Black Tie Affair [closed]

[Lyssa_Marie]

It had been nearly two years since Jeanette Cassidy uncovered the truth about her sister's death. What initially started out as an underground organization turned out to be bigger than she had anticipated. The circle was spread out throughout the country with the promising women auctioned off like cattle. She, herself, barely survived, bearing a gunshot wound on the back of her shoulder. It took its time to heal but it had been painful to move her left arm for a while.

Jeanette had not kept in touch with her former partner, Mike. It seemed mutual. They were only paired up because of their common ground in having the same case and only posed as a couple to throw off their surveillance. Still, she could not help but wonder what became of him. No, it was better to leave it as is.

She had just left the chief's office with a new assignment: the abduction of two prominent socialites. Jeanette had not thoroughly looked over the case profile for the missing just yet but something peculiar caught her eye. The husband of one of the socialites has business in Florida. She vaguely recalled Mike mentioning that he was from there when they first met.

But he could be anywhere by now, she thought.

She looked through her phone and found his phone number. Jeanette was doubtful if he was available or if his number was the same. Still, she supposed it was worth checking out. With her thumb, she dialed Mike's number.

One ring....

Two rings...

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

The receptionist sits behind her desk cleaning a 9mm, while watching the news. The phone rings. She gets it on the third ring.
" The Investigative firm of Futures-Carr-Hyde-Ketchem of Palm Beach Florida. How may I help you?"
''Mike Futures, please." the female voice states.
The receptionist put down her gun on the desk. " Mr. Futures is out of the office. Would you like to skeak to some one else?"
"This is Detective Jeanette Cassidy from Chicago." The voice replies.
The receptionist turns off the tv. " Fer real? Like from two years ago, the....Carlton case. Let me tell you. The boss went ape after that one. He bought two new cars for the office. Listen honey I'm not suppose to say. But he is out of the country. But due in tomarrow night. "

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

Oh, that's right. It was an office number that Mike left Jeanette. She was about to hang up when the receptionist went on excitedly about how her last case earned a nice big fat bonus for them. At the same time, it earned her a trip to the hospital, a smal raise, recognition, and a new apartment. After the scuffle with Marty and his organization, the chief worried that there will be the few associated with him that will hunt her down.

Mike was out of the country. Simple as that. She didn't care to indulge.

"Oh, okay, thank you." Jeanette ended the call and headed on back to her apartment. Had she stayed on the phone any longer, the receptionist was bound to talk her ear off.

It took her twenty minutes to reach her apartment. She slid the card key in to the lock, kicked off her shoes, and spread the files on to the coffee table. Looking over the profiles, some of them did contain shady activities dictated in basic detail. A copy of the supposed ransom note was tucked in underneath the paperwork.

Jeanette's lips pressed in to a pout. It is no wonder the chief thought she was suited for this case. The ransom notes appeared to be written as a Cryptogram.

She glanced at her phone, then shook her head. She needed to concentrate, not focus on trivial things. Still...

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

Brenda(the receptionist) spread the word around the office that the boss's 'hot fling' from Chicago had called. Everone in the office was talking about what the new cars were going to be this time. It wasn't til the office manager had come back from a meeting across the intercoastal that things started to calm down.

After the Carlton case and things had calm down. Mike had been called out of the country. The office in Berlin had a hot case and needed help. Then there was the new office in Tel Aviv to open. Then six moths later it was the new office in Bangalore, India.

Next day.

*crackle* "Plam Beach tower.This is Lear November 78502 requesting landing instructions. "
"Lear November 78502 traffic is light tonight land on 36L."
"Roger Palm Beach tower landing on 36L. Then Taxiing to JetWay hanger.
"Lear November 78502 land when your ready. You are cleared to taxi to Jet Way hanger. Welcome to the Palm Beaches."

20 minutes later.
Two gentlemen from ICE met the plane. As the cabin door opened they walked over to the bttom step and waited.
Mike futures stepped down from the plane.
"Papers please!" said the tall one.
Mike handed over his passport and customs form.
"Do you have anything to declare?" askes the shorter man.
"No luggage, left it all in Isreal." Mike replies.
The tall man returns Mike's passport. "Welcome home Mr. Futures"
Mike smiles. "Great to be back."
Mike turns and see the black Lexas waiting for him. "Ah the company car!"

