Relaxing Mirage still jumped at his touch, a small shiver going through her body. She felt the soft towel dry her skin. Looking over her shoulder, Mirage watched Adam pick up the transfer slowly lowering it from the top of her back to the small. Adjusting it slightly, he taped down the corners, walking to the sink soaking a towel in warm water wringing it out and rolling it up. Placing it on her shoulders, he rolled the towel over the transfer.
“Don’t move, have a nap.”
“Mmmm, ok.”
Mirage drifted off, dreams seeping in making her smile; Adam made coffee, enjoying watching her. She was such an extraordinary woman, much like the little sister he’d lost. In a way, Mirage was his saviour, saving him at the time he thought his life was over. With a sigh, he tapped her shoulder. Slowly she opened her indigo eyes, “is it time.”
“Yep, I’ll remove this from your back. You’ll be able to view in the mirror.”
“Wonderful.”
“Stay there I’m getting my camera. I’ve got to photograph your back.”
“Hurry up Adam,” she laughed excitedly.
“Done Mir, now let’s get you to this mirror.”
Carefully sitting up covering her boobs she looked over her shoulder into the mirror gasping with delighted shock. The golden phoenix was soaring up her back it was perfect she loved the way the flames danced on the small of her back, her smile widened.
“Adam you’ve outdone yourself, thank you.”
“For you my darling Mir any time,” he grinned, giving her a smacking kiss on the lips.
Picking up her black t-shirt, she went to the bathroom putting it on carefully, she couldn’t wear a bra now, or she might knock some of the paint off.
“I’ll be back later Adam. I’ve enough time for us to go out on the town.”
“Why not tonight Mir?” he asked
“Saturday Adam, I have to rest tonight and tomorrow I’ve a party to attend, so keep Saturday free for me will you.”
“That’ll be grand; I’ll book us a table at your favourite restaurant.”
“Ohh goodie, cya thanks for everything Adam you’re a gem of this world.”
Malachy was still no closer to their traitor. Nothing came up cross-reference between Ana and the other agents. Someone was hiding well. Perhaps he’d set a trap and see who got he caught. He’d work with Ana; he trusted her implicitly. Putting the problem to one side, he went back to the daily grind of making sure his other agents and investigators were safe, finding more information to close cases.
“God, why did I say yes to that damn party tonight,” he still couldn’t get over the purple hair; she’d stand out like a sore thumb he groaned.
Driving his black Pontiac Firebird smoothly through the evening traffic, he arrived at Ana’s apartment building with ten minutes to spare parking he entered the building heading for the elevator. Approaching Ana’s apartment door, he couldn’t hear a pin drop, knocking he heard a muffled voice “Be with you in a moment.”
The door opened; he was eye to eye with the stunning Mirage. Malachy felt power surge through him; she looked glorious. A stunning black cocktail dress snuggled her body flaring over her hips. Her purple hair piled on top of her head with bits falling around her face. Mirage had a black stole over her shoulders, with killer black heels on her feet.
“Wow Mirage, you look incredible.”
“Thank you, Malachy,” she replied quietly.
“I presume you’re ready?”
“Yes, I’ll just get my clutch bag.”
Soon Mal was settling her into his car. The engine purred to life as he drove to the Carrington’s for the evening’s entertainment. Neither noticed the evil grin sent in their direction, fingers tapping on the steering wheel in anticipation of winning this time. Two times losing was two times too many. His Boss’s would have his head if he failed again. He wondered who the purple haired lady was. Obviously a friend of Anastasia’s it would be interesting to find out.
Arriving at the Carrington’s Malachy tossed his keys to the valet, opening the door for Mirage escorting her up the steps into the glittering foyer; lights were blazing everywhere, people mingling sipping champagne eating canapés. Placing a hand on her back, they wandered around the room, Malachy nodding to acquaintances. Smiling at the shocked expressions at his date, ‘maybe I’ll enjoy this after all,’ he muttered under his breath.
