The Still Shadows

Charlotte had set at the door of decision and her heart raced in anticipation and determination. This was what she had been striving for, day and night; this was the moment she had longed for. When she looked at the magnificent hall stretching in front of her, she immediately felt the adrenaline rushing through her veins. Luxury was all around her, she was surrounded by the smell of pricey scents and tastes of fancy appetizers. Every fragrance was a sensation, a gentle prodding of her conscience of the world of the opulent she had disguised herself into. But through all the glitz, glamour and luxury, Charlotte kept her eyes on the prize as she geared up for the fight that awaited her.

Inhaling sharply, she braced herself for whatever was ahead of her. She understood that this was not just another regular project that she would be churning out, but a chance to find out information which had never seen the light of day. And she was set to go through fire barriers that might hinder her way, set to give the best in her to fight for what was just.

Following Charlotte as she moved to and fro amidst the numerous guests, one couldn't help but notice her vivid perception. There was even luxury in the fact that a few armed guards had been strategically stationed around the hall. Several others mingled casually among the well-heeled elites that immersed themselves in the exchange of privileged information that soared as lightly as the shimmering laughter and frills of conversation.

The guards simply watched the event like statues; an intimidating gesture of the fact that a lot was at risk. They never left any room for a momentary lapse of attention and their eyes were always focused on the room as if they were an organized body capable of responding to a volatile situation. What struck Charlotte most was their size; towering over the rest of the crowd, they also represented the dark side of this world that is full of money and luxury.

By the time Charlotte realized it, she had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the functioning of power relations. There were those actions of acknowledgment shared between the business moguls, the slight inclinations of heads that passed messages of respect and courtesy. And there were the more calculated, more fleeting smiles: the looks that suggested secret scheming and self-serving intentions.

As she watched the play of power and authority, the politics at work in this unfamiliar environment, Charlotte could not help but look at how such a system worked. It was a world in which each phrase and each movement had significance, a world where friends were made and enemies created within seconds.

However, in the midst of the luxury and the political wheeling and dealing, Charlotte kept her eyes on the prize. She also understood that this was not just a beautiful show. This is a war, and the prize is even greater. And as she continued to struggle through the mass of people, she became more and more determined, knowing that the secret was out there, somewhere, and that she would discover it.

Charlotte realized that she had to be careful, mostly not to look nervous while at the same time being alert. With each step she took, there was confidence in her, and she never hesitated in what she wanted. As she got close to the bar, she ordered a glass of champagne, the sparkling liquid a perfect cover for her real agenda.

Erected against the bar, Charlotte sipped the spicy gold liquid letting the taste swirl on her tongue. The information spiced with passion was as inviting. Indeed, even as she enjoyed the champagne that accompanied the meal, her mind did not dwindle away, but instead was fully alert to the possibilities of whatever was in the air. Life had become like a game of 'connect the dots' with every conversation she heard, every mention of his name, a new piece of a complex puzzle which she was desperate to solve.

The women and men present with her became animated, their joy and vibe felt from their voices as they chatted. However, beneath the festive smile, Charlotte felt that all eyes were on her, and she had a constant sensation of being the observer rather than the observed. She was an outsider in this world of richness and privilege; a foe of society.

In its stead, from the knowledge of her mission, Charlotte found strength to overcome any trespasses. Every second that ticked by her resolve increased further and the thought of winning out over the secret that lay buried deep just put her one step ahead. While she was still staring at that emptiness, Charlotte suddenly noticed a company of people in the middle of the conversation. She was unable to hear what they were saying due to the noise of the crowd. However, even without their mouths being open, their bodies had a lot to say. This was a team, a well-coordinated and probably high-octave group that gave the impression of close-knit friends who, behind their backs, have many things in common and many plots hatched for the common good.

Fascinated, Charlotte looked at the bard more interested than offended. It was hard for her to eavesdrop when they were talking, so she directed her attention towards the sounds coming from their direction. And as she listened, one fantastic idea after another rose up in her, until she caught it, faint and yet clear, the first glimmer of something that might solve the puzzle she was assembling.