Siobhan - The Invitation

A Belafort Story

The phone lit up on the desk. Siobhan worked her jaw as she glared at it for an extra moment before answering.

"Yes?"

The young executive aide, Lilly or Linda, spoke quickly.

"A courier just dropped a letter off for you, Madame Director. No postmark, addressed by hand."

Siobhan looked at the phone and narrowed her eyes. There was silence on the other end.

"And?"

Lilly spoke even faster. "I didn't open it, ma'am. I assumed it was personal. With the hand written front, and all."

"Fine then. Let's have it." Almost as soon as Siobhan closed the line, the assistant opened the heavy door and made her way over to Siobhan's desk like the floor was made of hot glass. Siobhan kept her eyes on the envelope in the woman's hand - it looked heavy. Linda practically leaned in to deposit the envelope on the desk.

"Thank you, Linda," Siobhan said absently. Linda looked up, startled.

"It's my pleasure, ma'am, and - it's - it's Gina, ma'am." Gina hurriedly made her way out to the door.

Siobhan watched her go. Gina, Linda. Close enough. She picked up the envelope - sure enough, it was cardstock. Her name was inscribed on the front in heavy script. Subtle.

A quick double knock sounded, and Gina made her way in with a piping hot mug. She expertly hastened to the desk and set it on a coaster.

"Licorice Myrrh, Miss. It's very hot." Siobhan simply nodded, and just like that, Gina was gone. Letting the steam undo the seal, she slid the contents out. Banknote stock with embossed filigree and printed script; somebody was desperate. She smirked lightly at the thought, but the humor faded quickly as she began to read the florid script. Before she had finished half of it, Siobhan tossed it on the desk and exhaled sharply. She knew what the rest said.

Reclining in her throne-like executive chair, Siobhan crossed her legs and went still. Her faraway gaze settled on the mug as her mind poured through her options. After heavy moment, she smiled to herself, and hit the button to summon Gina. The woman popped her head in almost immediately.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Gina, does the Foreign Minister know what I look like?" Siobhan saw the question in her eyes and answered: "Iceland."

Gina looked confused. "He has seen you before, ma'am. At the opening..." she hesitated. "He was looking at you very intently, in fact." As she finished, her eyes shot to the letter on the desk, and she let out an unconscious "oh."

Siobhan nodded absently. She studied her assistant's features for a long moment, then smiled. Gina fidgeted.

"Gina."

"Y-yes, ma'am?"

"I have decided to accept the invitation. I will need something to wear."

Gina nodded, her expression vaguely dazed. "I will call Mr. Yoon, ma'am."

"Give him your measurements." Gina's brow furrowed in confusion. "And see Evelyn about your hair. She knows my color." Understanding bloomed in the girls eyes, followed by an uncharacteristic flat disbelief. Siobhan noticed.

"How much do I pay you?"

The answer was delivered immediately. "Not enough, ma'am."

"That will be corrected."