As we walked in, Mr. Falcone stood to greet us, “Mr. Griffin, Mr. Bates, welcome!” We didn’t waste any time getting down to business. After 2 hours we were wrapping up our meeting. “Mr. Falcone, you also have a collaboration with Phoenix AI?” I ask innocently. “Ah, yes but that is as much as I can say without violating the closed-mouth policy” he responds. “A closed mouth policy?” Repeats Malcolm. Sigh “Yes, Ms. Redd is quite serious about it, to say she is a very private individual is an understatement,” he answers. “Does she have something to hide?” I ask. “Yes, but no one can figure it out. I assumed like yourself, they would be wares, but they both don’t smell like wolves so I’m not sure anymore.” Laughing out, “You should include yourself, Mr. Falcone, seeing that you are a half-breed. You may not have a wolf but the blood flowing through your veins is not human”.
Laughing nervously, “Ah, yes, yes, you’re right”. Shaking my head, I reassure him, "there's no need to get nervous, I have no reason to tell anyone.”
“Ah, thank you Mr. Griffin” he says relieved
“Just one more thing before we head out though. What charity event is happening tonight at 6 pm?
“Oh! Yes, you are new in town so you wouldn’t know. The esteemed Lady Anna Xander hosts a charity event every august. In the final week she has two major events. On the second to last night she has the main dinner that is open to everyone; and on the final night, she has a private event at her escort lounge. Mrs. Xander runs a tight ship if she thinks you’re trouble, you’ll never get in. It’s usually other supernaturals that frequent it and I’ve only ever seen a few wares there. But the final night is when the highest donor gets special treatment. This year everyone is excited because the highest donor will receive a lap dance and a dinner date with the most desired dancer out of them all. Tonight is the final night of donations and tomrrow night is the private event.
“I doubt she’s that captivating,” I say unconvinced.
“Oh, it’s because you’ve never seen her. She’s known as the Mystery Minx, no one’s ever seen her face and you never see her after the performance. It doesn’t matter what you do, come early, stay back late, it’s as if she appears and disappears out of nowhere. The girls are highly protected. Any patron who violates the rules is severely dealt with, so once all patrons are kicked out at 10 pm only a miracle will let you see the Minx.” He sighs.
“Ha ha, so there’s no way to stay past 10 pm?” I ask amused.
“The only way is to get permission from Ms. Xander and I’ve only seen that happen a total of 4 times in the 6 years she’s been around.”
“Hmm, will Ms. Redd be present?” I ask. Raising a brow, “She’s usually one of the top donors even though she never stays until the end. Her assistant Bryant is usually there until the end, usually to confirm that she is the highest donor.” “Wait, she has never stayed until the end?” I ask curiously. He furrows his brows and answers, “I think she stayed the first time she came to town. As a matter of fact, she was there every night for the last 2 weeks of the charity event. “Sigh that was almost 4 years ago.” Shaking his head, “It’s taken me 4 years for her to finally agree to collaborate with me.” Looking him straigh in the eyes, "Mr. Falcone, I am very interested in working with Ms. Redd. Seeing her as she left here only made me want to work with her more. Would you be able to make an introduction tonight?” I ask seriously.
“Mr. Griffin, I can’t make any promises but, I can get you in her presence. Whether she interacts with you or not is out of my control.”
“Thank you Mr. Falcone,” I say as I stand to leave, “I appreciate your help”. He stands as we shake hands, “I will send you the address and additional invite for the event.” Nodding, “Is there anything else I need to bring?”
“Your money” he chuckles
“Heh, that won’t be a problem”
5:50 PM
**Jason’s POV**
She’s laughing and she looks even more beautiful with the sunglasses on. The sound of her laugh is echoing in my ear as I walk closer.
“Ms. Redd, I didn’t think I would see you here also,” I say just before she walks in.
“Heh, is that the best you can do?” Teases Spike, “somebody’s rusty”
“Shut up you annoying mutt” I snap back
With a reserved smile she says, “Ah, It’s a pleasure to see you too, I’ll have to give Mr. Falcone my thanks for advertising the charity event so diligently. My apologies though, there are a few things I need to get taken care of before I have to leave. If there’s anything you’d like to let me know, my assistant Bryant will be here the entire time and he will let me know tomorrow morning.”
And just like that, she walks inside. “She’s not even curious about who we are; she definitely thinks you’re a creep” Spike laughs in my head.
“Shut up,” I say sulking.
Feeling annoyed, I decided to question her assistant. “Who are you?”
Caught off guard, “Uhhh, um I’m Bryant her assistant” he stutters
Carefully staring at him, “What are you?”
“Um, an assistant?” He said furrowing his brow
“Supernatural or human?” I continue to stare him down
As if remembering he had balls, he sighs, straightens his back, and faces me directly. “Sir, I assure you that what we are isn’t important at the moment. Our only goal tonight is to enjoy the charity event, if you have any other questions though I’ll be happy to answer if I can”
“Oh, the pup’s got a little fight in him,” Spike says
“Hmm, I’m impressed, his eyes show that if it comes to it he will die to protect their identity” I respond
“Leave him alone before you make it harder for yourself. You obviously need him to get to her so play nice.”
“Sigh, you’re right” I answer back
Nodding in respect, “no worries, I won’t push. I’m only here to enjoy the event also,” I answer with a hint of disappointment on his face, “hmm”. Right after that the doors and the bouncers directed eveyone to their seats. It turns out that I'm at the same table as her assistant. Mr. Falcone shows up as the waitresses are taking everyone's order and the event begins. After the first dance, the second one starts and "Dangerous Woman", “There she is” said Mr. Falcone “The woman in charge”. Looking at her, we make eye contact and she squints at me suspiciously.