THREE (Odessa POV)

"Wow! Jay you look stunning... Where did you find that costume?"

"Thank you. I borrowed it from a friend who works at the Opera House. Do you think she'll recognize me?"

"Wearing that mask? Impossible, it covers your whole face... besides that dress forces you to walk slowly and with your back straight due to the corset... I couldn't recognize you myself if you don't talk..."

Organizing this Venice Carnival theme party has been a great idea because we've managed to get most of the old theatrical costumes that were kept in storage by Jay's drama school. Most of her classmates are here dancing, drinking excellent champagne and eating delicious canapés despite the fact that those huge masks covered with feathers and sequins are a nuisance. They all think this is just a fancy theme party to celebrate Jay's birthday and they don't know that we've convinced Winston that this is a gathering of top-level traffickers in stolen art and antiquities... and he bought it, of course.

But why wouldn't he? I've booked the biggest and fanciest private lounge of the Continental Hotel, food has been made by the most famous catering company in this city and waiters are popping off Dom Pérignon champagne corks nonstop. The manager, along with several guests of the hotel that were sitting on the lobby couches, have seen around 60 persons arriving in limousines wearing amazing dresses and suits inspired by the 18th century, in every possible colour and embroidered with silver and gold thread, but they haven't been able to see their faces because of the masks embellished with feathers and sequins. And even if those waiters are also spies most likely and they're going to tell Winston everything they've heard during the party, the truth is that everybody is chatting happily about plays, movies, literature, music and all kinds of artistic expressions but they'll probably think we're making deals speaking in code about Roman vessels.

Val is waiting near the door wrapped in a black cape and he looks very dramatic due to his height and his white mask with a massive nose. I've picked out something with a softer touch and my dress tries to represent the wings of a butterfly in several pink shades embroidered in silver, my lace mask matches the colours but only covers half of my face... I'm the only person here who's easily recognizable in addition to my purple hair with flower ornaments. This is a completely deliberated display, of course: there were several Italians sitting in the lobby when I arrived, our target wasn't one of them but she must know that I'm here by now. My dad is also in this room, by the way, and it's the first time he sets foot in the Continental in years although I think it's dangerous and he could blow his cover. Actually, I understand him: he misses the action and a masked ball where everybody hides their faces it's too good an opportunity just to pass up but I told him not to get closer to me as a precaution, I don't want his former associates recognizing him by the way he moves around me.

Jay has picked out a Moon Lady costume, made of several layers of dark blue tulle embroidered with silver stars and a white mask covered with tons of silver glitter that hides her whole face. The problem is that the glitter is sticking to every surface she touches, including her arms and hands, and I'm not sure how she'll manage to get rid of it later. Anyway, my good friend remains true to herself and under the wide skirt a pair of combat boots with silver laces are poking out. Sophia has chosen something flashier and is wearing bright yellow pants and satin shirt, a belt covered with orange glitter and a golden mask embellished with orange and red sequins with spiky sunbeams sticking out of her head... she looks like a Liberty Statue going to party to a gay club in Miami. She comes into the room in a hurry and gets closer to us after greeting Val with a nod of her head.

"I've seen her..." she whispers looking around to make sure a waiter can't hear us. "I went to the restroom and I ran into Ares and her boss, they've just arrived and are talking to Winston in the lobby, near the staircase..."

"This is the perfect occasion... let's go..." I mumble while fixing my dress and walking out of the lounge with determination, dodging dancers and followed by my dark bodyguard. A group of Italians is having a lively conversation with the manager of the hotel although it doesn't seem like a serious talk since the mob boss is laughing out loud and they don't care about other guests of the hotel sitting on the couches near the staircase hearing them. The target is waiting, leaning her shoulder against the wall casually and seems to be bored although I could swear that I've noticed a spark of interest in her eyes when she's spotted me getting closer... but I can't be sure... she's a good actress and I'm not sure of what I saw. "I'm sorry to interrupt..." Some D'Antonio turn around to look at me surprised while I smile amused. "Where do you want me to leave this, Winston?"

Val moves one step closer when I gesture at him and he takes a small briefcase under his wide cape, he opens it in order to show to the manager of the Continental his payment for organizing the party: 20 gold coins and some bricks of cash to pay for the food and drink providers since they aren't part of the Company. The head of the Italian family clears his throat when the shine of the gold blinds him and even the target raises an eyebrow... it's an important payment just for a party but we, the Dashkov, do things in a big way always and we like expensive champagne. I keep a charming smile on my lips like I'm not showing off my immense wealth in their faces while Winston points at the reception desk.

