The Vet

"I found a weakness," said The Actor. He was smoking a Capri.
"Took you long enough," replied Don. He was smoking a cigar.
"Hey man, it's hard work being an assistant, especially an executive assistant. You know how many times I've been to Fourbucks?"
"So that's his weakness? Coffee?"
"No. He has a mistress."
"So?"
"He loves her, he tells her everything. She's his vulnerability."
"So you think she knows the password?"
"I think she knows him, if anyone might know it, it's her."
"And she could get us the unlocked phone too?"
"Precisely."
"Wow, good work."
"Told you, I'm an actor. I can be anyone, anywhere, at any time."
"Cool tagline."
"Ok dark and stormy, you going to tell me why we're doing all this?"
"The money."
"This isn't about money for you. Maybe for me, but not you. Why are you doing this?"
"It's not important."
"You still don't trust me?"
"It's not that. It's personal."
"A guy risks his life for you, at least have the decency to tell him why he's doing it."
"Not now. Once the job is done, I promise."
"International man of mystery. Mr. Bond, you do realize that I am not a chick, right?"
"You take just as long to get ready."
"Some of us care about our appearance. Okay, enough prodding. What do we do from here?"
"We seduce the mistress."
"Of course. You do realize that could take me another 6 months."
"No, not you. Let me ask you a question, this mistress, is she stunning?"
"Unbelievably so."
"I've got just the guy for the job."
"You?"
"No, not me. I would take just as long. My guy can get it done....quicker."
"Oh a real ladies' man, is he?"
"Something like that, he's got magic hands. All he needs to do is touch her, and she's his."
"Yeah, and I have an 18-inch dong."
"I've seen him in action before, it's true. There is a catch though, he has to be in love with her."
"That's not going to be a problem, this woman could stop an army."
"Is she intelligent though?"
"She seduced the premier banker in Gotham, what do you think?"
"Okay, I'll let The Vet know."
"The Vet? That's his name? He's an animal doctor?"
"It's short for The Veteran. He's been around a while."
"Alright but let's get this show on the road, I can't stand working for this guy anymore."
"It will all be over soon. Stick with it. I'll let you know when to move."
"Oh, and I'm not cutting this guy in. The Vet or vetever. I've put in too much work."
"I'll pay him from my half."

On a dark and misty night, Geraldine walked into Buster's Tavern, a local jazz bar. She was a jazz enthusiast and made it a point to go to Buster's a few times a week, whenever her services weren't required. She was wearing an elegant black dress. Buster's was the only place in Gotham where she could go without drawing unwanted attention. Everyone knew her there, she was like family. They protected her. Music was Geraldine's first love but her mother could never afford to pay for lessons. Her father was never in the picture.

She always sat to the left of the stage and only drank gin martinis. There was a new piano player tonight. Older, still handsome, with a smile that seemed to be plastered onto his face. He was good, he played the piano with such joy that Geraldine found herself moved. Those hands! So fast and yet so precise! It was as if the piano was built for him. He was a genius. Poetry in motion. It was an excellent show. The waiter brought her another gin martini.

"I didn't order this, Bob," said Geraldine.
"It's from the new piano player," replied Bob.
"Didn't you guys give him the memo?"
"I tried. He insisted."
"I have to leave. I have to be in midtown in 15 minutes.....ah what the hell. I can be late."
"Very well, Ms. Geraldine."

The waiter walked back to the bar. The band got off stage and made way for the next band. The piano player stood up, looked at Geraldine, and smiled. She held up her drink and smiled back. He walked over to her table.

"May I join you?" asked the piano player.
"Aren't you afraid?" asked Geraldine in return.
"Afraid of what?"
"I'm sure they have told you who I am involved with, he has eyes everywhere."
"Honey, you and I both know this is the only place in Gotham where there are no eyes. Just ears." Music started in the background, and the next band was on. "May I have this seat?"
"Sure, but I must warn you, I have to leave soon." The piano player sat down next to her so he could see the band as well. "You know, you were quite good. I enjoyed watching you play."
"Oh, I am horrible at taking compliments. But thank you."
"You don't like compliments?"
"Not really."
"How odd?"
"Yes, you will learn that about me."
"Oh, will I? What else will I learn about you?"
"Honey, when you look like you do, you can ask me whatever you want."
"I'm flattered, but I am not interested. As a matter of fact, I Think I should get going." She started to gather her things.
"Why don't you stick around," said the piano player as he took his hand and placed it on hers.

