The van stopped somewhere in the suburbs, pulled into the driveway of a gigantic mansion. Peering out the window, Vesper couldn't see another house for miles. Just damp fields getting muddy in the rain. The goons dragged her through a side door into what looked like an empty parking garage.
The two girls from the car were waiting there, arms crossed over their chests, looking bored.
The goons left Vesper in the room and stomped out. The door closed with a decisive slam. Vesper stared at the girls.
"Hey," she said. "The name's Vesper. Nice ribbons."
They ignored her. One of them was holding a pair of scissors. She walked up to Vesper and starting cutting off her undershirt.
"Hey, fuck off!" Vesper snapped, kneeing her in the chest. The girl stumbled back and glared at her.
"I'll call in the boys if you do that again," she said.
"Finally, someone goddamn talks to me," said Vesper. "What's going on?"
"We are making you presentable so you can go into the main house. Mr Blight is very particular about what goes on in his house."
"I guess I am a little messy," said Vesper. "Fine. But just take off the fucking handcuffs and let me deal with my own underwear. No need to cut it up."
The girl shrugged. "Okay," she said, walking up behind her and removing the cuffs. Vesper spent a second running things over in her mind. These ladies were clearly not fighters. She could overpower them in seconds. Back through the door. Then what? Fight off two massive brutes unarmed? Run down the road in her underwear for ten miles? Nothing came to mind. Better to just go with it for now.
She obligingly removed her underwear. The girls led her out of the garage and into an adjacent bathroom. It was the most luxurious bathroom Vesper had ever seen, and she was pretty sure it was bigger than her entire apartment.
"Are you going to tell me your names?" she asked as they fiddled around in the cupboards.
"I am Nicole One," said the first girl, "and this is Nicole Seven."
"There are seven Nicoles here?"
"We are all named Nicole."
Vesper raised her eyebrows. "Does Blight only hire Nicoles? Is that some kind of policy or something?"
"That is the name he gives us," said Nicole One. "Easier to remember. Here, dry yourself off."
Vesper accepted the silk towel and rubbed herself down. The towel was warm, like it had just come out of the dryer. It felt great.
"Now stand still," said Nicole One, and starting rubbing Vesper down with some kind of scented perfume. Nicole Seven attacked her hair with a brush and a blow dryer. When that was done she produced another pink ribbon and tied it into Vesper's hair. Nicole One started dabbing makeup on her face.
"There," she said at last, stepping back and admiring her work. "Just one more thing."
She reached under the counter and produced another dog collar.
"Um," said Vesper. "I'm not wearing that."
Nicole One rolled her eyes. "Please don't make this difficult."
"Okay. But I'm not wearing that."
"You're going to wear it."
"Make me."
"I'll call the boys in. I swear. I will call them in right now."
"Okay, fine, I get it," said Vesper. "Follow the fucking dress code. At least get me a dress or something."
Nicole One put the collar on her neck and tightened it. "No dress."
"Some fucking pants then."
"You're ready. Let's go."
"I'm naked!"
Nicole One grabbed her hand and dragged her out the door. "Okay, come on," she said. "I'm starting to regret letting you take the handcuffs off."
Vesper gave in and followed her down a carpeted hallway, through a parlour decorated with paintings of fruit, and into a sprawling ballroom with a grand piano and a massive stone fireplace. John Blight was in an armchair near the fire, drinking something out of a china saucer. A naked girl stood on either side of him. Vesper rolled her eyes.
"Ah, what a pleasure," said Blight. "You mentioned coffee?"
He snapped his fingers. One of the girls poured another cup and brought it to Vesper. She took a sip. It tasted expensive.
"Right," said Vesper. "So question one, when do I get to put on some fucking clothes? Question two, was your first girlfriend named Nicole or something? Question three, I am damn serious about those clothes. Get them on me right now."
Blight smiled. "Charming as ever, Vesper," he said. "Shall we talk business?"
"It's Miss Carter, please," said Vesper.
"If I came to your house," said Blight, "you might have certain expectations - that I take my shoes off at the door, for example, so as not to track mud on your fine carpet. I simply have my own standards, and while you are in my house, you will follow them. Understood?"
"I'm not exactly a voluntary guest," said Vesper. "You kidnapped me. You bastard."
Blight shook his head. "You try my patience," he said. "Whenever you're finished ranting, maybe we can get to the matter at hand. Go ahead and sit down."
Vesper looked around for a chair. There were none. "Good joke."
"As you wish. Now, about the murder last night."
"What about it?"
"An act like that has repercussions," said Blight. "They will be felt by Mr Adam Carter's friends and enemies alike. Most groups have not had time to react. I like to be a little ahead of everyone, as you know, which is why I arranged this meeting. So here's the situation. When you killed Adam Carter, you started a war. You and I are both a part of this war, whether we like it or not. Every party will be looking out for their own interests. What is important to me is that your interests are aligned with my own."
"Hard to say," said Vesper. "I don't feel very good about you right now."
"A fair reaction," said Blight. "But consider this. Your father, and the group he represents, are not directly involved in this conflict. But they have felt the sting of Adam's death. They want revenge against his killer. They would be delighted were I to turn you over to them, right now. If I discovered that our interests were not aligned, to turn you over would likely be my first response. You follow?"
"You're threatening me."
"Exactly. This is a threat. I threat, I hope, that will soon blossom into a beautiful friendship."
"So what happens in the long run?"
"You work for me. You are obviously a capable and intelligent operative. Hong is incompetent and uninteresting. The choice is obvious."
"Will I have to change my name to Nicole?"
He laughed. "That's just my little joke," he said. "You will not be working in that capacity. Here is what I propose. You rendezvous with Hong, as you have likely planned. You keep a low profile for the time being. You observe as alliances are formed and enemies are made among the factions. Once battle lines are drawn, you will spring into action."
"Action?"
"As an assassin. I will communicate with you directly. You will receive the benefit of my protection, and, of course, significant financial remuneration. What do you say?"
Vesper shrugged.
"Not much of a choice," she said. "I accept. Can I have some clothes now?"
