Femme Fatale

by Claude Bouchard

  “It may have sounded like flirting to you,” Chris retorted, “But the kid was bashing me about my age again.”

  “I’m fifty-seven to your fifty, Barry, so cry me a river,” Jon shot back then grinned, “And, the kid will be turning thirty next month so we’ll get our opportunity for a few age jabs.”

  “You big, strong, handsome gents wouldn’t pick on little old me, would you?” asked Leslie with a feigned look of horror.

  “We may let it go,” Chris replied. “Being female and all, just dealing with the age change may be more than you can handle.”

  “Good point,” Jonathan agreed, turning his attention to Leslie. “I just hope that as you get older, you can deliver the same high level of performance you demonstrated once again last night. Good job, Les.”

  “Thanks, but the job is made easy when it’s dealing with trash like Hétu,” said Leslie then added, “And if you old-timers can still do it, no worries about a youngster like me. Everything is good with Lilly?”

  “Nothing to worry about with Lilly,” Jon replied. “I had someone waiting to take her to the airport as soon as you went up with Hétu last night. She was flown to Toronto, accompanied, and taken to a detox centre. She’s geared to do it and thankful the federal government is picking up the tab. She has an uncle and aunt, farmers in the Okanogan Valley, who are looking forward to taking her in once she’s cleaned up. They’ve been checked out and they’re solid. Lilly spent summers with them in her early teens and loved it out there, loved working on the farm. It should all work out for her.”

  “Good. It’s nice to see the occasional victim get pulled out of the crap,” said Leslie.

  “The girl certainly had it rough to date,” Chris agreed. “Abused then abandoned by her father followed by her mother’s overdose.”

  “Well, it’s looking like it’s getting better for her from here,” said Jonathan. “The only other thing for now is the Perreaults. How are things lining up with them?”

  “They’re convinced I live there, they love me and they have the hots for me,” Leslie reported with a grin, “So we’re good to go on my end.”

  “I want to continue monitoring their activities for a few more days,” said Chris. “They tend to be more active over the weekend, probably because more people access their home computers then. We’re going to have a huge databank of evidence for the cops when this is over. They’re going to be doing some serious time.”

  “Now it’s just a question of finding out what they’re doing with the information,” said Jonathan.

  Chris shrugged. “Either they’re manufacturing cards themselves or selling the data. All I know is they aren’t transmitting anything. They could be compiling on thumb-drives.”

  “That would make sense,” Jonathan agreed. “No online trace, easily disposable. When do we want to do this?”

  “I’m heading back to Knowlton today before my wife forgets who I am,” Chris replied, “But Sandy has a couple of meetings in Montreal on Wednesday so that works for me.”

  “I’m good for Wednesday too,” Leslie confirmed. “I’ll see the Perreaults at the gym between now and then so I could suggest I’d like to visit. I’m sure they’ll agree.”

  “Line it up and keep us posted,” said Jonathan. “Anything else?”

  “Uh, yes,” Leslie replied. “I have a few things I need to speak to you guys about. I’m just not sure where to start.”

  “Is everything okay, kiddo?” Chris asked with concern.

  “Yes, everything is fine,” Leslie reassured. “Uh, do we have anything coming up in the next few weeks after the Perreaults? I was thinking of taking a vacation.”

  “There’s nothing on the radar for now,” Jonathan replied, “And if something comes up, we can handle it so, of course you can go on vacation. Going anywhere in particular?”

  “I’m planning to go to Paris,” said Leslie.

  “Beautiful city,” Chris approved, “And an excellent time of the year to go. Paris in spring is wonderful. Are you going alone?”

  “Uh, that’s something else I wanted to talk about,” Leslie replied. “I’ve met someone and we’ve, uh, really warmed up to each other.”

  “Aw, Les, that great news,” Jon exclaimed, reaching across the table to pat her hand.

  Chris smiled, leaning over to give her a hug. “Congrats. When did this come about, if you don’t mind sharing?”