Mirage dropped her wrap on the floor, revealing her Phoenix. Mal bent to retrieve it hearing people saying wow. Standing back up with her stole he finally saw her back. The sexy dress plunged down to her buttocks a golden bird of some kind was on full display.
“You like my Phoenix Malachy? It seems I’ve surprised a few people.”
“For some reason, it’s you Mirage, perhaps I should take you out again sometime soon, you’re stunning to say the least.”
“Thank you, Malachy,” she gently kissed his clean-shaven cheek.
Mal grabbed a couple of glasses of champagne as a waiter walked by handing one to Mirage.
“Do you know many people here Malachy?”
“Yes, a few. I didn’t think this would be your type of party; Ana persuaded me to bring you. I thought you were more into rock and roll.”
“Yes, I love my rock and roll,” she smiled, her eyes going still as they landed on the one person she hated more than anything.
“Are you ok Mirage?”
“What, oh yes, sorry,” she smiled, “thought I’d seen someone I knew.”
Mal felt the lie straight away deciding to keep a close eye on Mirage wondering what or who had unsettled her. He wondered now at Ana’s insistence. Relaxing his stance, they chatted with various people, including a petite blonde who tried to worm herself around Malachy, much to his amusement.
“Magdalena how are you tonight.”
“All the better for seeing you Malachy,” she purred.
“Let me introduce you to my date,” he paused, watching Magdalena’s face throw daggers. “This is Mirage, a close friend.”
Before Mirage could respond, the dinner gong went. Mal detached himself from Magdalena, escorting Mirage into the dining room. Mal’s arm draped across her back Mirage smiling smugly.
Mirage went into action from that point. Her hidden camera in her cameo brooch recorded everyone they met. She made sure she had a good look round. Her bag held a small pistol; she’d noted several security guards; most were wearing guns on their hips. She needed a way into Blaze’s office and safe. His office was at the top of the stairs; Malachy wouldn’t let her out of his sight now dinner had been served. She’d already aroused his suspicions perhaps this hadn’t been a great plan after all.
“Mirage you sure you’re ok?”
“Yeah, this is spectacular. I’m wondering what I’m doing here,” she laughed.
“They’re slightly overdone, don’t worry the auction will begin shortly.”
“The food’s scrummy Malachy.”
“Carrington only serves the best.”
“Excuse me for a moment. I’m going to the bathroom.”
“Certainly Mirage,” he stood, helping her out of her chair watching her sashay across the dining room, men eyeing her up and down making him smile with satisfaction.
Outside the dining room, she enquired where the ladies bathroom was. The security guard directed her to a hallway leading onto a terrace; of course, she knew all this already from her research. Making her way down the lush hallway, she entered the bathroom taking her time. Carefully removing her shoes, climbing out of the open window, she landed in the garden. The heel of one shoe held a coil of steel infused cable, which would carry her weight. Moving to one side of the window, she aimed the delicate arrow up to the second story. Quickly hiding her shoes in a bush she started to climb the rope, climbing over the upper terrace wall.
Checking there was no alarm, she quietly opened the door. Moving silently across the room, she opened the door a little peeking through into the hall looking for movement. Easing out of the door
into the hall; Mirage moved swiftly down towards the office. Listening at the office door, she opened it carefully sliding inside. A lamp glowed on the desk. As quiet as a mouse, Mirage approached the safe. Taking her tools out, Mirage lifted the Picasso off-the-wall. She pointed her electronic passcode machine at the lock, each number slowly locked into place. Mirage nearly didn’t hear the footsteps approaching, quickly putting the painting back, she darted behind the velvet drapes as the office door opened, the light switching on.
“Are you sure?” said a man’s voice
“Yes entirely sure,” said Blaze.
“We’ll have to bring the schedule forward then,” he said.
“Damn the woman. Next time finish her off. How the hell you let her escape last time is beyond me, you’re meant to be the best,” growled Blaze.
“I am the best, sometimes though you have to learn your opponent first. She’ll be taken out I’ll make sure of that.”
“May as well take Malachy out too, I notice he’s here tonight and not alone either.”
