Solo - Charlie Bevin (Cinder)

Charlie gives her a knowing smile, "Word spreads around easy here, and certain people develop reputations." He returns to a normal volume, "I need to meet with the client's security team. They're in one of the guest rooms, follow me." He waits for her to quickly grab what she needs and starts heading to the guest room. While walking, he talks to Alice idly, "You look very nice, Alice. I always appreciate how professional you dress. Make no mistake, though, no matter how pretty you are, I'm asking for your help because I've heard remarkable things about your research skills. You've been here for years now, why do you let Robbie treat you like a grad student?"

"The Bettencourt estate." He stops and looks at her. "Yeah, it's a big deal. Like I said, play this well and it can mean good things for all of us on the team. The new girl, Avery, is helping as well. I might grab a couple other sets of hands before we're done - I need to get a better grasp of the work first. A couple hundred companies, all being routed from a trust and into the hands of Mr. Bettencourt's heiress. She'll be here later, it's her team that's inside. Are you ready? Just pay attention and if they ask for help, help."

Charlie levels his gaze at her. He's calm, professional, but is clearly weighing her words. "I'm afraid we're already in this, Alice, but it sounds like I was right to bring you in. Keep an eye out for anything that could put the firm, or us, in a bad spot. We'll need to be three steps ahead."

He reaches his hand over and places it on hers as it grips his arm. "It's ok. Now's not the time to worry. Just be observant. The actual meeting is at 1pm. I...I don't know why Ed left or why none of the partners are here for this, but we have a job to do. Listen, I'm not your boss - if at any point you're uncomfortable and want to go back to his unit, just let me know, okay?"

It didn't take long for Alice to regain her composure after Charlie suggested she return to her previous tasks. "I'm fine," she managed, her voice strained.

In the opulent guest room, only two individuals were present. A tall, imposing man stood, oddly donning dark shades indoors, clad in an impeccably tailored suit. Beside him, an older woman in her late forties, with piercing icy blue eyes, exuded an air of authority that made Alice instinctively take a step back, feeling intimidated.

The woman was the first to address them. "Good morning, I'm Lauren Thompson, Mackenzie Bettencourt's personal secretary," she announced, extending a firm handshake while clutching a briefcase in her other hand.

The man approached slowly, his gaze assessing Charlie and the diminutive Asian girl before them. "Call me Shade. I oversee security for Albert Bettencourt. Miss Bettencourt's safety falls under my purview," he declared, making no mention of the fact that Albert was effectively brain-dead at this point. Shade too carried a briefcase, though noticeably larger than Lauren's.

After the introductions, Shade gets straight to business.

"We would like to begin by inspecting the conference room designated for the meeting, as well as the route Miss Bettencourt will take to reach it," Shade stated. "Additionally, we require the personal files of all relevant staff attending the meeting."

Lauren interjected, her tone slightly more diplomatic. "My colleague is understandably cautious, but I believe that ED conducted his due diligence for the staff. Although I must admit, I had expected someone with more experience," she added, casting a subtle glance at Charlie and after that a long stare in Alice's direction. Lauren could feel the small lady's fear from a thousand miles away.

Alice's gaze dropped, feeling as though time had come to a standstill.

Lauren pressed on. "I understand that Skadden represents the trust, but it's in our mutual interest to ensure proceedings go smoothly... and swiftly. I hope we share the same objective."

"Ms. Thompson," Charlie says, returning the handshake with comparative form. He nods to the tall man with the sunglasses, "Shade."

"My name is Charlie Bevin, I'll be leading these transfers for the firm. I understand your concern for Miss Bettencourt's safety. I'll be happy to show you to the conference room, then I'll have our head of security show you the intended route."

He looks to Lauren, "Our objectives are the same. It is in everyone's interest to make sure everything resolves properly. Swiftly is ideal, but if I may be so bold, cannot replace the necessity of due diligence. I specialize in fast, efficient, and thorough work. A single leak can cause a ship to sink. We will make sure no such thing befalls the trust.

