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In my other hand is my false identity card. Tonight I’m Roxanne Shay, a girl from New York who’s just moved here to Seraphin Bay for a new start in life.

“Mireya,” Hayzel appears next to me looking slightly frazzled. “Help me with this, I’m not sure if I can remember my false name.”

I slip my documents back into the envelope, tucking it under my arm before taking hers. I know this is not allowed, we should not know our fake identities, but I'm not going to sit back and watch my best friend fail this mission.

I remove everything from the envelope taking note of Hayzel’s false ID. ‘Lily Addams’ and her target is ‘Gregory Gould’ , a business tycoon who’s travelled here from Los Angeles.

“Okay, he seems like the kind of person who can easily spot when someone is telling a lie, so keep your conversations sweet and short. You’re a girl from Boston here for the weekend to sight see and meet some old friends.” I look up at her before continuing, “You’re Lilly Addams, sweet, shy but outgoing when you’re in social settings. Stick to one drink and one drink only Hayz, don’t get drunk tonight.”

She nods her head but I don’t feel convinced.

“Who are you?” I let my hands fall to my sides.

“H—” she stammers but continues, “I mean, Lily Addams.”

“Who. Are. You?” I ask sternly.

“Lily Addams.”

“Again,” I tell her.

“My name is Lily Addams,” she replies more confidently than before, which leaves me smiling.

“See, you’ll be okay.” I grip her arms to give her a small shake. “I’ll still be with you tonight so if all else fails you can try to find me and accidentally bump into me with your drink.”

“Right, right. I can do this.”

“Here,” I hold out her documents and she takes them from me before moving to stand at my side, studying them.

“If I didn’t know you better I’d say you were an undercover agent already,” Damien says, startling me. He touches my hand softly but before I can say anything my head snaps towards Ms. Green who’s standing by the door checking her watch.

“You’re being loud about your favoritism, Mister Caldwell,” I whisper, looking up at him.

A faint smirk appears on his lips as he takes a step back.

“Okay, everyone get ready!” Ms. Green's voice booms and I see everyone discard their envelopes, handing them back to her or Damien.

I line up to exit watching everyone else file out of the room. I smooth out my dress, bending slightly to pick up the small train pooling at my feet and I feel Damien’s hand capturing my shoulder.

“Remember, I’ll be watching you. I’ll be in there with you,” he mouths before exiting the room.

I give it a few seconds before following him.

It’s showtime.

Play - Paradise Circus by Massive Attack, Hope Sandoval

The energy in the room feels electric as I head over towards the bar to order a drink. I know it may sound stupid to drink as you’re undercover or on a job but, I need something if I’m going to keep the persona of ‘Roxanne Shay’ going.

“What can I get you, darling?” the bartender asks as I arrive. I look around the open bar area scanning the crowd for my target.

Far on the left side, mid-forties, already starting the bottle he ordered.

Our eyes meet for a second and I smile shyly tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. Men are easy to manipulate. All it takes is a sweet smile, a bit of attention, and they’ll come right to you. I’ve been doing that all my life, almost had to learn it to get myself out of really difficult situations.

I’m hesitant before replying to the bartender but then I see him from the corner of my eyes, moving toward me.

Bingo…