“He’ll be an easy target.”
Mirage held her breath, realising they wanted to get rid of her.
“Well, the papers are safe. It should be easy to finish the job.”
“Good, don’t lose them, or my boss may have to take you out, Blaze.”
“Don’t even think about it. You’d find yourself dead as a dodo; he snapped. “Better get back to the party. My auction is about to begin. I want to dance with the lady with the purple hair, still can’t believe Malachy brought someone so…fascinating. Not his usual taste, that’s for sure.”
The lights went off; the men were laughing as the door closed behind them.
“Phew, that was close,” she muttered realising Blaze was one of the men. Taking the painting back down, she finished her work, the safe open she photographed every document, quickly placing the documents back inside shutting the safe, painting back in front. Grabbing her flash drive she turned on the computer, her fingers flying over the keyboard and through the encryptions, hesitating for a moment before downloading everything she could find. Cleaning her usage she closed it down. Moments later Mirage was moving down the hallway to where she’d entered. Clambering out the window over the terrace sliding down the rope, detaching the cable recoiling it, she placed it back into her shoe. Replacing her shoes, she wandered around to the terrace, leaning over it looking down on the city lights. Mirage had forgotten how high up Carrington House was. A hand on her waist made her jump, looking over her shoulder into Malachy blue eyes, her heart skipped a beat, ‘shit’ she thought, how could she handle this.
“I was wondering where you were Mirage,” he questioned quietly.
“I smelt the roses, they’re so beautiful Mal, so I decided to come out and get some fresh air.” She smiled dreamily. “Has the auction started?”
“It will in a few minutes.” Mal turned her towards him, “You’re a beautiful woman Mirage, for some reason you’re the second woman to make me feel, taking her hand he kissed it. “Let’s go back our dinner’s getting cold.” Placing her hand on his arm, they walked back to the dining room chatting quietly.
On stage, Blaze was just handing over the microphone to the auctioneer he watched Malachy and his date crossing the room to their seats wondering where they’d been.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, get your wallets out, let the bidding begin.”
The auction lasted over an hour. It felt like it dragged on for hours; Mirage was glad there was food to eat even if it was nearly cold. Chatting amiably with the elderly lady on her left, she was pleased as punch Malachy was on her right.
The auction over; the dinner finished. The guests were asked to proceed to the ballroom where a small band would be playing. Finding seats in a secluded spot Malachy and Mirage relaxed, watching everyone around them.
“How much longer do we need to stay Malachy, I’d much prefer a nightclub unless they play some decent music.”
“I was starting to think you liked classic music like Anastasia, why did you come?”
“Ana wanted me too, apparently she’s been before and wanted to know what was different this year,” she sighed.
A shadow fell over them. Looking up, they encountered Blaze standing smiling in front of them. Mirage’s stomach tied itself up in knots for a moment. Remembering to play her part she put her head on one side. “Malachy,” said Mirage in a sultry voice, “please introduce me to this most handsome man.”
Malachy stood with a grimace, assisting Mirage to her feet. “Mirage may I introduce you to Blaze Carrington brother of Magdalena. Blaze, please meet Mirage.”
“It’s good you could come tonight Malachy. It’s been a while since I last saw you.” Blaze said charmingly without his smile reaching his eyes. “Mirage welcome, it’s lovely to find such beauty at my party,” he took her hand kissing it.
“Please don’t make me swoon at your feet with all your charm Mr Carrington.”
“Please, Blaze will do.” He smiled. “May I have this dance Mirage, that’s all right with you Malachy,” he said looking over at him.
“If it’s Mirage’s wish,” Malachy replied.
“Why not Blaze. I admit I’m not much of a dancer.”
“I’m sure we’ll do. I’ll have her back to you soon.” Blaze turned escorting Mirage to the dance floor.
With a pained smile, Malachy sat down, wishing dear old Blaze was not quite so charming to the women.
“So Mirage, I can’t say I’ve seen you before, you’d be hard to miss one would think.”
“I don’t come to New York very often enough. I also don’t usually move in such exalted surroundings,” she smiled.
