OOPS! I'M A SECRET AGENT (Romance) (4 page)

‘Montpelier,’ he said, introducing himself.

I gazed up at him. He had to be at least six–two. The
expanse of his shoulders tapered down to a trim waist and long legs. The jacket
of his impeccable suit was open, but there was nothing casual about this chap.
His blond hair was precision cut, emphasising his classic features, aquiline
nose and the palest grey eyes I’d ever seen. His lashes were dark blond, and
his cheekbones bore a scattering of gold highlights as if he’d had a flying
visit to some far off tropical place where the sun had touched his cheeks and
brushed across his nose, before being snatched back to the cold Scottish
winter.

‘I thought I could show you around and then we’d have
lunch,’ he said, his Scottish accent making me wonder if he was from Edinburgh
rather than Glasgow.

I let him escort me from reception through to the equivalent
of the burrows where my desk was pointed out to me. ‘Alexavier’s office is over
there.’ He pointed to a room opposite my niche. ‘And I’m just down the
corridor.’ He paused. ‘I’m sure you have lots of questions. Is there anything
you want to ask me?’

‘Are you from Edinburgh?’ I said, wishing I’d asked
something pertinent but nothing had sprung to mind.

‘Yes. I believe you’re originally from Glasgow though you’ve
been in London for several years.’

I nodded. I’m sure he knew all about me, every detail noted
in some buff coloured file.

‘What made you apply for this type of work?’ he said.

The sparkly barperson and poodle parlour assistant didn’t
appeal to me? Rupert thought you’d never want me? A moment of sheer silliness
that went too far? I needed a job and this was offered to me?

‘I thought it would be interesting.’

He looked down at me as if I was interesting, and I felt no
need for my blusher.

He smiled and unhooked his gaze from mine.

‘I’ll be honest with you, Neve. There’s nothing else here
except unending corridors and offices. Unless you’re eager for the full tour,
perhaps we can head out for lunch. I know this wonderful restaurant not far
from here. It’s got a great view of the city.’

He helped me on with my warm black coat and continued to
show exquisite manners as he led me out of the Glasgow department into the
heart of the city.

It was a cold, frosty day. Tomorrow, it would be December.
The streets were busy with shoppers, the shops ablaze with lights and Christmas
decorations. In contrast, the sky was a vast blanket of muted greys. I hadn’t
seen a sky like that since I’d left Scotland all those years ago. It looked
dramatic, magnificent, as was the man walking beside me.

Montpelier had put a stylish coat on over his suit, and as
we walked along I saw quite a few women glance at him. I felt totally
invisible, and forgettable, the type that Alexavier said I was and part of the
reason I’d been hired.

I couldn’t imagine how Montpelier could blend into the
crowd. He towered above most of them in height and manner. I’d only ever seen
men who looked and dressed like him in catalogues. Men who advertised menswear,
expensive but stylish coats with silk linings, worn loose over well cut suits,
and shiny shoes without any scuffs. Coiffed and cuff linked to perfection. This
was Montpelier. I was walking along the street with a stunner.

I wondered, was he really a spy?

‘Did Alexavier mention me to you?’ he said.

‘No, but I’ve barely spoken to Alexavier since I was hired.’

‘Really?’ His tone hinted at disapproval.

‘Yes, he’s been busy. Jenkins was my mentor.’

‘I’m sure Alexavier will make time for you here.’

Why did I sense he was having a dig at Alexavier? Was there
some rivalry I should know about?

‘Do you get along with him?’ I dared to ask.

A flicker of surprise crossed his features. I sensed he
wasn’t used to someone like me asking such a blatant thing, but I figured this
was relevant.

He smiled, clearly amused. ‘No, not really.’

That flicker of surprise transferred itself to my face. I
hadn’t expected such a bold reply.

‘Luckily we don’t need to,’ he said, ‘and he’s hardly ever
up here. We thought you’d be coming here alone, to work with me. I guess he
wants to handle the current situation personally.’ He threw me a look that
hinted at more than work being involved.