  “About four months ago,” Leslie replied, blushing. “I should have told you sooner but I wanted to see if it really went anywhere and when it did, I became worried you might not be too keen on the idea.”

  Jonathan laughed. “Why would you think that? Are you dating a thief?”

  “Of course not,” Leslie replied. “At least, I don’t think so. Seriously, my concern had more to do with the work we do and how you might feel about me getting involved with someone.”

  “Both Jon and I have spouses and personal lives,” said Chris. “So do many cops, military officers and so on. I don’t share specific details of things we’ve done or plan to do with Sandy, nor does Jonathan with Josée and I’m sure you’ll do the same. If your partner understands that your work involves sensitive security issues which you can’t discuss, there’s nothing to be concerned about.”

  “However, for your own safety and the security of the team,” Jon interjected, “I’ll have to get a background check done. I trust you’re okay with that.”

  “Absolutely,” Leslie nodded and smiled. “Dominique actually mentioned that at some point and told me I could tell you anything about her, or almost. I’ll email you her details once we’re done here.”

  “Excellent. So, when are you leaving for Paris?” asked Jonathan.

  “With the Perreaults out of the way on Wednesday,” Leslie replied, “I’ll book my flight for Thursday. Dominique is flying out on Tuesday for three weeks. She shares her time between here and there for business and has an apartment so I already have a place to stay and a personal guide.”

  “Sounds great,” said Chris. “I hope you don’t have a problem getting the flights you want on such short notice.”

  “Damn, I didn’t even think of that,” Leslie frowned. “This will probably cost a small fortune too. I’d better get busy with this.”

  “Why don’t you check out what flights you want and give me the specifics,” suggested Jonathan. “I’ll make sure you’re on those planes and, if it’s to cost you a small fortune, I’ll make sure you’re in first class.”

  Chapter 3 – Monday, May 21, 2012

  Most, if not all, parents dream or hope their children will be prodigies, growing up to be known for their brilliance, and the parents of the Perreault twins were no exception. In fact, one might have even considered this a conviction or obsession with the Perreaults who had named their sons Leonardo and Blaise, in honour of Da Vinci and Pascal.

  Somewhat of a genius himself in the field of information technology, their father had them sitting on his lap at the PC before they could hardly walk and, much to his delight, both had demonstrated keen interest in acquiring knowledge. By the age of five, upon commencing kindergarten, their reading, writing and mathematical skills rivalled those of third grade students. Both were computer wizards before their tenth birthday.

  High school had been a breeze and had not presented the twins with any difficulties, academic or otherwise. Good looking, athletic without being jocks, personable and outgoing, they had quickly made new friends, expanding their social circles to soon be comfortably nestled within the popular crowds. However, much to their parents chagrin, this had exposed the boys and their curiosity to parties, drinking and drugs which they had taken an immediate liking to.

  Disagreements and arguments had ensued with the parents expressing concern on the lifestyle their sons were adopting and the twins countering with their sustained stellar grades. Relations had steadily worsened as the boys had become more ingrained with delinquent types and always seemed to have whatever money they needed though neit
her had a job. Though the parents had feared their sons were somehow involved in drug distribution, nothing could have been further from the truth. Rather, Leo and Blaise had been performing their illegal cash generating activities from the comfort of their bedrooms or wherever they could get secure internet connectivity. Putting their savvy of computers to productive use, the Perreault twins had become hackers for hire.

  It had all started at a party late in their first year of high school when a senior had mentioned he would pay big bucks for advance copies of the final exams he had to write. Leo had asked how much, negotiations had ensued with several interested parties and the brothers had delivered the goods a couple of days later in exchange for pocketfuls of cash. This first successful venture had quickly led to a variety of services offered including grade enhancements and other forms of record tampering. Their particular talents had eventually come to the attention of shadier entrepreneurs and the twins’ business had flourished.

