Stealing Escoffier’s Journal
Escoffier’s Museum - Villeneuve-Lobet, France
William is startled as he hears the floorboards creak from the weight of the woman returning to Escoffier’s office. William lowers his head and swiftly approaches the case containing Escoffier’s journals. Quickly scanning the journals, he finds the one dated 27 June, 1914. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, William rises and looks around the room, listening to the women complain about the spill. He takes a deep breath and encourages himself.
“It’s now or never, William.”
Reaching into the case, he carefully removes the notebook and opens it.
Exact Moment - CIA Safe House (code name: Spyglass) - Nice, France
The Woman With Auburn Hair looks up at a sophisticated array of monitors as a young computer tech feverishly types away at the keyboard in front of her. She leans over to examine a real-time black-and-white image of William standing in Escoffier’s office in the museum. However, he looks down, and she cannot see his face. The tech notices the gorgeous auburn-haired field agent leaning in beside her, her blouse slightly open, revealing a glimpse of her cleavage. Her perfume is intoxicating, and the tech tries to impress her.
“Madame, this is happening in real-time. I accessed their video feed by spoofing an internet-connected coffee pot in the museum’s break room. Forensically, they could trace the hack, but we will be long gone before that.”
The Woman With Auburn Hair smiles when William opens the cabinet and takes out the journal. As William looks around, the technician's face reveals a look of confusion.
“Why is he just standing there? Those cleaning people are close to finishing up.”
The Woman With Auburn Hair allows a smile to escape her calm demeanor.
“He senses a trap. Very good indeed, William. I’m impressed.”
The two women watch as William opens the journal and flips through its pages. Even without sound, the tech and the Woman With Auburn Hair can see that he is cursing at himself. The Woman With Auburn Hair quickly stands back and grabs her purse.
“I’m heading to the Curtain Group offices. They, too, will soon be aware of the intrusion. Please send me updates on my secure line. Oh, be a dear and remove any image you find of his face, both coming and going.”
The computer technician smiles brightly as the intoxicating auburn-haired woman turns and heads toward the stairs.
Back Inside Escoffier’s Office in the Museum
William opens the journal and immediately notices the pages are blank. He is furious but must hold back his anger for another time.
"The journal is fake!”
In just two beats of his heart, he understands the truth about his current situation. He quietly chastises himself.
“This is a fucking trap!”
William hears the cleaning staff returning to the office and is determined not to look up. He quickly heads to the nearest exit, turning his head away from the surveillance cameras.