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

Jeanette laid out the cryptogram puzzle on the table. It had been quite some time since she had solved one of these things. It was also something that tended to be quite a frustration for her to work on. Rubbing her forehead, she let out a sigh. It was going to be a long night.

The letter went on like so:

VEXM KXSEMF, DWX DWKF XSEMF.
SD DWX DWKF, DWX DWKF QDW CPRR FXSCM.
VDW CSXRF KXSEMF, QDW CPRR QSSM QWW
K QEAOPQQPHW OPML, QDW CPRR AW BSX OW.

PV OKI AW PM VDW VSCWX SB BXKMUW
SX PM VDW QMSCI RKMF SB XEQQPK.
VDW FEAPSEQ MSXCKI KMF QCWFWM
VDW CKVUDWQ SB QCPVGWXRKMF
SX VDW FWRPUPSEQ WLTRSQPSMQ SB AWRJPEO

As Jeanette worked on the odd ransom note, the ringing of her phone startled her. For a moment, she ignored it. Her boss should know that she was going to be in too deep for the case she was assigned for. After another few rings, Jeanette looked over her phone. She didn't recognize the phone number and could not recall the particular area code off hand.

She finally relented. It could be another sales jerk or someone from some company desperate to sell things.

"Hello?"

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

"Good Evening, Detective Jeanette Cassidy this is Brenda from Futures-Carr-Hyde-Ketchem. Mr. Futures's plane landed a few minutes ago. He is on his way to his home in Wellington now. I informed him of your call. He said, if it was urgent he could call you from his home. Other wise he would call you in the morning from the office."
Brenda pauses and wait for a reply.

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

Jeanette wasn't quite sure what to say. So Mike arrived back from who knows what country he had run off to. It took her a bit to think more clearly as her mind was riddled with the jumble of letters on the ransom note. She ran her fingers through her dark violet hair; a change she decided to try out from the once brunette.

"Yes it's quite urgent. Have him call me when he's available."

Jeanette ended the call and let out a stressful sigh. She wasn't quite sure how the chief would react to the fact that she sought for outside help from a third party.

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

11107 Polo Island Wellington, Florida

The comany Lexas pulls into the drive way. Mike's cell rings. He looks at the number. "Hello Brenda, what have we got?"
Brenda:" I spoke to Detective Cassidy, she said that it was quite urgent that you call her."
Mike: "I see, quite urgent, is it. Its not like Jeanette to be the panicky type. I'll call her straight away."
Brenda: Did you stop in England on your trip? You've picked up a British accent."
Mike smiled at the cell. "I met some English gentleman in Bangalore and we tea a few times. I most of picked it up from then."
Brenda" Well any way, welcome home see you in the office."
Mike: "Good night Brenda, go home!"

Mike checks his cell for Jeanette's number. Its not there. He's sure its in the house. Mike releases the car and it drives away. He opens the door with his key and walks inside. After a few minutes he finds it in his study'

He dials the number. " Jeanette its Mike, my office said it was quite urgent, how can I help?"

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

It wasn't until ten minutes later that Jeanette's phone rang again. She was getting tired of the receptionist calling her. Jeanette didn't really care if Mike was out of the country, let alone when he actually returned. Sure, she was nice enough to give her a head's up but she didn't have to bombard her with updates as if she were a self-made twitter feed.

This time, Jeanette answered her phone without looking at the caller ID. She was going to give a receptionist a piece of her mind.

"Jeanette its Mike, my office said it was quite urgent, how can I help?"

She felt the blood drain from her face upon hearing Mike's voice right away. It took a moment to collect herself before she spoke.

Come on Jeanette, remain professional about this.

"I've been assigned to a new case. Vanderbilt. Two of the socialites were abducted on their trip here and it seems they have business connections all over, including your area."

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

Vanderbilt?

