Chapter Text
Robin was at her desk checking email, a few minutes before their next meeting with a potential client. Strike was still on the phone in his inner office. Work was fairly slow at the moment. It was one of those random lulls where they just didn’t have many cases on. Robin knew that they would probably accept whatever case this potential client presented them with, but she still hoped that Strike would be off the phone soon. Even though he had made her a full partner, she still thought of him as her boss (It is his agency after all), so it made her uncomfortable to make decisions without him.
At exactly 11 o’clock, a woman walked into their office. Impressively punctual, thought Robin. The woman looked to be in her mid-sixties, but her skin that had youthful quality that could only be obtained through the most expensive of skin creams and treatments. She was impeccably dressed, her hair neatly combed back into a sleek chignon.
Robin stood to shake her hand. “You must be Mrs. Vanderbilt. My partner is finishing up a phone call, but would you like some tea while we wait?”
“No, thank you, I’ll just wait here,” she said as she sat on the sofa that miraculously didn’t let out any flatulent noises. She had an American accent, Robin noted.
Thankfully, Strike stepped out of his office just then and introduced himself. When he invited her into his inner office, Robin turned to go back to her computer. Mrs. Vanderbilt stopped her.
“Actually, dear, I’d like to speak with you too.”
Nonplussed, Robin followed them into Strike’s office.
“So how can we help you?” Strike asked in his deep, melodious voice.
“My son recently took over my late husband’s oil company. He has just informed me that he is engaged to be married. I would like you to investigate his future bride.”
“Is there anything you suspect her of?” Strike asked, writing in his little notepad.
“Her family owns a competing oil company. The executives and boards of both companies are meeting next week to discuss a merger. I have insisted that my son sign a prenuptial agreement, but he has refused. I worry that the engagement and marriage may be a ruse to gain full control of my husband’s company after the merger. I don’t want to see all of my husband’s hard work pissed away.” Anger colored her last statement.
Strike was looking confused. “I’m sorry, I’m a bit lost. What exactly do you want us to do for you?”
Mrs. Vanderbilt explained, “I’m sorry, I should have mentioned. The companies are in America. My husband and I moved to London a few years ago. I’m on the board, but I can’t travel for the merger due to health reasons. I would like the two of you to pose as my personal assistants. The merger is going through, that has already been decided. I want you to take notes during the meeting, of course, but mainly I want to know everything you can find out about my son’s fiancé. No detail is too insignificant. Make friends with them, infiltrate their group, and report back to me on her character and what you think her intentions might be.”
Robin was silently watching the conversation. Strike looked at her, and could see the excitement shining in her eyes. She wants this case.
“We would love to help you, Mrs. Vanderbilt, my partner is especially good at this type of assignment, but going to…”
She cut him off, “Please, call me Gloria.” Strike and Robin both raised their eyebrows in surprise.
Gloria smiled, “Coincidence. No relation.” Then she continued, “I will be paying for everything, of course. I will cover all of your travel expenses, including food and any other cash you might need. I can give you five thousand up front, and five more when you return with the final report.”
Strike and Robin looked at each other. Ten thousand pounds and a free trip to America? They didn’t even need to discuss it. Strike reached across the desk to shake Gloria’s hand. “It’s a deal.” Robin left the office to return to her computer, totally in sync with her partner. “Ms. Ellacott will prepare the contract, while we discuss the details.”
Less than hour later, the plan was set. Strike and Robin would be flying out the day after tomorrow. Gloria assured them that she would notify the other board members that she would be sending two assistants in her stead. She gave them a debit card to use for expenses, and told them just to add all of the receipts to the final bill.
After Gloria left, Strike suggested that they knock off early for the day and have a celebratory pint in the Tottenham. Ten thousand pounds!
Robin claimed a table in the corner while Strike got them drinks and a basket of chips to share.
“So what do you reckon is in Oklahoma?” Robin asked when Strike returned with a pint for himself and a glass of white wine for Robin.
“You mean besides oil companies, apparently? Dunno. Cowboys and tornadoes?”
Robin laughed and shrugged. “I guess we’ll find out. That’s definitely not where I would have chosen for my first trip to the States, but it’s free.”
Strike grinned, “You know, she did suggest we take a short stopover on our way in. We could spend a couple of days in New York City or something.”
Robin nodded emphatically and practically squealed, “Yes! That would be lovely!” Then a little more hesitantly, “You don’t think that would be taking advantage?”
He shrugged and his lower lip jutted out just bit, looking adorably plump and soft. Focus, Robin! “No, she suggested it. Why not?”
Robin was unable to contain her excitement. “Shall we go plan then? We have a lot to do.”
Strike agreed. As they walked back to the office, Robin was practically skipping with joy. Strike found her enthusiasm delightfully charming and….alluring. Stop it, he told himself.
Back in the office, they booked their flights first to Boston (there weren’t any seats available to New York), then on to Tulsa. As Gloria had insisted, they booked first class the whole way.
Robin gathered her things to go home and pack. Then she completely surprised him by letting out a little a scream and, “Ah! I’m so excited!” and then grabbed him by the head and planted a kiss firmly on his cheek.
Strike was still chuckling, face burning, as he heard Robin charge down the stairs and out the door.