Black Dahlia II: Keep your enemies closer

Chronicles of the Black Dahlia Note: Character derived from The Wingman Series by Michael Davis, WC writer. Recommend reading at www.chanceransom.com

Jayne Lynn Pariski is a socialite, but not just any socialite. Her mother is Audrey Millen-Pariski, owner of the elite Millen Advertising Agency.

 

On September 13th, Jayne Lynn was intended to be married to one Henry Rockwell Japson III, that was until the groom left the bride standing at the alter and after Audrey Millen-Pariski had forked out a cool half a mill for her one and only daughter’s wedding. The lawsuit is on hold until Henry can be located. If I were him, I would stay hidden for as long as possible. Audrey puts the “b” in ballbuster.

 

Tomorrow night will be Jayne Lynn’s coming out. It will be the first time she is going out on the town since the canceled nuptials. A jilted bride is a big catch, even for a seasoned bombardier.

 

As a Guardian, you can hold one of three positions: a Caller, a Spotter or an Escort. A Caller sets up the assignments. I was only a Caller for three months before being promoted to a Spotter.

 

A Spotter’s job is to scout out the place ahead of time, plot exit strategies and reserve the safest table. They also provide back up. Because a single or even a pair of women is too dangerous, the spotting team is always made up of three.

 

The Escort’s job is to stay with the assignment at all times. Ever wonder why women go to the bathroom in two’s, well there you go. You must never, ever leave the assignment unless there is an emergency. I once got food poisoning at an event and had to call up one of the Spotters to take my place, but that’s another story.

 

When a Guardian is hired it is almost exclusively through a third party. When this happens the assignment never knows that they have been placed in the care of an Escort.

 

Audrey Millen-Pariski called the Order herself. She didn’t want her daughter to fall prey to some unscrupulous male, looking to make a name. She knew how vulnerable Jayne was and the paparazzi would be every where.

 

The dossier stated that I was posing as a distant cousin that Jayne Lynn had not seen since childhood when she lived in London. I need to brush up on my English accent. I can imitate twenty different accents, including dialects, but given the time constraints, English would be the easiest to fake.

 

At 15:00 my cell rings. Right on time, I think.

 

“Agent 6696?” It's one of the Spotters.

 

“Yes.”

 

“Password.”

 

“Black Dahlia.”

 

“You’re probably not going to like this, the assignment picked Rasputin.”

 

She was right. Rasputin’s is a dark maze of intimate seating, an Escort’s worst possible location. It is hard for Spotters to counter attack, or for the Escort to signal for back up.

 

“What’s the exit plan?”

 

The Spotter laid out three possible exit plans. I gave my approval. The Escort always has final say in these matters. If anything goes wrong, it’s on her head.

 

“One more thing, Ransom was seen at Charlie's.”

 

“What? No there has to be a mistake.” I tried not to let the Spotter hear the panic in my voice.

 

‘Well, it is unconfirmed.”

 

Ransom. Here in Manhattan. I heard he had gone rogue, but never thought he had made it back to the States. My work was cut out for me.

 

 

 

 

I went to the safe house the afternoon of the coming out. It’s a room at the RC. I needed to stage it for tonight.

 

I had already procured the appropriate props. A Gucci hand bag, some Chanel suits and a Christian Dior dress. I also picked up a couple of Kate Spades, a few Vera Wang pieces and Prada for good measure.  Normally I would wear black, but I was informed that Jayne Lynn would be wearing a black original from Valentino, a personal friend to Audrey, so I would be wearing the Dior, a dark red number. I manage to get the Manolo’s before 7074 got there. I snagged the vintage Louis Vuitton luggage to put it all in.

 

On the way in, I stop by gift shop and grabbed a London Times. I then headed to the room.

 

Once inside, I assessed the dynamics of it. The florist had already delivered the roses I had ordered the day before. I had also ordered a lunch which was sufficiently cold. I separated the sections of the paper before tossing it on the ground. I then mussed up the bed linens and then threw a man’s shirt on the floor at the foot. The distant cousin could not appear to be a prude and I needed it look like I had been there for days rather than minutes.