Mike stopped in his tracks. He takes a breath and closes his eyes. "Ok, Jeanette are we talking about "the Vanderbilts" the rail road family and civil war Vanderbilts?" He pauses and looks at the phone. " The Newport Vanderbilts, is that what we're talking about?"

He sat down in his over stuffed chair. "My god Jeanette thats 'old money'. I mean we got lots of old money here in Palm Beach, but that is a different league. I mean I move in some very pricey areas. But most of my friends are new money people. You know, less then 100 years in the wealth. Second and third generation with a smattering of firsters." He pauses.

"OK, you called me, first. I gather you need my help. You said that there is a connection to my area. I'll send you a plane. WE have a lease on a Lear 90 at PBIA. I can have it up there by tonight. That leaves just two things. One, would you like a, to be picked up at the airport by a limo? Or b, a company car? or by me? Then would prefer the Breakers in Palm Beach, the Hilton at the airport. Or, my place at the Polo Club?"

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

It was embarrassing; Jeanette had not analyzed the victim profiles or their family history, which she should have done first before working on that cursed puzzle. She leafed through the other papers that the chief provided for her and looked it over. Mike hit it right on the nose of the long history the two socialites shared with generations before them.

"Marilyn and Sidney Vanderbilt. Both in their thirties, fashion entrepenuers of some sort."

It was nice enough for Mike to provide a convenient way for her to head for Florida but found herself a little perturbed by having to arrive in an exaggerated fashion? Limo?

"I prefer the modest version. Just pick me up when I arrive there."

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

The Vanderbilt Collection

"Oh, the Vanderbuilt collection. Yeah, I've seen the in the high end stores on the island. 'Glitz' carries as does 'Carman's'. " He listens to her. "No limo? Thats all right. Lets see Chicago is central time. I need an hour to get a crew and get the plane ready. So be at Jet Services Hanger in 4 hour look for a Lear 60 with N78502 on the tail. I'll see you in about 8 hours."

Mike pauses. " I stayed at your place in Chicago so its only fair you stay at mine, here in Florida. Are you cool with that? Do you like Polo? I can get great seat in the Center section of the stadium."

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

"I'll have to inform the chief about it but if he's aware of the family history, I don't think it should be a problem."

The call was about to end but then Mike said something to the effect of how she'll be staying at his place as a return favor for her providing a place for him to say. It made sense but she couldn't help but feel a little strange about it. Maybe it had been a while and she just needed to get used to things.

"I'm not much of a Polo person. Maybe there's something else in Florida you can show me."

Jeanette wrote down the time, location, and what plane to look for before she hung up. She then got in touch with her chief, who was quite surprised that she wanted to travel out of state to work on the case.

"Two socialites don't just get kidnapped like a child to a pedophile," Jeanette responded. "This was a calculated move. The suspect is smart. Either the victims were intimately known or there is this intense obsession and fascination with them. They are connected all over, and not just in the U.S."

The chief had his reservations but agreed with the possibility that they were dealing with a case that may go as far, perhaps even beyond the last major case with the underground sex slave trade. He had her promise to keep him updated with any new leads before giving her the okay to investigate out of state.

Jeanette packed her clothes, a book, and the necessary hygenic items in her luggage. In her handbag went her laptop, her case file, a camera, and a small notepad. A few makeup items were tucked away in its pockets. She called for a taxi to pick her up. Taking a glance at her phone, it seems that by the time she will arrive in Florida, it will be at least ten at night.

Arriving at Jet Services Hanger, it took her a bit of time asking around for the aforementioned plane. Once pointed out, she showed her badge and ID to the pilot before she boarded the aircraft. During the quiet flight, her mind drifted back to the last case she and Mike worked on together. The uncovering of secrets, the shoot-outs, but it was the most intimate moments she shared with Mike during their cover work. While she tried to remain professional about these things with him, she found herself conflicted. Sure, it opened up something new for Jeanette to such intimacy that she never experienced before. But were her feelings genuine or simply going with the facade?

The plane arrived in Florida several hours later. With her luggage and bag in hand, she wondered if they would recognize each other after the amount of time being apart.

