Secrets of the Solomons

20. Fiona:

*12th September, 2023*

The smell of sweet perfumes mingled in the air. Cologne. Dior and Victoria's Secret perfumes. And I smell chocolate? Weird. The ballroom, however, looks exquisite with its crystal chandeliers and intricate floral arrangements adorning the tables. The guests are dressed in their finest attire, adding to the elegant atmosphere of the event. Men in Armani suits and women in designer gowns glide across the dance floor, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. The sound of laughter and music fills the room. A suitable place for the mafia party. The ambiance is luxurious and sophisticated, setting the perfect backdrop for a high-class gathering. The attendees seem to be enjoying themselves, completely immersed in the festivities of the evening. Not forever, though. As I walk down the stairs, I can feel the stares. Whispers and glances follow me as I make my way through the crowd, adding an air of mystery to the already glamorous affair. The tension in the room is palpable, hinting at secrets and intrigue lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect event.

I make my way to Andros, the heir to the Greek mafia, though at this point, it's clear I am using him. Andros greets me with a charming smile, unaware of my ulterior motives. I play the part of the seductive socialite, all while plotting my next move in this dangerous game of deception.

I smile back with the same enthusiasm. 'Mr. Vasilios, I was expecting to meet you here.' A public facade. I'm only here to end some of my enemies once and for all. And right now, he isn't on my list. Hopefully not on my list. Unfortunately, I have grown to become "fond" of the older man in my own way. "Miss Solomon. It is a pleasure to see you here. Quite unforeseen." Bullshit. He knows exactly why I'm here. But he's playing along, just like I am. It's all part of the game we're both so good at. The perfect social facade.

"How's your father?" he asked.

"The last time I saw him, he seemed pretty pissed off getting led away to his jail." The older man's eyes darkened slightly at the mention of my father's incarceration. It's a touchy subject for both of us, but we maintain our polite charade. "Isn't that just great?" He gets close enough for me to hear his words. Low enough for not everyone to hear. High enough for only me to hear. "One enemy of yours is down. More to go. To your 3 o'clock." I give him a tight-lipped smile, nodding in understanding. We both know the game we're playing and the secrets we're keeping. It's a dangerous dance, but one we excel at.

"Tell me more," I ask. Andros leans in even closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Your father may be behind bars, but his influence still lingers. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," he advises cryptically. I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by his ominous warning. "I asked for intel on them." Andros smirks, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I've got a name for you. A powerful ally turned foe," he says, his tone filled with caution. I lean in, eager to hear more about this new threat looming on the horizon. "Who?"

"Vladimir Volkov." He mutters in a low breath.

"You bore me, Andros. You think I don't know the man has turned against me?" I scoff, dismissing Andros' attempt at warning me about Vladimir Volkov. "I'm always one step ahead," I declare confidently, knowing that I am prepared to face any challenge that comes my way. He mockingly chuckles, "But do you know his betrayal runs deep? Deep enough for an assassination attempt today?"

"He wouldn't dare. You don't know what you're talking about. Weapons aren't allowed in here. He may have provided them with the information that I'd be coming here. But the security of this place is high. Who'd be so dumb enough to bring something with them?" As I finish my sentence, a loud bang echoes through the room, followed by screams of panic. Andros looks at me with a knowing expression, his warning now ringing in my ears as I realize the danger I am in. "Vladimir Volkov," I mutter under my breath as I quickly scan the room for any sign of the assassin. The bullet missed me by an inch. How dare Vladimir try to kill me?