Damn.
He slips two long picks from his pocket. Theyโve always held a bit of luck for him.
Long seconds tick by before the lock yields to his touch, and once inside, he faces another dilemma.
๐ฒ the damn roomโs full of computers. Which oneโs our lucky lady?
His lips stay curved in a sly grin as he watches the expert way she draws attention without ๐ฅ๐ณ๐ข๐ธ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ข๐ต๐ต๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ.
Upstairs, the corridors are quiet and empty. His footfalls are muted on the plush carpet as heads to the furthest door, which isโ
Locked.
++
Making his way through the crowd, he grabbed a drink from a waiterโs tray. He felt out of practice, unsteady โ but as he glanced back at his accomplice, his confidence slid back into place.
This would be a piece of cake.
โDiscreet? Hmโฆโ
As the coordinates slip into one pocket, he produces a bundle of small, red cylinders with the other, holding it out to her.
โGuess that makes you the distraction then.โ
โWhy didnโt ya say so, darlinโ?โ
As he makes the final adjustments, he realizes - tux fits him like a glove.
โYou been payinโ closer attention than I thoughtโฆโ
The mention of the police stops his growing grin in its tracks.
โCallinโ the police on someone just for having a good time and listeninโ to a little music? This is startinโ to soundless like an โinvestmentโ and more like an โextortionโโฆโ
โWell, see. . . I was thinking you could invest in the company of me by buying me these shoes. And in return, I wonโt report you to the police for blasting your music so loud.โ
โI think thatโs a win-win.โ
The tops of his ears redden slightly as she turns on the charm. He fights the smile that aches to spread across his face.
โUh, shoes?โ He glances at the screen. โNot sure Iโd have the occasion to wear โem, but tell me more โbout this little opportunity of yours.โ
โActually, I do. . .โ she glides closer, chest out, charming smile locked in place.
โI have an investment opportunity Iโd like to propose.โ
She pulls out her phone and shows him a photo.
โHow do you feel about shoes?โ
โAcquired, actually.โ
He bites back a smile, sugar-scented memories of a racetrack smoldering in the back of his mind.
โBut yeah, I supplement my income when the job feels right. Or fun. You got somethinโ for me?โ