Closed Country Clubbing

[Ann Tickwittee]

Ann Tickwittee eyed her reflection as she stroked her hair with a curling iron, applying fluid waves to her normally straightened threads. It signified an occasion of notable importance, as she rarely went to such pains to fix her black locks in this particularly elegant manner. Once satisfied with her wavy hair, she peered deeper into the mirror to appraise her makeup composition and curled, dark eyelashes, then the confection of glimmering metal in her ears. Tentative, she removed the silver kitten to reduce the number of piercings to eleven.

Her escort was surely imminent, if he had not already arrived. So she neglected to deliberate any further and rushed out of her bathroom, passing between the ranks of four of her dozens of Anubis statues. She hurriedly retrieved her black handbag depicting the very same feline character as her absent ear stud. Strapping the purse over her shoulder, the teacher of human history exited her apartment and descended the stairway, the silken ripples of her midnight purple dress emphasizing her feminine gait.

A black limousine was idling in the narrow lane outside the building, and Ann approached slowly with an unsure gesture that passed as a wave. The door to the stretched vehicle was opened for her, and the young woman delicately stepped in.

 

[Bran]

[BCOLOR=transparent]As the limousine pulled up to the three storey apartment building, Bran Brychanson intensely concentrated on a small folder he securely grasped within his hands. It contained a few documents along with four or five surveillance-type pictures of an unknown individual. Feeling the car come to a rest, he quickly shut the folder and placed it in a compartment that was located just in front of his seat. Then swinging a small door closed, he engaged the lock. That business would wait. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]After a few short minutes, Bran spotted the [BCOLOR=transparent]dark haired woman[/BCOLOR] as she carefully made her way out of the foggy grey apartment and down to the parked limousine. He thoughtfully adjusted the lapel of his charcoal grey sport coat which held a small, snow white flower as Ann ducked into the car and made herself comfortable. Motioning to the driver to resume transit, Bran addressed the woman who settled in across from him. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]“Ms. Tickwittee, you look quite lovely this afternoon. You fit the part well, and I do hope you will enjoy yourself as a pleasant bonus.”[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Glancing out of the window for a split second at the busy city as it passed them by, he returned his attention to Ann. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]“Tell me about yourself. We must become acquainted now that we are brother and sister.”[/BCOLOR]

 

[Ann Tickwittee]

Ann made herself comfortable in the backseat of the limousine, quickly accustoming herself to the luxurious accommodations. She pulled at her hair briefly to confirm that it would retain its flow, and made sure that her necklace pendant was tucked beneath the neck of her dress. She then turned to acknowledge Bran.

“Tell me about yourself. We must become acquainted now that we are brother and sister.”

"Naturally," she agreed. "I assume you are aware that I instruct in the humanities at ACME Academy--specifically, in fields pertaining to studies in culture and archaeology. I studied at Boston University and in Cairo, but I've resided in San Jose for the majority of my life." Her introduction reflected the awkwardly informative detail of a career résumé as she endeavored to cater to the presumably exquisite standards of her host.

Looking out her window, the man's guest concluded that they would have an exceptional view of the bay waters upon reaching their destination. She continued.

"I'm of Albanian descent, which I believe was influential in my selection as your 'sister'? (Unless this is how you normally pick up attractive females...) You seem to share a few Balkan traits in your physical construct." She smiled softly. "I must warn you: I have absolutely no experience in playing a sibling role."

 

[Bran]

"I must warn you: I have absolutely no experience in playing a sibling role."

[BCOLOR=transparent]Bran let out a half-hearted chuckle at the woman’s warning. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]“None will be required. There is not much skill to the part really. It revolves around having the proper looks primarily.” He paused for a moment as the limousine pulled off the main road and continued through a large gate onto a medium sized, paved lane which traveled between a row of lush evergreen trees in the direction of the shore. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]“Then there is the fact that the vast majority of the members couldn’t detect a harmless deception if it was stuck under their noses. I wouldn’t worry about it.”[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Just then the limo turned into a roundabout which sat in front of a large, sprawling single storey building. The building’s architecture reflected a distinct modern style with Mexican influence. Mixed within the white walls, clear glass panels refracted the glowing midday sunlight. The roof was the colour of dusty brick red. A few fountains gurgled on either side of two doors that served as the main entrance to the building. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Nearly instantly after they came to a halt, the limousine’s doors were swung open by two men in bright red uniforms with white trousers. Bran climbed out and nodded in a gesture of thanks. Moving around to Ann’s side of the car, he quickly smoothed his dark, combed hair back and offered her his arm as she stepped from the car.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]“Are you ready, my sister?”[/BCOLOR]