  By their final year of high school, they had been making so much money with their part time hacking talents that both had decided not to pursue college, much to their parents’ dismay. The existing rifts ballooned exponentially and rather than celebrations, the twins’ eighteenth birthday had been marked by their moving out of the family home and into their own apartment.

  The three years since had been financially profitable and their illicit activities had allowed them to purchase a luxurious four bedroom condo where they lived, worked and partied. Neither had a steady girlfriend, both preferring to remain unattached and play the field and their good looks, charm and money served them well in this area. Their condo was located in a large, sprawling complex which boasted both indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, a billiard room, a nine hole, par three golf course and a clubhouse, all of which served as a hunting ground for the boys and their sexual appetites. It was at the gym where they had first seen Leslie Robb and fell in lust.

  The Perreault twins had become a subject of interest to the Discreet Activities team because of Chris Barry’s seat on the Imperial National Bank’s board of directors. At one particular meeting, credit card cloning issues had been a subject of discussion and had piqued Chris’ curiosity, as did all things related to computers or crime. He’d subsequently met with some of the bank’s IT security specialists to gather more detailed information and had gotten to work.

  The Perreault’s main income of late was generated by a phishing scam where tens of thousands of emails went out weekly, appearing to have been sent by one or another bank. The emails warned of recent possible fraudulent activity via the recipient’s debit or credit card and urged confirmation of account information via a secure website link. Information submitted by too many unsuspecting victims was collected and sold by the Perreaults to one of several card cloning organizations.

  Though the twins sent the emails via a variety of remailers to avoid any tracing and were confident of their use of proxy bouncers for those accessing the bogus bank websites, nothing is untraceable. All that is required is know-how, equipment and time, all elements which were available to Chris and the tech-wizards at ‘Discreet Activities’.

  Once identified, learning more about the twins had been an easy task and when their love of women and sex became evident, a condo unit was acquired so Leslie could temporarily move onto the complex. She’d since made sure the brothers had noticed her, bumping into them on occasion at the pool or gym.

  She now waited for them to arrive for their usual Monday workout, passing the time with an easy five kilometre jog on a treadmill. Usually rather timely in their ways, the boys did not disappoint her as she saw them saunter in at three o’clock.

  “Bonjour, chérie,” Leo called as he spotted her across the room.

  “Hey, cuties,” Leslie replied, turning off the treadmill and going to join them. “How are my fave guys doing?”

  “Hi, April. I bet you say that to all the guys,” said Blaise, winking at his brother.

  “Only to the good looking hunks,” Leslie countered, patting him on the chest.

  “Thank you,” he replied. “Do you ever date good looking hunks?”

  “Only if they aren’t looking for a relationship,” said Leslie. “I have too much going on right now to get tied down but, uh, I do like to have fun.”

  “That’s good to know,” said Leo, stepping closer. “What do you like to do for fun?”

  “That all depends on my mood, where I am and who I’m with,” answered Leslie, looking them both over before adding, “I’m sure I could find a lot of fun things to do with you two.”

  “Uh, a-are you serious?” Leo stammered, turning a light shade of crimson.

  “I’m game if you boys are,” said Leslie. “You two look delicious.”

  “Yes. Game,” Blaise blurted, blushing as well. “When? Are you free tonight?”

  “Ohh, someone’s eager,” Leslie replied then laughed as she caressed Blaise’s bicep. “Unfortunately, I’m flying to Toronto tonight but I’ll be back on Wednesday. How about Wednesday, your place, around nine o’clock?”

  “That would be awesome,” Leo exclaimed while his brother nodded in agreement. “Should we get anything special? Anything you like to drink?”

  “Any good, dry white wine works for me,” she said then added with smile, “And I’ll bring a few surprises of my own. See you Wednesday, boys.”

  Chapter 4 – Wednesday, May 23, 2012

  “Do you think she’ll really show up?” asked Blaise as he and his brother shared a joint in the living room of their fourth floor unit shortly before nine o’clock.

