Hidden Secrets (Garrett Investigation Book 1) (3 page)

Malachy wished Ana had warned him about her gorgeous, eye-catching friend, talk about the total opposite of self. Shaking his head, he left the building a bit bewildered by the encounter.  He hailed a cab to take him home.

Arizona was a great help; they’d soon found the perfect little black dress.   It was very short with a rather daring back, plunging to her buttocks.  It would show off her temporary tattoo nicely.  The neckline was snug at the throat, fitting over her boobs to the waist where the fabric flared off her curvy hips to hit her long, lithe legs two inches above her knees. The fabric was a soft, thin silk, draping her body, floating becomingly when she twirled around.

Today was tattoo time. Mirage had an excellent friend in Adam; they often went out on the town when she appeared.  Smiling, she dressed in black jeans and a red t-shirt; putting her purple hair in a ponytail, keeping it out of the way.  Mirage sauntered into Vapours Tattoo Parlour, nearly an hour later.

“Mirage;  oh my god babe; where have you been,” Adam dropped his art pad where his latest tattoo design was materializing to swing her around until they both collapsed onto his black leather couch. Mirage sprawling over his knees laughing breathlessly; delighted at her reception.

“Adam lovely to see you too,” she laughed, sitting up giving him a smacking kiss on the lips. “I thought it was about time I came in for another temporary tattoo.

“I do wish you’d get a real one Mirage. I’ve such great designs for you.”

“Your work is beautiful Adam. However, temporary will have to do,” she said, kissing him affectionately.  Mirage quickly bounced to her feet, “come on, show me what you’ve designed this time,” she said with a  grin; grabbing his hand, hauling him off the couch.

“Just for you Mirage, remember I’d like you to wear one permanently for me one day, you have such a gorgeous body.” Adam pulled her into the back room where he kept his designs, opening his last art pad Adam flicked through the pages until he came to the one for Mirage.  She gasped, shocked. It was beautiful just perfect in every way. On the page, lay a golden phoenix with silver undertones rising out of blue and purple flames.

“Adam,” she squealed with delight, “That’s perfect, how’d you know, how do you do this?”

“I’m glad you like it,” he twinkled at her.

“Love it Adam,” she declared excitedly.  “When can you do my Phoenix? I want it now.”

“Slow down Mirage,” he laughed, hugging her, “I’ve to sort out the transfer since you won’t let me do a permanent tattoo. Can you get back here at three this afternoon?”

“For this I will, thank you, thank you,” she kissed his cheek enthusiastically.

“Well, off you go.  I’ll see you later.”

Sashaying out of the parlour Mirage got out her iPod put her earphones on and nearly danced down the street a huge smile on her face making people stop and stare as she passed.

All Ana required was access to the party tomorrow night.   Who could swing an official invite for her?  This elite party was a closed social event to raise money towards scholarships for up-and-coming opera singers, which was one of her many joys. Ana’s eyes lit up when she realised Malachy would have tickets; his family had been prominent in town; he received invites for all the parties.  Laughing quietly, she wondered if she dare ask.  His reaction to her last night still creased her up with laughter.  Impishly delightful she picked up her iPhone and rang Malachy’s private line.

“Hi Mal,” Ana cheerfully said.

“Ana, where the hell are you?” he said. “Who is that woman in your apartment,” he snarled.

“Mirage,” she smiled, “she’s a friend.  You know I can’t tell you where I am.”

“I can set a trace.”

“Don’t,” she growled. “I just need a quick favour, do you have tickets to the opera event tomorrow evening.  I remember you go to those special occasions.”

“Yes, I have.  I wasn’t going to go, what’re you up to Ana?”

“I was just wondering if you’d take Mirage as your date.”

“Hell no way, for god’s sake she has purple hair and listens to rock and roll she’d be bored within moments.”

“Please Mal, for me, she really likes you.”

Ana heard the sigh on the phone, knowing she’d owe him big for this.  “Please Mal,” her voice getting a bit desperate.  Mal smiled, ‘got ya,’ he thought. “This is the last time Ana; remember you owe me.  Tell your friend I’ll pick her up at seven.”

“Thank you Mal you’re…”

“Never mind what I am.  You owe me this time, and I am going to make sure you pay up,” she could hear the smile in his voice.  Ana started to wonder what he was going to do. With a silent gulp, she quickly thanked him.

