16 The Maiden

The Maiden, tall and undefinably grand, stood like a giant against the sky. The hotel was the finest one in the city, a towering building of glass and crystal, the light glinting off the magnificent structure into the afternoon. This afternoon, the building was hosting the launch party of the new branch of Yarrow Motors.

Dill and Dahlia Yarrow were the owners of the biggest motorbike company in the country, the brand known for their quality and product service. Dill's father had started the company when he was very young, moving up from a mechanic at a motor shop to establishing the auto industry, to becoming a trusted name in the field. He had since then launched multiple brands, each one topping the previous, with the products speaking of the quality.

After the couple's sudden death in the ice skating incident of the century, Cyan had inherited all of the fortune. Cyan Yarrow was passionate about motorbikes and he had decided to take the name further, with the brand, launching a new line with aesthetic designs on the vehicles.

The weak afternoon sunlight shone on the city, a chilly breeze whipping around Falcon's ears as he stood outside the hotel. A sleepy sun lazed on the clouds, drifting in and out like a game of hide and seek.

Falcon stared at his reflection for a few moments in the bright glass, the sunlight catching off and glinting right into his pupils. He squinted, and his mirror self narrowed his eyes at him too, as if demanding why he was about to kidnap an innocent man for money. He ignored his conscience, much like he had in the past, and adjusted his tie.

Formal clothing made him extremely uncomfortable and he only donned a suit whenever a mission demanded it. The navy blue cloth was extremely elegant but he knew he preferred his black leather jacket to actually feel safe and ready. He cast himself another look and stepped inside.

The lobby was a sight to behold, a huge foyer with plush couches and a grand staircase leading up to the upper floor. Even in the light of the day, bright lights twinkled, creating a peaceful sunny aura, the warmth of which radiated in the area. There was a reception with many smiling receptionists, while waiters stood with one hand behind their backs, waiting to greet the guests. A couple of them hurried over to him but he waved them away.

His shoes made a loud sound on the marble as he strode towards the reception, where a young girl looked up at him, all smiles and greetings. He returned her professional smile with a polite one, leaning in close and speaking in a low voice. From here on, it was all guesswork.

'I'd like the penthouse suite.'

The girl's face fell. 'I apologize, Sir. It has been rented out for two days.'

'Might you tell me who has rented it?'

'I am not at liberty to say, Sir. Would you like any of the other rooms?'

'None of them would be a penthouse,' he pretended to consider.

'We have several other luxurious suites. Would you like to book one of them?' She boasted, or rather, did her job well.

'I see. Would you mind telling me the way to the bathroom?'

She looked surprised at the sudden change of topics. However, when she spoke, her voice was smooth and professional.

'Certainly, sir. It's past the lobby and down the hall on your right.'

'Thank you.' He bowed his head and headed for the direction she had indicated. Of course, Cyan, the penthouse is yours. His guess was correct, not for the first time either.

He had to kidnap the CEO of the most famous motorbike company in the country from the biggest hotel in the city at his new product launch party.

What have you got yourself into, Falcon? He tut-tutted at himself.

Falcon ducked into a wing and made for the back of the building. The party was being held in the gardens. He wondered if they were going to ask for an invitation card but the two guards standing at the arch of fake sunflowers serving as the doorway simply nodded at him as they let him inside. They didn't even pat him down. Falcon mentally thanked his blue suit and also the lousy security around Cyan. Pitt really needed to work harder.

The swimming pool was surrounded by balloons, a long table of sandwiches and cupcakes set by its side, while waiters hurried around with trays of drinks in their hands. The theme was summer, which was ironic, considering that it was late in the year and a cold wind had started blowing in the afternoon.

There was laughter and music, loud beats, and a live band, the members of which were dressed in cowboy outfits and singing what suspiciously sounded like the cutthroat version of "Old Town Road."

He knew Cyan had planned the décor, one sweep at the setup showed the artist back at work, not even a tiny detail amiss as the sunflowers bloomed and music played. The circular tables were set with multiple chairs around them, in which guests were seated, enjoying the performance. There was a raised stage to one side where Cyan was sitting along with a few other people, talking away nonchalantly while he sipped a margarita. The sight of his familiar face sent a pang through Falcon's chest which he managed to crush as a waiter handed him a drink.

His eyes fell on Cyan's girlfriend and he ducked behind a flower bouquet. She was dressed in a simple yellow dress, wearing watermelon-shaped earrings that shook with every nod of her head. She was playing with some of the children by the snack table. The game oddly looked like a challenge of who can eat a whole lime. Teal was standing nearby with one eye on the stage and the other one on them, watching the bunch of them with distaste. She was dressed heavily for the occasion, a sparkling necklace twinkling off the sun's rays. Her engagement ring shone brightly on her hand which she held up as the cameras swiveled over to her.

Falcon cursed. Why do all events have to be televised like that? They took away the beauty of privacy from the occasion and also put him in danger.

He held a drink to his face and strode towards the back of the crowd just as the band finished and bowed among enthusiastic applause. Cyan got up and went for the podium, holding the mic in his right hand as he smiled at the crowd. Falcon saw his eyes meet his girlfriend's, who held up a V sign with a whole lime in her mouth.

Cyan smiled as he started talking about the concept behind the brand and the promising features of the new line of motorbikes.

Briefly, Falcon wondered who let this man out of the closet.

Cyan was just about to launch into a detail of the bike when he saw him. He had glanced over to where he had been standing, a surprised look coming into his eyes, which he handled smoothly. Cyan continued his speech, looking away as if nothing had happened. Falcon raised his glass of cocktail in mock greeting when Cyan next glanced his way, and Cyan stared smoothly into his eyes as he spoke.

When his speech ended, Falcon had already left, with the key card of Cyan's bodyguard in his inner pocket. The huge man had been standing right in front of him. He knew for sure Cyan was not going to tell on him, he was a 'good' man and Falcon intended to use his 'goodness' if he was so intent on being stupid. It was really Cyan's fault for trusting everyone.