The Mission (Open - PM please)

The Mission

Eleanor 'Elle' Kasawa
24
Abilities: Tech expert, weapons training. The 'brains'.


Biography:
The daughter of the founder of The Guild - an organisation set up to monitor and shut down criminal and gang activity. Her father only allowed her to become part of the team, and to aid in undercover operations, when she simply wouldn't take no as an answer from him.

Although a shy person, she is nowhere near a wallflower. Intelligent and quick-witted, she learnt at a young age that it's eat or be eaten. Near literally sometimes. She knows that what she is part of is dangerous, but in some ways that is part of the thrill. This mission is her first 'solo' - in other words, without her father breathing down her neck, and she wants to prove herself.

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It was hot, scorchingly so as Elle got out of her car in the sun-drenched parking lot. Most sensible people had retreated out of the midday heat, back to their AC-ed homes or hotel rooms. Elle, however, did not have that luxury - she had a partner to pick up.

She put her sunglasses on and made her way across to the slightly more shaded pavement, and then over to the train station. The main station was cool as she slipped inside, and she was glad of it.

She slipped her dark glasses to the bridge of her nose for a second so that she could check the arrivals board on the screen above her. There it was, right on time, due to arrive in about 5 minutes. She moved to a white-painted bench and took a seat.

She felt slightly resentful. The guy got to stay snug and comfortable back at the office for an extra two days, no doubt finalizing the plans for the umpteenth time, while she got the 'pleasure' of travelling here alone and setting the software up in their suite. Of course, that did mean she got to make herself at home before him..

She allowed herself to become lost in thought for a moment. She supposed she ought to feel nervous, even fearful about what was coming up in the next few days. But for some reason, that wasn't what was registering. She just felt.. determined, ready.

This was meant to be a sting operation. Monitoring and gaining evidence on a group known among syndicates as the Panthers. The only reason the Guild knew so much about them was information they'd got from other criminals wanting to get themselves out of a lifetime in the slammer. It was sketchy, but at least it was information they could use.

Elle had spent the last few days up in the hotel suite she and her 'partner' would shortly be sharing, setting up the technology she needed, making sure everything was together. Now it was just a question of starting.

She heard an announcement, stating the arrival of the train, and got up with a little sigh, moving so that she was close by the doors to the station. She knew he was going to want to leave straight off, and didn't feel like being bossed around today.

Rick "Lefty Gator" Williams
37
Expert: unarmed combat, survival skills, the brawn of the team.
Out going and charismatic but, not the brightest light bulb in the box but, he's no dummy.
He was born and raised in the swamps of Louisiana and speaks with a southern accent and often uses
colloquiums to express himself. Meticulous and expects a lot out of his team but, even more out of himself.
With him the mission always comes first no exceptions.


Rubbing his folded brow and running his fingers through his jet black hair which is now beginning to show just a touch of gray at the temples. Rick starts to read the dossier on his partner.

Kasawa, Eleanor
Age:24
Height: 158 cm
Weight: 50 Kg

Education:

BS in Economics London School of Economics 3rd in her class
MS in Computer Science Cambridge 1st in her class

Speaks: English, German, and Russian fluently and has a good understanding of Arabic and Farsi.

Holds 100 meter freestyle swimming record at Cambridge also was on the woman's soccer team.

Military Service: 4 years Special Reconnaissance Regiment
Rank: Lieutenant
Unit: Classified
Operations specialty: Classified
Secondary OS: Classified
Last assignment: Classified

Rick liked details it made him feel secure like he was in charge of the situation. He liked knowing what he was in for and up against and while he had worked with Lt. Kasawa twice before she was a hard cookie to crack. She never spoke of her father come to think of it he mused he didn't even know if she even had siblings. Whenever, they were together they never had time to talk about personal matters the mission took precedence it always did. But, Rick didn't like not knowing what his partners skills were and her dossier didn't help.

Last time they were together was in the Arkar Valley what a hellhole that was. In fact hell what probably be a better place Rick thought to himself he and Kasawa were the only two out of a team of seven the survived those two nights of constant shelling. So lost in thought he didn't notice the train starting to slow and squeal of the steel wheels locked and sparking against the cold hard rails.

His mind was lost in a in the horror of Arkar Valley it happened more than a year ago but, he could still hear the moans of his team mates as they tired in vain to cling to life but, the life flowed out of them like think sanguine steams pudding all around them. So engrossed in his thoughts he never heard Elle enter the train or place her hands playfully on his knotted shoulders.

