Shadow Of The Prey

CH4. Prelude Of Tricks.

After our sleepover was decided, Dal decided to call beauticians from the agency to pamper us. Laying on tables side by side, Miss. Caine and I receive deep tissue massages—the room filled with a subtle lavender fragrance, and gentle classical music playing from speakers.

"I apologize for how overwhelming this may be for you." I speak, feeling the tension release from my shoulders as the masseuse works on a knot.
"I understand that I'm a vital part in your mission. I'm just sorry I can't act well." Miss. Caine gives a small sigh of relaxation and shame, "I knew I was closed off to others, but I didn't think it'd affect my acting."
"You're doing great. We simply need to act like true friends, so hopefully spending the evening together will help you open yourself up to me even just a bit."
"I think it is helping. It still feels difficult since I'm not sure who Elise Barrington is."

Thinking on her words, I feign a smile as I realize I haven't been assisting her the best I can.

"I apologize, that would be my fault. Truthfully this is the first mission I've worked with someone outside the agency, and naturally others always treated me like the role I'm to play. I haven't made the effort to be Miss. Barrington while interacting with you, so I'll make the effort to do so from now on." I explain in an assuring manner as I reflect upon myself.

Miss. Caine turns her head, looking at me from the side. Thinking over my words, she softly shakes her head before flashing a compassionate smile.

"That won't be necessary, I want you to be yourself. I was told the mission would take months, so before you have to devote yourself as Miss. Barrington, I'd prefer you enjoy being yourself for a few more nights."

Taking in her words for a moment, I force my composed smile at the kindness she shows for me—dangerously not for Elise Barrington. An alarm goes off in my mind as I mentally prepare how to deal with the empathy she has for me.

"Miss. Caine, please address me as Elise." I calmly say.
"As Elise? But I just said-"
"Yes, I know what you said. It's kind of you to think of me, but the moment an agent accepts a mission—they're no longer themselves. From now on I'd like for you to forget that I'm an agent, and only know me as Elise. The biggest hurdle I must help you overcome is to see me as only your friend—nothing more."
"I understand... I'd be lying to say I wasn't curious about who the agent in front of me is, but I see that my curiosity is damaging for my friendship with Elise." Miss. Caine sighs in a gentle tone—saddened as I build the line she must never cross.
"Yes, so please forget your concerns for me as an agent, and call me Elise." I speak gently to comfort any disappointment she may have.
"Well then, Elise, please call me Meredith... But for your success, you may address me as Mary." Miss. Caine reluctantly speaks, closing her eyes as she enjoys the massage.
"Mary?"
"Yes. It's a nickname only those close to me use." Meredith sheepishly admits.
"It's a very cute name, it seems you cherish it dearly."
"Yes, my great grandmother was the only one who called me Mary. Since her passing, I haven't let anyone call me by it."
"Then, shall I reserve it for private use?"
"That would be preferred, but for your purpose, in earshot of the target. Do refrain from saying it in front of my friends—they may become jealous since even they aren't allowed to address me as such." She giggles, her muscles relaxing as shares a cherished fact of herself.
"Understood, Mary." I join her, closing my eyes to bask in the luxurious spa time.

Sitting on the terrace of the apartment—the city emanating sounds of the lively nightlife below on the streets—we clink our wine glasses together, basking in the ambience of the moon gently rising in the horizon.

"So Elise, has it been easy to find your 'personality', so to speak?" Meredith asks.
"Somewhat. Dal gave useful tips, but a target like him makes me question what to solidify my persona as."
"I'm surprised agents have a lot of road blocks."
"It wouldn't be fun if we didn't. However, this is the first time I feel as if I'm staring into a void, unable to even see a speck of dust, let alone the path I should take." I shrug, my eyes focused on the vast night sky that reminds me of how blind I am entering this mission.
"Shall I help so agents can avoid such hassle?"
"Please don't strain yourself Mary, you've given plenty to the agency already."
"But if the UNS hires more coaches, agents won't need to struggle finding a character they need to play."