Codes and Lies (BWWM)

The Arrival

Chapter 2- The Arrival

That Was Intense.

What seemed like a simple task of taking a taxi turned into one of the most nerve racking experiences of my life. I could have sworn my taxi driver thought he was in Fast and Furious or a NASCAR driver. A blue seat cover over the entire back row made any attempts at utilizing a seat belt futile.

"Anquan dai?" I said asking for a seatbelt.

The driver just waved his hand in the air
laughed and continued singing off key to the Chinese song on the radio. All I could do was brace myself as best as I could.

After the long and slightly erratic taxi ride from the airport to the Crowne Plaza in Wangfujing, I was more than anxious to climb into the tub and soak away the remnants of the long journey.

I walked into the lobby of the hotel and I couldn't help but appreciate its aesthetic appeal. The floor was a beautiful white marble which contrasted beautifully with the dark cherry wood that paneled the walls. The front desk was made of the same white marble with cherry wood detailing.

Behind the desk stood two women almost identical in height. "Welcome to the Crowne Plaza Beijing Wangfujing hotel." they both said in unison as I approached the desk.

"Hello I'm here to check in." I replied.

Soon all my arrangements had been confirmed, and I made my way to my room on the fifth floor. It was a decent size, but I didn't focus to much on the decor. I had one thing on my mind.

A bath.

I had moved my bags to the corner of the room and stripped of my clothes while the water began to fill the tub, when a knock came at the door. I quickly searched through suitcase to find my silk robe. I quickly wrapped it around myself before approaching the door.

" Shi shui ya?" I called behind the door

"Wo you yige jiao huo Ms. Wilson" replied a voice behind the door.

A delivery?

I opened the door slowly and was greeted by a young man in a bellboy uniform with a big smile and even bigger box.

I took the box from him and he handed me a large envelope as well. I reached out to give him a tip which he refused.

"Xie xie" I thanked as he bowed his head and was soon on his way down the hall toward the elevator.

I set the box and envelope on the bed, and went to the bathroom to stop the water from overflowing.

I walked over to the bed where the large box sat. It was matte black with a huge white satin bow on top. I decided to open the envelope first. I removed the card from inside and an invitation fell out. The Xing Group was holding reception this evening for its clients and investors.

Dear Miss. Wilson,
We hope you had a safe journey. Welcome to Beijing. We hope you will be able to grace us with your presence this evening.

Sincerely, The Xing Group

I returned my attention to the large box. There was small card nestled under the bow. I opened it and it read.

Glad you made it safely.
This is for tonight.
-K.M.

Director Manestrom?

I slowly undid the bow to find silver lettering written on the top 'Neiman Marcus'. I removed the lid and pulled back the lilac tissue paper to reveal a gold beaded lace material. I removed it from he box to reveal it was the stunning floor length gown with a dipping neckline. I looked back in the box to discover a pair of matching gold heels . I next removed a small plastic case at the bottom of the box . I opened it and found my baby.

My Bi-Tone XD-S 4.0" Single Stack 9MM accompanied with a black lace thigh holster and garter support belt. What more could a girl ask for?

After drooling over my recently acquired gifts my phone pinged. It was a text from June.

Be ready in 2 hrs. Canaan should be there tonight.

So much for my bath..

I quickly hopped in the shower removing the residue of the day, shaved, and moisturized.

I looked in the mirror trying to decided what to do with my hair. I removed it from its bun and shook it out, spritzed it with water, and added some leave in conditioner. Finger detangled it and divided it into sections, twisted the sections, and pinned them up.

For my makeup I decided I'd go for a classic look. I skipped the shadow and went straight for the liner. I opted for a dark plum lip for a bit of drama. Did a few quick swipes of mascara on my lashes and I was done.

I walked over to the bed, and began to fasten the garter support belt. I slid the lace holster up my thigh and attached it. I reached for my gun, checked the safety and loaded my magazine. Once it was secure against my thigh, I finished getting dressed.

After strapping on my heels I walked back to the mirror to give myself a once over. The dress plunged a bit lower than I was used to, but there was little I could do about it now. I grabbed the invitation and room key and placed them in my clutch. After grabbing a thick shawl, I was out the door.

When I arrived down at the lobby I walked toward the concierge to find the best way to get a taxi. But before I could complete my request, one of the receptionist from earlier approached me.

"Um, Miss. Wilson, there is a man here for you."

I walked with her over to the man who was in a black suit and what looked like a drivers hat.

"Miss. Wilson," he began, " I was sent by the Xing Group to take you to this evenings reception. If you'll follow me."

He lead me to the black town car parked in front of the hotel and opened my door. I ducked into the backseat and was glad to see I had access to my seatbelt. The driver returned to the front, started the car, and we drove off.