Elle watched as the passengers from the train began to enter the main station, going about their different objectives. She saw a few of them being greeted by partners or friends, and thought for a second about how she should greet Williams. Should they wait until they got to the hotel to start the facade, or start as they meant to go on?

As the stream of passengers turned into a trickle, and then died, Elle frowned faintly, slipping her glasses off and hooking them into the neckline of her top. What was he doing? Had he gone to the bathroom or something? She waited another couple of minutes, then lost patience and moved over towards the barriers customers went through to get access to the platforms.

"Excuse me?"

The station attendant on the other side of the barrier looked round and then came over.

"Yes Ma'am?"

Ugh, Ma'am. She wasn't an old woman!

"I wonder if you could do me a big favour... I'm meant to be meeting my partner here, but he hasn't come through. The heat of the day and that, i'm thinking he might have fallen asleep on the train. Do you think I could just slip through to the platform and get him?"

The attendant looked uncertain.

"I'm sorry Ma'am, but we're not really allowed to let customers through without a valid ticket."

"Oh, of course, I do understand. It's just that... well..." She gave a flirty little smile. "I haven't seen him in a little while, you know? And I was hoping to surprise him when he came up to the station; he doesn't know i'll be here, you see. I'd be so grateful if you'd bend the rules, just this once?"

It did the trick. The attendant still looked kind of unhappy, but he opened the wheelchair access door. Elle slipped through with a bright smile to him, before moving swiftly down the stairs towards the platforms.

Platform 5... there it was. She moved down the platform, peeking into the windows of each carriage, until she spotted a familiar tall man with black hair. With a small smile, she got up into the platform.

Either he was asleep, or else extremely deep in thought; Elle couldn't see from here whether his eyes were open. As she got closer, however, she spotted that his eyes were open. She came up behind him, placed her hands on his shoulders and said into his ear:

"Penny for your thoughts there, partner?"

With a smile, she came round in front of him.

"I thought i'd come greet you, since you seemed to be taking your time."

"Oh Elle dear I didn't notice you come in. I hope you haven't been waiting too long.", pausing for just long enough between words to notice the intoxicating fragrance of her perfume. It's going to be hard to stay focused on this trip he thought to himself.

"Sorry, I was thinking about our last trip and what a disaster it was and was wondering if the travel 'Agency' will do any better at planing this trip. Remember how we lost all our luggage and damn it some of those things were irreplaceable. I'm still pissed about it and yet here we are using the same agency to arrange this trip."

As he looked up toward her smile he began to wonder what it was going to be like with Elle in charge did she have what it takes? Could she sum up a situation in a minute and make a decision perhaps several within the blink of an eye.

Slowly a smile crept upon his lips and his southern draw became more pronounced as he gathered his thoughts and started to relax after all having someone else in charge of the mission maybe a pleasant change he'd just have to pull his weight and not worry about inspiring everyone else to give 110%.

"Did you do some'n different with your hair darlin'?" looking directly into her eyes his own beaming like two green laser beams. He hoped he wasn't starring at her tight slightly faded jeans which seemed to hug every curve she had and the pale blue tank top which did the same.

Well, partner were burn'n daylight its time to head home and relax a bit we have a busy couple a weeks ahead of us I'm sure. Lead the way."

Closing his laptop and slowly raising up from his coach seat brushing the wrinkles from his trousers before waiting for Elle to take the first step.

"Not long at all. I got here about 5 minutes before the train arrived. Better then being out in the furnace I suppose."

At his mention of the 'agency' the expression on her face flickered just slightly. She knew what he meant. Arkar. She didn't want to think about that, not as they were about to begin a mission; it felt like foreboding.

"Yes, well, this is a whole new trip. I think the agency learnt their lesson the last time, don't you?"

At his question, her hand subconsciously moved to her dark blonde hair. She'd got it cut shorter since Arkar, and she was a little surprised he had noticed it.

"Well yes... fancied a change, that was all."

He himself had changed a little too. There was the slightest touch of gray in his dark hair, but somehow that suited him. And, as she'd come to expect by now, he was well turned out. Linen trousers, she judged, and a shirt with the sleeves turned up. She determinedly kept her dark eyes on his green ones; her mind needed to be kept clear today.

She gave a little laugh at his comment, waiting for him to collect his stuff before moving towards the carriage door.

"Busy is an understatement. I'll fill you in once I have the details to hand."

They got off the train and moved towards the stairs back up to the station. As they got to the stairs, Elle moved close to him, murmuring

"As far as the attendant up there is concerned, I just gave you an... enthusiastic welcome. I think his imagination just went into overkill." She said the last bit with a slight grin on her face.