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

Welcome to the Palm Beaches.

Mike arrives just as the Lear 60 pulls up to the hanger. He looks at his Rolex submariner he got in the Bahamahs earlier in the year. The time is 2:16 am. He is going to have to give those guys a big tip next time he uses the Lear.

He watches as the cabin door opens. Then Detective Jeanette Cassidy of the Chicago PD deplanes. The warn ocean winds send her skirt flying upwards as it pushes through the air port area. She manages to get her skrt down ans she reaches the last step. Mike smiles to himself. She looks pretty much the same. Her hair is a bit longer and a shade or two lighter. And she looks like she lost some weight.

As she steps away from the plane. The co-pilot brings out her luggage. Mike starts the motor on the 2013 Jaguar FX type and rolls up to the plane. Jeanette is some what taken back by the car. Mike opens the door and steps out. "Nice car!" She says with a grin. Mike walks around to the passenger side and opens her door. Get in before you blow away. I'll get your bags." As she enters the car he notices her shoes. Sensible black walking shoes.

He closes the door and grabs her bags. The trunk opens and he places her bags next to a set he keeps in the car for emergence trip with short notice. He closes the trunk and returns to the drivers side. He closes the door and starts the car. "I see we have to go shopping." he says as they pull away from the plane.

She looks at him strangely "Why do we need to go shoppin?" she asks. He smiles at her. "Your shoes, they scream 'I'm from Chicago."

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

Jeanette carefully walked down on the plane steps. She didn't expect Florida to be this windy enough to blow up her skirt. The co-pilot handed her luggage all in one piece. For a moment, her mind still faltered in her Chicago time zone. But when she took out her phone, she noticed that it was two in the morning.

Right away she spotted Mike. Even if it had been nearly two years, he didn't really change much. But then it was two in the morning, the light was bare, and all they were to each other were silhouettes.

Jeanette raised her eyebrows when he escorted her to his car. Looks like the receptionist was right. Mike got himself a fancy car.

Her lips curled in to a pout when he commented on her shoes that screamed to all the Florida citizens that she was an outsider from the likes of Chicago.

"The government doesn't pay me enough to afford fancy shoes." She said half jokingly.

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

11107 Polo Island Wellington, Florida

At 2:30 in the morning Southern Boulevard has rather light taffic. The drive to Wllington is smooth and steady. "My office is in Palm Beach. I live in Wellington at the polo club. I like it out here. And it gets me out of the city. We have everything you might need in Wellington. Now if you want to shop in Palm Beach stores we can do that later in the morning. " They they turn on 441 and head south.

Soon they are on Forest Hill and entering Wellington. "I'm afraid there is not all that much to see at night. After breakfast we can drive into Palm Beach and show you where the Vanderbilts live. And stop by the office." They turn on South Shore Boulevard. "All those houses on the left are in the polo club."

In a few minutes Mike pulls up to a guarded gate. A security ofice comes out to the car. "Good moring, Mr.Futures."

Mike smiles at the Office" "Yeah, ah Charlie this is Detective Jeanette Cassidy she will be a guest at my place on Polo Island. She has complete access to my place. So please make sure you put her in the computer. And yes she will have a key and pass. Oh, I may have to rent a car for her. So just to let you know. Thanks guys." The gate opens ad in a few minutes they are at 11107 Polo Island.

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

Jeanette could not help but feel both flattered and shy at Mike's accomodations. One had to make the most of it while she was here. She didn't know where the case was going to take them.

"The boss wasn't sure if I should have turned to you for help." Jeanette grinned. She reclined her seat back a little and stared up at the car ceiling.

It wouldn't be long until they finally reached his house. Mike helped her out of his car and escorted her inside his home. It took Jeanette a few minutes for her eyes to adjust the lights since she spent the last several hours in dimmed lights or the night surroundings. Her eyebrows raised at the rather fancy house of his. Compared to her less lavish apartment in an expensive city, a small part of her felt rather intimidated by their difference.

She set her bags beside the nearest couch and looked up at Mike. "So, care to give me a tour of the place?"

