The Meeting (Part 1) - Short Affair - Dec 21st

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

This follows on from 'The Tuxedo' but you don't need to have read that to read this. Although, it would be nice if you did :-)

.....................................................................................

Prompts - Mistletoe/Gold
Word Count (Approx.) - 633

Illya was in quite a jubilant mood as the car pulled up outside the 21 Club. He rarely got to play the part of the wealthy playboy and was really throwing himself into it. The mere fact it annoyed Napoleon buoyed him up all the more. Solo even refused to look Illya in the eye as, in his role as chauffer, he opened the door for him.

“Be here in an hour,” Kuryakin ordered, before striding into the club.

Napoleon had to concentrate extremely well not to slam the door closed. For the next hour, he would be parked a couple of streets away, listening to his partner close the deal.

Inside, the foyer was decked out for Christmas in sumptuous, yet exceptionally tasteful, decorations. Everything from the trimmings on the many trees, to the swags on the walls, were gold in colour. Illya was getting well used to western Christmas celebratios, but he had long since decided that he preferred cheap and cheerful decorations over the ostentatious ones of the moneyed classes. The maitre’d stepped towards Illya to stop him from getting in any farther. The man was dressed very well, but he was a new face and therefore had to be checked out before he was allowed access.

“May I help you, Sir?”

“I’m meeting with Clifford Bryce,” Illya told him, adopting an air of privileged arrogance, and anglicising his accent. “I trust he is here already.”

“May I take your name, Sir?”

“Peregrine Worth.”

The maitre’d looked down his list and instantly changed his manner.

“Mr Bryce is indeed here, Mr Worth,” he told Illya, practically fawning over him. “He is awaiting you in one of the private dining rooms. If you would care to follow me, Sir.”

Illya was led through the main restaurant, where he was amused to see clumps of mistletoe arranged as centre-pieces on each table. An establishment such as the 21 Club would never do something so gauche as to hang it from the ceiling. Out of habit, Illya glanced around the room, but saw no-one he recognised. He was garnering a few curious looks, but that was to be expected when someone new arrived in a place where everyone knew everyone else.

Upon reaching the private room, the maitre’d knocked on the door before stepping through announcing Illya.

“Your guest has arrived, Mr Bryce.”

“Thank you, Timmins.”

Entering the room, Illya was immediately on alert. There were two other men, apart from Bryce, in the room. They hadn’t been mentioned when the meeting was set up.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr Bryce,” he said, holding out his hand. “I hadn’t realised you would have other guests.”

“Please, call me Cliff,” Bryce answered, accepting Illya’s hand. “Don’t worry about these guys. They’re just my security, and they insist on going everywhere with me. Can I get you a drink?”

Illya requested a scotch and tried not to let his unease show.

“At the risk of seeming vulgar, can we get straight down to business?” he asked. “I have a family Christmas party to attend tonight, and mother will be somewhat unhappy if I am late.”

He couldn’t explain it, but he knew he had to get out of there as soon as possible. All he had to was get the name of the man who was looking for backers to fund his criminal activity, and then he could be away and clear.

“No problem,” Bryce replied. “But first allow me to make a toast.”

He raised his glass. “To possible new partners.”

Illya echoed the toast and took a drink. Too late, he realised his mistake. The whole meeting was clearly trap, and as the drug flooded his system, he heard Bryce acknowledge it.

“You’re going to be the perfect Christmas Gift, Kuryakin.”


To be continued.

Comments

[jkkitty.livejournal.com]

Illya, not paying attention--not a good idea Nicely done, love Napoleon's reaction

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It's not like Illya to be so sloppy, but he's going to pay for it.

[jkkitty.livejournal.com]

And I bet Never take that role again,

Will this be a long

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

It's going to be a two parter. The second part will be for tomorrow's picfic.

[jkkitty.livejournal.com]

thanks, not sure what the picture is but can't wait

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Ohhhhh no, the old drug in the drink trick trap. Excellent beginning....poor IK just when he thought he'd get to play the wealthy playboy instead of the chauffeur.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

The trick is a bit Old School, but sometimes simplicity is the best way to go :-)

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Excellent last paragraph, and the setting and lead up are well done. Hope Illya (and we!) are let off the cliff soon.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you :-)
I'm planning on writing the rest for tomorrow, but with this being Christmas week, interruptions are abound.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Talk about slamming into a brick wall! You set us up and left us wanting more... so, good job ;)

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you :-)
The next part should be up in the next couple of days. I chose the wrong week to do a two-parter.

[ssclassof56.livejournal.com]

Yay, the next chapter. Can't wait to see what happens to poor Illya. His time to shine in that tux was sadly short lived.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

I hope to get the next part written very soon, but (of course) Christmas is in the way of that at the moment :-)