Chapter 7 - 7: The Birthday Party

"Everything is prepared. Here look at this." Charles gave to Elle the floor plan of one of the Arison's Mansions. They were sitting inside a black tinted car at the carpark near the Mansion. Elle studied the plan and made a mental note regarding the locations of the CCTV cameras, entrance and exits and the potential location where most of the guards will be on standby and will do their roving during the events. Tonight was the celebration of the 27th Birthday of Selena Arison, the youngest daughter of Jorge Arison. Many important people in the entertainment, politics and in business industry were present tonight.

Jorge Arison in his mid 50's, was a very influential man. He is a prominent business man and the Chairman of Arison Holdings and Mining Corporation. But in reality the reason why Arison Holdings has a good standing in the industry is because of its underground operations such as drugs, gambling, prostitution and selling of illegal firearms which were being manage by the Skull Gang. To cover these things and to avoid suspicions from the authority, he even put up foundations for the orphan children and for those cancer patients. To others, Jorge Arison, was a very generous businessman who always has compassionate heart for the needy.

They could hear the lively music coming from the Mansion, then Elle said "Let's join the party and enjoy this night. You already know what to do". Charles nodded and when he looked at her at the passenger seat, he saw her smile. It was a dangerous, predatory smile. He seldom saw her smile, but once she smiled it means another human life will be leaving in this world. In short, when devil smiles it only means death. Charles just shook his head and thought to himself 'I am glad I'm on the devil's side. I have to serve my purpose if I really wanted to stay alive while I'm with her'.

Elle left the car and went ahead. Charles stayed at the car for the time being and he would wait there for her instruction. Once he received her signal he would also act according to their plan. Both of them were wearing a very small communication device that no one would be able to notice. Through these, they could easily contact each other. He saw Elle entered the Mansion. She was in full disguised as a waitress. One day before the event, they already planned out everything. The I.D and identity that they will be using in order to enter the mansion, the in and out of the mansion, the layout, the number of guards, the lists of guest and visitors. Of course the information they had gathered from torturing Peter Blake was also very useful.

As soon as Elle entered the Mansion, she proceeded at the kitchen. Every time that she would walked around the area where CCTV was installed she knew the proper angle and timing so that it could not record her face. She was very careful but if things could not be avoided she would just go to the CCTV control room and delete the records. This time Elle went inside the banquet hall while holding a tray full of lady's drink and champagne. She immediately saw many women dressed up in different styles and the men were all wearing suites. She was silently observing everything inside the hall just like a predator waiting for her prey. Men in black uniform were also scattered inside the hall. As expected, this was not a normal gathering, many upper class and prominent people were present that's why the place was well-protected and was especially guarded. This party was also for publicity purposes that's why even reporters were also invited. Professional musicians were now performing at the side to entertain the guest while waiting for the host and celebrant to come down. It was a lively atmosphere.

The music suddenly stopped and someone shouted "Mr. and Mrs. Arison just arrived together with Lady Selena." Everyone stopped what they were doing and focus their attention to the three beautiful persons who just arrived and were now walking inside the banquet hall. Everyone gasped in surprise as they saw the Arrison Family, admiration were evident in their eyes. Jorge Arison even in his 50's, he was an attractive man and a confidence was illuminating in his aura. His sharp eyes swept across the entire hall, greetings all the guest with a smile. His wife Evana Arison in her mid 40's, was wearing a silvery long white dress and she looked groomed and gracious. At the center was Selena Arison in a dark red dress. She had a gentle smile on her angelic face and she appeared elegant and beautiful. Many of the guest were impressed by her beauty. "What a wonderful family. Sorry, am not sorry for destroying it'', Elle mumbled to herself, as meaningful smiled appeared on her face, her eyes were so dark and cold. She decided to contact Charles and gave him the signal.

Meanwhile in the car park....

There was a knocking sound coming from the trunk of the black car. "Oh, our hostage is awake," Charles chuckled as he remembered that there was still someone inside the trunk. Of course it was Peter Blake. He got out of the car and went at the back. He opened the trunk and he saw Peter sweating a lot. " Haha Poor man, I was amazed, you still have the strength to knock despite the torture you have gone through,". Charles gave him a sarcasm laugh. Peter shot him a glare. His hand was tied and and his mouth was gagged to suppress him from making unnecessary sound.

Charles pulled him up and brought him inside the car. He was about to enter into the driver's seat when Elle called him through their communication device, "Target spotted. Catseye on the move." This was her go signal, means He should also move according to their plan. Charles picked up the paper bag beside him. "Peter, the show is about to start. As I said before, you have no choice but to cooperate with us." Charles looked at him and Peter just glared at him.

"I am warning you, follow my direction or else I will not hesitate to kill you on the spot. And you know how vicious that woman is, one mistake and she will bring you back to that hell. If you are really smart you already know what to do. Just behave and do what you were told to do. Understood? Charles reminded him again and it was effective. Peter shivered from fear as he recall everything that happened to him in the torture room. He didn't want that to happen again so he just nodded in agreement. Charles went to Peter to untie him. He gave him the paper bag which contain a suite. "Remove your clothes and change into these. We have to join the party!". Charles smiled at the thought of having to enter the banquet and have a chance to meet beautiful ladies inside. 'There's nothing wrong about having fun while working right? I will enjoy the night and Elle will do the rest.' Charles reassured himself.