Hired for secrets

I accept your challenge

Sofie's cocky confidence took a dive when she realized that coming back with that 'irresistible' offer was harder than expected. She didn't know Philip or what his kryptonite could be. The only thing she was certain of: kissing him again was out of the question. She'd rather not have this skilled Mentalist command her every fantasy. This one kiss already stirred an addiction that could financially ruin her. No, what she needed was to dominate the situation and the shady plan she came up with was just the thing.

"Philip is coming downstairs to pick you up," the receptionist beamed.

It was a different person. Did Melanie finally manage to get away from this place? Sofie hoped so, though looking at the new receptionist, she felt a pang of sadness that yet another bright-eyed and bushy-tailed girl was pulled into this controlling society.

"Thank you," Sofie smiled back.

This time, she didn't feel nervous. This time, the plan put her in command of getting the YubiKey. She felt confident. Besides, this was her kind of work. Coming up with complex schemes and executing them perfectly. It's what she was good at. The more elaborate the better.

It was also necessary, because simply stealing the key in the dead of the night would not have worked. Club Elandra was like Fort Knox, located on a sprawling estate in the English countryside with patrolled fences and security cameras everywhere. Getting near it without an appointment was impossible. At least it was impossible for her, and involving more people introduced the kind of uncertainty that always led to failure.

She could have snatched the key during her visit. That would not have required to include anyone. Breaking into the flimsy vitrine would have been easy and quick. The only problem: Philip was always there, escorting her in and out, never leaving her out of sight. And he would call security if she tried anything. Of course, she could have spiked his drink with a laxative or narcotic, putting him out of action. But he likely had a panic button in the room and feeling that something was wrong he'd press it and the place would be crawling with guards before she could get to the key.

No, the only way to get the key was Philip giving it to her. It would have to be some sort of a trade. Like the one he offered, except this time it would be her bargaining chip. One that she was willing to give, yet it needed to be equally tempting to him. Luckily she found just the thing.

Waiting in the lobby, Sofie heard Philip's footsteps echo down the hall. She was excited about seeing him again. She spent the past two weeks thinking about him, not fantasizing about his body but focusing on his mind. What he liked, what motivated him, what type of deal would tempt him. She was keen to find out whether she'd been right and the plan would work on him.

She had to admit that finding the right bargaining chip was unusually difficult. He clearly wasn't enticed by the usual things: power and money. He had both in excess already. And their conversations had not given her much insight either, just a vague sense that under all the luxury and sexual confidence there was a decent person. Someone who wanted to do the right thing. Who realized Kerry was dangerous and was prepared to stop her.

The only thing she knew for sure was that Philip cared about his clients. Not in a business sense, but on an empathetic level. He felt protective enough to spell out what the souvenirs meant and defended the women and their choices. Could it be as simple as that? Find out which of his clients meant something to him and then use them as the bargaining chip?

Her plan was as straightforward as it was illegal. All she needed to do was spy on him interacting with his clients. Sofie was ok with the morally dubious aspect of it, she had done worse in the name of public good. The only thing giving her pause was having to watch Philip be with another woman. Giving her what she desired. Finding out exactly what she was missing out on. Sofie shook her head. It would be nothing more than watching a handsome actor in a raunchy love scene. Besides, there were bigger things to achieve here than her satisfaction.