Macaroons

“I’ll be out late. I’m helping Leo with a job tonight in the next town over. Have a goodnight Granny,” Ending the voice message, Reign sighed. She would probably wait for him to come home again if he didn’t call. At least the extra cash would help to make the payments for her hospital bills. He put the car in park, now focused on the task at hand.

The event was on the outskirts of the next town over. A spacious gated community that housed a small paradise for groups of socialites and those financially backed by money. Huddled in front of the imposing metal gate was the group of security guards.

Adam, an older man with a stern posture, handed out earpiece comms and jackets that labeled them security. Reign was sent to monitor and secure the villa onsite.

People ran around the outdoor space holding platers of food and drinks. Chairs littered the lawn around a stage illuminated by lights strung all around. The chatter and laughter of guests floated above the noise of a quartet playing.

Relaxed isn’t what I’d call this job, Reign thought. He wrestled with his tie, feeling suffocated. The cloth felt more like a noose at this point. Men and women dressed to the nines wondered about posing for a picture or looking for a friend. A white van backed up to the main building. A small group of pristine people jumped out of the vehicle and brought out trays of delicate pastries and confectionery from the back. 

Reign caught sight of a short woman with her hair tied up. The task of carrying the heavy trays back and forth made her flush face stand out against the white coat. A chime broke through his reverie, pulling him back to reality. Pulling his phone out, a message from Kane appeared.

I have something I need you to take care of. I’m sending you some documents for Mr. Merrill. Get his signature for me?

Reign’s face darkened. The message didn't sound nearly as heavy as it felt. Blackmail wasn’t his cup of tea. Being in possession of information some folks would do anything to keep hidden made him uncomfortable, to say the least. Digging through the skeletons in other people's closets shines a sickening light on humanity. The worst kind of scandals he’d come across were the type of secrets you'd take to the grave. Another chime signaled the documents' arrival. A fuzzy noise crackled in his ear.

“Reign, pay attention.” the older man barked standing by the entrance. Another guard not to far away snickered.

That man must have 20/20 vision. Old hawk. With an annoyed glare, he stuffed the phone into the jacket’s pocket.

A guy with slicked-back hair stumbled over. Laughing he walked up to Reign drink in hand.

“My buddies over there wanted to know--we were placing a bet-” the guy hiccupped and slurred his speech.

“Sorry, but I’m on duty right now. Please return to the grass unless you have a security concern.”

“Hey lighten up now- its a party.” the guy shoved him.

“Sir, I’d watch yourself.” 

“Don’t you know who I am,” the guy’s face started to turn red, “D*mn help always thinks that they run the show.” The guy flung his glass of champagne into Reign's face with one hand and the other flew toward his head in a fist. Grabbing the collar of the man’s suit, Reign got in his face. His anger getting the better of him, pumping adrenaline into his system.

“You want to try that again? I don’t care who yo-”

“Sir it looks like you’ve had too much to drink! Why don’t you sit down? We are so sorry about this.” Adam held onto Reign’s arm pulling him back. He’d seen too many young guys lose their temper and regret it after.

“Go clean up. The kitchen will have something.” Storming off, Reign flung his jacket onto a table in the entryway and grabbed a towel. 

“Soaked in booze” he laughed, “The nerve of that guy! If we’d been anywhere else,” Turning around quickly a hard object slammed into him. CRASH! The sound of metal clanging on the ground echoed in the room.

“Augh!” The pretty woman from earlier was on the ground surrounded by smashed cookies. Confusion and embarrassment were written on her face.

“Are you alright?” Reign offered his hand to her.

“Thanks. I’m fine, but I’m not sure the macaroons can say the same.” she took his hand.

"They look like confetti." Bright crumbs littered the floor. 

“Yeah and they look like a cut of my pay too,” she made eye contact with him and smiled nervously. “Did I make you spill your drink too?” she looked for any broken glass.

“No, that was an earlier accident.”

“June! I changed my mind go ahead and put the last of the macaroons on the table. Give me a hand and bring my clipboard once you're done,” a loud voice called from the doorway. Her attention was split between the mess on the floor and the door.

“I better go, but-?”

“I’ll find a broom.”

“That would be great. I’ll be right back.”

Why did I just volunteer? It’s not because of her face… No that’s definitely it. 

Pushing aside the security guard’s coat, June grabbed the clipboard underneath. Seeing that her phone had fallen out of her bag, she quickly stuffed it back into the purse before dashing out.

“Reign, are you finished cleaning up?” the crackly voice interrupted Reign’s train of thought, “If you are, get out here!” Putting the broom aside, Reign left to rejoin the party.

The rest of the evening Reign would look for traces of June, but could only catch the silhouettes of the guests. The hostess in a shimmery gown and caked make-up called out to the guests. They gathered to listen to her thank you speech, lasting an eternity. Without much fuss, the night drew to a close.

“Good work everyone, enjoy the rest of your night.”

“Reign, I’ll let you or Leo know if I need an extra guy some time.” 

“I didn’t screw it up?”

“Naw, there are plenty of pricks like him. Just don’t let them get to you.”

“I can try.”

Reign rolled down the windows to let the cool night air keep him awake while driving back.  Before he knew it, home came into view. The nearby water reflected the moon’s bright light. Too bad that fundraiser was in Wellston. The catering wasn't from Crescent Cove. He’d probably never see her again. He couldn’t help but lament what could have been. 

Remembering the message from Kane, Reign put his hand in his pocket. Empty. Empty?! He frantically patted his pockets. Rummaging through his car, he came up empty-handed again. Beads of sweat formed on his brow. There’s no way he lost it. The only time he recalled using his phone was at the villa. The only way back in was through Adam and without a phone to call him, he was very very screwed. Even he didn’t know what kind of incriminating information Kane had sent him.

“Augh! You’ve got to be kidding me!” the fence rattled from his kick.