Page 63 of Hero Worship

"Why would she do that?" I asked, though I was starting to suspect I knew the answer. In my experience, when an enemy showed their hand, they were either setting up a trap or offering cooperation.

"Because she's not trying to stop us." Xavier typed out another message. "She's trying to coordinate. Make sure we don't get in each other's way when everything goes to hell."

A final message appeared, this one in English: "Try not to die, pretty boy. Would hate to lose my favorite playmate."

Xavier's answering laugh held genuine warmth. "Guess we better start getting ready. Don't want to keep the psychopaths waiting."

I watched him shut down his systems with military precision, every trace of his digital infiltration erased. We had just a few hours until the party.

"We should do a final equipment check," I announced, checking my watch. " And we need to solve the weapons screening problem."

Xavier nodded, all business now that the digital dance was done. "There'll be a full pat-down, metal detectors, scanner wands. They'll be thorough."

"Not to worry. A complex problem requires an elegant solution." Xander spread several items over the table from one of his shopping bags. Each piece looked like it belonged in a museum rather than an arsenal.

I picked up what looked like an ornate brooch. Closer inspection revealed it hid a ceramic blade so thin it would slip past most metal detectors. The pin itself was crafted from a non-metallic composite that would read as simple decorative jewelry.The craftsmanship was exquisite, deadly beauty wrapped in art nouveau curves.

"Weapons disguised as accessories. How about that?" I admired the lethal elegance of each piece with a low, impressed whistle.

Xander pulled out several more items that looked like nothing more than high-end fashion pieces. A bracelet with a razor-sharp edge disguised as an intricate filigree design. Earrings with tips sharp enough to puncture an artery. A hair clip that could become a deadly garrote with a simple twist. Each piece was a work of art that concealed death in its delicate lines.

"Fashion is always camouflage," Xander murmured, picking up a brooch, their fingers tracing the sweeping curves with practiced grace. "The most dangerous weapon is the one nobody sees coming."

"These will work," Xavier said, examining each piece with professional appreciation. "But we need redundancy. Backup options in case primary weapons are compromised."

"Already handled." Xander pulled out what looked like an ornate designer clutch, their expertise evident in how they handled each piece. "The lining has compartments that read as normal structural elements on scanners. And the dress itself..." They withdrew a length of midnight silk. "The seams are reinforced with carbon fiber that shows up identical to standard boning on pat-downs. Expensive enough to be believable as couture, but custom modified by Lucky Losers' tech team."

I examined the construction with growing appreciation. The modifications were invisible unless you knew exactly what to look for. Even the most thorough security screening would read it as typical high-end fashion infrastructure.

I moved closer as he laid out the evening's wardrobe. This was more than just preparation for a mission now. This was about getting all of us out alive.

"Speaking of positioning," Xavier cut in, his voice all business. "We need to go over sight lines. Optimal placement for quick access to exits while maintaining cover." His eyes met mine with cold precision. "And clear communication protocols for when things inevitably go sideways."

The challenge in his voice was clear. He might be working with us, but he hadn't forgotten his earlier concerns. Good. We needed that edge of protective paranoia tonight.

"You're right," I said. "Let's break it down. Full tactical review of all contingencies."

Surprise flickered across Xavier's face. He hadn't expected me to agree.

"Here's what we're walking into," Xavier said, pulling up the floor plans. "Roche's 'private showings' follow a pattern. Guests arrive in fifteen-minute intervals. Keeps the neighbors from noticing too much traffic. Phones and recording devices are surrendered at entry. Heavy security screening, but..." His expression turned grim. "They're more focused on keeping recording devices out than weapons."

"Makes sense," I said. "Half the guests will be prominent figures. Nobody wants their sex tapes leaked on social media."

"Exactly. Which means the real security checkpoints aren't at the main entrance." Xavier highlighted several rooms on the display. "They funnel guests through here first. Looks like an official reception area, very proper. But the real party happens in the lower levels. Second security screening before you descend, much more... intimate."

"Let me guess," Xander said, their smile sharp with understanding, "they're checking for wires, cameras, anything that could document what happens down there. Security always underestimates what can be hidden in plain sight."

"And that's our advantage." Xavier switched views. "The guards are focused on technology, on preventing recordings.They're not expecting..." He trailed off, glancing at the weapons we'd laid out.

"They're not expecting anyone to bring death to an orgy," Xander finished quietly.

"Exactly. And here's the other weakness." Xavier switched back to the floor plan. "The private rooms down here? They're all connected by service corridors, a legacy of the building's history. Staff access for cleanup, for bringing in supplies without disturbing the guests."

"Of course," I said, the tactical possibilities clicking into place. "Can't have the help seeing too much. Which means those passages will be mostly empty during the party itself."

"Minimal security presence," Xavier confirmed. "They're more worried about keeping guests contained than watching the staff routes. If we time it right..."

We spent the next hour identifying infiltration points and escape routes through the maze of private rooms and servant passages. The true nature of Roche's party created both challenges and opportunities, the intense focus on privacy working both for and against us.

---