I assure you, you're in good hands. Ed wouldn't have asked me to take this on if he didn't have utmost faith I could get it done, and I will."

He motions to Alice, "This is Alice Ling, one of the best researchers here at Skadden. My associate, Avery Sinclair is prepping for the meeting as we speak."

He looks to Shade. "If you require our personnel files, I can get them for you. We take security very seriously here, of course. Our clients demand it."

"Excellent. Alice, would you please get Mr. Kastle from security, have him meet us outside the conference room. I'll have him take our guests along the proposed route for Ms. Bettencourt momentarily."

He looks back to Lauren. "I appreciate Ms. Bettencourt's trust in us, but respect your transparency. I too hope this might lead to further partnership between Skadden and her. We hold ourselves in high esteem at Skadden with good reason. I trust you will find yourselves in very capable hands. Please," he steps to the door and holds it open, "this way."

He leads them to the conference room while listening for any surface level thoughts. He's not sure he's fully comfortable with Shade spending any time in the conference room without a member of their own security staff there to monitor. While he would never insinuate a lack of trust in their client, he does not know what Shade carries in that briefcase and it would not be outside the realm of possibility for the man to plant a bug in the room.

The meeting room allocated for their discussion boasted a stunning view, not the largest but certainly one of the finest in the building. Without seeking permission, Shade got straight to business. Opening his briefcase revealed an array of high-tech gadgets straight out of a spy movie. Among them was a device with a slender antenna, designed to detect surveillance equipment—commonly known as a "bug detector" or "surveillance detector." Its purpose was to uncover hidden surveillance cameras, microphones, GPS trackers, and other covert monitoring devices. Moving methodically around the room, Shade scanned for any signs of surveillance.

Just as Shade was engrossed in his task, Kastle entered the room, accompanied by the somewhat timid Alice. Towering at almost seven feet and nearly 300 pounds, Kastle's imposing physique contrasted with Alice's tiny figure and warm. "Morning... What are you doing, mister...?" Kastle inquired, but Shade remained focused on his work. "Shade, call me Shade," he replied calmly, but continue scanning without looking at the man.

Lauren stepped in to smooth over any potential tension, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the room's security. " We would appreciate your cooperation Mr. Kastle, please call me Lauren. I'm Mackenzie Bettencourt's secretary "

Kastle was about to object to the whole thing when suddenly, the bug detector emitted several sharp beeps, indicating a potential surveillance device near a painting. Without hesitation, Shade removed the painting and examined it closely, revealing a hidden bug encased carefully in the frame. Kastle's surprise was evident, suggesting he was unaware of its presence. - " What do we have here? " Shade examines the tiny device that is not much bigger than a ladybug. Kastle approach to do the same and interject. " I would be damned... it's definitely a bug. "

At various points during the interaction, Charlie gleaned insights from Shade's and other colleagues.

In Shade's mind:
Such a useless monkey (Alice)...probably around to have a go at her in white nights at work.
Alright, let's see if there are any bugs in that room.
Ed might have lost his mind to think that kid will play ball.

In Kastle's thoughts:
What the fuck... a bug in our room? Damn, I'm going to get fired over this.

And from Alice:
Oh wow... is it a bomb?

Charlie observes quietly as Shade goes about his work. He smiles politely at Kastle when the imposing figure enters with Alice. When Shade turns up the device, however, his smile fades immediately. "This is a surprise, I assure you," Charlie says, gritting his teeth, "and intolerable."

He turns to Kastle. "Mr. Kastle, I need you look into this promptly. Security breaches like this, in our building, cannot be ignored. I'll need to report this to the Partners - I suggest you have a plan of action ready when they come to you. This is your purview, but I recommend sweeping all of our shared spaces for similar concerns. This wasn't what I asked you to be here for, however. I still need you to show Shade and Ms. Thompson the planned route for Miss Bettencourt when she arrives. Perhaps a senior member of your staff might assist?"

