Page 49 of Claim

“Tonight’s activities go in the twenty percent category.”

“I figured.”

“Okay, then. Get up. You need to get changed. Don’t bitch if things go sideways, and I scar you for life.”

* * *

“What are we doing here?” Lizzy asked me for the tenth time after exiting the subway station near Keith Randolph’s Central Park apartment building.

The last thing I planned to do was give her details of my plan. Having her come with me was terrible enough. The train ride over had gotten me thinking Lizzy needed no part of my plans, but it was too late.

I only hoped she kept it together. At least convincing her to wear a disguise hadn’t been hard. Colored contacts, high-end wigs, the right clothes, and the look of a call girl to the elite unfolded.

Only someone who expected or knew we were in the area would have recognized us.

I turned to face Lizzy. “When we enter the building, you will not say a word. I will do all the talking. No matter what I say, you will give no reaction. And stop messing with your wig.”

“Sophia, you’re scaring me.” Lizzy pulled her hand away from her head as worry etched her big soulful eyes.

“Are my instructions clear?”

She nodded. “I won’t say anything.”

Lizzy tightened her coat around herself and followed beside me as we made our way to the doorman at the entrance of the building.

The man scanned Lizzy and my attire from head to toe, assessing whether or not we belonged here. Then, satisfied with his inspection, he tilted his head and opened the door.

“Good evening, ladies.”

“Good evening.” I shifted my glasses slightly to wink at him through my blue contacts. Then I ushered Lizzy forward before moving toward the security guard.

He stepped out from behind his station and asked, “Which residence are you expected at?”

“Randolph.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Mr. Randolph normally notifies me of guests arriving.”

“Give him a call. My orders were to make everything perfect for his arrival. You know how tired he gets after dealing with models all day.” I leaned forward and ran my fingers up the guard’s tie. “I’m sure you can explain why you disturbed his evening to confirm something he’s arranged many times with you.”

His eyes grew big. “You’re from the agency.”

“You could say that.” I gestured to Lizzy and licked my lips. “It’s a double-hitter night.”

“Are others expected as well?”

“More than likely. We’re just the set-up team to welcome Mr. Randolph home before the party starts.” I smiled up at him, making him flush. “Maybe I can convince him to invite you up. Would you like that?”

“Umm. I’m on duty.”

“Well, come find me if the party is still on when you finish work. My name is Kellena.”

He nodded, walked back to his station, and picked up a pen. “This code will grant you access to Mr. Randolph’s floor. I’m sure you know, but he makes me remind everyone. Stay out of his studio.”

I rose on tiptoes, taking the paper from the guard’s fingers and pecking him on the cheek. “I’m interested in his other things, not his clothes. If you know what I mean?”

Taking Lizzy’s hand, I tugged her to the elevator and stepped inside, punching in the code for Keith’s floor.

As soon as the doors shut, Lizzy erupted. “Are you out of your mind? You let him believe we were prostitutes.”

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