Chapter 2
It was past 2 AM. It was much later than she usually stayed, but she was distracted. Which is unheard of. Sophie Moore doesn’t get distracted. She always has a plan. She always accomplishes her goals. Usually before the deadlines. She never had any doubts about her ability to get a job done.
Now, here she was in some woman’s bed, whom she still couldn’t remember her name, staring at the ceiling trying to formulate the best way to reveal to the Jada Jet that her cover had been blown. In only three weeks.
She checked the time on her phone and stealthily slipped out of bed and into her clothes. Quickly and quietly, she made her exit. As she hopped down the last step and onto the pavement she pulled out and unlocked her burner phone. She sent the message. The message that was put in place to alert the client that she’d blown her cover. She’s always had this protocol in place. And yet it was the first time she’s had to send it.
By the time she’d turned the corner and onto her street, the exhaustion had hit. Her body felt heavy and the thoughts weighing on her mind made her thankful to be almost home. More than ready to face plant into her pillows and let sleep allow her body and mind to recharge.
An all black Rolls Royce skidded to stop beside her just as she was approaching the building of her condo. As quickly as her head whipped around, she was being forced into the backseat by two abnormally large men, who slammed the door shut before she was able to gather her bearings.
“What the fu-”
“Those were my exact words when I received your message.” The voice of Jada Jet startled her. Sophie looked up and met her eyes. Familiar in color and intensity.
She’d done her research. She’d scrolled through pictures and read the articles and biographies written about the woman who came from nothing to become the most powerful woman in Gotham. She hadn’t, however, met the woman in person. All of their dealings were over the phone.
Her stone cold gaze was not enough to rattle Sophie Moore though. “You could have just called.” She leaned back, relaxing into the seat.
Jada sat perfectly poised beside her. Eyes roamed the woman she’d spoken to over the phone and background checked before hiring her. “What happened?”
Sophie took her time to respond. Formulating the right words and decided on nonchalance. “Her shift was supposed to be over. She stayed later than she usually does. We met.” She shrugged, putting emphasis on being unbothered. Like she planned this the whole time. Like it didn’t ruin the opportunity to gain further recon.
“You met?” A single, perfectly sculpted eyebrow raised. “Your reputation has me concerned.” Jada had friends in high and low places. She’d had Sophie tailed for weeks before she’d hired her. She was a lady’s woman. “That isn’t where or who you’re coming from at this late hour is it?”
Sophie’s eyes met and narrowed at the woman beside her. “You sound like an overprotective mother.”
Jada tried to remain stoic, but something flashed across her expression and Sophie was observant enough to catch it. She’d file that reaction to examine further at a later time.
“When I hired you to observe her, I believed we discussed just that. Observation. No interaction.” Her demeanor returned to its original state. Professional. Powerful. In control.
Sophie pursed her lips. “Shit happens.” She leaned back further in the seat, resting her head. Remembering her exhaustion and the time. “I’ve collected and sent all the information I’ve gathered in the last three weeks through the encrypted email. You can just pay me for that and then find someone else to observe.” She was too tired. It was too late. And the lingering alcohol and sleep deprivation were causing a throb in her head.
“No.”
Sophie sat up confused both by the firmness and meaning of the word. “No?”
“I’m paying you to do a job and you won’t be seeing a single cent of it until the job is done.” Before Sophie could even open her mouth, Jada continued. “You’ve met, but you haven’t slept with her. Correct?”
“Uh…”
“Yes or no, Miss Moore.” Her patience seemed to be thinning by the second.
“No.” Sophie confirmed. “I didn’t sleep with her.”
The woman let out a seemingly relieved sigh. “Very well. Continue to observe. Become her friend. Spend some time with her and get to know her better. As we discussed. But don’t sleep with her.”
“This isn’t what we discussed. I don’t make friends with targets.” She wasn’t sure why this woman was so obsessed with the bartender but she was not the type to get to know someone. She had friends and her sister and was not in the habit of making friends with her targets.
“Do you want to get paid or not?” Her temper flared. “Finish the job, get paid. It’s simple.”
Sophie simply glared before gritting her teeth. “Fine.” The sum of money that they’d discussed was definitely worth it.
“You are not at all what I expected.” The CEO brushed imaginary wrinkles from her dress. Why was she wearing that at this hour anyway. “You came highly recommended, but thus far, I am not pleased.”
“Then get someone else to do it.” Sophie spat, reaching for the door handle only to realize she’s been locked in. She turns to face the woman again.
“I hired you. You accepted.” She says simply. “Finish the job. Then the wire transfer will be completed.”
“Why are you so interested in some bartender in Gotham?” She crossed her arms and sat back again. “She seems harmless, sweet even.” She regrets the description as soon as it’s out but remains stoic. Thankful she’d left out the adjective, hot.
“Finish the job. Don’t sleep with her.” Jada said knowingly as she waved her arm and the doors unlocked. “And get out.”