The Paparazzo with a Secret

Chapter 3

I breathed in through my nose, held it for a few seconds, and let it all out in a huff. I was in the room where the rumoured transaction was going to take place in, dressed inconspicuously. I fiddled with my viewfinder, casually glancing at my wristwatch. Still twenty minutes to go...

The gaming house was impressive, but the security of the top notch gaming house was an utter disappointment. It was no wonder there were so many dealings going on here, a perfect place to keep a nest, really.

Footsteps alerted me of the 'guests' that I would soon receive. I felt a smile growing. "It's comin',"

•—•☆•—•

Kevin strode through the halls of the casino, Luke just a step behind him. "How long has it been since this casino has been built?"

"It's nearing its 50th anniversary, your Highness," Luke informed dutifully.

Kevin nodded, seemingly bored of the trip. "It's been kept well despite its 50 years,"

He had come down for a personal inspection, one of his usual rounds in order for him to keep in touch with the ordinary citizens. It hadn't been long since he was announced as the next successor of the Liberty Crown, maybe three years at most yet he preferred this over being cooped up in the Palace.

His ears perked at the sound of voices coming down the hall but before he was able to go look at the problem, someone had already hurtled around the corner. Unfortunately, they couldn't stop in time and slammed against the wall with a grunt. "I'll be lucky if I got scot free outta this one,"

Kevin's eyes widened as the person looked up at them, he noticed that they had been holding something in their arms. To his surprise and caution, they got up and hobbled over to him. It was only when he managed to take a good look at their face did he discern that she was definitely a woman in the male uniform. She pointed a finger at him. "Ya can tell them I went that way,"

She pointed down the hall, before he could ask why she made her way over to Luke. "Stand with yer back facin' the wall an' don't move, got it?"

Without waiting for a reply she forcefully adjusted Luke and slid behind him, her back against his. Both Kevin and Luke were left perplexed at who the woman with an attitude was. Though it didn't take long for her pursuers to catch up.

One of them noticed Kevin and gave a hasty bow. "Y-Your Highness, it's a pleasure to meet you here,"

Kevin nodded, noticing how ragged their breathing was. "Have you lot been practicing your marathon skills?"

They all paled. The first man spoke up again, giving out a strained laugh. "G-Good one, your Highness, we were looking for a newbie, he's running late and the Boss doesn't forgive tardiness, see,"

Kevin gave a sniff, pointing down the hall. "I believe he ran down the hall,"

"Many thanks, your Highness!" With that all of them sprinted down the hall.

Kevin turned towards Luke who stepped aside to reveal the very person they were hiding. He raised a brow at the nonchalant attitude she held. She gave a nod to each of them before walking towards the opposite direction. Kevin found it in him to grab her wrist, stopping her. "Who are you?"

Her hazel eyes met his green ones gallantly. She tilted her head as if thinking of something before gesturing towards her outfit. "As ya can see, I'm an employee,"

She continued. "An' since ya seem ta be up there, listen ta my complaint, will ya?"

"Complaint?" Kevin repeated with a frown.

The woman shrugged. "Yer security sucks, maggots like the ones b'fore pop up every time,"

Letting go of the camera to dangle around her neck, she reached into her pocket to take out a small ziploc with fine white powder and handed it over to Kevin. Replacing her hand with the small packet. "They're everywhere, maggots that is,"

She continued to walk before stopping and pointing at Kevin without any fear. "Jus' in case, that candy ain't for eatin'!"

With that she walked off washing her hands from the business leaving both Kevin and Luke dumbfounded. Kevin looked down at his hand and stared at the packet. He turned to give it to the head butler. "Luke, I want someone who can test this powder,"

"Right away, your Highness," Luke answered immediately.

Both men returned to the Palace after completing their rounds.