“Oh my god, what have I  done!” Squirming at the thought of what he may want in return, she quickly closed off the images flying through her head, setting out for Vapours and her darling Adam. Mirage walked through the doors just as the news at three played on the radio.

“Right on time as usual Mirage not that I’d expect anything less from you,” Adam smiled.

“So is my Phoenix ready?”

“Of course it is; all I need now is your delicious body. I mean back,” he grinned mischievously.

Pulling off her t-shirt Mirage lay on one of the padded tables, unhooking her bra. “I’m ready Adam; I look forward to seeing the finish.”

“Keep still, remember this will be cold.  I’ll wash your back first make sure nothing’s in the way of my art.”

Relaxing Mirage still jumped at his touch, a small shiver going through her body. She felt the soft towel dry her skin.  Looking over her shoulder, Mirage watched Adam pick up the transfer slowly lowering it from the top of her back to the small.  Adjusting it slightly, he taped down the corners, walking to the sink soaking a towel in warm water wringing it out and rolling it up. Placing it on her shoulders, he rolled the towel over the transfer.

“Don’t move, have a nap.”

“Mmmm, ok.”

Mirage drifted off, dreams seeping in making her smile; Adam made coffee, enjoying watching her.  She was such an extraordinary woman, much like the little sister he’d lost.  In a way, Mirage was his saviour, saving him at the time he thought his life was over.  With a sigh, he tapped her shoulder.  Slowly she opened her indigo eyes, “is it time.”

“Yep, I’ll remove this from your back. You’ll be able to view in the mirror.”

“Wonderful.”

“Stay there I’m getting my camera.  I’ve got to photograph your back.”

“Hurry up Adam,” she laughed excitedly.

“Done Mir, now let’s get you to this mirror.”

Carefully sitting up covering her boobs she looked over her shoulder into the mirror gasping with delighted shock. The golden phoenix was soaring up her back it was perfect she loved the way the flames danced on the small of her back, her smile widened.

“Adam you’ve outdone yourself, thank you.”

“For you my darling Mir any time,” he grinned, giving her a smacking kiss on the lips.

Picking up her black t-shirt, she went to the bathroom putting it on carefully, she couldn’t wear a bra now, or she might knock some of the paint off.

“I’ll be back later Adam.  I’ve enough time for us to go out on the town.”

“Why not tonight Mir?” he asked

“Saturday Adam, I have to rest tonight and tomorrow I’ve a party to attend, so keep Saturday free for me will you.”

“That’ll be grand; I’ll book us a table at your favourite restaurant.”

“Ohh goodie, cya thanks for everything Adam you’re a gem of this world.”

Malachy was still no closer to their traitor.  Nothing came up cross-reference between Ana and the other agents.  Someone was hiding well.  Perhaps he’d set a trap and see who got he caught. He’d work with Ana; he trusted her implicitly.  Putting the problem to one side, he went back to the daily grind of making sure his other agents and investigators were safe, finding more information to close cases.

“God, why did I say yes to that damn party tonight,” he still couldn’t get over the purple hair; she’d stand out like a sore thumb he groaned.

Driving his black Pontiac Firebird smoothly through the evening traffic, he arrived at Ana’s apartment building with ten minutes to spare parking he entered the building heading for the elevator. Approaching Ana’s apartment door, he couldn’t hear a pin drop, knocking he heard a muffled voice “Be with you in a moment.”

The door opened; he was eye to eye with the stunning Mirage.  Malachy felt power surge through him; she looked glorious.  A stunning black cocktail dress snuggled her body flaring over her hips. Her purple hair piled on top of her head with bits falling around her face.  Mirage had a black stole over her shoulders, with killer black heels on her feet.

“Wow Mirage, you look incredible.”

“Thank you, Malachy,” she replied quietly.

“I presume you’re ready?”

“Yes, I’ll just get my clutch bag.”

Soon Mal was settling her into his car.  The engine purred to life as he drove to the Carrington’s for the evening’s entertainment.  Neither noticed the evil grin sent in their direction, fingers tapping on the steering wheel in anticipation of winning this time. Two times losing was two times too many.  His Boss’s would have his head if he failed again.  He wondered who the purple haired lady was.  Obviously a friend of Anastasia’s it would be interesting to find out.