Rick tried to stifle a chuckle at hearing Elle's little ploy she played on the coachmen and decided he'd have a little fun with her. All the joking and ribbing was a way to relieve the tension that was already building and going to come to a head in the next few days. The Panthers were always dangerous and always unpredictable and anything unperdicable was always very nerve racking to Rick.

"Yes, change does give one a new outlook on things doesn't it and the change in your hairstyle certainly gives you a new look... So you think the attendant's imagination went into over drive do yea? Well those jeans certainly don't leave much to the imagination I'll tell yea that fer sure. They look tighter than the skin on a snare drum. Now who in tar-nation are you trying to impress, Miss Elle?"

Grining so wide at his exahgerated "country" expressions he could spit in his ear he continued gathering up his things and once he had everything in order they began walking lock step. However, he was one stride behind her and he couldn't help but, become mesmerized by the way her hips swayed and she certainly wasn't packing a weapon of any kind where could she hide it she seemed to be poured into those jeans.

As she barely passed the attendant, Rick winking at him and mocking wiping his brow pnce he was far enough along to be sure Elle didn't spot his antics. Elle stepped onto platform number 5 and he placed the leather sole his highly polished floorshines onto the platform.

Beginning himself back to the business at hand, and off the perfectly heart shaped ass in fornt of him he asked quite matter a factly, "When are you going to have the details? And more importantly do you have anything cold to drink back at the flat?"

Thankful she couldn't read his mind. He kept smiling to himself remembering how easily distractions can get you killed in this business.

Wow... he was laying on the charm thick. Elle had to remind herself that this was part of the ruse to keep herself from going all girly and giggly, but a blush still showed on her cheeks as they moved away from the platform.

“Oh, no-one at all. Though of course, it gives the appearance that i’m showing my boyfriend just what he’s been missing.” She flashed a smile over her shoulder at him “Think it’d work?”

As they got up to the barrier, Elle saw the attendant still standing by the disabled access door, looking a little bit dazed. He opened it for her again, and Elle moved through it, making a point of letting her body brush just slightly against his.

As they moved away, Rick seemed to bring himself to the matter-at-hand.

"When are you going to have the details? And more importantly do you have anything cold to drink back at the flat?"

Elle had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. Moving so that she was walking beside him, she gave a smile.

“Relax. I can brief you on the basics on the way back, and the detailed plans and equipment are ready for you to look at. I’ve been here for 3 days, I needed to find something to fill my time with. My dad wasn’t exactly going to let me go exploring alone.”

She led him across to the parking lot; taking the keys to the car out of her pocket as she did and pressing the button to unlock it as they got to it.

“Things in the back please.”

She waited until he’d done as she asked and was in the car, before starting the engine and reversing out of the parking space.

“Your documents for while we’re here are in the glove compartment. As far as the hotel’s concerned, I arrived a few days earlier then you for a romantic break. You had urgent business to take care of and it couldn’t wait. Any questions?”

Her tone was matter-of-fact, more business-like now that they were on this subject.

“Oh, no-one at all. Though of course, it gives the appearance that i’m showing my boyfriend just what he’s been missing.” She flashed a smile over her shoulder at him “Think it’d work?”

"Have mercy! I think it may work a little too well and at this moment I can't decide who is more dangerous to be around you or the Pathers." only half joking at his own remark.

"So your Dad is still being a bit over over protective ya recon but, if he's seen you dressed like that I really don't blame him." as he shot her a boyish grin

It was amazing at how quickly she could switch gears in a conversation he thought to himself as he open the passager side door piled the laptop, small black canvas piece of luggage and a navy blue gym bag onto the compatment of a red Ford Fiesta and then trying to squeeze his six foot frame into the passenger's seat.

"Luckily I like to travel light. Is this the only thing the agency would spring for?"

Closing the door and continuing his diatribe without waiting for a response which he was sure he would get but, right now he was on a roll and a little pissed.

"When I was a kid I used to love watching James Bond movies you know double O seven tooling around in a tricked out Austin Martin and in real life all we get is a fuck'n Fiesta. Man when are all the government cut backs going to stop. I mean Bond always slept in a Villa and we get a hotel room, and a Fiesta, that room better have a cold bar. If I knew the spook business was going to be this austere I would have stayed in the military.", he fumed.

"Speaking of your Dad he runs this outfit couldn't you pull a few strings and get a Porsche or something?"


