Preface

Rain pounded at Audrina, not the soft, light rain. Dark, heavy drops. The kind that felt like knifes as they hit her bare arms. She looked over her shoulder, her wet hair spraying water around her. She saw him through one of the windows of the dimly lit restaurant. Dimitri Asimov. He was a Russian drug lord. The boss was in desperate need of information on him, and Audrina was the key to that information.
She walked up to the door of the restaurant, Le Bella Petite. The host looked startled when a dripping wet girl walked in.
“Can I help you?” he said with a scorn.
“I have a reservation under the name Asimov,” Audrina replied. The host's face tightened into a smile. He pointed into the dining area with his arm.
“Right this way, Miss…,” he looked at her.
“Storm,” she said, “But first, can I use the ladies room?”
The host sighed and showed her to the restrooms. She ducked inside and locked the door.
“Hello,” she said aloud, “Storm here.”
One of the stalls opened and a woman stepped out holding a suitcase. She motioned for Audrina to go into the stall and sit on the toilet. She obeyed. The woman began working on Audrina’s appearance. She fixed her hair and makeup. When she was finished she handed her a garment bag and a shoebox. The woman left the stall and closed the door.
Audrina listened to the woman’s footsteps and heard her unlock, open, and finally, close the door. Audrina opened the garment bag and found a short, silky white dress with a blue satin sash and inn the shoebox, a pair of white high heels. She quickly got dressed and looked at her reflection. She looked perfect. Her black hair was in an elegant up do. Her makeup was perfectly done. She smiled.
She left the bathroom and the host looked startled once again at Audrina's appearance. He led her, with a starstruck look in his eye, toward Asimov's table. When they came closer, Dimitri Asimov looked up from the group of people to whom he was talking, and directly at Audrina.
“Ahh, Miss Storm,” he said, standing up and taking her hand, “It has been to long. You are in good health I suppose?”
“Yes,” she replied, “ I couldn't be any better.”
He pulled out one of the chairs and offered it to her, and she sat down politely. The host brought her a menue, but she declined politely. Asimov sat down, interlaced his fingers, and looked at her.
She reached into her bag and pulled out a manilla folder and placed it in front of him. He took it, his eyes never leaving Audrina's face. He opened the folder, peeked inside, then closed it.
“Hmm,” he said, “Not your usual business, Miss Storm.”
“Times change Dimitri, and I must change with it.”
He smiled at her, showing his white teeth. Audrina noticed the group around them seemed to be hanging on to their every word. When Asimov spoke they all took in a deep breath.
“Well, this will be much more expensive than the items that you have previously ordered.”
“Do you think that I am incapable of paying?” she asked, standing up, “Do not be mistaken Mr. Asimov, I am more than capable of paying any price you ask”
“Please, Miss Storm, sit down. I was only informing you of the price, not stating that you couldn't pay.”
Audrina sat back down, a sly smile forming on her lips
“Of course not,” she said, “On to business.”