dangerously yours (masquerade)

Chapter two

The train journey was swift. I was now officially undercover. I wore a grand dress with jewels that I couldn't even imagine how much they were worth. I was sent with an undercover helper who would receive the information from Kolenkov. I now have a maid. This lifestyle was entirely foreign to me. I knew this mission would push me to my limits.

Once off the train my bags were carried completely for me by footmen. I was swifty escorted off the train by a dapper looking man in his mid forties. He guided me through the station to the front where the car was already parked outside.

"Thank you, sir." I spoke in a graceful tone.

As we travelled, I watched the raindrops sliding down the window. Rudolph Estafan. The name kept repeating in my head. The plan was already set as to how I would meet him. I would accidentally hand my jewels to him and then he would return them. Easy, I thought. It did not take long however for my mind to wonder. What if he doesn't hand the jewels back? What if he steals them? However, I reassured myself that Kolenkov had researched him and was sure he would return them to me. They are insured anyway.

I looked around at the stunning architecture of Budapest. I had been once before when I was very young with my Mother. I remember it fondly. The streets were bustling. All these people were relying on me. I gulped. I feared that I may fail them. Nonsense I thought. Kolenkov would not have sent me if he did not believe I could do it.

We arrived at the hotel rather speedily. It was situated in an upper-class area on a busy road. The street was intoxicated with ladies in stunning dresses and hats alongside men in dashing suits. I could feel my palms begin to sweat. The exterior was immaculate and the unique architecture was stunning. I exited the car and looked up to see that it must have been about 20 floors high. Statues dangled off the top of the building and in the centre stood a large clock tower. The windows were larger than I'd ever seen before. While admiring the building I hear the maid clearing her throat behind me. It was time to go. As I stepped out of the car the footman took me by the hand. I thanked him again and walked head on into the hotel. This was going to be an experience.

The hotel was bustling. I'd never in my life seen so many people in such a small area. I marched onwards through the crowd to the front desk where a man was situated.

"Good afternoon sir. I am Countess Roshela." I said confidently, very much so aware of my surroundings. "I am to be staying here for four weeks with my maid."

"Welcome Countess." He smiled. "You are to be staying in suit 913. Please sign this and hand this to the man in the suit over there. Here is your key"

He handed me a pristine key with the number 913 engraved in it as well as a small piece of paper I was to hand the man he gestured toward. I took a pen from the front desk, signed the form and off I went.

"Thank you, sir." I said cheerfully and wandered toward the man he had previously gestured too.

"Good evening Madam." said the man as he saw me approaching him.

"Have my bags sent to suit 913." I handed him the small piece of paper confirming my stay and gestured to my maid behind me carrying two bags in each hand.

"Yes Madam." He said as he swiftly took all the bags of my maid.

I turned to my now empty handed maid. "Well I suppose we better get going."

She nodded and we started the long journey toward suit 913.

I bumped into many gentlemen on the way there, none being the mighty Count Estafan I was looking for. I had only been in the hotel for five minutes and somehow was on a first name basis with many of the fine people staying in the hotel. The plan on meeting him was to take place tonight. I must find him.