Chapter 4 Evelyn

Phantom, we need to talk about your next undercover assignment.” Chief motioned for me to take a seat across from him at his desk.

“Tomorrow you will report to RSS (Romano security systems) as a candidate for their cyber security specialist position.

“Ricci is a huge client of Romanos and is the best way for us to intercept information now that he’s covering his tracks even more because of the warehouse incident.”

We went through my cover story as Evelyn Mower (my mother’s maiden last name). We kept everything as close to the truth as possible so when Romano pulled up my information there would be no way he could find discrepancies.

Chief ended our conversation with, “Under no circumstances can Ricci identify you while you are at RSS. It will not only blow your cover but, potentially risk a full out war with the Mafia.”

I nodded in understanding and walked out of his office.

The next morning I opted out of my usual jeans, converse, and a tee shirt to corporate America's lady boss in a navy blue pencil skirt, white blouse, and a navy suit jacket. My navy heels clicked on the ground as I rushed around my apartment grabbing everything I needed for the day. Before stepping out of the door, I gave Alfredo a kiss and threw some cat themed Snoozie slippers in my purse. I was never a heals kind of gal, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to last the day.

Hopping into Bug after switching my license plate, I sped off to RSS.

The building or shall I say, skyscraper, couldn’t be missed. After finding a parking space in the visitor lot, I took one final glance in my visor mirror. I made sure to keep my makeup neutral and let my light brown hair cascade in loose curls. I wanted to look professional, but also not over done.

Walking into the lounge I was mesmerized by the modern architecture. Floor to ceiling length windows lined the perimeter of the building, shiny white marble floors shine brightly from the sun's rays. After getting my visitor pass, I took the elevator to the 55th floor. A red head receptionist greeted me with a warm smile.

“You must be Evelyn,” the receptionist welcomed me by extending a hand.

I returned a warm smile. “Yes ma’am” I shook her hand.

“Pleasure to meet you Ms.Mowers, my name is Christine. Let me bring you to Mr Romano.

Following her lead, I couldn’t help but stare at her gorgeous hourglass figure that was accentuated by her black dress and black pumps.

She knocked on a frosted glass door and heard a deep baritone voice that told us to come in.

My breath hitched when I saw him. The pictures of Kaden Romano did not do him justice. He stood leaning his backside to the front of his desk wearing a charcoal gray suit with a crisp white shirt that is tailored to look like another skin on him. Tattoos peaked out at the end of his sleeves. He looked like an Italian God, with jet black hair tousled on top and trimmed on the sides. Dark whiskey colored eyes seem to stare into my soul, everything from his extremely short stubble to the way he leaned against his desk, oozed power, masculinity, and dominance. As he stood, he extended his hand to shake mine. I half craned my neck to reach his eyes, now that he is closer. Taking His hand, it engulfed my little one. It took a lot for me to get intimidated, and Kaden Romano made me feel as such along with a ping of lust that pooled between my thighs. Plastering a smile on my face I returned the hand shake.

“Please to meet you Ms. Mowers,” his voice was a woman's wet dream laced with a hint of an Italian accent.

“Nice to meet you sir,” I responded, trying to keep my voice strong.

“Please have a seat,” he gestured to the seat opposite his office chair. I obliged and neatly folded my hands on my lap over my notebook.

Mr. Romano shuffled some papers on his desk. “So Ms. Mowers, how does a person who works at an Elite gym think they will be an asset to RSS?” His whiskey colored eyes continue to bore into me.

Well at least he is straight to the point. I cleared my throat before stating, “Well, as you know, since you mentioned the word “elite,” that the clientele I currently work with is higher than a standard gym. My job is to make sure all of our clients' information remain confidential while making sure our facility is fully secured from anyone who may want to get their next story. As a clearly successful businessman, Mr Romano, I would hope that you could see the value of a candidate who understands the discretion and security of clients.”

A small smirk came across his gorgeous face. “Fair enough,” He stood up and walked over to the ceiling to the floor length window. His back to me. It took all of me not to drool over this man’s physique, especially from behind. “Tell me Ms. Mowers, why is it that I could only find little information about you? Your online footprint is slim to none. It's like you don’t exist.” He looked over his shoulder at me with a raised eyebrow.

I knew he would look into the fake file and I prepared for this question. Without my voice wavering I looked him dead in the eye as I spoke. “What potential could I possibly provide to a security employer if I did not make sure that my identity and personal information was secured and confidential. If I was careless with my own information, that would defeat the purpose of why I am seeking this opportunity and please call me Evelyn, Ms. Mowers make me sound old.” I tease

I am greeted with a smirk and a chuckle. “Very well, Evelyn. Since I was not able to find out much about you, tell me something about you that is beyond the stereotypical information.” He turns to me crossing his arms over his chest.

I couldn't lead with ‘oh well my so called stepfather is responsible not only for my father’s death, and is one of the lead sex traffickers in the country, so I am looking to destroy him and I’m here to infiltrate as much information as I can since he’s a client.’

Instead I went with “My work is my life. Some people would call that unhealthy, but to me it’s everything. Our world runs on data, and it's important to understand the value of that data and how it affects peoples lives. I have always been someone who likes being in the shadows; absorbing information, while remaining anonymous and undetected.” In order for this undercover assignment to work, I knew that I would need to divulge some truth in order to be successful.

“Like a ghost,” Romano says quietly.

“Exactly.” My cheeks flush, I knew it was a risk to say all of that, but there was no way he could know I was Phantom.

“If I offer you the job Ms.- Evelyn,” he clears his throat, “You will be responsible for one of RSS’s biggest accounts. Do you understand that no matter what you find, you must remain confidential at all times? At no point may you discuss client information unless it is with a superior or a meeting warrants discussion.do you understand that there may be times that may test your own moral code, but understand to remain a neutral entity as long as it doesn’t involve a security risk? Do you understand that you will be required to sign a non-disclosure ?”

I nod my head in agreement. “Yes sir.”

“Do you have any questions, Ms.. Evelyn?” Kade sat back in his seat and reclined. Looking completely relaxed, while my heart felt like it would thump out of my chest. I thought for a moment before responding.

“I believe we all have evil in us. It’s what we do with that evil that defines us. So I ask you, do you use your evil for good or bad?” I knew all about the tall, dark, and dangerous mob boss that I was speaking to. It was a bold question, however I knew that in order to make an impression, I needed to be bold.

He took a moment to give my question some thought. “Some would say that good and bad are inferred differently by people. Some might think that I use my skills or ‘evil’ for bad; however I would argue that in the grand scheme of things I use my evil for the greater good. Sometimes we are forced to do bad things in order to get good outcomes.”

I couldn’t help but wonder if his definition of the greater good matched mine. Only time would tell.