Page 116 of Dating Goals
“We’ll go straight away,” Elodie says beside me. “No time like the present.”
Over her shoulder, I catch sight of Anika slipping toward the door. Our eyes lock across the room. She gives me a small, mysterious smile before vanishing into the corridor.
My heart does a cartwheel in my chest. What was that smile? A congratulations? A goodbye? A see-you-later-for-elevator-makeout-session-part-two?
Durand stands rigid near the bar, not watching Anika leave, but studying Elodie and me with laser focus. His expression is calculating. Intense.
“Everyone’s watching us,” I whisper to Elodie as we exit.
“Let them watch,” she replies coolly. “You’re a hundred million euros richer. People always stare at winners.”
“Right this way, please.” The floor manager leads us up the steps to an elevated section of the room where the banker waits. His steel briefcase containing the computer setup with encryption software sits open on the table.
“Password, please,” he requests, turning the keyboard toward me.
My mind conjures Anika’s face at the hockey game, holding her homemade sign, screaming “Hopp Schwiiz!!” while jumping up and down.
I type H-O-P-P-S-C-H-W-I-I-Z, smiling at the memory.
The screen flashes confirmation with a soft beep.
“Thank you.” The banker nods. “Now, where would you like the funds transferred?”
Elodie leans forward, inputting bank information she has memorized, apparently.
“Everything in order?” I ask casually.
“Perfect,” Elodie responds. She smiles at the banker. “When will the transfer complete?”
“Immediately,” he confirms. “The funds are now being processed.”
I thank the man, and we make our way to the exit. Once we’re out of earshot, Elodie turns to me, her expression softening slightly. “Thank you, Griffin. On behalf of the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your cooperation.”
“Happy to help catch a crook,” I say cheerily. “So what will happen to all that money?”
“It will be held up as evidence for a time. But once we can trace Mr. Chase’s accounts, it will be distributed among all his fraud victims.”
“That makes it all worth it.”
She winks at me. “I like to think so.”
The floor manager reappears, holding my lucky Loonie and the Bugatti key fob on a small tray.
“Your personal effects, sir.” He presents them with a slight bow. “We will oversee the vehicle transfer paperwork on your behalf. We’ve also taken the liberty of upgrading you to ourAlpenglühen suite for the remainder of your stay. Our finest accommodation.”
“Alpenglühen,” I repeat, mangling the pronunciation. “Sounds fancy.”
“It’s named for the red glow on the mountains at sunset. Seven thousand square feet of luxury, private hot spring bath on the balcony overlooking the lake, and a complimentary bottle of Dom Pérignon awaiting your arrival.”
“Sweet.” I grin. “Does it come with those little chocolates on the pillows?”
The joke is lost on him as he tips his head and walks briskly away.
Elodie checks her watch. “If you’ll excuse me, I should retire for the evening. It’s been…eventful.” She offers her hand with cool professionalism. “Congratulations again on your win.”
“Thanks for your…coaching.” I wiggle my ears slightly, referencing the missing earpiece.
She gives an elegant shrug. “You managed perfectly well without us in the end.”