‘Alexavier has no personal interest in me, I’m sure,’ I
said.

He laughed lightly. ‘Jenkins warned me that you were without
guile.’

I frowned. ‘Without guile?’

‘You speak plainly. I like that, though Alexavier probably
won’t appreciate it, especially if you go under cover. Guile is a necessity.’

‘I can be wily,’ I assured him.

He laughed, heartily this time.

We arrived at the restaurant, and after helping me off with
my coat, we were seated at a table with a great view of the city.

‘Has Glasgow changed since you were last here? I believe you
haven’t been back for years.’

I gazed out across my home city wondering if it had changed.
I’d never seen it like this. The architecture, spirals, modern buildings, a
metropolis of streets, parks, and the River Clyde arched with bridges.

‘I don’t know if it’s changed.’ Perhaps I had, and Glasgow had stayed strong and magnificent all the years I’d been gone. It was great to be
back. I was sure of that.

Montpelier looked wistfully out the window. ‘I’ve travelled
to many places throughout the world, but Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh, still
hold the same fascination for me they always have. There’s nowhere else quite
like them in the world.’

I agreed, but suddenly felt vulnerable. ‘Do you know why I’m
here?’

‘Yes.’ He paused while our meal was served, and then
continued, keeping his voice at a level no one could overhear. ‘Someone is
selling us down the river.’

My eyes widened. ‘Someone in the department?’

‘We trust not. But we think it’s someone in the halls of
government. Someone in a position of authority and trust who is selling our
secrets to our adversaries.’

‘What am I supposed to do?’

‘You’ll be briefed back at the department.’

I nodded and we continued our lunch while my mind ticked
over the task ahead.

‘It’s never what you think it is,’ he said.

I looked at him.

‘The spying business. Put any notions of high speed chases,
dangling precariously from rooftops and such out of your thoughts. It’s mainly
rather mundane, watching, waiting, reading through information gathered from
other agents. It’s quietly fascinating.’

I preferred his version of the job. I’d no desire to dangle
or chase anyone. Or be chased.

‘That’s not to say we don’t have our...adventures. But you
won’t be required to get involved in the physicality of the assignment.’

‘So you don’t anticipate any actual trouble?’

‘On the contrary. It could get brutal. Traitors have a
tendency to cause maximum damage in a bid to elude us. But Alexavier and I will
handle that.’

‘You don’t look like a brawler,’ I said before I could stop
myself.

He smiled, thankfully not insulted that I didn’t rate his
chances in a bout of fisticuffs.

‘I didn’t mean to insinuate that you’re not fit. You look
very fit and capable, but you’re very suave, and I don’t associate suave with
fighting.’

He smiled again. No elaboration of his skills. This made me
think that he probably could fight like a tiger.

‘We have a gym within the department, and training
facilities,’ he said. ‘You are welcome to use them. Though you may prefer to
wait until you’re back in London. The department there has a similar set up.
We’re encouraged to keep in shape and there are various instructors
specialising in a diverse range of tutoring. Though of course I don’t remember
ever seeing keeping fit by shopping listed on the activities.’

I smiled. ‘I’m never going to live that down, am I?’

‘No. But we’re all fascinated. We can’t fathom what it is
you actually do. Lift shopping bags full of groceries? Run up and down store
escalators?’

‘It’s easier than that.’

He looked at me, attentive.

‘Trekking through the shops for...hmm...four hours at a time
can be quite gruelling,’ I said.

‘I imagine it would be. I’m not into shopping.’

‘Most men aren’t. But my ex, Rupert, was an exception. He
loved to shop. He could outshop most women. We’d go shopping in London after
breakfast, stop for lunch, then continue shopping, even if only window shopping
on my part while Rupert bought himself whatever he wanted, until around six. It’s
like urban hillwalking. Plus carrying the bags. It definitely builds stamina.’

