dangerously yours (masquerade)

Chapter eight

The next day took what felt like an eternity to pass. I was so nervous yet so excited. A ball. It occurred to me I had no idea how to dance. I had of course never had the opportunity growing up for obvious reasons and now... Now I was going to a ball as a countess who has no idea how to dance. It would surely make me look like an idiot, however I didn't care. I was comfortable with Rudolph. I knew however much of a fool I would make myself look like, it would be natural. He would laugh. Not at me, but with me.

I heard the loud clearing of a throat behind me. It was the maid. Time to get ready I suspected.

I wore a long light pink ballroom dress with puffy arms. My hair was curled and tied up neatly. My makeup was light. I was ready.

It was 5:55. I was ready to go. When suddenly I was halted by the maid. She ushered me towards the phone. I quickly realised it was Mr Kolenkov wanting an update, personally from me. I gulped. I was unprepared and had none of the information he desired.

I slowly picked up the phone, "Hello, Mr Kolenkov."

"Catherine, what information do you possess that would benefit us? I am sincerely hoping you have some." Mr Kolenkov spoke sternly. His voice was cold.

"As a matter of fact... I do" I said, attempting to sound confident in my words.

"Well...Go on then! Let the information be known!" He yelled.

I hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Count Estafan has a sister who he is very close with and he has previously got into fights over her safety. He has disappeared for the last few days, 'on business...' That is the majority of the information I have at the moment Mr Kolenkov but I am attending a ball with him tonight and I..."

"What useless information! I was a fool to send a woman on a mission alone!"

My blood began to boil. I clutched the phone tighter. "If you would let me continue, Mr Kolenkov!" He finally stopped. "Thank you. As I was saying, I am close to him and he will soon give me the necessary information for our country to succeed."

He sighed, "Did you at least find out where his sister lived? I suppose it could be in our benefit to use her as a hostage. Then he would talk, I'm sure."

I thought for a moment. London. She was in London. Although I didn't say that.

"I did not receive that information."

"FOR CHRISTS SAKE!" He screeched. I could hear stuff being thrown across the room down the line. It was normal for Mr Kolenkov to have the occasional temper tantrum. "Catherine, tomorrow you will follow him! Find out where he is going and report it to the maid. I hope for your sake you get this information!" He hung up.

I sighed. The maid looked at me then the clock. I noticed it was now 6:10. I was late. I quickly darted out the door and towards the elevator. I hopped into one and thanked the operator and made my way to the hotel lobby.

It was there I saw Rudolph. He was sitting down on a couch in the lobby. He looked disheartened. His slicked back hair was neat apart from that occasional chunk that fell in front of his face. He then got up and sighed.

"Rudolph!" I called, running over to him. "Rudolph. Oh my goodness I am so sorry I am so late!"

He beamed. Never in my life had I seen a man so happy.

"Catherine! I'm so happy you came. I didn't think after yesterday you would want to and I am so sorry..."

"I really don't mind Rudolph. Please don't worry. I called my Father back immediately and he was alright and the maid...Well she is always like that." I laughed. "I really am so pleased you asked! Oh yes, here." I said, handing him back the small photograph.