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

a tour

"So, care to give me a tour of the place?" Jeanette asks. Mike looks around. "A tour?" The place is a fish bowl. Stand anywhere and see every thing. This is the wide open Florida design. None of the rooms have any designations." He takes a few steps forward. "This for lack of a better word is the 'Livingroom' to the right is the kitchen. The large table there makes that the dinning room. In there is the Florida room. "

He walks over to the sliding door and opens it. "That is the pool. " He turns to his left and points. " That is the guest room and bathroom. It has a door to the pool area" He turns to his right. " That is the master bedroom. It has a bathroom ans a door to the pool area." He turns and waves at the polo field. " That is polo practice field 3. Field 2 is on the other side of the road and field one is next to the main field which is where the stadium is."

He returns back inside. "Its dark right now and you can't see much. In the morning when we get up. I'll show you much more. " Mike looks at his watch its almost 03:00, I need to get to bed" He picks up Jeanette's bags and carries them into the guest room. " I like to take a swim before breakfast so if you see me in the pool feel free to join me. And if your up before me and want to swim. Feel free to do so. Ah, just one thing. If you want to skinny dip do it at night. Around here they call security if they see things they don't like. Well good night!"

He walks out the door and crosses the house. In a few minutes his light goes out in his bed room.

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

Jeanette raised an eyebrow, watching as Mike turned in for the night. She couldn't help but smile a little. Nothing changed too drastically for him.

She headed for the guest room, turned on the lamp, and looked around. Well, it was certainly quite roomy. Through the glass door, she could see the pool area lit up in a flourescent glow from underwater. She changed in to her pair of pajamas. Unlike Chicago, the nightly temperature is friendlier in Florida.

Jeanette sat on the floor and had her files spread out. The cryptogram she had been working on for hours uncovered several words and countries that included France, Switzerland, and something about delicious explosions from Belgium. She looked over the profiles of the two women abducted. Indeed, they had a long family history in what Mike termed as "old money." Money driven? Could be. According to the file, their net worth was estimated to be $200 million.

After half an hour, Jeanette decided to stretch a little. Walking down the hallway, she came across Mike's bedroom. Through the open crack, all she saw inside was darkness. She contemplated on whether to simply walk in. Although she told herself that this living arrangement was for the case and his way of paying her back for allowing him to stay in her place, her mind couldn't help but wander to the days when they posed as a couple and acted as one in ways she didn't expect. And yet it continued to stir inside of her.

No, she shouldn't bother him now. Running her finger on the doorknob, she headed back to her room to work on the case.

"Je suis un putain d'idiot." She said to herself.

Fatigue began to set in. It will be about 4:00am when Jeanette will give in to slumber. Her head rested up on the side of the bed while her legs stretched out. Her files were scattered in a mess beside her.

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

"There she was just'a walking down..." Mike picks up his cell phone. "Oh yeah, who is this?" he asks with his eyes not even open.
"Good morning boss, are you coming into work this morning?"Brenda's bright and chipper voice sings over the dim of office noise.
Mike listens a few seconds and slowly opens his eyes, "Brenda I said no parties till Christmas time, Where is Margo?" Mike asks, now waking up.
"Margo? She is in her office. Oh, the noise, its the Patron brothers they had a new baby in the family."
Mike pushes back the light cotton sheet. "Which one Carl or Charlie?"
He hears Benda call out"Mi scusi, chi ha avuto il bambino?"
One of the other the other women in the office must of showed Brenda a picture. "Its Angelina, you know the one with the big.." Yeah I remember!" Mike cuts her off. "Any way, any thing important going on?"
Brenda pauses. "We got two new cases. Margo issued them out to the two new guys, Richards and Webster." Mike nods his head from side to side. "Anything else?"he asks.
Brenda pauses."Well, I don't know if this is important. But you got an invite to the Marcus Van Dyke party tomarrow night. Black tie of course!"
Mike pushes himself out of bed. "The Marcus Van Dyke, I've been trying to get his business since I opened the office there. That is important. " Mike looks across the pool area at the guest bedroom. And has a thought. " VanDyke, sure, that would..., Hey thanks Brenda, I'm going to be late getting into the office." He says standing up.
"Your late now, its 10:00 am. "She says. Mike looks at the clock next to his bed.10:02. "Oyvah" he says looking out at the pool. and taps off the phone.

