December 1996 (2:15am)

“Where’s the boy?” he rasped when she peered through the doorway of the large bedroom.

“He’s not there,” she said in a neutral tone.

The handsome man kneeling on the floor looked at her, his eyes silently grateful. His wife whimpered beside him, her face streaming with tears.

“What do you mean he’s not there?”

“I can’t find him.”

He stormed towards her and grabbed her by the shoulders, “If I find out you’re lying, you’ll be dead.”

“My boy’s not here,” the man on the floor stammered, “he spent the night with a friend.”

The man pushed her away and turned at the couple on the floor, blade in hand. They cowered.

“Then I guess I’ll just get you then, Mr. Lightman. My boss says hi,” came the icy reply.

“What do you want? Who is your boss? I’ll double whatever he paid you,” the man’s voice cried in desperation. “Just spare me and my family.”

The man continued to walk closer to them, shaking his head, “I’m a professional, Mr. Lightman. I finish my work. Come back from the grave and we’ll talk about your offer,”

“No! Please!”

She couldn't look anymore. She had witnessed enough for the night and she couldn't watch any longer. Slowly, she retreated out of the room, the shadows of the hallway enveloping her small form. She had to hide. Surely help would come soon.

March 24, 2011 (11:00pm)

She glided into the ballroom like a goddess. Everyone’s eyes turned in her direction, every man watched her every step, and every lady looked on with envy.

But she’s not interested in any one of them. She searched through the crowd of elegant dresses and suit for the one man she planned to spend the night with.

After five minutes, she spotted him talking with a man whose back was facing her.

She breathed deeply and walked to his direction.

“Mr. Finn,” she interrupted with a gentle voice, “I just came by to tell you this party is amazing.”

Bill Finn looked at her, startled at first then admiration washed over his face as he looked her over. The man beside him stopped talking and looked at her.

She did not mind the stranger—she’s only after the one she’s facing.

“It’s a pleasure to host a party especially if such a beauty like you enjoys it,” he replied with a flashing grin. He noticed his companion was glaring down at her and he said, “By the way, this is my guest of honor, Sean Lightman, and…” he trailed off, his brows arching a notch as he looked at her inquiringly.

“I’m sorry. Phoebe,” she held out her hand and he took it, “Phoebe Knowles.” Then she turned to the man at her right and smiled, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Lightman,” she shook his hand and their eyes met. She saw his handsome face frown.

“Have we met before?” he asked.

She thought for a moment, “No, I don’t believe so.”

He nodded slowly.

“Now, why don’t you join us for a drink?” Bill asked.

“Of course, I’d love to,” she answered. She would have preferred it if she could have him alone. Sean Lightman was regarding her with a curious look and it’s making her uncomfortable.

She had to stay calm and patient.

Tonight will be played according to her game.

 “Ah, so you volunteer at St. Catherine?” Bill asked her.

She nodded.

“I like women who spend time caring for the needy,” Bill’s face was full of amazement, more for her face than her work, “Don’t you, Sean?” he asked his friend.

“Yes,” was the short reply.

To break the ice, she turned to him and asked, “How about you, Mr. Lightman? What do you do?”

“Oh, dear, don’t ask. He’s just the richest man in this crowd and he’d hate to tell you that,” Bill answered for him.

Her eyes widened a little, “Really?”

“Yes,” Bill nodded.

“Let’s not talk about me,” Lightman said with a touch of irritation.

“I’ll leave you two for a moment,” Bill announced, “I’ll go get this young lady a drink,” he gave her a wink before he turned to leave.

“Are you sure we never met before?” Lightman’s deep voice said over her.

She looked up at his brown eyes and said, “Yes, I believe so.” Deep inside, she was ignoring the familiarity herself. She coudn’t point out either where they’ve met.

“I knew someone who had the same eyes as you,” he said, his tone dreamy.

“Really? An old girlfriend?”

He shook his head, “No, a savior.”

A chuckle formed in her throat.

“She saved my life once.”

“How?” she asked curiously.

Before he could answer, he was interrupted by a young man who said, “Excuse me, sir, it’s Jacob. He wants to talk to you about the merger with Senator Stuart.”

Lightman glanced at her before he said, “Excuse me, I have to get this,” he took the phone from the young man and walked away.

She sighed in relief. His presence brought back something she couldn’t figure out what. She mentally shook her head.

“Where’s Lightman? How could he leave a woman like you alone?” Bill’s voice said behind her.

“He got an urgent phone call,” she smiled, taking the glass of champagne he handed her.

“I never thought I’d enjoy this party,” he said, looking at her.

“Me too,” she whispered, sipping her glass.

(1:00am)

She made sure she was not seen leaving the party with him. She handed him her hotel room keys before she left which he gratefully accepted.

She waited patiently.

She straightened her back when the door slowly opened. Standing up from the king size bed, she smiled when she saw his face.

“Hi, Billy, good to see you again,” she purred.

“Hello, beautiful,” he said.

She handed him the glass of wine, he accepted, sipped, and she smiled.

Good.

“You know, I like men who give out to the needy,” she said, tugging at his bowtie.

“You do?”

Her green eyes glinted with menace, and he frowned as the room started to whirl around him. “You accepted a great deal of money back then, didn’t you, Mr. Finn?”

“Wha—what do you mean?” he slurred.

“I don’t have to explain that,” she said, catching his limp body in her arms. She let him slide to the floor, numb. “You know full well what I’m talking about,” she said. “Now, tell me, who gave you the money?”

“I don’t know…what…you’re…”

“Tell me,” her voice made the hairs at the back of his neck stand up.

“Who—”

“Don’t ask who I am, tell me what I want to know,” she said, taking out her dagger.

“I don’t know…” he choked out. It’s impossible to talk.

She only got one last piece of the puzzle missing on her wall and this man held the key. “Well then I guess I’ll find out with someone else,” she retorted, her green eyes cold and blank.

“Please…” was the last word he was able to say.

 It was fast.

He did not even feel the kiss she planted on his cheek.