Chapter 7 Blue
Blue
The party was a well-oiled machine of my own design, a symphony of smooth jazz, clinking glasses, and manufactured holiday cheer.
I moved through the room with practiced ease, an invisible hand guiding the flow of the night, checking on the caterers, nodding to the jazz band, and, most importantly, keeping an eye on Victor Hensley.
He was exactly where I needed him: deep in conversation with a city councilman, his face flushed with champagne and self-importance.
I glide past a table laden with tiny chocolate truffles and miniature quiches, catching the eye of one of the "elf" servers—a beautiful, dark-haired woman named Chloe—and gave her a subtle nod. She knows her role: keep Hensley's glass full and his ego inflated.
My dress, a shimmering red number that felt both celebratory and predatory, is doing its job, making me noticeable enough to command attention, but not so much that I looked like a gatecrasher. I’m Sapphire Blake, the indispensable planner.
I find Hensley near the towering crystal Christmas tree, still monopolizing the councilman. I had to create a reason to get into his private office, a place off-limits to everyone but his wife—and soon, me.
I approached them with a sweet, apologetic smile.
"Victor, darling," I interrupted softly, placing a hand lightly on his arm. "Excuse me for a moment, Councilman. Victor, I'm terribly sorry to bother you, but I just need to slip into your office for a moment."
He turns, his eyes glazed with lust and alcohol. "My office, Sapphire? What for? Don't tell me you need more supplies for the... after-party." He winked crudely.
I let out a breathy, nervous laugh, playing the part of the slightly flustered, devoted pet owner.
"Oh, I wish it were that simple. It's Skipper.
My little dog. Remember? When we were in there earlier you let me put her in your office, tucked away in her basket so she wouldn't be disturbed by the music, but I forgot to top up her water dish before I left. I'll just be a minute, I promise."
The excuse was mundane enough to sound real.
Hensley waved a dismissive hand. "A dog? Ugh, fine. Make sure the mutt doesn’t make a mess in there and wreck the surprise you’ve got…”
"Of course," I cut him off smoothly. "Be right back."
I slip away before he can finish his sentence, my heart rate picking up with adrenaline. Time to make sure those security cameras were off and get my keypad spoofer to work on the safe.
The room is dark, lit only by the faint glow of the city lights outside and the blinking standby lights on the equipment. Skipper's basket is nestled in the corner, and the little dog immediately sits up, wagging her tail happily when she spots me.
"Good girl, Skip," I whisper, giving her a quick scratch.
I go to the attached bathroom and made a show for the cameras of getting Skipper a bowl of water.
After giving her a scratch under the chin again, I made my way back to the security system control panel by the door.
It was a bit of a chance but with any luck no-one will be watching the video feeds right this minute.
The panel screen glows to life when my finger hit the touchscreen and I quickly entered the access code.
I had researched this unit so it only took a few seconds to get to the menu and shut down the cameras in the office.
I didn’t like to do it this way in case security got suspicious, but they were already aware of the “after-party” and should assume Victor shut off the cameras for a reason and I needed time for my keypad spoofer to work on the safe.
I got the electronic gadget out of Skipper’s basket and quickly hooked it up to the safe behind the yacht painting. Mission complete. So far.
“Anyone comes in here Sheriff, you distract them - Got it? Good girl,” I tell Skipper before I slip out the door and go back to wrap up the party.