He looks to Lauren. "Ms. Thompson, I cannot begin to apologize enough for this. There are always risks like this in our business, with the clients we keep, but it is still deeply unnerving."

Kastle maintains his composure, his years of experience allowing him to handle the situation with ease. "We have protocols in place for this, which include communication up the food chain, and call the cops. " he states calmly, accepting the device from Shade, who responds with a smug grin. Although there's a subtle tension between them, there's also a mutual respect born from their respective roles in security and counterintelligence.

" This was predictable, i know many people who would like to know the details of Bettencourt estate. " Shade said while adjusting his dark glasses.

FBI or someone who has a lot of money like Mackenzie's parents are responsible if you want my guess. Those two would have got into a tragic accident a longtime ago if this was up to me. (Shade)

Shade's remark is met with a raised eyebrow from Lauren. "Yes, it's unacceptable. Didn't you sweep the room beforehand, Mr. Kastle?" she asks, her tone indicating her displeasure.

"We conducted a sweep yesterday, Madam Thompson. Please accept our sincerest apologies. I will investigate this thoroughly," Kastle replies confidently.

Shade interjects, suggesting a change of location. "This place is compromised, Lauren. Can't we move this to the Trust management office, or better yet, to Bettencourt's tower? We can't afford any risks. Our employer will loose hundred of millions if there's a leak. "

Turning to Charlie, Lauren considers the options. "Perhaps relocating would be a suitable apology, Mr. Bevin. Which option would you prefer? I'm confident that the Trust management will understand the security concerns. It's clear that there are spies in your office. Please i would request your delay any communications with the police for now, answering questions in the nature of our meeting is actually what we trying to avoid. "

Meanwhile, Alice, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden mention of spies and surveillance, begins to feel a sense of panic. This new development is a lot for someone who has been buried in the archives for the past decade.

Oh my god... what i got myself into... (Alice)

"I understand the concern," Charlie says, "however it is mere hours until the meeting. Your own man has cleared this room. It is as you say, this type of thing is to be expected, but it is my thought that no place could be more secure than here, now - particularly with such a small window of time to re-maneuver everything. Would that not post a greater security risk?"

He looks to Shade, "I am sure a man of your skill and with your technology would be confident the room is now free of concerns? You may sweep it further if you'd like, and we can post security outside the door until the meeting - nobody in, or out."

Looking back to Lauren, "Would that be acceptable, Ms. Thompson?"

" Maybe the room is safe, but the bug presence indicate that a spy knows about this visit and other subterfuge might be in place to disrupt the meeting.

A change in the location and time could be good to confuse their intentions. " Shade points out with a professional tone.

" I leave it up to you Mr. Bevin, as long you take responsibility for any leak or incident that could happen. " Lauren said with a more serious tone.

Charlie considers a moment. "I understand. The sensitivity of the matter at hand is important, of course. Ms. Bettencourt is the client, and I feel you would be more confident and comfortable with a change of venue, but as Shade suggests, also a change of time. Where and when would you prefer?"

Shade nods in agreement. "I think relocating is indeed a wise decision. "

He's green, but at least he is listening to advice... (Shade)

Lauren concurs. "The trust office sounds like a suitable neutral ground, we don't want people to feel intimidated by our main office. I'll inform Miss Bettencourt. Let's plan to meet there at 2 pm. It's only a few blocks from here. Mr. Devin, would you mind contacting the Trust Director to let them know we'll be arriving? It should streamline the process for them so they don't need to come here."

Kestler struggles to conceal his disappointment that their trust in his security has been shaken, but he knows he can't argue after the discovery of a bug under his watch. "I will proceed with my investigation... and postpone calling the cops for now," he concedes reluctantly. " Someone from the high up will probably call you Charlie when I file this. "

Alice wipes the sweat from her forehead, caught in a whirlwind of emotions ranging from fear to excitement as the events unfold before her.

Does it mean i'm going, or only Avery? (Alice)