I smoothed the soft silk over my muscular abdomen, looking at myself in the mirror. Scarlet waves cascaded down my back, a few strands slipping forward to my low neckline. Diamonds sparkled at my ears and neck. I picked up my small clutch and left the hotel room.
I went down to the hotel restaurant. Dim lights hung from a high ceiling, with warm candles on the tables. The walls were ornate, and reminiscent of a different era.
I walked over to the hostess. "Hi, I was supposed to meet someone. A Mr. Lee."
I knew it was a fake name. He didn't want his identity known if he was caught.
"Right this way." The hostess beamed at me and walked away. Probably just hoping for a big tip.
I followed her to a booth and slid into it.
."Would you like me to send over a server?" She chirpily asked.
"Yes please." I said, smiling at the elderly man seated across from me.
"So. Mr. Lee." I said, once the annoyingly hostess had left.
"I can assume you're the new girl Diane was talking about." He said, looking at the menu.
"Yes. And I prefer to be payed upfront." I replied, looking at my own menu.
He nodded. "Once we leave. We can't do it in public."
"Of course. It's hardly my first time."
We began making light conversation. I danced around the topic of his employment. I was hindered by the necessity of him not knowing how much I knew.
After only a few minutes a server came over. I ordered a martini immediately.
The conversation dwindled as the main courses arrived. I made little effort to keep it going. I had heard some of the things he did to women and had only disgust for him. But I kept up the perfect facade, smiling sweetly and laughing at his pathetic excuses for jokes. After dessert I leaned back.
"So, will we leave now?" He asked.
"I'm afraid you aren't going anywhere, Mr. Fascelli."
He froze, the arrogant smile on his face slowly fading. It was replaced by a resigned look of pure terror. His face had visibly paled.
"How do you know that name?" His voice almost seemed shaky.
"I know people."
He shook his head and downed the last of his whiskey. "You were sent by the organization." It wasn't a question.
"Yes. We've been watching you very closely since that incident."
"Of course you have. So what happened to the whore that was supposed to show up? You kill her too?"
"I have no problem with her. It wasn't hard, bribing her."
"I have very few people loyal to me these days."
"I can imagine. And even those you think are need only petty cash to join us."
"Who was it? That gave me away?"
"Your bodyguard."
"He's a good kid. Make sure he doesn't get involved in this."
"I'm not sure your and my definition of good would quite match up."
"So this is it."
"Yes."
"Let me order a scotch."
I nodded and let him.
"So how is this going down? Back alley somewhere?"
"Not exactly." I stood and walked away. As I was walking past him, I stabbed his chest in one quick movement. He barely made a sound as his head hit the table.
I walked over to the hostess and payed the bill.
"My companion would rather be left alone for a while." I said, smiling.
"Of course!" She handed me the receipt.
I walked out, pulling on a coat. Mission accomplished.