"You can give it to Charon... he'll write you a receipt..."

"That's not necessary, Winston... We've known each other for years and there's trust between us. I held my 12th birthday party in that very same lounge, if I remember correctly..." I walk away staring at the ceiling, lost in my thought while my bodyguard follows me holding the briefcase protectively before giving it to the receptionist. We both go back to the party engrossed in a chat about the decorations I picked out for that birthday celebration: Val insists that it was about Disney princess but I deny it vehemently because I've always thought that Cinderella was dull and Belle a know-it-all, my childhood crush was Jasmine and that's why I picked out oriental decorations. I'm pretty sure about that no matter what Val says. The perplexed gaze of the hotel guests follows us till we walk through the door gesturing and laughing although the only eyes that matter to me are the ones I feel burning my back between my shoulder blades... I hope she contacts me finally.

*****

"It's been three days and she hasn't phoned me, I'm starting to think that she doesn't have the necklace and we're embarrassing ourselves," I growl angrily, my voice muffled by the helmet while I wait for the light to turn green. Two young boys inside a car are looking totally astounded at my Harley-Davidson Sportster 48 with a bright red gas tank like it's the prettiest thing they've ever seen... probably it is.

"Calm down, Odessa... She'll call eventually..." Jay tries to soothe my nerves from the earpiece I'm wearing while I fix the collar of my black leather biker jacket. Val and my friend are in a van parked somewhere near in order to coordinate everything: today's theatrical scene is a difficult one, a handful of actors are required and a good organization is crucial. Finally, the light turns green and I move on heading to the Continental Hotel where the valet standing next to the door stares at my bike with the very same puppy dog eyes of the boys before. I chuckle amused and hand him the keys knowing that he's going to try it around the parking lot probably... I hope he doesn't scratch it. I take my helmet off and my garish purple hair falls free over my shoulders hiding the earpiece and contrasting with my jacket that matches my black tight pants and boots with buckles. Once again Charon greets me kindly trying to hide his surprise when I walk pass the reception desk heading to the hotel bar, I scare the hell out of the poor guy every time he sees me coming to the Continental... well, when my guests arrive in some minutes he's going to freak out...

"Fuck! How I hate this place, always so dark and depressing... and full of boring big shots..." I grumble knowing that my friends can hear me and they agree with me. I flop down carelessly on one of the tall stools in front of the bar under the staircase and I leave my helmet on the counter while the eyes of everyone in the room are fixed on my back, probably dying of curiosity right now. "Vodka," my voice sounds like the crack of a whip while I take one gold coin and the waitress rushes to obey me.

"You aren't going to drink that, don't you? You have to ride your bike later..."

"Valerik, you can't see her but Odessa is rolling her eyes at this very moment, you bet?" I clear my throat confirming my friend's words while the waitress moves away and I take a small sip of my drink. My glass of vodka is just a stage prop, of course I'm not drinking it but I ate some food before coming here just in case and my stomach isn't empty like it happened the last time. "All right, my friend, it's showtime!"

I turn around on the stool and lean my back on the counter, my gaze traveling around the room looking at the burgundy curtains, crystal tables and black leather armchairs. Lights are low but they're enough to spot the Italians sitting at their usual table: my target is there with them and this time I decide to go for broke. My eyes rake all over her body from her designer shinny shoes, going up along her legs highlighted by dark grey pants, noticing her spotless white shirt under the jacket and how smart is the suit she's wearing... despite the bulge of the gun on one side that's ruining the clean lines. Her tattooed hand is closed in a relaxed fist on her thigh, her plump lips look pink and kissable from here and her jawline is beyond perfect despite the scars... her bright light eyes are looking back at me shocked by my insolence... I smirk naughtily and she blinks like she can't believe what I'm doing... The sound of several feet stomping interrupts our staring contest: a group of bikers is climbing down the stairs wearing black leather jackets, some of them wearing shades or bandanas on their heads, they show off their long hair and beards... They're a walking cliché... probably because they aren't real bikers and they picked out their clothes from pictures they googled yesterday.