The top of the car roof rubbing his head even with his shoulders bent over making him look like a hunch back. After fumbling to get the glove box open for several minutes moving his hip this way and that trying to get his knees out of the way until just giving up.

"I'll wait to we get to the hotel before I read the docs on the mission", squirming once again trying to find his comfort zone but, to no avail.

"I'm sorry its just that the train ride was long and now this. So you had a romantic weekend did ya... Well at least someone had fun."

"He's not seen me dressed like this. I'm the good little girl around him."

She resisted the urge to laugh as he struggled to fit into the car. Keeping her eyes firmly on the road as his diatribe continued on, but still able to see him shifting about out of the corner of her eye. At his frankly sarcastic remark about what she'd been doing, however, she answered back.

"Excuse me? Fun? I spent the weekend finding out the best ways to track the Panthers without them finding out and trying to kill us, and then doing some mighty complicated technological work. If you call that fun, i'd hate to see what you call boring."

And, before he could get a word in edgeways, she continued

"And by the way, we were given the fiesta specifically to keep our cover. If we'd got a Porche or a Mercedes or... whatever, that would have been way too conspicuous. We're undercover, remember?"

She drummed her fingers against the steering wheel as she pulled to a stop at a red light, glancing round at him as she did so.

"Look, there's a lever thing to bring the seat back."

She leant over quickly, her hand slipping over him and underneath the seat. She tugged the lever beneath as the chair moved back a bit.

"There. More comfortable?"

She straightened in time for the green light, and shortly was pulling into the car park of the hotel.

"Sorry, I really am sorry for what I said but, its just that I am little bit worried about this mission. I'll take that back I'll very worried about this little soiree which we are about to go on is not exactly a Fais do do (fay-doe-doe)."

Suddenly losing his train of thought as her hand seemed to glide over him brushing his thigh for just a moment. She was so close he could feel the softness her dark straight hair tickle the side of his cheek and the equally soft roundness of her right breast pressing against his arm as her hand reached under the seat and tugged the lever and the seat slid backward giving him a little more leg room for which he was thankful. For what seemed a long moment as if savoring the soft warmth of her breast and the lovely flagrance of her shampoo which lingered on her hair seemed to entrance him even after she had straighten up.

"Thank you Elle feels really good."

As a sheepish schoolboy smile crept upon his face as he looked over at her and studied her face. The straight almost roman nose, her lush pink lips, the way the vain in her neck paused, and those firm round breasts were so so inviting... God she is so beautiful wondering to himself what was coming over him. As he forced himself to turn away.

Suddenly the car stopped and he was shaken back to reality. This mission maybe the hardest one yet he thought to himself. After all the ruse was to act like a couple and he began wondering if he could just pretend without allowing his feelings to get carried away what in the hell was coming over him.

"Apology accepted." She let a little sigh out "I'm worried too. This is big, and'll take a lot of work. But worrying isn't going to do anything, getting our asses in gear will."

Bending over him like that had left her a little breathless. She hadn't meant to press quite that close, but hadn't had much other option to get her hand beneath the seat. She could feel the places her body had touched his tingling slightly, and tried to shake herself out of it.

What was she playing at? This wasn't the time to be getting some sort of... schoolgirl style crush, especially since soon enough they'd be having to act like lovers. She kept her mind firmly off what that would be like as she parked up. Once she'd turned the engine off, she looked round at him.

"I doubt there's any real danger in the hotel, but... to be safe rather then sorry, we need to keep the pretense up in the hotel as well as out in the open, OK? Starting from now."

She opened her door and slid neatly out, coming round to join him as he got out too. Slightly nervous of how her body was going to react to this, she slipped her arm about his waist.

As he opened the door and twisted has way out of the car he reached into the back compartment and grabbed his things and turned around toward Elle not exactly sure what she had said as he straightened up before he was aware of what was happening he felt her arm slip behind him and her hand came to rest on his left hip as she snuggled toward him seemingly molding her body to his.

He closed the car door and tightened the grip on his luggage and gym bag as they stepped toward onto the walkway leading toward the hotel. An ultra modern establishment with plenty of black tinted windows and a large white glowing sign spelling out MANDARIN ORCHARD with letters at least eight feet tall.

A luggage porter approached wearing a spotless while uniform and said, "Welcome to the Mandarin Orchard Hotel may I help you with your luggage sir?"

"No need I just have these couple of pieces and I can manage think you."

Within the blink of an eye the porter's expression changed from a glowing smile to a look of contempt and while it couldn't be heard distantly it sounded some like, "Cheap American bastard" as the porter's thin lipped mouth curled into a scow.

