arrived made Nate's stomach turn, then watching Jameson paw at Grace for the sake of getting information would make him want to punch in a wall.

"We can't take that chance. We need his full attention elsewhere.", Grace thought for a moment, then said, "I might have a way to get his attention. Sully, be ready to get Chloe away the second Jameson comes our way."

"What are you going to do?", Sully said.

"Don't worry about it. Just get into position.", Sully walked away, and Grace quickly headed to the DJ Booth. Nate was utterly confused. Grace came back and said, "You remember the movie Zorro?"

"Yeah, why?", Nate said.

Grace looked at him with a dumb look, and everything clicked instantly.

"Oh! Shit, Gracie I don't know… I….".

Grace grabbed his face, "Don't think, just move". (River by Bishop Briggs begins to play over the speakers)

The music began slowly, gritty and sensual. Once the beat dropped, Nate and Grace moved along the dance floor in an intimate tango. They moved in calculated movements, never breaking touch with each other. Their dance was making an impression, as others made way for them on the dance floor, but neither of them noticed anything else beyond each other. Nate spun her lifting her at the same time as her leg wrapped around his waist. They breathing was coming hot and fast as they continued. As the song ended, Nate spun her into his arms and dipped them in a low. Applause filled the room, but neither of them moved.

"You two need a cigarette or something?". Their breathing still coming rapidly, the spell was quickly broken when Sully spoke over the mics in their ears. They righted themselves just in time to see Jameson make his way towards them.

"My, my, my, that was something. I had no idea you were so… light on your feet, Nate".

Nate managed a smile, "Well, it's all in the woman of course."

Jameson moved his gaze to Grace, "Yes, certainly. A marvelous woman you have here. I admire that."

"I'm no one's woman, least of all this one. Although, I have been meaning to ask you about those wonderful pieces you have hanging in your foyer, Mister.. sorry, Walt. Aren't they from the Impressionist period?", said Grace.

"Aw, you have a well-trained eye, Miss Jones."

Grace came to Jameson's side and grasped his arm. "Grace, please. Perhaps if you're not too busy you could show me a few more of your collection? If isn't any trouble, of course." Grace batted her eyelashes and stuck her chest to him, revealing her cleavage; Jameson licked his lips. Nate was ready to rip the slimeball away from Grace until he felt arm slide through his and saw Chloe suddenly beside him.

"Spare a dance for an … old acquaintance?", Chloe asked. Before he could answer, Grace and Jameson had already made their way out of the ballroom. "Yeah, yeah, sure." He took Chloe to the dance floor. Thankfully, it was a simple slow dance.