Page 7 of One Weekend in Sydney

I call Norman, one of three guys providing security for the Wild Boys Showboat. I ask him to attend a quick meeting with me at the nearby hangout room shared by the private security firms working at Darling Harbour.

I get to the place before him and sit at the small round table to get my thoughts in order. I feel compelled to get a result for Tara.

“You look serious,” Norman says as he walks in. “What’s up?”

I explain the situation regarding Eric Hislop’s dirty scheme. “I want Eric’s spies identified. Look for people hanging around Odette’s group and seemingly interested in them. If you can engage them in a chat and make them reveal something, even better.”

Norman grins. “Okay. I’m excited to play detective. Wewillfind the minions.”

I chuckle. “Good! That’s it. Thank you. Now, I have to get changed for my stint tonight.”

“You got a costume?”

“I’m wearing a long black cape with my all-black outfit. I was hoping to get a vampire mask, but I couldn’t find a good one. I have to settle for this thing.” I open my duffel bag and show Norman a half-mask with gold glitter. A plume of gold and black feathers is attached to the top.

“Have fun, but not too much!” he teases as he takes a closer look. “This mask and the cape will make you even more attractive to the ladies.”

I laugh. I made the mistake of introducing myself—without a mask and costume—as the lone security on last year’s boat that took Masks On attendees to Sydney Olympic Park. I attracted some women who were unrelenting in trying to seduce me. I think they were in some kind of competition with each other. It wasn’t easy getting my job done when constantly being flirted with.

I pull out a plain black cloth mask, similar to a surgical face mask. “I’m also gonna wear this. It might look funny with my half-mask, but my whole face will be covered. No one would be able to recognise me as last year’s security.”

“And it’ll stop some chicks from trying to plant kisses on your lips,” Norman quips.

“Exactly.”

“Righto,” Norman says as he stands. “I’ll keep you updated tonight.”

“Thanks.”

I bring my duffel bag to the men’s room to get changed. I’m not looking forward to getting into a masquerade costume, but I need to go incognito to avoid last year’s issues. Not that I wasn’t flattered by the women’s attention, but I’m careful about my reputation. I worked hard to get my company to where it is now, and I want to continue to be a trusted partner to my business contacts. As the only security on the Masks On boat, I want to show I’m able to handle everything professionally and efficiently. Luckily, tonight’s group will be small. Less than forty Masks On members, I was told, so I don’t anticipate any dramas.

Frankly, though, I’d rather be on the Wild Boys showboat. I want to be the one to find Eric’s spies because…

I shrug. I owe Tara that and much more.

Hey, maybe I’ll bump into her when we get to the Dome. I don’t have a ticket, though, so I’ll only be able to look for her outside the venue.

Or I can try to get in some other way…

An idea pops in my head, and I call the head of security for A Musical Night in Masquerade. He’s my buddy. I did him a big favour last week when I stepped into his role at the last minute for an important event, because he had to take his dog to the emergency vet.

“Hey, mate,” I say. “I’m working at the Masks On boat and bus tonight. I’ll be done when we get to the Dome. You want some free help? I’m volunteering.”

“Volunteering?” he asks incredulously. “Why? Is this your roundabout way of reminding me that I owe you big time for last week?”

“No, but I am asking for a return favour. I don’t have a ticket to the masquerade. I’m all dressed up for the part, complete with masks, and I don’t want my costume to go to waste.”

He laughs. “I see. Well, I don’t need another person, but as you know, there’s always a big rush to get in when the doors open. It helps to have an extra pair of eyes to ensure no one without a ticket gets past the ticket inspectors.”

“Right! I can help keep an eye out for the sneaky bastards instead of being one of them,” I say with a chuckle.

“And help ensure that any squabbles don’t turn into an all-out war when the VIPs choose their seats in the dining area. After that, you’re free to do whatever you want.”

“Just to clarify, I won’t be taking my mask off at any time, okay? I don’t want the regular Masks On members to recognise me.”

“Okay, that’s fine. You’re not officially on the job, anyway. I’ll meet you outside when your bus gets here so I can give you a security pass.”

“Perfect. Thanks, mate. Appreciate it.”

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