As Elle gave him and scornful look as she tightened her arm around his waist and all but pushed him into the brightly lit lobby decorated in gold and black keeping with the contemporary decor of the place.

"This way to the lift darling our room is on the fifth floor."

Elle happened to like the hotel. She'd been in far worse then this in her time and to her, this was pretty luxurious.

Her body had pressed up close against Rick's, and as they moved their way to the hotel, she stuck close to him, even if her arm had loosened just slightly. It felt... strange, a little nerve-wracking to be up so close to him, but at the same time... she wanted it, she wanted to be close.

As the luggage porter approached, Elle took a glance at Rick's bags. He was travelling light, as he'd said, and it wasn't like the bags were difficult to manage. She couldn't blame him for politely refusing the porters assistance.

She saw the porters expression change as they moved past and heard his muttered insult. Her head turned, and she cast the porter a dark look, which made him blanch. Clearly he was used to muttering insults and not being overheard. With a faint smug smile, Elle looked round again as they came into the lobby area.

"This way to the lift darling our room is on the fifth floor."

She wasn't meaning to steer him or push him, but she automatically knew the way by this time. As they got to the lift, Elle glanced about. There weren't many guests around; no doubt most were already out, or else staying in their rooms until things cooled down. As the lift arrived, and the doors opened, she moved inside alongside him and pushed the button for the fifth floor.

"Huh.. jumped up little git." Her tone was sullen and low; her mind was still on the porter. Then, remembering something, she gave a little gasp.

"Oh, your key!" She broke from him and put her hand in the back pocket of her jeans, pulling out two keycards. "For the room." She explained. "It... might be best if I give you the key once you're free of your bags though."

As the lift stopped and the doors opened, she led him out into the hallway. Like the rest of the hotel, it was decorated contemporarily; cool black stone flooring and gold detail. They stopped in front of room 507.

"This is us." Elle swiped one of the keycards and there was a sound of the door unlocking. She turned the handle, stepping into the room and held the door open for Rick to get through.

"Make yourself at home. There's a mini-bar in the cupboard beneath the TV. Once you're ready, i'll show you what we're doing."

She moved to the desk and took a seat; opening her laptop up and pressing a key to bring it out of sleep mode.

"Oh, your key!" She broke from him and put her hand in the back pocket of her jeans, pulling out two keycards. "For the room." She explained. "It... might be best if I give you the key once you're free of your bags though."

Laughing at Elle's expression regarding the bellboy. She often acted posh and attempted to put on an air of satisfaction but, when she relaxed, when she was in her element her accent and manner of speech reverted to her more natural London dialect and it was delight to the ears of someone who found accents and idioms fascinating...

" He was a little git wasn't he. Yes, I don't think I could handle another thing."

Patting the pockets of his white linen trousers making sure he'd still had the documents detailing the mission and his part to play with his gym bad in his left and the suitcase in his right. But, first things first as he began trying to decide which he needed more a drink or a shower to wash off the grime of the train ride.

"To make myself at home the first thing I need to grab is a shower. Train rides always make me feel dirty somehow."

Dropping his luggage on the bed and took off his suit coat and carefully placing on a hanger, taking an extra moment to ensure it was straight before placing it in the closet. Just as he opened the closet his eye caught a very sheer black night gown well actually it was much smaller than a night gown but, he wasn't sure what it was called a babbydoll, teddy, woman's lingerie while always enticing him was never his strong suit. They seem to come in a dizzying array of shapes and color the next always a little skimpier than the last. Elle certainly wanted to play her role to the hilt. Hanging the coat in notice Elle sitting down at her laptop ready to get to work as he wondered walked toward the shower. The drink and heavy reading could wait as he closed the door and undressed. Leaning over to turn on the water praying this hotel had hot water a luxury in many place he had been.

'Pissssss' went the shower head and "Thank you Jesus" he said to himself as the water warmed to his touch.

"Fine by me. Take your time."

She glanced round as he took off his suit coat and put it away... noticing as he did so that he put it close by where she had hung up her lingerie. She turned her head hastily back to the laptop screen so that he wouldn't see the slight reddening of her cheeks. That wasn't her usual choice of nightwear, but it was part of the act.

She heard him move into the bathroom, and then the sound of the water running, along with an unintelligible murmur from Rick. She tilted her head back a bit, letting a low sigh out. Unbidden, a thought of him in that shower came across her mind.

