Crime & its Consequence

I had made a reservation for a room three weeks ago, when I found out my target was paying my town a little visit. New York City's great for this kind of stuff- every celebrity worth his salt comes at least once a year. 

But I didn't have a year. 

It had been months since I'd last pulled a major job. My money was running out. 

I came to the desk, smiling flirtatiously at the man behind it. "Hi, I made a reservation for a room?"

He grinned back at me and checked his computer. "Name?" 

"It'll be under Heyward. Kasey Heyward," I answered smoothly, twirling my hair around my finger. I reached into my pocket and pulled out that particular fake license, sliding it towards the man along with the credit card under that name. 

He did the necessary computer work and handed me my room key. "Top floor, executive suit? Nice." I shrugged my shoulders, making my top ride lower. "By the way, do you want to grab a bite to eat later? I'm off work at four." 

Easy as pie. 

I pretended to look surprised. "That sounds like fun! I'm new around here, maybe you could show me around as well . . ." I paused, making a big show of leaning over the desk to read his name. "Jacob."

"I'd be happy to!" Jacob ripped a piece of paper from the hotel's notepad and scribbled something down, handing it to me. "Here's my number. We can meet at the Chinese place down the street at six." 

"That's perfect!" I cried, dripping with fake enthusiasm. "By the way, I heard Jackson Kolton was coming today. What time is he coming here, do you know?" I asked, biting my lip.

He hesitated. "I don't think I'm supposed to tell you . . ." I immediately put on a disappointed expression, pouting a little. "Well, I don't suppose it really matters. He'll be here at three, through the back entrance. In fact, he's staying on the top floor too. Who knows, you may bump into him soon."

"That would be . . . super wonderful," I said thoughtfully, pursing my lips. 

Someone coughed impatiently behind me, making Jacob grin sheepishly. 

"Have a great day, Kasey. See you later," he replied with a wave. 

No, I won't, I thought, returning the wave with a smile and a flip of my hair. But thanks for your help, kid. 

I travelled to my suite, carefully studying the corridor as I walked through it. There were only three other suites on the top floor, including mine. Knowing the Kolton's, Jackson would be staying in the one right across from mine, the famous Royal Suite. I stood outside its door for a bit, then hurried back across the hall to my room, slamming the door behind me.

I flopped on top of the plush sofa positioned in front of the bed. A quick glance at my watch told me it was only one-fifteen. There was nothing to do but wait. 

******

At promptly two-fifty, I made my downstairs, being careful to avoid the front desk. I sat down on a large Victorian-era chair towards the back of the hotel, hiding my face in a fashion magazine. Any moment now . . . 

A lady shrieked from a few feet away, and I stood up, dropping the magazine. 

Time to rock and roll, Kat. 

Slowly, I made my way back to the elevator, making sure to put myself in the way of the now-large mob of women and Jackson Kolton. I was effectively elbowed and stepped on by about half of them, and fell to the floor in a pathetic display. 

"Ow!" I said. 

Hotel security and Jackson's bodyguards were rounding up the crowd, pushing them away. So of course, I was ignored. 

"Ah, hell!" I cried again, louder this time. 

Finally, Jackson Kolton's eyes fell on me. I pretended not to notice him. "Damn leeches, I swear." 

He sauntered over, holding out his hand. "Need a little help?" I grabbed his hand and was quickly pulled up. "Sorry about that," he remarked, watching as I brushed myself off. "Girls kind of go crazy when I'm around."

Asshole. 

"I can see why," I remarked, raising my eyebrows as I openly checked him out. With his pale green eyes and brown hair, it was easy to see why so many people were attracted to him. 

He laughed. A loud, arrogant laugh. "So where you heading?" 

I pointed to the elevators. "Room."