Before I knew it I was in the ladies' room, trying to squeeze into a size-too small pair of pants and a blouse that wasn't any bigger than the bra I had on. I was beginning to feel my age. Looking into the mirror, I looked like one of those pathetic older women who try to "fit in" with the younger generations because they are in denial about how old they are. But, according to the file, Drill didn't care one bit.
I looked into the mirror again. Actually, the pants complemented my ass fairly well. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
Fumbling through the suitcase, I found the items that would complete my humiliation. I inserted the diamond-looking magnetic nose ring, fearing at any moment I would either sneeze or inhale suddenly and cause unnecessary strife.
I thought the file was exaggerating about the dog chain, but that was too much to hope for. Inside was exactly that, with a paper instucting how to wear it. I looped the chain around my belly and pushed the hook through the handle until it tightly fit my waist, and then I connected the hook to the spiky choker around my neck in the back. It was a complicated process that took several attempts before I was finished. Sheesh--the things youth come up with.
Next I applied my makeup, making sure to thickly apply the lipstick. I mussed with my hair a bit, and then the transformation was complete. I lit a match and burned the file past recognition, and when it was in tiny enough pieces I threw it in the toliet and flushed it. No way anyone would be able to make any use of it now.
I walked, well, it was actually more complicated than walking. I glided in three-inch heels toward the bus station, with every ounce of attitude I had in me. I had to ignore the other people on my way there to avoid feeling self-conscious. It wasn't an easy task.
On the bus, I mentally inventoried my purse. It had been upgraded since my visit with the feds with a fairly decent-sized knife and a small gun no bigger than a compact mirror. I'm sure they slipped more toys in there that I would probably never find, like tracking devices and bugs. It didn't bother me at all. I felt safer knowing at least the government was monitoring me while I pursued the assignment, should things get messy.
(Go to 22.)