Perfect Heist

Chapter Six

Serena turned up for work the following Tuesday wearing a Giorgio Armani suit she had bought from Harrods. She'd been tempted to go to Harris and Wilkins, but the girls in the Perfume Department would have shunned her and there was always a chance she might run into Manager Burrows who would throw her out. She looked gorgeous in it. The material was soft and feminine, a light yellow colour, and followed her shapely curves in an elegant fashion. Underneath she wore a pale pink silk blouse that perfectly complimented the expensive suit and her flawless skin colour. I'm certainly turning heads down here she thought as she noted the admiring looks from the men in the lift. She also noticed the women around her were just as elegantly dressed and silently thanked Percy for inspiring her to change her look.

It was nine o'clock on the dot when she entered the Med-Equip suite and the others were already in Percy's office, waiting for her to arrive.

"Good morning, Serena and welcome to Med-Equip," Joey called, smiling and beckoning. "We have a quick staff meeting."

Nico stood up and pulled out a chair for her, the Frenchwoman staring as she brushed pass her with just a terse nod of greeting. Percy waited patiently for Serena to settle down and then leaned back in his swivel chair with one leg crossed over the other. This was his familiar pose and Serena liked him for it. He looked relaxed and casual, but powerful and in control at the same time. "Right, then," he said. "You've met the new member of our team already, so no need for further introductions. Let's just say - welcome, Serena."

"Thank you, Mr James."

"Again, please. That's too formal now you're part of the team."

"Thank you, Percy."

"That's better. Right, let's get down to business. We have a job coming up in Paris, but the details aren't fully established yet so we'll leave this for now. Main business of the day is to discuss Serena's training. What are your thoughts?"

"I'll see to her fitness," Joey said quickly.

"Bien sur!" Brie muttered quietly.

"Sorry, Brie, did you say something?" asked Percy.

"I said of course he will look after the girl's fitness. He's good at that sort of thing - or so he thinks."

Joey just laughed at Brie's comment, but the others scowled at her. As a pro, she should know better than to allow her personal feelings to come before business. "Shall we continue?" Percy said. "It's vitally important Serena is brought up to speed on all aspects of our work so she won't make a mistake and jeopardise us all."

There were murmurs of agreement at this and Nico held his hand up like a schoolboy. "I shall train her to defend herself physically and with a gun!"

"And you, Brie?" Joey queried.

"I'll run through the subtle arts of deception and seduction, but I don't suspect she'll need much training in such matters."

Percy gave an irritated sigh, but said nothing more. "Any other business?"

"Yes," said Joey. "We still don't have a name for ourselves."

Percy nodded in agreement. "We need a name that's unique and original, something short and defines who we are. We'll only ever use it with each other. You're a fresh mind. Do you have any thoughts?"

Serena felt the panic rising up her throat. Fucking hell! How am I supposed to come up with this at a moment's notice? I'll look stupid if I don't say anything and still look stupid if I say something rubbish. You bastard, Percy. It's bad enough getting put down by Brie, but not you too! Serena shook her head and gave her sweetest smile. "I can't think of anything right now. But leave it with me. I'll come up with something that'll blow you away."