"Hey baby! Long time no see." The guy who's talked to me with a thick southern accent it's even taller and stronger than my friend Val and he almost breaks my knuckles when we fist bump as a greeting but I pretend that it didn't hurt with a shy smile. One of his mates places between my legs a big and soft case that can only have a sniper rifle inside judging by the shape, leaning it against my thigh, and I take from my pocket a wad of cash that the biker grabs smiling delighted. "It's always a real pleasure to do business with you, Russian girl." I wink at him amused and they say goodbye before leaving in a hurry. They've spent less than 10 minutes in the hotel but I'm pretty sure that they've made a deep impression judging by the excited whispers of some guests.

I remain seated on my stool calmed, casually leaning my elbow on the counter behind me while drinking another small sip of vodka, when I spot Winston climbing down the stairs slowly and looking around bemused... Charon probably warned him about what was happening and he left his office quickly in order to see it with his own eyes. He gets close to the bar and the waitress pours a glass of red wine for him while he smiles kindly at me although he still looks a little confused. He takes his drink and goes to sit down with a group of guests at a table from which he has a clear view of the whole room. I can't help snorting... old nosy fox... I avert my eyes to the target again but this time she's ready, she doesn't blink shocked and stares back at me sending a shiver down my spine. Unfortunately, I'm too far away to fully enjoy the beauty of those eyes that look like bright greenish-blue jewels but her lips curved in an enigmatic smile seem perfect from here. I look right into those eyes again and she raises an eyebrow.

"Here comes the queen of drama ready to overreact..." I frown suddenly and the expression of my face seems to baffle Ares... I don't know what's Jay talking about but I didn't like how it sounded. Some light footsteps climb down the stairs and a tall and skinny young boy, with a downhearted look in his eyes and his dark hair slicked back, gets closer slowly wearing black from head to toe with some pants and a turtleneck.

"Bonsoir..." he whispers with the air of a tormented artist dying of hunger in a Parisian dump from last century, he takes my hand with an elegant gesture and leaves a soft kiss on my knuckles before heaving a tired sigh. 'What the hell he thinks he's doing?' I think perplexed while the boy takes the rifle case that was still leaned on my thigh and lets a small, black velvet bag drop on my hand. "Au revoir..." he says in a passionate tone of voice like the main character saying goodbye forever to her lover in a bad B-movie. I wonder where Jay has found this one... Shaking my head amused, I open the bag and turn it upside down so the content falls on my palm: diamonds shine blinding even under this dim light and the size of the stones makes Winston gasp loudly from his armchair.

I turn around on my stool in order to drink my last sip of vodka and leave a gold coin on the counter after whispering some instructions to the waitress, I nod at the hotel manager and leave the bar with firm steps, walking through the lobby and stopping at the door waiting for my bike to arrive. I bought Ares a new glass of whatever she was drinking and now I'm wondering if she's going to feel aggrieved because of my gesture, I'm pretty sure I've managed to get her attention right now but the point is that I'm always extremely careful when it comes to buy a drink for a beautiful woman: sometimes straight girls get upset... and I understand why they feel like that. Judging by the clothes my target usually wears, her attitude and the way she walks, I'd say that she's the kind that will be flattered by my kind gesture but you never know...

"I hope she phones you this time," Jay mumbles in my earpiece while I tap the ground with my heel getting impatient. "I'm running out of new classmates to keep this comedy going on..."

"I think we've achieved it this time. If she doesn't call me in two days I'll set up an appointment with her in order to talk about this problem directly... we can't keep going like this... it's ridiculous..." I whisper while pulling up my jacket zipper and putting my helmet on.

"All right, see you tomorrow in..."

"No, not tomorrow..." I cut Jay off abruptly while looking at the valet arriving with my bike: it seems that it's spotless and in one piece, thank God. "I have an appointment with Sweet Sue because I'm getting another tattoo and she's the best in this city when it comes to nautical designs: I want a mermaid with a bright green hair..."

"Excuse me, Miss Dashkova, did you say something?" The blond boy seems to think that I'm talking to him and stares at me confused while handing me the keys. I shake my head quietly and reward him with a $50 bill as a tip because he took good care of my baby. He smiles and walks back to his post at the door satisfied.

"A mermaid... why?" My friend Val sounds confused on the other side of the radio line.

"Why not?" I answer accelerating down the street.