‘I must give it a try,’ he said.

I studied his expensive clothes. ‘Do you buy your clothes
from one or two main sources? If you’re not into shopping, where do you get
that wardrobe of exquisite menswear?’

‘I visit a menswear specialist. They make my suits, and
match them with shirts, ties, accessories. They’re invaluable.’

‘It must cost a packet.’

I thought he was going to choke on his meal. ‘Yes, it does,
but I’m...’ He trailed off, and I saw the conflicting expressions flit across
his features. I think he’d almost come out and said something he had no
intension of revealing. And I think that disconcerted him.

‘You’re what?’ I leaned closer across the table. ‘You can
tell me. I’m a secret agent.’

He laughed and any tension melted from his handsome
features.

He sat back in his chair and surveyed me. ‘Okay, I’ll tell
you. I’m horribly rich. My family are wealthy and I inherited it all. I’m paid
by the department, though we’re not paid lots of money because it would
encourage those who were after the money rather than through wanting to work
for the department for the right reasons.’

‘A rich kid, eh?’

‘Filthy rich.’

‘In that case, can I indulge in another slice of that
delicious cake, seeing it’s your treat?’

‘You certainly can. I love a woman who has an appetite.’

For a second, a fleeting moment, his pale grey eyes flashed
a sexy signal to me. Then it was gone.

‘In fact,’ he said, ‘I think I’ll join you. It does look
mouthwateringly tasty.’

We laughed and enjoyed the remainder of our lunch, chatting
about my past while I tried to glean details about his.

We finished our second helping of cake and got ready to
leave the restaurant. I gazed out at the view of the city while he paid the bill.
The grey sky had deepened, threatening a winter storm.

He helped me on with my coat. ‘Remind me to be wary when I’m
around you, especially at lunch. I wouldn’t usually indulge in a slice of cake
never mind two.’

‘Tsk! Don’t pick up any of my bad habits,’ I said, smiling
at him.

‘Though I suppose we could go shopping before we head back
to the department and work off all those calories.’

Linking my arm through his, we left the restaurant and
walked around the city for half an hour or so. It had changed, but so had I,
and I envisaged Montpelier had lots to tell the others within the department
who’d wondered how I kept fit by shopping.

We arrived back at the department
after lunch, and I felt I’d got to know Montpelier better and yet he’d divulged
little about himself. But I sensed that he didn’t judge me or frown upon my
lack of experience.

‘Alexavier is in his office,’ the secretary said to Montpelier. ‘He’s been waiting for you for almost half an hour.’ Her tone hinted that he
was displeased.

Montpelier didn’t falter and escorted me to Alexavier’s
office. He was seated at his desk and acknowledged Montpelier with a nod while
I received a questioning look. Had I done something wrong?

Alexavier closed the file he’d been reading. ‘Shall we
commence the briefing?’

‘Yes,’ said Montpelier. ‘I’ve explained the broad details of
our current situation to Neve. Though obviously you and I have to decide whose
fiancee she will be.’

‘What?’ I said rather too loudly.

‘Undercover,’ said Montpelier. ‘You’ll be going undercover
during this assignment.’

‘Neve will be your fiancee,’ Alexavier said, sounding as if
he was conceding some sort of defeat.

Montpelier smiled at me. ‘I think we’ll make a charming
couple. Don’t you agree, Alexavier?’

Alexavier ground out a half smile. ‘You’ll be perfect for
each other.’ He reached into his jacket pocket and brought out a small velvet
box. ‘We’ve got you a ring. Wear it at all times. You’ve been engaged for
several months so you have to appear comfortable with it, and yet still in the
throws of love’s first flush.’

He showed me the ring. Three diamonds set in yellow gold
sparkled under the lights. He went to hand it to me, but Montpelier reached out
and took it from him, lifted my hand and slipped the ring on to my engagement
finger.

This gesture seemed to annoy Alexavier and he got up from
his desk and paced over to the window.