 

After hanging up the suits and dress, I set out the other props I brought. Checking my watch, I am relieved I have just enough time to prepare for tonight.

 

Unlike a Wingman, an Escort's groom time is much longer.  Four hours to be exact.

Starting the ritual, I ran the bath and slipped in. The vanilla scent from the salts filled my nostrils and I finally began to relax.

 

“This is a piece of cake Elizabeth,” I say out loud. Maybe if I hear it, I can believe it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m strapping on the Manolo’s when the hotel phone rings. I pick it up.

 

“Hi, it’s me Jayne.”

 

“Oh Jayne darling, do come up for a drink before we go, it is room 516.”

 

“Well OK, let me phone the driver so he can circle.” Click

 

I hear a faint knock at the door. I open it to see a mouse of a girl.

 

“Oh Jayne, it’s so good to see you, I bet you don’t even remember me?,” I gush with the fake English accent, giving her a peck on both cheeks

 

“Oh no, I remember you. I’m sorry mummy can’t make it tonight, so it looks like it is just you and me,” she says sheepishly as she enters the room.

 

 

“I do hope the dear is OK?”

 

Jayne is looking around. I notice her eying the shirt I placed on the floor by the bed.

 

“Oh yes, just one of her migraines.”

 

I pour Jayne a Gin and Tonic, and myself, well a Tonic. Escorts are not to drink, they must remain alert at all times, but clear on clear liquid is easy enough to pass off.

 

I hand her the glass and clink it with mine.

 

“Cheers,” I smile as she takes the glass up to her lips.

 

  

The limo and driver are waiting at the front of the hotel as we exit. He holds open the door for us and closes it once we are safely tucked in.

 

“So Jayne, where are you taking me on my big night in New York?”

 

“I thought we would go to Rasputin’s.”

 

“Rasputin’s. Sounds wicked.”

 

“Oh, it is. Maybe we’ll find some dates.”

 

The G and T had already gotten to her, she was giggling. Apparently she wasn’t as distraught as everyone thought.

 

“Darling, you’re my kind of gal. Would you care for another drink?”

 

 

 

 

We arrived at the club and someone had tipped of the press. This is not protocol so I have to assume it was from the Mitten-Pariski camp. I guess Audrey wanted the world to see her little girl was back on her feet.

 

Jayne exits first, so the flashes are going off like fireworks. I keep my head down, not exposing my face. I can’t run the risk of being recognized. I hustle her inside the doorway.

 

The coat girl grabs our outerwear and the hostess seats us at the table selected by the Spotters. I quickly scan the room. No sign of Ransom. No signal from the Spotters.

 

The place is packed, every table is either reserved or filled. I hear Jayne ordering a Apple Martini and I snap back to the situation.

 

“Jayne, you really shouldn’t mix drinks, you’ll be ill.”

 

“Oh it’s OK, I’m ready to let loose and party.” With that she lets out a whoop.

 

I need to bring her back. She can’t be that obvious yet. Every wingman in the place will be hunting our table.

 

“Jayne, not to bring a damper on, but don’t you think it is a bit soon since Henry?”

 

There I see it, the crestfallen look I need. The tears start coming down.

 

“Oh there there, look what naughty Elizabeth has done. I’ve spoiled your fun.” I hand her a napkin.

 

She blows her nose, loudly. A plus! No bombardier wants to deal with a sniffling mark.

“Oh Elizabeth, I just can’t believe he dumped me like that. On our wedding day!” She blows again.

 

“Well, forget the sod,” I really started to feel bad, but it had to be done, “Just you have a good time tonight.”

 

 

I order us a couple more drinks, keeping Jayne happily sedated with alcohol, and me a tonic. We were laughing it up, I almost didn’t see the signal from the Spotter two tables over.

 

“Jayne, lets go to the powder room, I really need to wee.”

 

“OK” she stumbles out of the booth, grabbing her drink. I tell the waitress we’ll be back and slip her a $50 to entrust that no one is sitting in our spot.

 

Jayne heads into a stall and the Spotter approaches.

 

“He’s here,” she whispers

 

“Who?” I continue in  a low voice.

 

'Ransom."

 

“This is bad. I need to get you to the table. Where is he?”