A shot of adrenaline ran through Geraldine. All of a sudden she felt different. She relaxed. Her nerves were relieved, and her pupils dilated. She couldn't take her eyes off the piano player, she didn't want to.

"Why don't you stick around?" asked the piano player again.
"Yes, yes I think I will."

Geraldine was waiting patiently in the penthouse of the Plaza Hotel. She was sitting on the couch in the living room. The door to the balcony was open and there was a nice breeze. She had the tv on but that was just for show. She couldn't focus on anything but her task. She was nervous, she had never done anything quite like this before. She had been prepped, but there is only so much you can prep someone for something like this. How did she get involved in all this? She had no idea. All she knew was that she loved him, and that is all that mattered.

The door to the suite opened and in walked Mark. Geraldine tried to calm herself.

"Hi, honey! I missed you!" she ran into his arms.
"Oh I have missed you too," said Mark as he kissed her and grabbed her ass. Something was off about Geraldine's kiss back. She didn't seem as enthusiastic. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing babe, I've been off all day. Allergies maybe."
"You know they have medicine for that."
"I know, I know. Ahhh, what would I do without you?" She wrapped her arms around him. His phone started buzzing.
"I missed you too honey, one sec....."

Mark reached into his phone and looked at the message. 'EMERGENCY! CALL IMMEDIATELY!" It was from his assistant. Strange, Mark had told him never to disturb him while he was at the Plaza. It must be serious. He entered the 6-digit passcode on his phone. Geraldine did not hesitate, she snatched his phone out of his hand and ran.

"Donnnnnn!" she yelled as loud as she could.

Don wasted no time, he walked through the door of the balcony pointing a gun at Mark. Geraldine lofted the phone at him, and he caught it.

"Enter the password now," said Don into his earpiece.
"What the fuck are you guys doing!" said Mark as he took a few steps towards Don. Don pulled back on the trigger. Mark stopped. Mark's phone buzzed again, a message.
"459144," said Don into his earpiece. He waited for confirmation. He looked at Geraldine. "We're in. Great work."
"Where is he?" asked Geraldine.
"Someone want to tell me what the fuck is going on?" asked Mark.
"I'm here honey!" said The Vet. He was standing on the balcony. Geraldine ran to him.
"Babyyyyyy!" she said as she ran into his arms.
"You two get out of here," said Don.
"You too, let's go," said The Vet.
"Yeah, the job's done Don, let's go," said Geraldine. "He's got men outside the door."
"No, Mark and I have some unfinished business. Go," said Don.
"You sure?" asked the Vet.
"Yes. Go now!" replied Don.

The Vet and Geraldine started climbing a rope ladder to the roof of the Plaza. "Another assist for The Captain!" said The Vet as he climbed. Don couldn't help but laugh. He looked at Mark who was still in a state of utter shock. Don still had his gun pointed at him.

"It can all come apart so quickly, can't it?" asked Don.
"Huh?" replied Mark. He touched something on his watch.

The Actor had been listening through Don's earpiece.

"Don, they know. Time to go!" said The Actor.
"Fuck," said Don. "I had a whole speech prepared for you Marky Mark, but alas, it wasn't meant to be."

The door to the penthouse suite rammed open, and four men in black suits with guns charged through the door. Don sprinted towards the balcony. The men in suits started shooting.

"Enjoy the rest of your miserable fucking life. Carpe diem!" yelled Don as he sprinted out of the balcony door and jumped off the balcony.

Mark ran to the balcony to look down. He saw Don with a parachute maneuvering his way to the ground a few blocks out.

"Get him!" yelled Mark at his henchmen. They rushed out of the door.

"We have everything," said The Actor. "Now that you have a moment, want to fill me in on why we did all of this?"
"Next time, baby, next time," said Don into his earpiece as he landed on the ground, shed his parachute, and started running.