Lured

Chapter 3 -Ceri

I slip out of the base and find the waiting driver. I slip into the sleek clean car right on time despite Ghost delaying me. I had hoped to give him the slip, I knew he would add this to his list of reasons to further his distrust of me. Not that it was anything new, but I had hoped he would be different 

The driver took off smoothly as I sat in the back, legs crossed as I double checked my hair and make-up in the compact mirror I kept in my clutch. I sent a message off to Price letting him to know to expect trouble from Ghost , radio silence my only reply and I suspect Ghost has already found him.

Half an hour later, the car pulls up in front of a classy club that typically didn't open until much later in the night, but for the right people was open all the time. I slid out of the car with a brief thanks and walked gracefully up to the side door and knocked. The peep-hole slid open, the eyes peering through squinting in recognition as the doorman recognised me and slid the door open allowing me entry. "Thank you Brad."

"No worries Miss Tamzin. Always a delight to have you gracing our establishment. He's upstairs in his usual spot. I'll have Matthew send up yoir usual."

"Thank you. I knew there was a reason you're my favorite."

I heard him chuckling softly as I swept past him climbing the stairs, my hand gliding along the polished handrail with a grace I didn't often get to exude as a soldier. This was a surprisingly dirtier side to my deal with Price. It was a way not many people could manage to extract intel, and Price liked using me to my fullest extent. Ghost, I knew would have a hissy fit if he knew I was coming to undercover intelligence meetings without any form of backup. I doubt even if he knew what I was he'd be OK with sending me without back up. Man was a stickler for rules. 

I stepped over the threshold and smiled as Matthew greeted me at the top of the stairs with a glass of orange juice. They knew me well enough to know I didn't drink alcohol. 

I made my way to one of the private rooms that had a one way glass mirror over looking the dance floor below. In one if the lush red chairs sat my contact. 

"Antonio," I purr taking a seat opposite him.

"Tamzin, it's a pleasure to see you again. I see you have been keeping well. I missed you at our last appointment."

"Sorry Antonio, I was sent unexpectedly out of the country."

"You couldn't call me?" His silky voice held good humour. He was used to me being gone unexpectedly.

I smile primly and tug my dress over my legs as if I'd exposed myself. Instead the distraction worked as intended, Antonio's eyes shifting at the movement. "What information do you have for me, Antonio?" I ask sweetly. 

"Well, love, the cartels are on the move. One of their estates is opening up for a party."

"Exclusive access only," I guessed.

"Sharp one. Yes."

"Did you manage to snag me an invite, perchance?" I ask raising an eyebrow delicately.

"Tamzin, what do you take me for? A charlatan? A hack?"

"A conman, Antonio. Come now, you are far to devious to be anything other than a conman." I hold my hand out delicately with a slight finger twitch indicating to hand over the invite.

"Now, now, Miss Tamzin, you are far too old fashioned." He pulls out his phone and sends the invites to my email. I hear the vibration of my phone and I check the email. 

"My my, Antonio. You managed to get me two? How on earth did you manage that?" 

"Anything to get me out of your debt faster, Miss Tamzin. I have no idea how you manage to find me whenever I move, but I am sick of you finding me. Have I cleared it?"

I smile knowingly and stand. "Not yet Antonio. I'll keep in touch."

I depart the room hearing mumbled curses under the man's breath. The fox shifter was as sly as ever, and more than once he'd almost escaped my detection. But I always found him again.

The car is waiting for me, idling by the curb. I slip into the back and as I do so I finally receive a message from Price. 

'I know. He found me soon after you left. He's not happy.'

I sigh and shove my phone back into my clutch. I'd deal with Ghost, one way or another.