 

The Spotter said to look at the bar on the west side of the room.

 

Jayne emerges from the stall and teeters to the sink.

 

“Jayne, this is Emily. She’s from London too. I’ve invited her to join us. I hope you don’t mind?”

 

With Jayne and Emily safely back at the table, I make my way to the west side bar. It’s a bit out of the action so it is much quieter and empty.

 

I see him sitting at a table toward the back, alone. Unusual. Something’s not right.

Maybe he’s already hit target. I decide to duck back before I’m spotted. Just as I’m turning around, I hear it.

 

“Black Dahlia.”  I freeze, I've been made. I turn around.

 

“Ransom,” I flash a smile.

 

“Sit, have a drink.”

 

I have two choices. Refuse in which he’ll know I have an assignment or accept, breaking protocol. I’ve already broken protocol by leaving my assignment with a Spotter, but if he hasn’t made target yet, I can’t take that risk. I sit down.

 

“A glass of red for the lady,” he shouts over to the bartender.

 

“Maybe I don’t drink red?”

 

He snorts,“Yeah you do.” Arrogant b*****d I think to myself. How did he know?

 

The bartender brings the glass over, sets in front of me, and gives a curt nod to Ransom before leaving the table.

 

"It suits you."

 

"What suits me?"

 

"The red, it suits you."

 

"The dress or the wine?"

 

"Both," with a wry smile creeping out from the corners of his mouth.

 

The conversation is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, but I have to know so I press on. I bring the glass up to my lips.

 

"So, I hear you are a Free Lancer now?" I take a sip.

 

There it is, slight, but I saw it. A flinch, so it is true.

 

"In a matter of speaking. Relax, I'm not on a job tonight."

 

My cell starts vibrating in my bag. I open it up. It's from Emily, the spotter.

 

The assignment is ready to depart. The pumpkin has been called.

 

"Well, I am." I get up to leave. Ransom stands up. I guess somethings you just can't turn off.

 

I walk away, but then pause looking over my shoulder.

 

"Oh, thanks for the drink."

 

Outside, the limo and driver are waiting. What's left of the photographers start snapping pictures of Jayne leaving the club, without a bombardier. She waves to them. It will make a nice picture for the society page tomorrow. Audrey should be pleased.

 

The driver speeds off. Jayne settles her head back on the plush cushion.

 

"Elizabeth, this is the best time I've ever had." She's slurring her words, she's completely sot. She should sleep well tonight. I reach into my bag to give her a pill.

 

"Here darling, take an aspirin. You'll thank me in the morning."

 

**************************************************************************

 

 

Jayne's passed out as the driver drops me off at the RC. I instruct him to take her straight away home, and make sure she's taken through the servant entrance. Can't chance an indiscretion at this point.

 

I make my way to the safe house room. I open the door and see an envelop has been slipped under. I pick it up and close the door with my foot. I decide to stay the night. It's too late to try and make it back to my flat.

 

I start peeling off the layers, the coat, the shoes, the dress and slip on a silk robe, the only thing that's mine.

 

I settle into the wingback chair and open the envelop. It's a check for my commission and a bonus. Audrey must be pleased. I lean my head back and close my eyes. There's a faint knock at the door. It must be Jayne. I push myself up and head back to the door.

 

"Jayne darling, it's late. I really think you should be off......" I open the door. It's not Jayne.

 

Ransom is leaning in the doorway, holding a bottle and two glasses.

 

"Looks like you're off assignment." He steps in and I close the door behind us.

 

So I am.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

(Shrug) Even Batman had his Catwoman...

Reviews

[Chillbear Latrigue]

This is amazing. It moves like lightning. The designer clothes and European references make it chic, but still dark somehow. I like the way your girl works. This is great work.

[Jet Lag]

Very sexy. Loving the whole tone of this. It's smart and stylish.

I'm just intrigued enough to want to read more, so keep sending me read requests as you post this.

My only suggestions:
Audrey puts the "b" in ball buster.
There are two "b"s.

I can imitate twenty different ones, including dialects, but given the time constraints, English would be the easiest to fake.

can imitate twenty different accents,

an Escorts groom time is much longer
an Escort's groom time is much longer

Great work!