Shadow Of The Prey

CH3. Preparation.

After hastily leaving the casino, I arrive home.
Home being a broad name. The closest thing to a home would be my dorm in the agency, yet on a mission my home changes frequently.

The home of Elise Barrington however, a high rise condo overlooking the city skyline. The condo decorated by the agency to follow a transitional-traditional interior style that suits Elise. The decoration following neutral colors, the furniture cream and different types of beige. The ceiling high windows of the condo showcases the night sky and city lights in the distance.

Showered and changed into oversized knit pajamas, I languidly brush my hair—my eyes scanning over the hologram screen in front of me.

"You play your files well. Almost too well." I whisper, comparing the persona he had with me to the ones his past love interests described.

Our encounter comes back to me as the memory comes to mind. I couldn't detect what he was thinking or feeling, the expression in his gaze all seemed like lies—his stares seeming amused, charmed, and intrigued but even I can't tell if they were genuine. The only thing I'm certain of—his gaze was calculating.
He was unreadable, not a wrinkle or twitch that disclosed any truth. His eyes were decipherable only to the extent of knowing there were thoughts in his mind. However, the topic of what he was ruminating on, were impossible to discern.

His thought process didn't seem like Elise Barrington was on his mind—they could've been about his businesses for all I know. But, for how much attention he gave and the reactions he did show—I was apart of his mind.

Did he suspect me already?
A man as secretive as him would surely be suspicious of anyone who appears before him. It's impossible that he figured I was an agent, let alone knows about the UNS. A man who focuses on himself—who focuses on 'clawing' his way to the top like he spoke about—wouldn't be able to notice a trained agent.

My phone rings, the vibrations bringing me out of my thoughts.
It's not a simple phone call someone would expect from a friend or family, but a call from the only one who would dare to contact me at this hour—Mr. Ben.

Hitting a few keys on my laptop, I make myself comfortable on the brasilia chaise by the window of my bedroom. The screen goes black until codes appear, followed by a loading symbol.

Soon, Ben appears on my screen. Wearing a navy suit, his long wavy brown hair and almond shaped grey-green eyes greet me with the same professional-charming smile he always wears.

"How was the meeting?" He asks.
"I was able to catch the target's eyes, playing the role of a 'little lost bunny' searching for my friend." I give a coy smile, my tone playful but professional.
"Care to make note of anything?"
"The target made a move and approached. He offered a drink and I kept him company, ensuring I left a favorable impression of the beguiling, Miss. Barrington."
"He's smitten by Elise so soon?" Ben chuckles, pleased by my update.
"Not even a possibility." I roll my eyes, running my hand through my slightly damp hair, "The day a man like him is smitten, is the day Hell will break loose. He's as cunning as the files say and not going to be an easy target."
"I see. Do your best to stay with the safe approach we laid out, but if he does the unexpected follow his lead and play it by ear."
"Understood."
"You're the only agent I can rely on for this, but if playing it too loosely throws you off your game, you need to know when to throw in the towel. I won't be lenient if you risk exposing yourself."
"That won't be necessary. He's no different from the others, so I can handle improvising if needed. I can't break my streak, now can I?"

Ben chuckles, giving a nod. Sharply sucking in a breath through his teeth, he grins—almost mockingly—before his tone changes into teasing.

"Don't let this bet that you and Nova have, get in the way."
"Nova's not a threat. Lady Nova's behind by three, how can I be worried?" My tone higher than usual, portraying Elise Barrington's coy-elegant mannerism.
"Agent Nova can catch up while you're stuck in this one. I would hate to see my best agents in a petty fight and exposing yourselves."
"Nothing of the sort will happen."
"Mhm—and the Cairo incident?" Ben gives a coy grin, his eyes sharpening.
"Cairo was the agency's fault. If you're going to assign two agents in the same location, you should notify them."
"Under the circumstances, we figured if your paths crossed, you would be cordial with another. We never thought you'd turn on each other." He shrugs his shoulders, his expression dramatically surprised.
"One of the main lessons is to never trust anyone. From our perspectives we saw each other as traitors."
"Disturbing a mosque though?"
"You knew very well the drop was happening there. The convoy was leaving with the target, and Nova got in my way."
"Yes, but arguing during adaan was something the both of you knew not to do. The amount of citizens who witnessed your squabble was enough to terminate your contracts. You're lucky I decided against it, seeing it was simply a small miscommunication."