Paragon

⊰❉⊱ 42 ⊰❉⊱

"You've stripped me down, the layers fall like rain 
It's over now, just innocence and instinct still remain 
You watched me while I slowly disappeared 
I reached for you to save me; you were frozen in your fear"

– Red

For the first time in my existence I lied to Paragon.

I was sat inside a familiar coffee shop the next morning. Surrounded by the quick rush of pristine suits and briefcases. Security passes swayed around their necks. A tall glass tower for the most successful lawyers in London.

"I am closing loopholes in my cover to remain covert." I answered in a detached voice to an operator down the line.

"Very good. Please do not take too long. Members do not like to wait."

"Indeed. You have my discretion and aptitude." I answered formally.

"Speak soon." The line ended.

I pocketed the phone without another thought to the elite immortals getting more irritated by the minute. This was direct and insulting but they would not make a move yet. I had more important things to fix anyway.

She finally stepped out of that silver business Mercedes.

Quinn Adams in all her formal glory. I smiled into the cup I did not sip from. She had a leather folder tucked under her arm and a wind breaker flickering in the brisk March air. She said something back to her driver before securing her pass and making for the lobby.

My assumptions had been correct. They took her back in a heartbeat. Talent like that was not replaceable. I left the coffee cup behind and adjusted my shirt under my jacket. A dark charcoal now. I walked with effortless purpose through the doors with the rest and was not even batted a second eye. I slipped my hand around a woman's wrist in the crowd and took hold of her mind a moment.

"Give me your pass." I murmured.

She slipped it off her neck in a moment and it hit my palm. I released her hand and melted into the crowd of suits again. It flashed green as I passed the security gates. The guards had their eyes on a bored scan of the masses. Too many to notice in rush hour.

The lift was quick. Not quick enough but at least it was not full of Quinn Adams scent.

I emerged onto the marble floor of her work. Half a dozen others filed out of the lift with me, giving me the perfect cover to pass by three attentive receptionists. I passed a hallway of oak doors and glass for a few minutes before I turned the corner and saw her surname still printed in silver across her door.

I didn't bother to knock as I strode in and let the door close behind me.

She was on the phone and watching the city beyond the glass when she turned in shock. I smiled lazily before dropping down into one of her chairs before her desk and bouncing a leg on my knee. The death that was promised in her gaze was legendary.

"Yes. Yes. I will be sure to Mr Carleton." She stated flatly, watching me the entire time.

I tilted my head watching her as she paced before her desk, unable to swear at me like I knew she would if a client was not on the other line.

"Of course. We can arrange next Wednesday." She paused and wrote something down while I waited with my fingers bridged. "–ideal, let me check in with you tomorrow."

Those burning green eyes were still on me. "Goodbye." She finished, cutting the line.

"Adams." I smiled.