“Don’t be mad at me,” says Ashley. “I was only trying to help you.”

“Thank you,” says David. “But telling Amanda how good I am in bed doesn’t improve my character in her eyes.”

“Why do you bother with her?” asks Ashley. “She doesn’t seem worth the trouble.”

“That’s because you’re only concerned about superficial qualities.”

“Look who’s talking. Besides, if I was only concerned about surface qualities, I’d be praising her for her looks.”

David smiles sarcastically at her. “A beautiful woman does not admire another beautiful woman.”

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“I’m sorry, Paul,” says Chloe. “It was all my fault.”

“How was it your fault?”

“I told Ashley we were going skiing this weekend.”

“She may have come up to ruin our weekend, but I think it was the other couple she was targeting. So it couldn’t have been your fault.”

“Unless, she gave them the idea as well. Two birds with one stone. Although she’s my friend, I’ve noticed that she likes to be the center of attention. She doesn’t like to feel that anyone has one up on her. I know she’s been envious that we’ve spent some time together when she can’t even get a date.”

“What happened to Gavin?”

“She thinks he’s dangling after Belle. You saw how he left her at the dance.”

“Oh, boy. Here we go again. Poor Belle.”

——————————————————————————————–

“We don’t care about Carl,” says Belle. “We know he’s a thief and we know where to find him when we need him.”

“But if he sees you, the game will be up,” says Nicholas. “He’ll alert the others.”

“I’ve already left a surprise waiting for him at home,” says Belle. “He’ll keep quiet.”

“What surprise?” asks Nicholas, puzzled.

“A copy of a certain incriminating video.”

Gavin chuckles. “I told you she knows how to handle Carl. We’re the ones who need to worry.”

“As far as we know,” continues Belle, ignoring him, “the other two have never seen us before.”

“Unless one of them is an agent who may know Gavin,” Nicholas points out.

“We have to split up,” says Gavin. “We’ll have to take our chances.”

“Take your pick, Gavin,” says Belle. “Nicholas and I will cover the other one.”

“You and Nicholas?” asks Gavin, surprised.

“Unless you want him,” says Belle, challenging him.

“You’re right. You should take Nicholas. After all, he is your ‘boyfriend’.”

“What?” asks Nicholas. “You don’t suspect Gavin is in cahoots with them, anymore?”

“Gavin and I have come to an understanding.”

——————————————————————————————–

“Nice work, Balloo,” says Shikes. “These are wonderful gems. First-rate. I have buyers already lined up.”

“So, we have a deal?” asks Buster.

“Yes,” says Shikes. “Here’s your money.” He hands Buster a briefcase.

“Everything looks in order,” says Buster, pulling out a packet and handing it to Carl.

“Will you be needing my services again?” asks Carl.

“We’ll let you know,” says Buster.

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