Shadow Of The Prey

CH10. A New Prop.

The job is child's play.
A week after I began, it's been smooth sailing and everyone's raving about how helpful I am, especially Mr. Cardosa.

He's an older gentleman in his fifties, but he takes great care in his health and skin. If the agency didn't provide a background check, I would assume he's in his thirties. Only slight eye wrinkles give his age away, but he's a mannered-kind gentleman.
He's someone hired by the target personally and frequently meets all clients close to the target, gaining his favour can aide in exposing the reticent Mr. Lennox's true face.

However, the target has been nowhere in sight.
Wandering the company to get acquainted to the building, I've visited all public rooms and peeked into private meeting rooms—that weren't occupied of course— and still haven't seen the target.

Except Mr. Cardosa has given wonderful news.
This Saturday there'll be a banquet lunch for the managers to have a meeting with the target. Their quarterly reviews seemed to have pleased the target enough to host a party to treat the company's supervisors and higher ups.
Regular employees are not allowed to attend, however thanks to Mr. Cordosa's graciousness, he's invited me to meet the other managers as well as his wife and son.

A cream bodycon dress with half sleeves, and a medium v-cut neckline. My collarbones on display for a elegant yet tantalizing look—yet cautious to cover the love bite mark the target selfishly left behind. A thick dark brown leather waist belt, and cream stilettos that match my dress.
My hair is styled with an elegant blow out, eyeshadow a smokey look with neutral browns with hints of rose gold glitter, and a muted peach lipstick to accentuate a look of a confident, yet friendly youthful lady. A thin string of pearls around my wrist, and finished with a spritz of a subtle fresh perfume to the back of my knees, and behind my neck and ears.

The lunch banquet held in one of the ballrooms of the city's Atlas Hotel.
Rolling my eyes to allow the eyedrops to spread, I smile as I glance in the windows reflecting at myself.
A dark coffee brown clutch in my hand as I use it to cover my cleavage, I slowly get out of the car, taking ahold of the doorman's extended gloved hand.

The hotel lobby quiet and reserved, gentle music plays as employees are dressed in luxurious uniforms. Occupants wandering the lobby dressed in formal attire, ranging from workers on business trips, couples checking in, and employees I recognize from the company.
Following the employees, I step into the large banquet hall.

It's nothing as glamorous as the red lounge, but simply emits a comfortable aura of socializing.
Chandeliers, gold accented trimmings, pastel and white flower arrangements decorating the room, and round tables draped with satin and linen table cloths. Sofas placed around low coffee tables, the flowers evident to be the center piece of this event.
Waiters walk around with trays of drinks and hors d'oeuvres, tables set up for guests to grab more refreshments.

Glancing around, I smile at those who look back at me.
Some have seen me in the company, some haven't had the pleasure of meeting me, yet they all seem to be admiring me for a moment. Avoiding glancing at a group of men who all seem to want to talk with me as they sip champagne, I walk towards a child I know will bring me to how I want this day to go.

The boy is nineteen, dressed in a blue and white striped cotton button up, tucked into cream linen pants and brown loafers, he sips a glass of water and checks his sterling silver watch.

"Pardon me." I call out.
Turning his head, his eyes meet mine.

