Mrs. Grace Vanderpool embodied the refinement of fine wine. She aged gracefully, always presenting herself like a duchess on the silver screen. Despite being in her early seventies, she maintained a polished appearance with styled white hair, manicured nails, and a trim figure from water aerobics, earning envy from other widows at the club.
On a particular evening, Scarlett joined Mrs. Vanderpool in her lounge, where they perused old photo albums. Grace, reminiscing about her early days with her late husband Vincent, traced her fingers over the black and white images. Scarlett, at ease with the widow, commented on Vincent appearing not much older than Grace in the pictures.
Grace explained that Vincent aged visibly when he took over his father’s business, reflecting on how he saved her when she was in a tough spot. Scarlett countered that Grace never needed saving, but Grace clarified her desire for Vincent to save her, as she was deeply in love with him.
Noticing Scarlett’s dressed-up appearance, Grace assumed she had a new job. Scarlett revealed she was hired by two businessmen, Dan and Terrence, for corporate espionage. They tasked her with getting information about a business rival who was not easily accessible, requiring someone on the inside. Scarlett’s role was to get close to him.
Acknowledging the nature of corporate espionage, Grace reminded Scarlett of her teachings. Scarlett shared the strategy of making businessmen feel powerful in the room to exploit their weaknesses. Grace emphasized the importance of reading the books on the target’s shelves to uncover their secrets.
As Scarlett fell into a reflective silence, Grace sensed something amiss and covered Scarlett’s hand with her own. Scarlett admitted seeing someone at the Chateau the day before, causing Grace to interject, expressing a firm stance against dwelling on past bad men.
“It just scared me a little.”
“We don’t fear bad men of the past, either,” Grace said, leaning in and bumping her shoulder against Scarlett’s like she was sixteen again, “Now, tell me, my darling, this, uh, target of yours. Is he handsome?”
Scarlett laughed at Grace’s mischief. “Aren’t they all?”
Grace gave her a knowing look. “A good villain must always have some pizzazz,” she said, “Otherwise, the story really isn’t worthwhile.”
“Aren’t I the villain, Gracie?” Scarlett asked, slouching, “I’m the one who’s trying to steal information.”
“Well, darling, you have a lot of pizzazz,” Grace said, squeezing Scarlett’s chin gently, “Your parents would have been proud of you.”
“I don’t know,” Scarlett said, reluctantly.
“Well, I’m proud of you,” Grace said, taking Scarlett’s hand, “You’ve come a long way from the shy little girl that I met eight years ago.”
“Thanks, Gracie,” Scarlett gave her a small smile.
“So, what’s your plan exactly?”
Scarlett let her head drop back. “Just keep him wanting more, with a hint of mystery, I guess,” she said, reciting the things that Grace Vanderpool taught her during their friendship.
“What does he like?”
“I think he mostly just likes winning,” Scarlett answered, “I think he’s going to try and poach me from my current employer just because I’m this shiny new thing he doesn’t have.”
“What does he look like?” Grace asked.
“He’s tall and broad and has dark hair. He has the most striking green eyes I’ve ever seen.”
“Sit up and look at me,” Grace said.
Scarlett straightened herself and looked the lady dead in her pale blue eyes.
“This man is your target, not your boyfriend. Understand?” Grace reminded.
Scarlett laughed. “I’ve dealt with handsome men. Men more handsome than Ace Hardwood, I’m sure. Believe me, I won’t be falling for his incessant flirting.”
“You’ve fallen for your share of incessant flirting, my darling,” Grace said, “Or have you forgotten dear old Jack Richards?”
Scarlett made a face. “I was a teenager when I dated him. I’ve learnt a lot since then,” she said, “You’ve taught me so much, Gracie.”
Grace nodded. “Well, you did need some help when I met you, but look at you now; metamorphosized into a beautiful social butterfly.”
Scarlett giggled. “I knew you’d give me the right pick-me-up I needed, Gracie,” she said, “I should go now. I’m going to get some dinner and turn in early, I think. I’m sure tomorrow’s going to a busy day.”
She kissed Grace on the cheek and stood up. “I’ll see you soon.”
“You keep yourself safe, Sky. You know what I say: if they give you hell…”
Scarlett tossed her perfectly styled brown hair over her shoulder. “Show them you’re no angel.”
Both women laughed and Scarlett walked out of Grace’s massive townhouse. She crossed the street on to the side of her building and walked towards the entrance.
Scarlett noted the sleek, black town car that pulled up to the curb, but kept walking, knowing it couldn’t be for her.
The rear door opened and a well-dressed man stepped on to the curb and smiled at Scarlett. He had dark blond hair and a disarming demeanor, but Scarlett knew better than to trust men like him.
“Ms. Ambrose,” he said, like he was an old friend, “I’d like you to come with me. Ace Hardwood would like to meet you.”