Page 53 of Dating Goals
“If all goes according to plan, yes.” Bruderlin nods. “Though we may need your testimony later if the case goes to court.”
As the agents begin to outline the details, I can’t help but wonder what Anika would think of all this. At the very least, it would make for a better story than “I spent three hours at the gym trying not to think about you.”
Plus, I’d get to wear a tuxedo and infiltrate a fancy party in Zermatt. It’s the closest I’ll ever come to living out my James Bond fantasies.
I’m suddenly struck by a thought that should’ve occurred to me immediately.
“Wait. Is this dangerous? I mean, if Malcolm is running some massive financial scam and I start poking around…”
Bruderlin holds up a reassuring hand. “Mr. McGregor, your safety is our priority. We’ll have several agents at the event, keeping eyes on you at all times.”
“That’s…comforting, I guess?”
“From a discreet distance, of course,” Showalter adds. “They’ll monitor the situation without compromising your cover.”
“So basically, I’ll have my own security detail, but they’ll be invisible?” I ask, still trying to wrap my head around all this.
“Precisely,” Bruderlin confirms. “They’ll be circulating throughout the party as guests, staff, security personnel. All positioned to intervene if necessary.”
“You won’t even know who they are,” Showalter adds. “But they’ll be ready to act if necessary.”
I nod slowly, processing this information. Then another thought hits me, and I can’t help the small smile that forms on my lips. I promised Anika I’d take her somewhere fancy, where she could dress up.
“Before I agree to any of this, what about a date?” I ask. “Would I be allowed to bring someone with me?”
Both agents look momentarily thrown by the question.
“A date?” Showalter repeats, as if I’ve just suggested bringing a pet rhinoceros.
“Yeah, you know. Wouldn’t it look suspicious if I showed up alone to something like this?”
The agents exchange glances. Bruderlin’s brow furrows. “We hadn’t accounted for that variable.”
“Most of these guys bring dates to these things, right?” I press. “It would seem weird if I didn’t have someone on my arm.”
Showalter looks skeptical. “The fewer people involved, the better.”
“But consider this,” I say, channeling every negotiation tactic I’ve ever used with coaches. “Having a date gives me a natural reason to move around the room, introduces me to different social groups, and provides cover for conversations.”
The agents share another one of those silent communication glances.
“Who did you have in mind?” Bruderlin asks cautiously.
“Just…” I clear my throat. “Just a friend. She’s been wanting to dress up and go somewhere swanky. This would be perfect.”
“Is this ‘friend’ someone we should be concerned about?” Showalter asks, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“No, no. She’s just…someone I know.” Someone I’m hopelessly falling for while helping her pursue another man. But I keep that part to myself.
The agents step aside for a moment, conferring in hushed German that I can’t quite catch.
After what feels like an eternity, they return to the table.
“We will permit you to bring a date,” Bruderlin says, his tone making it clear this is a concession. “But we will run a thorough background check. If anything raises red flags, you go alone.”
“Understood.”
“This person must be completely trustworthy and discreet. They cannot know the true nature of your attendance.”
