A Close Catch
954 Words
“You have approximately 10 minutes to go in there, do the needful and we would be waiting at the back door by the basement”
“Copy?” Andrei asked.
“Copy” Mariya responded.
This was her first time working with Andrei. Jimmy never lets her work with the same person twice for the fear that they might get acquainted with each other.
Her only business with whomever she working with on each mission ends right after the mission.
Mariya adjusted her designer sunglasses and smoothed the expensive fabric of her tailored pantsuit as she approached the entrance to the VIP section of the presidential campaign rally.
“Remember your name is Helena Volkov” Andrei reminded her through the Bluetooth earbuds.
Helena Volkov was a prominent Russian businesswoman who had stayed undercover for years and would allegedly attend the campaign to show her support for Alexander. According to calculations, Helena was supposed to be at the venue in 15 minutes time.
If Mariya must pretend to Helena she had to finish up everything before the real Helena arrives at the venue and people suspects anything.
She took a deep breath and strode towards the burly security guard blocking the VIP entrance.
"Excuse me, I'm Helena Volkov. I have a VIP pass to enter," Mariya said in her best authoritative tone.
The guard eyed her suspiciously. "I'm sorry ma'am, but I don't have you on the guest list. No one gets in without proper credentials."
Mariya felt a flash of panic.
Did Helena cancel her plans to attend?
How could Jimmy make such a deadly mistake?
She had to do something, if these people suspects anything and decide to search her, then she's done for. Because there's no form of quick escape at the ground floor.
"I assure you, there must be some mistake. My assistant confirmed my pass with the organisers earlier today." She reached into her purse, fumbling for the forged VIP pass.
The guard crossed his arms. "I'm afraid I can't let you through without proper identification. These are strict orders." He said.
Just then, a familiar face approached the entrance. "Ah, Helena! There you are." A tall, well-dressed man strode up, flashing the guard a warm smile.
"I've been looking for you. Allow me to vouch for our esteemed guest."
Mariya's heart raced as she recognized Andrei. Wow, he must be a professional at what he does, she thought.
"Andrei, darling, so good of you to find me," she said, linking her arm through his.
Andrei turned to the guard. "This is Helena Volkov, a major donor to the campaign. I'm sure you can make an exception and let her in."
The guard hesitated, then nodded.
"Very well. Welcome, Miss Volkov." He stepped aside, allowing Mariya and Andrei to pass through the VIP entrance.
Once inside Mariya took a moment to survey the VIP area, her eyes scanning the room for her target. She finally spotted Alexander Martini, the popular presidential candidate, surrounded by a group of wealthy supporters.
Taking a deep breath, she began to make her way through the throng of people.
As she drew closer, her heart pounded in her ears.
There was absolutely no time to waste.
This was it - her chance to eliminate Alexander.
She reached into her purse, her fingers wrapping around the cold metal of her concealed pistol.
But Just as she was about to make her move, Alexander’s phone rang.
A look of concern crossed his face as he answered the call. Mariya watched, her hand poised to draw the weapon.
"What? My wife was in an accident?" Alexander exclaimed, drawing the attention of those around him.
Chaos erupted as the news spread through the crowd like wildfire, people pulling out their phones to check for updates.
The beautiful wife of Alexander. Carissa Martini who happened to be a very popular i********: model with thousands of devoted followers had just been involved in a ghastly motor accident.
Mariya hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.
She couldn't risk drawing attention to herself by taking the shot now.
In the commotion, Petrov pushed through the crowd with the help of his guards.
This was the only time she had to shoot unnoticed.
Mariya quickly raised her gun, lining up the sights on Alexander’s back. But just as she squeezed the trigger, a woman stepped in front of him, shielding him with her body.
The shot rang out, and the woman crumpled to the ground, a red blood stain blossoming on her white expensive designer dress.
Mariya's eyes widened in horror as she realised she had hit the wrong target, a billionaire businesswoman who had been standing next to Alexander.
Following the gunshot, Panic erupted in the room as people screamed and scattered, security guards rushing towards Mariya.
She didn't waste a moment, turning and sprinting towards the nearest exit, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
Mariya burst through a set of double doors, finding herself in a dimly lit service corridor. She could hear the shouts of the pursuing guards echoing behind her.
She spotted a set of stairs leading down and without hesitation, she raced down them, her lungs burning.
At the bottom of the stairs, she found herself in a shadowy basement. Her eyes scanned the area, searching for a way out. In the distance, she caught sight of a car with its engine running, the driver's side door open.
"Hurry, get in!" a familiar voice called out.
It was Andrei.
Mariya didn't need to be told twice. She dove into the car, slamming the door behind her.
The driver, Andrei, gunned the engine, and the car lurched forward, speeding out of the basement and onto the street.
- Writer
