Your cell phone rings at just after 7 am. My name comes up on the caller ID. You temper your excitement and answer in the most neutral tone you can muster so as not to raise suspicions with your wife.
"Shhhh. Don't talk. Northshore Mall, second floor, west end. There is a hallway that leads to the security office. Do you know it? Say 'yes' or 'no'."
"Yes. I-"
"Shhhh. It branches at the end. The security office is straight ahead. Just walk normally and you'll be fine. The public restrooms are to the left. I want you to walk into the right corridor. It dead ends and is lined with lockers that no one uses. Be there at six o'clock." The line goes dead.
You are relieved that the blush on your cheeks is obscured by your facial hair and mumble something about a late meeting, but your wife is barely paying attention so it hardly matters, anyway. Typical.
You pull into the Northshore lot at quarter to six. Distracted by what could possibly await, you nearly hit a teenager, who flips you off and yells, "Asshole!" You wave sheepishly without bothering to take your hand off the wheel. You find an empty spot a short distance from the west entrance.
Walking along the dim hallway, you pass a bank of payphones. You laugh to yourself, surprised that they even exist anymore. There's a fluorescent light flickering overhead, and you squint your eyes as you pass under it. You stiffen as you have the distinct feeling you are being watched. You can see that the security guard manning the desk has her nose buried in a book. Then you see me looking at you by way of the large round security mirror at the end of the hall. You walk with confidence and turn the corner.
I smile at you slyly, my lips painted red. I'm wearing a short tan trench coat, buckled at the waist. A hint of the lace top of my thigh-highs is visible under the hem. "You're right on time. Good boy, Alex. Don't talk."