Arriving at the Carrington’s Malachy tossed his keys to the valet, opening the door for Mirage escorting her up the steps into the glittering foyer; lights were blazing everywhere, people mingling sipping champagne eating canapés. Placing a hand on her back, they wandered around the room, Malachy nodding to acquaintances. Smiling at the shocked expressions at his date, ‘
maybe I’ll enjoy this after all
,’ he muttered under his breath.

Mirage dropped her wrap on the floor, revealing her Phoenix. Mal bent to retrieve it hearing people saying wow.  Standing back up with her stole he finally saw her back.  The sexy dress plunged down to her buttocks a golden bird of some kind was on full display.

“You like my Phoenix Malachy?  It seems I’ve surprised a few people.”

“For some reason, it’s you Mirage, perhaps I should take you out again sometime soon, you’re stunning to say the least.”

“Thank you, Malachy,” she gently kissed his clean-shaven cheek.

Mal grabbed a couple of glasses of champagne as a waiter walked by handing one to Mirage.

“Do you know many people here Malachy?”

“Yes, a few.  I didn’t think this would be your type of party; Ana persuaded me to bring you. I thought you were more into rock and roll.”

“Yes, I love my rock and roll,” she smiled, her eyes going still as they landed on the one person she hated more than anything.

“Are you ok Mirage?”

“What, oh yes, sorry,” she smiled, “thought I’d seen someone I knew.”

Mal felt the lie straight away deciding to keep a close eye on Mirage wondering what or who had unsettled her.   He wondered now at Ana’s insistence.  Relaxing his stance, they chatted with various people, including a petite blonde who tried to worm herself around Malachy, much to his amusement. 

“Magdalena how are you tonight.”

“All the better for seeing you Malachy,” she purred.

“Let me introduce you to my date,” he paused, watching Magdalena’s face throw daggers.  “This is Mirage, a close friend.”

Before Mirage could respond, the dinner gong went.  Mal detached himself from Magdalena, escorting Mirage into the dining room. Mal’s arm draped across her back Mirage smiling smugly.

Mirage went into action from that point.  Her hidden camera in her cameo brooch recorded everyone they met.  She made sure she had a good look round. Her bag held a small pistol; she’d noted several security guards; most were wearing guns on their hips.  She needed a way into Blaze’s office and safe.  His office was at the top of the stairs; Malachy wouldn’t let her out of his sight now dinner had been served.  She’d already aroused his suspicions perhaps this hadn’t been a great plan after all.

“Mirage you sure you’re ok?”

“Yeah, this is spectacular.  I’m wondering what I’m doing here,” she laughed.

“They’re slightly overdone, don’t worry the auction will begin shortly.”

“The food’s scrummy Malachy.”

“Carrington only serves the best.”

“Excuse me for a moment. I’m going to the bathroom.”

“Certainly Mirage,” he stood, helping her out of her chair watching her sashay across the dining room, men eyeing her up and down making him smile with satisfaction.

Outside the dining room, she enquired where the ladies bathroom was. The security guard directed her to a hallway leading onto a terrace; of course, she knew all this already from her research.  Making her way down the lush hallway, she entered the bathroom taking her time.  Carefully removing her shoes, climbing out of the open window, she landed in the garden.  The heel of one shoe held a coil of steel infused cable, which would carry her weight.  Moving to one side of the window, she aimed the delicate arrow up to the second story.  Quickly hiding her shoes in a bush she started to climb the rope, climbing over the upper terrace wall.

Checking there was no alarm, she quietly opened the door.  Moving silently across the room, she opened the door a little peeking through into the hall looking for movement.  Easing out of the door into the hall; Mirage moved swiftly down towards the office.  Listening at the office door, she opened it carefully sliding inside.  A lamp glowed on the desk.  As quiet as a mouse, Mirage approached the safe.  Taking her tools out, Mirage lifted the Picasso off-the-wall. She pointed her electronic passcode machine at the lock, each number slowly locked into place.  Mirage nearly didn’t hear the footsteps approaching, quickly putting the painting back, she darted behind the velvet drapes as the office door opened, the light switching on.