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

Jeanette's eyes flickered at the sound of murmured voices down the hall. For a moment, she was surprised to find herself sitting on the floor with her papers scattered around. Mike mentioned someone by the name of Van Dyke. The last name sounded vaguely familiar to her. Then again, it could be one of those names she's heard in passing.

She looked up just in time to see Mike pass by her room. Only when he passed by again did she ask in a sleepy tone.

"Who's Van Dyke?"

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

I need a shower and a swim. He decides. Mike stands and walks into the double shower room. He open the towel closet and it is empty. I used the last one before I left.He remembers. The laundry area is on the opposite side of the house. He crosses the house. And he hears. "Who's Van Dyke?"

Then he remembers. Last night I picked up Jeanette at the airport. He sticks his head in the door. And sees Jeanette in a black and white nighty. He smiles. "I'm taking a swim. There are two swims in the closet if you wish to join me. I need a couple towels." He walks past her room into the laundry room. He finds a few stacked by the washing machine.

AS he leaves he remembers her question. "The Van Dykes are having a party and I'm invited...I mean, we are invited." He recosses the house and undresses. He ajusts the water and lets the spray of hot water fall over his body.

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

Well that didn't answer her queston much on the Van Dyke situation other than the fact that he...or they rather...are going to attend a party. Mike said something about an extra swimsuit or two in the closet, which caused her eyes to raise in suspicion. Just why exactly does a supposed single man be doing with swimsuits in the closet. She debated whether or not to join him in the pool. There was the Vanderbilt case that needed to be tended to, particularly that blasted letter.

But Jeanette recalled the advice her chief gave her after her last major case: Work hard but find a little room to relax.

Maybe just this once for now.

She picked out the red two piece swimsuit. Tying the straps behind her back, the chest area felt a little loose on her. She emerged from the door leading to the pool, took the quick shower to clean and wake herself up before she sat on the edge of the pool.

"How long have you known him?" she asked, regarding Van Dyke.

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

Mike opens the rear gate and sees Jeanette by the pool's edge. "How long have you known him?" she asks. Mike is taken back. He licks his lips and tilts his head and smiles shrewdly at her. "I take it were talking about Mr. Van Dyke?" Mike brings his hand up to his chin and rubs it a bit. He looks down at the water. Then looks at Jeanette. He carefully answers the question after giving it a lot of thought. "Its not a matter of how long have I known him. Its more of a matter of how long has he known me. And that I just learned a year or so ago. It seems, I've been a bee in his bonnet for quite a while."

Mike shallow dives in to the pool. Then swims over to Jeanette. "To answer your question. I've known him about 10 years. He's known me far longer.Since my days at Fort Mead when I was with the MP's. I had no idea who he was back then. I just knew soldier were getting ripper off when they rented apartments from the Van Gaurd apartment building. Van Dyke had his office in Colorado. I was investigating things in Maryland. I could not touch him."

Mike shallow dives into the deeper side of the pool. Then returns to her. " Van Dyke made hsi money in real estate. My first meeting face to face with him was at a county comission meeting. He was trying to get the county to sell him waterway rights at a deep discount. I and others were for public access to the land and water." He moves to the steps and sits next Jeanette.

He owns several hotels in the area, I have been trying to get detectives into his building for five or six years. They are good contracts when one can get them. So far he has avoided me. It seems he remembers me, and will not let me bid for the detective jobs."

 

[Lyssa_Marie]

Jeanette dipped her legs in the water, circling them underneath the clear liquid. She tilted her head back and wrapped a rubber band around her hair in to a ponytail, ready to take a dip in the pool shortly. She listened on as Mike gave her the run down on Van Dyke. Although she thought he sounded shady, she came to the conclusion that it wasn't something to be too concerned about. Nothing that she can connect to the Vanderbilt case.

"Sounds like he's not too fond of you. But why invite us to his party?"