The Summoner Series - Book One - DUALITY

Chapter 21: Bruce - The Strong and Silent Type

I was still shocked to see that we got into the gala purely on Jack's word vomit. But I was happy nonetheless. The plan was moving forward and we weren't dead yet.

We were walking close to one another, making sure we didn't get separated. Jack was in front with Cece close behind, and I was overseeing everything from the back. Jack whispered to us, "Remember, I am the duke, Cece is a respected performer, and Bruce is the bodyguard."

"Why am I the bodyguard?"

"Can you convincingly be an Uzbekistan kurash wrestler?"

"What in the world is that?"

"Exactly. Just be the strong, silent type and don't let anything happen to Cece."

"Wait, where are you going?" I asked, slightly perplexed. "I thought you were going to help with me and Cece?"

"This is how I help. Cece can't court Wages if it looks like she has a date, can she?"

"I guess not, but-"

"Good, then I'm going over to the bar. Maybe they'll have a blackjack table, too." He quickly slipped away and disappeared into the crowd.

"Jack, wait!" But he was already gone. "Dammit, where did he go?"

"Shh, lower your voice, Bruce. You're supposed to be the strong and silent type, remember?"

"But... fine, whatever. Where's Wages?"

"Well, this is his gala, so he's probably the one with the most people around him."

I looked around to see if I could find the person with the most amount of people around him. I scanned the gala until I found a crowd of people all surrounding something at a table. It sounded like someone was holding court and keeping their interest. No doubt that was Wages. "Over there, at that table," I pointed. "Make your way over there, and get his attention."

"How do I do that?" She whispered back. "I've never exactly courted anyone before."

"I don't know, that's a question for Jack." I stood and thought for a moment. "Just act natural, I guess. Don't do anything to stand out too much, but be unique enough that he notices you. And, use the dress Jazzy gave you, I guess." I felt really uncomfortable saying that last part, but if I hadn't, I thought that if nothing else worked, at least she had that.

"Oh, alright. Be unique but not too unique and just flaunt myself. Right?"

"I guess. But for this to work, you need his attention and for him to like you. Whatever it takes."

"Whatever it takes?" She looked a tad worried.

"Yes, just get in there and make him fall in love with you."

"Ok, just please stay close by if things go sideways."

"Loose follow, or else it may be suspicious."

"Alright. Wish me luck." She started to walk over to the crowd of people and make her way slowly inside. I started to move when I felt a hand grasp my shoulder.

"Your presence is requested."

I froze for a second. I was worried that someone found us out. I was getting ready for a brawl and just throwing this guy wherever I needed to get the artifact. I steadied myself and turned my head slightly so he knew I was talking to him. "Who's asking? Wages?"

"Of course not." I let out a sigh of relief. At least I know that our cover isn't blown. "Thomas Wells wants you to see him backstage."

Shit, this is worse. Just play cool. "Thomas Wells? I've never heard of him before. Perhaps you have the wrong-"