Hired for secrets

Classified

Sofie's spy-game had started. She didn't discover anything new about MP Kerry yet, but at least Philip proved to be as susceptible to her interrogation skills as any other informant. But her triumph about that was short lived. Philip too gained insights. Insights about her, she probably didn't want to surrender. Especially since she couldn't figure out what he'd actually learned. He rose from his chair before she could quiz him further.

"I'm afraid our time is up, Miss Carter. We'll have to continue our conversation next time. Here, I'll walk you downstairs."

When he accompanied her to the reception, he did not hook her arm into his or touch the small of her back, like he had on the way up. The absence of these comforting gestures screamed louder to Sofie than the unsettling feeling that he knew something about her she wanted to keep secret. By the time they arrived in the lobby, he had firmly turned back into the aloof gigolo. Off-limits, yet so enticing.

What a devious circle. It was designed to create a sense of loss and trigger cravings. Like a cleverly fabricated clickbait title, it left her unsatisfied, yet pining for more.

Philip held out his hand to shake farewell.

"I'm looking forward to your next visit, Miss Carter."

His tone was even; it was a mere formality to him.

"When is my next appointment?"

A smirk twitched his lips and Sofie knew she had given away too much. Yes, she was eager to book her next visit. She needed the appointment to happen sooner rather than later. The election loomed, and she was up against the clock to finish her exposé. She realized the story wasn't the only thing on her mind when Philip gently brushed his thumb over her hand in his. She wanted to see him again. This seemingly insignificant touch made every nerve ending in Sofie's arm explode. And it wasn't by accident; he knew exactly what he was doing.

"Melanie will make the arrangements with you. Goodbye for now, Miss Carter."

He nodded towards the receptionist. It was another secret communication between them; another information exchange that Sofie was not privy to or supposed to notice.

"The earliest appointment Philip has available is in three weeks."

It was an eternity for a fast-moving investigation like hers, and Sofie wasn't sure whether the nod had a positive or negative influence on the timing. With a sigh, she agreed. At least it gave her enough time to collect background information on Philip. Knowing his identity should make it pretty easy to follow him after work and find out what this enigmatic gigolo was up-to in his private life.

At least that's what Sofie thought, but two weeks later, she wasn't any closer to unearthing the man behind the myth. She tapped the steering wheel of her car in frustration.

She had been surveying Elandra, either in person or through her hidden cameras, and during all that time Philip has not left the compound even once. He stayed away from prying eyes, behind the barbed wire fencing and safely out of the reach of blackmailers like her. Smart choice, given the power and influence of his clients.

The only people leaving through the single patrolled gate were the catering and cleaning crew. There was no point in following them since they were new people every day.The agency sending them did not know who would be assigned on any given day. According to them, Elandra would hand-pick the crew in the morning amongst the agency's most experienced staff. So sneaking herself in as an extra crew member wouldn't work either.

It was well after midnight again. A slight drizzle created a dull drub on the roof of the car that sent Sofie into a brooding gloom. Another day wasted. Displeased, Sofie watched the receptionist hurry to her white sedan. She was the only permanent staff member living outside the high security compound and it was the end of her shift.