“Is that so, well, I must admit you’re certainly different, I enjoy different, especially the tattoo on your back.”
“I like to be different Blaze; it’s way more fun,” she laughed.
“Perhaps we could have dinner sometime next week?”
“My apologies, I won’t have time. I leave on Sunday.”
“What about tomorrow evening then?”
“Apologies again Blaze; I don’t have any time left,” she smiled. “It’s a pity I can’t stay longer, however life calls.”
“Yes, I suppose it does, please call me when you’re in town again Mirage.”
“I most certainly will, thank you for the dance,” she smiled.
“The pleasure was certainly mine Mirage. Please stay, enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“So how did it go,” muttered Malachy darkly.
“Rather dull. I think you should dance with me Malachy before my feet start to kill me.”
He smiled; taking her hand guiding her onto the dance floor. His hand on her hip; the other held her right-hand. They swayed together, across the floor, occasionally looking into each other’s eyes. Mal pulled her closer, so she rested her chin on his shoulder, enjoying the feel of him, trying to calm her racing heart.
“Time to go Mirage,” Malachy whispered.
Walking off the dance floor, they collected her wrap and clutch bag before departing. Mal was in a mess, his body humming. Who was this woman? It was irritating that Ana also gave him similar feelings. Sliding into the car, Mirage let her head fall back against the headrest, listening as the Pontiac purred to life. It didn’t take long to arrive back at her apartment, though Mirage was nearly asleep. “Mirage, wake up. Time to get out,” he said quietly.
“What, oh yes of course. Would you like coffee?” she said nonchalantly.
“Great, thanks,” Mal smiled calmly. Now was his chance to find out more about her.
Their bodies hummed in tune neither noticing the others reactions. Ana was wishing she’d not issued the invite now; her heart was stuttering madly. Unlocking her apartment door, Mal followed her in, as she threw her keys on the hall table, then starting toward her kitchen. Mal caught hold of her whirling her around into his arms.
“I’ve been waiting to do this all evening Mirage.”
&n
bsp; Crushing his mouth to hers, he tasted her lush mouth. Ana moaned at the back of her throat. Sensations were flooding her trembling body as Mal nipped her bottom lip flicking his tongue across her teeth, making her moan; part in protest partly wanting more, so much more. Mal’s hands ran down her back to her buttocks, pulling her closer she could feel his arousal.
Ana jerked back; wrenching herself out of his arms, her mind suddenly clear, her purple hair tumbling down her back as the pins fell to the carpet.
“I’m sorry I can’t do this Malachy. You’d better go.”
“My apologies Mirage, I just… You’re lovely, just like my Ana. Of course, you’re right. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“You’re Ana?”
“Yes, my Ana; she just won’t have me, well not yet. I’m working on the problem,” he smiled sadly. “Please don’t tell her. I think my feelings just overflowed since Ana won’t let me near her,” shoving his hands into his pockets so she wouldn’t notice his fists clenching and unclenching as he fought to relax.
“Well, you do work together.”
“Yes, I know,” he replied, “look; I’d better leave. My apologies,” he murmured as he walked out wondering what the hell was going, “I must be bloody mad,” he mumbled as he stepped onto the elevator.
Shutting the door behind him, “Thank God there’s only one more day as Mirage,” she sighed, “not sure I was going to get through.”
Ana put some music on to soothe her soul. Changing into her mint green silk pj’s she sat at her desk a hot chocolate by her elbow; Ana began to type her report. She was sure Mal didn’t know Blaze Carrington was part of this. She was glad they’d only appeared to be acquaintances due to the circles they both lived and worked. She’d need to add the part about the conversation she overheard. If she worded it carefully, she wouldn’t have to put in Blaze’s name.
Finishing, she backed it up to two flash drives deleting it from her computer, so there was no trace. In the morning, she’d print the photos in her dark room, another handy thing she’d built into the apartment, happier now she checked the locks drew the blinds making her way to bed.
Hidden Secrets (Garrett Investigation Book 1) Page 3
