In The Archipelago's Secret Service

18: Into the game

Eighteen: Into the game

"Are we all clear?" Toothless asked, looking around the room. They were in the main suite, with Snotlout unconscious on the bed, snoring drunkenly after unwisely downing Ruffnut's killer cocktail. The twins were sitting on the bar with the rest and the dragons ranged around-except Tuff who was helping Astrid get ready. Hiccup was perched on the windowsill, trying to be inconspicuous.

"I've got control of all the cameras and access to the security system, if required," Fishlegs said, his fingers dancing over his computer keyboard. Iggy had located him a second computer and he had managed to network them so he was feeling much more at home. "Heads from all syndicates and firms are here as well as at least half a dozen island First Ministers. And your friends from Hunters' Isle..."

There was a thud as Hiccup hit his head back against the window. "Just perfect," he muttered. He was now dressed in a white dress shirt, black dress pants and even patent black dress shoes that Toothless had improbably obtained. A bow tie was fastened lopsidedly at his neck. With his tousled dark auburn hair and shining emerald eyes-and his bruises carefully covered by concealer-he was looking very sharp, though the defeated slump of his shoulders partially ruined the effect.

"We need you and Astrid to penetrate the Casino and see if you can get close to Alvin," Toothless said.

"That may be awkward since Astrid hates my guts now," Hiccup noted.

"She doesn't hate your guts!" Ruff commented easily. "She's just mad because you behaved like every sexist pig on the face of Midgard and ogled that other woman when she was trying to defend you to Eret!" Hiccup face-palmed.

"I am so dead," he groaned.

"Focus," Toothless growled. Hiccup had shown a lot of chutzpah and intelligence at times interspersed with a very uncertain young man who was struggling with pretty much every relationship he had. But a pair of emerald eyes flicked up and he nodded.

"Alvin is planning something on the 17th," the young agent said heavily. "AI6 is gone and no one believed me anyway. Snotlout heard nothing and...why is he asleep anyway?"

"Severe alcohol poisoning," Hookfang growled in a disgruntled voice. "He drank that lethal mixture Ruff made! And he's still breathing! That's the most surprising thing. Him hearing nothing isn't-he never shuts up and NEVER listens!"

"And Eret has to be assumed as working for the wrong team," Hiccup added. "And he's a far better agent than me. He'll anticipate everything we do. He can finger us to Alvin. And he already despises me..."

"Then he's the fool," Astrid said from the doorway. Hiccup glanced up-and gaped. Astrid was standing tall on very sparkly killer heels, her slender outline sheathed in a narrow-strapped dress of azure silk, the shimmer of the material altering very interestingly as she moved her toned shape. The neckline was low enough to emphasise her chest while her blonde hair was swept up into an elaborate knot on the top of her head, coiled locks framing her face. Long diamond earrings hung from her ears. Tuff had highlighted her eyes with the smallest hint of bronze and a tiny flick of mascara, the lightest of foundation, powder and blusher emphasising her beauty. Hiccup rose slowly to his feet, his emerald eyes wide with utter shock and awe as Tuff appeared behind Astrid, giving a wild smile and a double thumbs-up.

"Um...wow...you're beautiful," he mumbled, blushing. There was an sharp intake of breath as Fishlegs and the twins cringed, recalling Astrid's aversion to compliments. She stiffened...and then she walked predatorily forward, staring at him, her face very stern. And then she punched him hard in the shoulder. He whimpered and clutched at the point of impact. "Owww!"