CATHERINE SPICE

Four

"Quello velenoso è arrivato," (The poisonous one has arrived) said a short man in an ever so tight tuxedo and a bright white grin. "Il tuo italiano è ancora una merda" (your Italian is still shit) replied the man beside him "don't let the real viper hear you say that, we both know his venom is more lethal than yours".The small group burst into laughter. Catherine watched the party from the top of the staircase as the guests mingled with each other she took note of the security and other staff. She only recognised a few people in the room most of which were either chief detectives or ministers of defence and justice from various countries.

'What is he planning on doing? Why gather all his minions in this place?' she thought. She had spent five hours in a car to get to the venue. Her driver was heavily armed and probably more trained than she was. She memorized the route from the viper's residence to the party venue. The only trouble was, they never used the public roads. Her driver had used secluded roads that cut through forests. Her only landmarks were oddly shaped trees and rocks.

'This is my chance, I have to try.' She made her way to the women's bathroom. Tipsy women clapped hands and fixed each other's makeup. As soon as the group of women left Catherine washed her hands, mentally preparing herself for what she was about to do. "Don't, not tonight, you won't make it out alive." said a voice behind her. Catherine turned and grabbed the basin. She composed herself and asked, "what are you talking about?" The woman was in her late twenties about the same age as her. Catherine slowly eyed her she was a bit muscular than she was and had even-toned olive skin.

"The name is Catherine, Catherine Spice," she said extending her hand. "Rosalynn Santayana, Lynn for short" she replied, shaking Catherine's hand. 'an ally or friend?'

"Have we met before or have you been keeping tabs on me?" asked Cathy. Rosalynn smiled and locked the bathroom door. "I heard about you, you are now like me. Don't worry he won't kill you, but trying to escape tonight is just foolish. You are being too hasty."

Catherine locked eyes with her for a few moments. "trapped?" she finally asked. Lynn nodded. "who?" asked Cathy again. " The snake's little egg, Dimitri, let's go down I'll introduce you, I look forward to working with you Cathy," she said.

"how long have you been toyed with," asked Cathy. "two years, but I am not a toy, I am undercover just like you. This is my landline call me only at dusk or dawn," said Lynn handing her a card. 'She thinks I am undercover she must be with the force' thought Cathy. She spent the rest of the evening laughing at ridiculous jokes and avoiding creepy old men. Her patience was wearing thin and fast.

*clank clank clank* The sound caught the attention of all the guests at the dinner table. A man in a black paisley tuxedo lowered his glass and spoon. " Thank you all for attending this dinner party," he began, " the boss called you here tonight because he has an important announcement he wants you to be aware of."

Catherine felt the air in the room grow thinner. Grown men sat on the edge of their seats. "As of today, there is a new chain of command." the man continued. He gestured toward Catherine. " Miss Hunt is now second in command of our community, as secretary to the boss. Let's all work well together from today onwards." He applauded and the rest of the guests mimicked reluctantly. 'me? He isn't here' , she looked around the dining hall. "signorina Hunt, congratulazioni. O dovrei chiamarti capo?" (Miss Hunt congratulations. Or should I call you boss?) said Lynn . " Non c'è ancora bisogno di simili formalità," (no need to be so formal) replied Catherine causing everyone to laugh stiffly. "What the fuck just happened?"

******

*swoosh* *cling clank bang!* He violently pushed everything off his table. "What do you mean you have no leads!" he yelled. " You work for the bloody secret Service, not some back street fucking detective agency! How can you have no leads at all?" He raised his voice even more. His veins bulging and his face was a deep shade of red. "Chief, he is here," said Peter's secretary. " Let him in and you " he pointed to the agent in front of him, " out of my office now!"