12.24.07

3

Dallas, TX - 05/09/2017 - 6:20pm

I get off the plane and go to baggage claim. I spot my suitcase about to reach for it. Then someone grabs it before me and walks off.

"Excuse me," I call after them. They don't turn around, so I catch up to them, gripping my bag. "This is mine." I tell the tall figure, turning to me.

His green eyes glance at me then at the tag on the bag. "My mistake, doll face." he apologizes with a deep British accent– I think he was apologizing– then hands me my bag. "Your bag looks identical to mine." he chuckles.

"Yeah, it's okay. It happens." I say about to walk away.

"What's your name, darling?" he stops me.

"I don't give my name to strangers."

"Well, we won't be strangers if we exchange names." he smirks. "C'mon, I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."

"Uh, no thanks." I say, turning again.

"Sorry, am I creeping you out?" he asks. "You're just a pretty girl and I'd like to know your name." he compliments.

This guy was an attractive person, but I'm not just going to tell this stranger that. "Thanks, but no thanks."

With that, I walk away and he doesn't stop me this time.

05/10/2017 - 9am

"Hey, what happened?" Barry questions immediately over the phone. "You didn't call or text."

"I know, I'm sorry." I sigh, searching for the key he gave me. "I got to the loft and I started going over my plan, getting more infor-"

"You tired yourself out." he says with a small chuckle.

"Yeah, uh– I'm at the storage locker." I tell him.

"Well, do you like it?"

"I'm about to open it." I breathe out, twisting the key. I use all my strength to slide the door open then I enter the area. "Containers?"

Barry laughs. "Look inside them, Luce."

I open one of them and there were all kinds of weapons. "Barry, h-how did you-"

"I have a friend working in Dallas and he owes me. Don't worry, he doesn't know why I asked him to do it." he tells me. "Remember what I taught you, okay."

"I do, Barry." I assure him. "Thank you. I'm glad I have you in my life."

"You're welcome and be careful, Luce."

After I hang up, I go through the containers. I gather all of the gear that I need and leave. I settle back at the small loft, getting everything situated for tonight. I sit at my desk looking up the address of the Styles' residency one more time.

According to Mr. Cunningham, who did a lot of research on these people, said they have an annual masquerade ball. That ball being tonight. My outfit was ready of course, but I wasn't planning on arriving in it. It'll be a bit hard to sneak in because I can't just walk in without an invitation.

05/10/2017 - 7:30pm

I arrive at a big mansion the same time others start arriving. Large men guarded the entrance as I thought. There was no way I'll fit into this crowd of well-dressed guests. I sneak off to the side of the mansion where it wasn't as crowded. Surprised no one has stopped me, a girl sneaking around with a bag on my back. I walk around the mansion, noticing an open door on a balcony.