BONUS STORY
Dan Andrews was inexperienced in covert operations. As time passed, he felt a tightening noose as he nervously surveyed the room, anticipating a jump scare. His attention shifted to the unfamiliar secretary, Tara Smith, who smiled sweetly at him.
Rather than reciprocating, Dan observed the woman beside him. She exuded ease, exploring the room with the curiosity of an explorer. Unlike Dan, she leaned back with one leg delicately crossed over the other, twirling her dark brown hair. When the intercom interrupted, the blonde secretary informed Dan that Mr. Burke was ready to see him.
In Mr. Burke’s large office, Dan commented on the new secretary, Tara Smith. Terrence Burke laughed, mentioning that the previous one had become too clingy. Dan corrected the name to Tara, but Terrence brushed it off, more interested in discussing Dan’s woman. As they talked, Dan assured Terrence that Scarlett, his associate, was both gorgeous and discreet.
Terrence inquired about Scarlett’s appearance, using an old-fashioned term that made Dan cringe. After Dan assured him of Scarlett’s capabilities, Terrence instructed Dan to bring her in. Scarlett made a striking entrance, captivating the room with her vintage movie star elegance. Terrence noted her height and requested she spin for him.
Seated, Scarlett introduced herself, acknowledging her role as a provider of specialized skills. Terrence outlined the mission involving corporate espionage, with Scarlett posing as Dan’s assistant. The challenge lay in gaining access to a difficult target. Scarlett, unfazed, expressed her enjoyment of challenges.
The meeting concluded with Terrence assigning Scarlett as Dan’s assistant and outlining their plan to infiltrate their target through her role. Scarlett embraced the challenge with a confident smile.
“Your initial task is to prove yourself indispensable as Dan’s secretary,” Terrence explained, “Then, we’ll make him come to you.”
Scarlett nodded.
“Are you prepared to meet your target?” Terrence inquired, smirking.
“Always,” Scarlett replied effortlessly.
Terrence signaled for Dan to stand. “I’ll inform you of the progress,” Dan said to Terrence, who nodded in acknowledgment.
“Ms. Ambrose, you will come to me whenever I call. Is that clear?” Terrence questioned.
Standing, Scarlett asserted, “I won’t disrupt my assigned job for updates, but I’ll meet you promptly when needed.”
Terrence raised his eyebrows, then nodded, dismissing them with a wave.
“Take care of her, Dan,” he advised.
Interrupting Dan’s agreement, Scarlett asserted, “I don’t need to be taken care of. I can handle myself and the job you’ve given me.”
Terrence chuckled, and Dan looked nervously on the edge of implosion. He hurried Scarlett to the door.
As they reached the exit, Terrence’s voice echoed, “Ms. Ambrose, complete discretion is essential. There will be consequences if not.”
Scarlett glanced back, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. “It’s understood.”
Outside the office, night had fallen, and Dan led Scarlett to his town car, ready for the night and her latest assignment.
“Don’t initiate contact with him tonight,” Dan advised as they drove to the Chateau, “If he seeks you out, don’t reveal your identity. If not, don’t engage. Let him wonder.”
Scarlett smiled at Dan. “This isn’t my first rodeo.”
Dan chuckled nervously, pulling at his collar. Scarlett reached for his hand. “Everything will go perfectly,” she assured, her tone like warm honey, easing Dan’s tension.
Smiling genuinely, Dan exhaled, feeling relieved by Scarlett’s touch. At the Chateau entrance, Dan hastily exited, aware of the stakes riding on Scarlett’s success.
Linking arms with Dan, Scarlett confidently entered as if they were seasoned partners. In the casino, Scarlett became the linchpin of their plan. Her daring outfit, powerful aura, and undeniable beauty captivated everyone, hushing conversations and drawing attention to the newcomer who glided through the room like an angel in red.
Scarlett donned her smile like a shield, seemingly empowered by the attention she garnered, in stark contrast to the insecurities often felt by women Dan had encountered. Unwavering, she strode down the hallway with the poise of a powerful woman.
Feeling somewhat inadequate as her escort, Dan held the casino floor door open for her. Scarlett’s smile in return made any reservations worthwhile.
Upon entering the casino floor, there was a momentary hush in the gambling sounds as the room turned its gaze to Scarlett. With a smile, she resumed her path, and the world returned to its usual hustle.
Dan led her to a corner, pretending to be engrossed in his phone while discreetly scanning the room. Turning away, he whispered to Scarlett, pointing out the man in the dark blue suit near the roulette table as their target.
Scarlett subtly adjusted, feigning casual interest in the room, and gradually focused her attention on the roulette table. Leaving Dan, she circled the area to get a better view.
Ace Hardwood was an impressive figure-tall, broad, exuding importance. Scarlett admired his dark hair and striking green eyes. Observing him behind another man at the roulette table, she noted his strong shoulders and capable hands.
As Scarlett surveyed the businessmen, a waiter approached with a red drink, a love martini from the gentleman at the bar. She acknowledged the sender with a nod and a smile.
Searching for Dan to rejoin him, Scarlett noticed a familiar figure hastily leaving the room. Stiffening, she stared at the door, uncertain if her mind played tricks, until Dan touched her arm, reassuring her. Startled, she agreed to take a lap around the room.
Whispering to Dan, Scarlett insisted on being ready to leave. Perplexed, he asked why. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she replied, “Always leave them wanting more.”
Approaching the roulette table where Ace stood, Scarlett removed her hand from Dan’s arm and approached the croupier. When he declared “no more bets,” she asked if she could spin the wheel. The croupier agreed, and Scarlett, with a bewitching smile, spun the wheel once, captivating the gamblers and earning a round of applause.
Ignoring Ace’s gaze, Scarlett rejoined Dan, gently pulling him towards the door. Once outside, Dan questioned their early departure. Scarlett smirked, “Believe me, we’ve made an impression.”