Chapter 62: Codename: Aconite Chapter Twelve
This isn’t the first time I’ve been on a date with a target. Sometimes the best way to get close enough to poison someone is by going on a date with them. Posing as a waitress or pretending to be a patron are far more ideal, as they are the ones that come with the least amount of suspicion. If the police are called to investigate a death and everyone reports he or she was spotted having dinner with a woman no one can find, then that woman – rightfully – becomes suspect number one. However, in this case, Silas – or Nicolae – willingly placed himself in my crosshairs, so it seems foolhardy not to seize the opportunity.
With all that said, I still intend to look my best. The least I can do for him is give him something to admire before he dies. A final glimpse at beauty as he takes his inevitable last breath. Thankfully, I pack for all occasions. I’ve gone with a long-sleeved, turtleneck black thigh-high dress with white satin ribbon travelling in an elaborate stitch pattern down the left sleeve and ending with a large bow at the wrist. Nude stockings even out the skin tone of my legs while the 4 ½ inch white stiletto sandals give me a little extra height and the perfect lift to my ass. I’ve given my hair a full spray can’s worth of volume and slicked it back to give it a sleek, wet look. My eyes are dark and smouldering with a dominant purple lip and the only accessory I’ve chosen for the evening – aside from a little crocodile skin black clutch – is my ring.
I walk over to my luggage, pull out the small jewellery box that contains my poison ring, open it, and slip it onto the ring finger of my right hand where it feels right at home. Just to be on the safe side, I have my dagger strapped to my inner thigh. Not remotely what I would consider comfortable, but it’s a necessary evil, and so am I. I check the clock to see it read 5:55, so, with a final look of approval in the mirror, I grab my purse, hang it over my shoulder and exit my hotel room. I make my way down to the lobby and step outside to see Silas already standing by the curb leaning against a car, patiently waiting for me just as promised.
I smile as we lock eyes. He stands up straight, stepping away from the car, his eyes slowly travelling down my body as he takes in my appearance, and I take the time to do the same. He’s in a charcoal grey suit jacket cut low and crossing over with a single button at the waist with a fitted black long-sleeved turtleneck shirt underneath. His charcoal grey harem-like suit pants obscure what I imagine to be toned and defined legs and bunch just a little at the ankle against some very shiny black patent leather dress shoes. His tattoos and physique are hidden from my prying eyes, but his handsome features are on full display.
He walks over and takes my hand, raising it to his lips and placing a soft, yet slow, kiss on the back of it that sends tingles through my body.
“You look absolutely exquisite,” he says in perfect English.
I smile, genuinely flattered by the compliment. “No more Russian?”
He smiles while refusing to relinquish my hand from his. “We can continue to converse in Russian if English is a problem for you.”
“English will do just fine,” I inform him, retrieving my hand as I step past him and take a look at the car he has arrived in. My eyes widen in disbelief at the classic car before me, and I suddenly feel like a child in a candy store. “Is this a ZIS 110?!”
He comes to stand beside me with an impressed look on his face. “A woman who knows cars. You’re full of surprises.”
“How the hell do you have this? I thought they stopped making these in 1958,” I say in awe as I walk close and run my fingers along the glossy exterior of this classic Russian limousine. It’s like something pulled right out of a time capsule. Its sleek and distinct design harkens back to the 1930s. This very car was gifted and owned by people like Mao Zedong, Kim Il-Sung and Ho Chi Minh. Which really tells you a lot about the car’s clientele.
“There were a few assembled in 1961 as well,” he says conspiratorially, “Sadly this one doesn’t belong to me. I borrowed it from a friend just for the evening and I’m very glad I did. I find a woman who knows her cars to be very attractive,” he says, sliding his arm around my waist. “How come you’re familiar with this car? It’s not the sort of car even most car lovers would recognise.”
“My grandfather owned one, and he passed it on to my father, though he’s never driven it.” I smile, remembering the drives and picnics my grandfather would take me on in this very same car. It shouldn’t be that shocking that a mafia man owned a car like this.
“I’m sorry about your grandfather,” he says compassionately.
I give him a reassuring smile. “It was a long time ago but thank you.”
He reaches out and opens the passenger door for me. “Shall we?”
“Thank you,” I say as I climb into the car.
He shuts the door and makes his way around to the driver’s side and quickly we’re taking off with the city’s evening activity passing us by.
“Why doesn’t your father drive the car?”
“It’s irreplaceable. He doesn’t want to ruin it or damage it in a way where he’d need to replace parts, which he probably wouldn’t be able to replace. He’s happy to keep it in the garage as a memento.”
He nods. “I respect that. I don’t think I could resist driving it though. Never understood car collectors who just own cars for the sake of owning them and looking at them, but never driving them and experiencing what they have to offer.”
“Are you a collector?” I inquire.
“Of cars? No.”
“Of other things?”
He smirks. “Definitely.”
“I don’t suppose you’re going to enlighten me on what those other things might be,” I assume playfully.
“I wouldn’t want to risk putting you off our date before it’s even begun,” he smiles over at me.
“It takes a great deal to turn me off,” I say matter-of-factly as I relax back into my seat.
“Draw the line at murder then?” he teases.
“Maybe not even then,” I smirk, and watch the surprise take over his face before morphing into one of amusement.
“I have a feeling this is going to be a hell of a date,” he says with excitement, and on this, we are in agreement.