At Your Service (Book Two)

Chapter 18 - A Job Well Done

A whole new and different aroma attacked Swift's sense of smell the moment he set foot in the building. A scent that offered the majestic energy and the magnificent characteristics of a circus. All of his sensory devices picked up something different the longer he stayed there. When he thought his eyes had enough studying the various colorful posters promoting the Vanderbilt industry, there is always another to look at.

Swift's ears caught the echoing noises coming from the floor above, a mix of low murmurs and scuffling, followed by a loud exclaim and... clapping? He couldn't tell. He imagined upstairs was some sort of a training or practice room, and that the scuffling he believed to be people performing their stunts professionally, causing others to clap and cheer.

He had to admit, he was curious, and if there was one in a dozen chance that Vicência is in the same building, he would gladly take the opportunity to take a peek of the performers. Sure, he understood that Santiago is a horrible person but if he could be honest, taking a look at the promotional posters of the circus made him somewhat interested.

But, Swift knew he couldn't be long in the building. He dodged a few security personnel on the way in. Everyone other than officials and employees of the building had no permit to enter, except for the few chosen exclusives, whether they were journalists or any other from the professional branch. On the way here, he realized that he couldn't go through the front door, so he did what he usually does: Figure it out.

He looked around the building and after a few minutes of searching, he found an unguarded fire exit in the back. He and Tom made sure to be careful and not trip any alarms to access it. Once the two broke in, Swift took the lead and ascended the stairs once since the fire exit led to a lower ground.

After that, they found themselves in the lobby where the reception desk resides. Swift almost had second thoughts to find another way to navigate in the building before he considered to roll with it, so he walked up to the receptionist's desk, where a sharp-dressed woman sat. He would be an idiot to wander aimlessly. The expected reaction happened when the woman greeted them confusedly.

"Excuse me, you're not supposed to be here." The receptionist woman said.

"We won't be long," Swift responded. "I need to see Vicência Carlisle."

The receptionist's eyebrows narrowed in cluelessness before she fixed her auburn straight hair, "I'm sorry, there is no Vicência Carlisle here."

While he waited eagerly for an answer, Swift leaned forward on the desk. His patient face shifted away when she declined Vicência's attendance. "Sorry, what?"

"There's no Vicência listed on here." The receptionist took another look at her computer, with no results.

Tom who was beside Swift, noticed him sharing a worried look, "No. No, there has to be some kind of mistake."

"I can assure you, young man, if Vicência was here, I would've known. Now, would you please leave the premises? You have no authorization to be here."

"There has to be a mistake, she's listed as a show in the upcoming show in Salvador."

"You mean O Grande Retorno?" The woman raised a brow. "I'm afraid not."

Well, this is strange. "But isn't she one of the performers here?" Swift asked.

The woman sighed, "Yes, I am well aware that she was once a part of the circus, but she quit months ago. Due to creative differences, I believe."

Swift gave suspicious eyes at her, "Who told you that?"

"Mister Vanderbilt himself."

His head moved ever so slightly at her over the name. He wanted to shout in disbelief, but attracting attention isn't part of the plan. That son of a bitch told you that? He asked to her in his head as if he had telepathy. His lips parted in disappointment.