She shook herself off, forcing her thoughts away from that. Oh God sake, she was a professional, and she needed to act like one. She could do this... she had to. Not only because of the crucial mission, but because this was her chance to prove herself. If this went well, her dad wouldn't have a reason to try and keep her back from missions.

And speaking of her father... She went through onto the email system, and fired off a quick email to him

Williams arrival was smooth. I will keep you updated on progress.

Don't worry, all will be fine.

As the water warmed to his liking he stripped and tentively set on foot in the shower. It was a habit he developed from his childhood back in south Louisiana. It wasn't unheard that as the water started running down the drain it would scare up nasty little surprises: Spiders, cockroaches, even scorpions have been known to climb out of the dark little hole its own little treasure trove of horrors. And in this part of the world were the climate was always hot and humid the same types of creatures made their homes in any dark damp recess they could find.

The coast was clear no bugs he could see so he climbed into he shower stall and let the warm soothing water run down his neck and back as he reached for the shower jell and unscrewed the cap of the tiny bottle pouring a miniscule puddle of the thick while liquid into hand, and began the lather up allowing the suds carry away the grim from the train ride and wash it down the drain.

Without warning an image of Elle appeared in his mind as his began to fantasize what she would look like in the shower with him. How it would feel to have her hands spreading the slippery suds over his chest and feel her soft firm breasts press against him as she moved closer toward him as she reached for the lever to adjust the temperature of the water. Just as she did when she adjusted the seat in the car to give him more leg room. It was like he was almost reliving that briefest of touches and the soft warmth of her firm young breast.

"FUCK! God damn it..." he screamed. Someone must have flushed the loo on another floor as the water went from pleasantly warm to scalding hot in less than a moment.

Jumping out of the shower almost forgetting to grab a terrycloth robe and slinging it on as he slung open the bathroom door. Tieing it quickly as he noticed Elle's shocked expression."

"Someone must have flushed a toilet somewhere and water went scaling hot. Why hasn't the rest of the world learned the find art of indoor plumbing?"

Looking at Elle but, talking to himself and he approached the bed snatching an small bottle of Amaretto from the bar and a cup and ice from the table above then poring the liquor over the ice. Has he laid on the bed freshly made drink in his left hand.

"Oh excuse my manners. Would you like me to fix you a drink?"

Elle closed the email window down, and started pulling up the files she'd need when explaining the plan to Rick. She knew his obsession with details through the few times she'd worked in the same team as him, and through the things she'd heard from other Guild members.

She knew what he must be thinking. That she was too young to be leading, or else that Daddy's little girl got boosted to the top because of her contacts. That's what she'd encountered before, and it annoyed the hell out of her. If they knew how her father was about her being here...

"FUCK! God damn it..."

Elle jumped at the sound of Ricks screamed exclamation. She turned quickly, hearing a bit of clattering about inside the bathroom. What the hell...?

"Erm.. Rick?"

Elle got up, and was just about to go knock on the door when it sprang open and Rick came out. He looked annoyed, and was tieing the belt of a terrycloth robe. At his explanation, Elle gave a slight sigh, relaxing a little.

"Jeez, I thought you'd... cut yourself or something."

He didn't seem to listening; his mutters were more for himself then for her. She took a seat again as he poured himself a drink from the mini-bar. It had just dawned on her what he was wearing. She took a steadying breath, trying to keep her mind away from what was beneath as he laid himself out on the bed.

"Oh excuse my manners. Would you like me to fix you a drink?"

She shook her head, getting up herself.

"You're already comfortable, i'll do it myself."

She picked a vodka and tonic, but added plenty of ice to dilute it a little. Sitting back down in her chair, she raised her glass and said "Cheers." before taking a sip. Then she set it down on the desk beside her laptop.

"Feel less grimy now? Despite the scalding, I mean?" The slightest grin flitted across her face, seeing his still grumpy expression.

double post sorry

Yep, nothing like ay a hot shower to liven one up I always say."

As he attempted a sideway smirk. After the fact it was actually pretty funny he must have sounded like a banshee he thought to himself while rubbing his chest, which still burned just a little. Anyhow that would hopeful be the worst of his problems. Considering he was in a lovely hotel room with a beautiful woman things could be a lot worst he mused as a smile lie up has face and his mood brightens as he realized things weren't bad at all.

Glancing over a Elle who was always did seem very relaxed and comfortable as she offered, "Cheers" with the hint of a twinkle in her eyes as she looked toward him. But, within a moment she set down her drink and looked over the screen of your laptop while absent mindedly tracing the rim of the glass with her index finger.

