Chapter 14 – The Only Thing Constant Is Change

Taken off guard by his boss’ investment in the matter, Duncan divulged more of the previous night’s happenstance. “Well believe it or not I actually ran into Emerson. One thing led to another…”

“Wait Emerson, like my father’s head of security?” Mrs. Avery responded in an inquisitive tone.

“The very same! We ran into each other outside the opera. I was coming home from a friend’s birthday gathering and minding my own business when I saw them.” Duncan began to draw a silly smile. “I had never seen them dressed in such sophisticated attire. It reminded me of a devilish character from a spy movie.” 

“Well how lucky you. I thought about them a couple times when my father first hired Emerson. They were so well-put together, articulate, and dashing.” Avery mentioned. “But please do tell more, I want to live vicariously through you.” 

Duncan continued to tell her about the night that was had and the morning after. It was truly a remarkable exchange of words. By the end of the story, Mrs. Avery had been on the edge of her seat wanting more. The two had bonded over the shared experience and possible fantasy over the elusive, Emerson. 

“Though it was only one night shared over wine and good company, I felt as if there was something more to uncover about them.” He continued to enlighten her about his feelings for Emerson. “It’s like I’ve met them before in a past life.” 

The conversation quickly came to a close as Mrs. Avery’s secretary, Ms. Moore, knocked on the office door to inform them their 2 o’clock appointment had just arrived. Avery had recently transitioned her profession to pursue a new career as personal designer to the rich and wealthy of the city. It only seemed fitingt to take after her father’s ambition and construct an empire for herself. 

The appointment was made with an out-of-towner, Morgan Walsh. He was a new money billionaire, who was looking for a remodel of his image and lifestyle. He had received a referral from another one of her clients. After greeting each other, they resided to a corner conference room that overlooked the city.  

After the meeting at the Golden Finch, Emerson made their way home to procure some new insight and details of one Mrs. Avery Aquitaine. They decided to text Duncan with a witty remark asking about their day. 

Duncan’s phone pinged during the meeting. He briefly glanced down at the recipient name before resurfacing his eye contact on to the presentation. It was obvious to Avery that the text was from someone more invigorating than just a mere acquaintance. Duncan’s face was beaming as he made a few notes on the client’s input. 

With a simple text sent, Emerson felt good about themselves. They might be able to keep their promise of free time after plotting and scheming was complete. Perhaps something in their meeting with Henry had changed their outlook on life. Or maybe their previous engagement had given them insight. They began to research more into Ms. Caroline and the deeper connection between the various others on the list. 

One-by-one, each prospective victim revealed some degrees of separation from one another. As they took a step back from the spider web-like map, the crossed lines dictated how each person was relevant to the grand plan. And yet some things remained unclear like why was Mr. Aquitaine’s nephew lower on the list under Avery?  It wasn’t the first time they thought their benefactor had left out some key details. The afternoon was engulfed with curiosity and Emerson had made connections to more of the bigger picture.

There were only mere days before the charity event that would be conducted at the city’s historical museum. This might be Emerson’s chance to gather more intel on what Henry was truly trying to achieve. 

This new fascination into the matter had its risks. “Curiosity killed the cat.” But assassins were no strangers to the sacrifices that needed to occur to understand the truth.