  “I hope so,” Leo replied. “I literally had a wet dream about her last night but, I don’t see why she’d make a date if she wasn’t planning to come over. She knows she’ll run into us again.”

  “I guess you’re right,” Blaise agreed just before a knock came at the door, “And there she is.”

  They reached the door at the same time though Leo grabbed the knob first. He pulled the door open and both brothers were momentarily left speechless at the sight of her.

  Clad completely in black, Leslie wore an open, waist-length leather jacket over a low-cut lace camisole. Her skirt, also leather, was tight and very short, allowing maximum view of her long legs in fish-net stockings. Ankle strapped four inch heels and a leather Gatsby perched jauntily atop her red mane completed her ensemble.

  “Wow,” Blaise managed to utter after several seconds.

  “April, you are gorgeous,” Leo exclaimed then reached for the black leather overnighter she carried. “Come in and let me take your bag.”

  “Uh, uh, my dear,” she replied. “These are surprises for later and I have another surprise for you two right now. Back up a bit and close your eyes.”

  Both grinned at her teasing smile and complied, stepping back a couple of paces and closing their eyes.

  “Hmm, I’m not sure if I can trust you not to peek,” Leslie taunted. “Turn your backs to me, just to be sure.”

  The twins obediently turned one hundred-eighty degrees, waiting in excited anticipation for what this sexy goddess had in store for them.

  “It won’t be long,” she said as they heard her close and lock the door then unzip her bag. “Just give me a minute to change into something more comfortable.”

  “You look hot as it is,” Blaise complimented.

  “You ain’t seen nothing yet,” Leslie promised. “It won’t be long.”

  After another minute or so of rustling fabric and such, they heard the bag’s zipper again and Leslie announced, “Okay, you can turn around and open your eyes.”

  The Perreaults spun in unison and once again were left speechless. Still clad in black, Leslie now sported jeans, a denim jacket over a t-shirt and leather running shoes. Two men in similar attire stood, one on either side of her. Both looked to be in their late forties to mid-fifties but extremely fit. Both held handguns, apparently equipped with sound suppressors by the look of them, and had them trained on the boys.

&nbs
p; “Surprise,” said Leslie. “I brought some friends with me.”

  Leo gulped and managed to splutter, “W-wh-what’s going on here?”

  “We’re here to talk about your phishing expeditions,” Chris replied.

  “Fishing expeditions?” Blaise exclaimed, attempting a laugh. “We’ve never been fishing in our lives. I don’t even like seafood that much.”

  Chris shook his head and glanced at Leslie. “Go find where these idiots keep their computers.”

  She nodded and headed down the hallway to one side which led to the rooms beyond, well away from the open air living room, dining area and kitchen.

  “Who the hell are you guys?” asked Leo, summoning up some courage. “You can’t just come into our home like this. We have rights. I don’t care who you are.”

  Jonathan smiled as he stepped closer, raising his gun hand and pressing the silencer of his pistol against Leo’s forehead.

  “Are you done? I ask because I get annoyed when little thieving bastards like you start whining about their rights. In my book, punks who make a living by ripping off society have no rights. The only right you have is to shut the hell up until we ask you to say something and when we do, you’ll have the right, or rather, the obligation to answer our questions. Any variance from that and I’ll be happy to blow your brains out. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  With fear in his eyes, Leo nodded, almost imperceptibly and sighed in relief once Jonathan stepped back.

  “This place is gorgeous,” Leslie announced as she returned from the back. “Besides a powder room here in the hallway, there’s a full bath around back and both their rooms have en-suite baths.”

  “And they say crime doesn’t pay,” Chris commented. “Did you find their computers?”

  “Yep,” Leslie confirmed. “They’ve got a nice setup in one of the two extra rooms. Two workstations with towers and a table with an assortment of laptops, notepads, tablets and other stuff.”