"Yes?" He speaks, a bit distant and unfriendly, yet curious enough to hear me out.
"Are you by any chance Mr. Cardosa's son?"
His eyebrows raise and he nods slightly, his body turning to face me.
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"It was a long shot but you resembled him. For a second I believed you were him!" I chuckle, being friendly as can be.
He smiles and tilts his head.
"Really? A lot of people say I look more like my mom."
"Oh? Well, have they met your mother before meeting your father?"
"Yeah, I guess it's her friends and my friends who say that."
"No wonder they'd say that then. You could resemble your mother more, but right now you resemble your father."
"Oh yeah? Thanks." He smiles taking another sip of his drink.
"Sorry, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Elise Barrington." Holding my hand out, I give a kind gentle smile.
"Gabriel Cardosa. Nice meeting you." He shakes my hand, giving a friendly smile.
"Likewise. I hope you wouldn't mind, but would you accompany me to the drinks bar?"
"I mean sure. You don't want to talk with others?"
"I don't mind socializing, however Mr. Cardosa said he'd introduce me to other guests and I'd hate to make a terrible first impression without him there to help me out."
"Oh, Dad's speaking with his boss right now. He'll be back in a bit. Do you want me to bring you to him?"
Lips turning upwards, I tuck my hair behind my ear.
"Thank you, but I'm fine hanging with you if you don't mind."
Gabriel smiles and shrugs.
"Staying for my sake?" He questions.
"And would that be bad?"
His eyes widen slightly, surprised by my honesty.
"No. Come on, let's get you a drink then." He holds his arm out to me.
"Thank you."

Sitting with Gabriel on a sofa, we chat as I discreetly scan the room, being hyperaware of those around us, any useful gossip and any eyes on us. So far everyone's enjoying work based chatter, and nobody seems to be aware of us.
Gabriel tells me about his studies, about his family life and hobbies. I reply in ways to steer him to continue talking, yet not giving any reply to have him ask me about myself. Everything he tells me is—of course—already information the agency found, and small details of his life that has relevance.

"Before Dad got this job, we used to live in Alaska. Had a home and nice little cabin on the land too."
"I see. Have you lived in Alaska all your life?"
"I guess. I was born there but we moved a lot, so I don't have much memories of other places. We eventually just moved back for a few years until my dad got this job."
"I see. You must have been unable to find good friends then if you're constantly moving."
"Kind of. But Alaska was really nice. We still have that cabin, so a lot of my friends I have now are back home and I go back to visit them every year."
"I'm very happy you got to find good friends." I smile, taking a sip of my champagne.
"Why's that?"
"Well, I can relate to you."
"Yeah? You moved a lot?"
"Yes. My parents always travelled and so the only friends I did have, are here. Luckily though, I kept in touch with them throughout the years. I would've been sad if I couldn't write to someone who knew me well."
He gives a small smile and nods.
"Yeah, it would suck if I didn't have my friends around either. You ever been to Alaska?"
"No. Around Europe, but no where else."
"Well, if you want a retreat, you should visit Alaska in May. That's my favourite time."
"How come?"
"Well, it's always sunny during spring. The sun never sets, and my friends always used the sunlight as a timer to go home."
"Ah, cheeky. Never ending your hangout if the sun's always up."
"That's right. You should definitely visit one day. I'm sure dad will let you use our cabin."
"I was hired fairly recently, so I believe I should tread carefully before requesting 'grandiose' favours to my boss." I giggle, taking a sip of the champagne.
"Understandable, but between you and me I think dad likes you, so you might be good to borrow the cabin."
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Well, he's been raving about the new assistant being helpful to him. I'm sure he'd love to lend you the cabin sometime."
"Maybe if I feel confident in my position and grow closer with him, I'll muster up the courage to ask." I giggle, finishing my drink.
"Definitely go for it. Care for another?" Gabriel asks, signaling to a waiter before I can even answer.

"Gabe, don't be fooling Ms. Barrington into becoming your drinking partner."

Turning my head I see Mr. Cardosa approach, following behind him, I spot the man I wanted to meet.
"I wasn't trying to." Gabriel stands, shrugging as he walks over to his father.
Holding a hand out, he shakes the target's hand and gives his greeting.

Following suit, I stand, fixing my dress.
Tucking a hair behind my ear, I give a slight curtsy to the two men.

"Good afternoon." I smile, taking a step forward.

Mr. Cardosa smiles, nodding a hello.
My eyes shift to focus on the man who always seems to have his eyes on me first. My eyes widen slightly—subtle enough so only the target notices my brief look of shock.

Carlisle Lennox gives a professional, kind smile, yet his eyes show amusement and a boyish coyness underneath.

"And who might you be?" Mr. Lennox questions.