"I guess tomorrow we start earning our paychecks tonight I just need to unwind and relax if that's OK by you. Maybe you can fill me in on the details of this operation. All I've figured out so far is we are out here trying to chase down the bad guys and we don't even know who they are. Have you IDed any of them yet?"

After an almost indiscernible pause as he summed up the situation. The heart of the issue kept churning in his mind.

"What do we actually have to go on? What do we really know?

"Maybe you can fill me in on the details of this operation. All I've figured out so far is we are out here trying to chase down the bad guys and we don't even know who they are. Have you IDed any of them yet?"

Elle glanced up at him and gave a nod of her head.

"We got some details from questioning a few criminals detained in this general area. After going through the files and so on, i've got a positive ID on three men."

She shifted her chair to the side, and moved the laptop so that he could see it clearly from the bed. Then she double clicked on a file, and the details and picture of the first man came up.

"Daniel Ageboye. Came over here on a work visa 4 years ago and then disappeared off government radars. From what I can gather, he heads the illegal weapons trade." She indicated a scar running from Ageboye's right temple down the side of his face. "That is the result of the last time he got in trouble with authority."

She clicked, and the next profile came up.

"Igor Perutz. Russian. Involved in the drugs operations they pull. That's where they make the big money."

Another click, and Elle's face turned slightly stonier.

"Max Ridley. Native to here. His involvement is a little more hazy but... from the evidence we received, my guess is the sex trade. Prostitution, slavery, that kind of thing." She gave the screen a dark look, before continuing.

"I haven't been able to pin down who the main leader is yet. There was plenty of evidence, but it was old, and when I got here, I realised it was useless. The last leader died about 3 months ago."

She paused for a second, before going on.

"Our job is to find out as much as we can about the Panthers. Find out just how active they are, and how powerful, then report our findings back to base. Basically, find out how big a risk they pose to security. My suggestion would be to track those three," She nodded at the screen, "and use them to find out more."

There was a pause as she finally finished speaking; then Rick posed his next question

"What do we actually have to go on? What do we really know?"

Elle bit her lip slightly before she responded.

"We know that they are, at least, active, and that they have been for a few years. Whilst we don't know for sure the locations of their hideouts, we have possible places they keep weapons and drugs." Elle picked up a map of the city and handed it to Rick. "I've marked the places."

"To sum up... we don't know a huge amount right now. This mission is about filling the missing gaps."

"Well lets see we have some pictures and names but, we're not sure where these ay gentlemen hang their hats. I have a couple of ideas on how to find out the whereabouts of the Russian and the Nigerian but, as for Ridley I'll have to sleep on that."

Looking over at Elle just to make sure she was paying attention and her their eyes locked she was soaking up every word.

"If you want to catch a rat you gott'a bait the trap and to bait the trap you have to know what they like to eat. So let check the phonebook and see where the center of Russian Tearooms, bars and restaurants are in the area. We can do the same for Ageboye. However, I have to admit I don't know much about where Nigerians like to hang out."

His eyes still locked on Elle's who seemed to be listening but somewhat distance almost like she was dreaming or something.

"Don't mind me really. I'm just thinking out loud so don't consider what I'm saying as something I'm hell bent on doing just throwing thoughts out there to see if anything clicks. As for Ridly I'm not sure unless your looking for a part time job in the sex trade? I hear it pays pretty well and you already have the outfit."

Laughing at himself as he glanced at the closet contain the Elle would be less amused. The only thing he knew for sure was even with all the 21st century technology gizmos most investigations started with a lot of leg work as he rubbed his eyes and pulled closed his robe which somehow opened perhaps a little too wide.

Elle was listening, but at the same time, was thinking how to do things. She felt oddly frustrated. She was used to being patient, to getting information via various means and ways, but... kowing so little was something that was still unsettling. They were going in blind.

"As for Ridley I'm not sure unless your looking for a part time job in the sex trade? I hear it pays pretty well and you already have the outfit."

That brought Elle back to earth with a bump, and she gave Rick a heated look as he looked towards the closet in which her teddy was hung.

"Or not. I agree with what you said though. From what i've seen, there's not a huge amount of places that are fully Russian, but there is one that's been receiving a lot of praise. These guys are going to want to have the best."

She pondered for a moment again, biting her lip softly.

"The only thing I can think of is... there's a place that sells African dishes and goods. Nigerian is a safe bet. We could check there and, if need be, ask."

