Free Recourse 2 (The Arrangement) by Amy Silva Page B

turning me around to follow. She lead us through the tall opening accented by greek statues on each side. At least I figured they were Greek from the leafs covering their privates. We turned right and saw stairs to the second floor.

    “Let’s see if we can get a better view.” Amy stepped forward.

    The second floor overlooked the main lobby, and opened up to a long hall to the left, and a big red wood door to the right of us. I took a step left as Amy held my hand firmed and pulled it back, “I am curious what’s behind door number two.” Amy wiggled her eyebrows and placed her slender hand on the handle. The door parted with a loud pop, Amy waited and a few moments later inched it open. Peeking inside, she whispered, “It’s too dark, I can’t see a thing,” and then parted it more and disappeared inside. A moment later her hand emerged from the other side as she motioned for me to follow.

    I shook my head and stepped into the darkness. Amy closed shut the door behind me, as I felt the goose bumps blast down my back, the tiny hairs standing up and poking into my dress. I looked around the room as my eyes started to adjust to the dark. Through the two big windows the light outside covered just enough of the room to make out the large desk and the many shelves around the room. A big globe stood in one corners, one of those made from all stone, with shiny golden lines running along the countries’ borders. I put my hand on the cold surface and slowly tried to turn it. It’s heavy mass obeyed and smoothly rotated on the axis.

    “This must Loushen’s office.” Amy whispered as she stood bent over the desk. “There is a picture of him with some guy on a yacht.”

    “We should get out of here.” I walked over. “This wouldn’t be a good look for Chase.”

    Amy turned over a couple of papers on the desk. “I wish there was something useful here.” She made her way over to the window after studying the photos on the walls. Her mouth stretched in a smile as she pointed outside. “I think I see our man.”

    I joined her and looked out. There was gathered a decent size crowd after spilling over from the party inside. By the crystal blue pool, a dense half circle of people crowded around a broad shouldered guy as he animatedly used his hands to convey something. A moment later the crowd erupted in unified laughter.

    “He sure looks like a million bucks.” I said wistfully feeling my nerve endings tingle.

    “A billion.” She shot me a playful grin and leaned back from the glass. “Let’s go get him.”

    We crept to the door and a minute later joined Chase outside.

    “How’s the inquisition?” I looked into his blue eyes when we got a chance to free ourselves from the crowd and got more champagne while Amy played blocker.

    “They’re eating up the charm and letting me get away with saying as little as possible.” He smiled and looked at his watch. “Oh, but they’re time is officially up. Let’s go get Amy. We should hurry not to miss the real fun.”

CHAPTER 3

    “Go ahead, open your eyes.” Chase’s smile could be heard in his voice.

    I opened mine and studied the large living room as it was before we left. The large plush leather couch to one side, the marble coffee table in front of it. A few luxuries form fitting chairs by the large outside window. There was one thing different, a black saddle like seat sat on the soft carpet in the middle of it.

    “Chase, you didn’t!” Amy gasped and let go off his hand, taking a few steps forward.

    “I figured this would be a good occasion.” He smiled and turned to me. “Go check out your new toy.”

    I wet my lips and walked over to Amy who knelt down and started studying the surprise. As I peered over her shoulder I saw a small upside down pear shape protruding up from the center of the seat. My eyebrows lifted to my hairline. “Is this what I think it is?”

    “Have you ever ridden a Sybian?” Amy ran her hand along the black