She stretched, letting out a little groan as she did so. She felt lethargic, not as alert as usual. She thought she knew the cause. She'd spent the last few days holed up in here, and her usual routine of getting a bit of running or other exercise in had been knocked askew. A few days minus that and she certainly felt the difference. She took a gulp of her drink, before getting onto her feet.

"Would you mind if I went down to the gym for a bit? I've not had much of a chance to try it out with everything."

"That sounds like a great idea and if you don't mind some company I'd love to go with you but, to be honest I could probably only stay a half an hour at the most I have to catch on some paperwork. I know I'm procrastinating but, I'd rather be lifting weights and pushing a pencil any day and I hate doing expense report those damn bean counters are getting so bad you have to check everything twice before you'll get a single penny."

He finished his drink and looked toward Elle awaiting her response as she knocked back her drink in one swallow. I better not pay quarters with her he considered until his mind switched gears. It was true he hated doing paperwork but, the thought of seeing Elle firm tight ass and sexy perk titties jiggling in her gym outfit was quite a temptation. Something he had to see. After all she was very easy of the eyes of course she was in great shape so there may not be much jiggle but, a firm shapely ass was a wonder to behold and he'd love to get a hold of hers he thought to himself. He had all but, given up the idea of fighting the way he felt about Elle sure he wasn't going to tell her but, why fight it why not just enjoy it he thought to himself.

"Sure you can come along but, remember accounting closes in less than an two hours and if you don't get your expense report in before the deadline its a long weekend back at HQ and that means another week or two before they deposit any money in your account if its not rejected and you have to do it over. If your coming why don't you change into your gym clothes and I'll change when we get there. "

Elle face had that matter of fact expression similar to the face of a teacher explaining a math problem to a student. Pressing her hands against her hips and twisting her torso to loosen up her muscles and start her warm up routine.

"OK I'll be back in a flash."

Rick all but leaped off the bed grabbed his gym bag a headed toward the bathroom. In less time than Elle could prepare herself for a couple of leg stretches Rick was already changed and standing behind her. Dressed in black gym shorts and his favorite and well worn LSU Geaux Tigers t-shirt both fitting him a bit on the tight side but, he had the body to pull it off so as they say if you got it flaunt it.

"Lead the way we're burn'n daylight..."

Spotting his bright yellow t-shirt with equally gaudy purple lettering Elle give Rick a bewildered look. In that outfit no one could accuse him of being a slave to fashion

As Rick emerged from getting dressed, Elle blinked, wondering if her eyes had gone funny. But no, it seemed the t-shirt really was that bright. After giving Rick a bewildered look for a second, Elle decided not to comment.

"Right... OK, let me just get my bag."

At least it was tight-fitting on him, she mused to herself as she opened the closet and took her alright packed gym bag out. Before she moved towards the door, she handed Rick his keycard for the door.

"If you're coming back before me, you'll definately need that. Come on then."

They moved back out into the corridor, and back into the lift. This time, she led him out of the main hotel building and round the side to the entrance to the sauna and gym.

"Ok... two seconds while I change."

She headed over to the changing room, and was back about five minutes later. She had on a purple short sleeve wrap top, and black three-quarter length capri pants. She came round to where Rick had stationed himself, putting her hair up into a ponytail as she came.

"So... you're the one that'll be here for 30 minutes. Your choice of equipment."

As she spoke, she noticed a group of 4 or 5 men entering the gym too, all of them talking loudly. She counted herself lucky that she'd stowed her mp3 player in her bag, and could plug herself in if they got rowdy.

Rick couldn't help but, give her a good looking over. The outfit wasn't as skimpy as he had hoped but, Elle always the practical one he thought to himself and perhaps she doesn't even realize the effect she has on men in general and him in particular. Odd how when they had worked together in the past he hadn't felt the same urges toward her but, he didn't have time to think about it.

"So.... you're the one that'll be for 30 minutes. Your choice of equipment.", said Elle

"I'll just do free weights I'm not much into fancy equipment and maybe 10 ten minutes on the treadmill. There a weight bench over there.", Turning his head to the left to signify the direction of the weight bench.

"Would you mind spotting me?"

Facing Elle his eyes drifting over her body. Amazed how she filled out the very conservative gym ware. Just standing there her weight on your right foot making her left hip more pronounced. Even though the top wasn't tight her breasts seemed to stretch the fabric and he couldn't help but stare at her round firm shapely bosom so much so he didn't see the small barely noticeable smile plant itself on her full rosy lips. However, he did notice two obliviously hard bullet shaped point seem to magically appear at the tips of your breasts as her smile broadened.