187: Gala Dinner Night

Fenella’s POV “You're good?” Laird asked me. “Uh huh,” I replied with a quick nod.  I adjusted the receiver in my ear once again. The receiver was silver with crystals on the outside. Designed to deceive others, it resembled a full earring that was fitted around the entire edge of the ear.  The earring was paired with a matching pendulum choker necklace because they were a set of receivers and voice recorders. Laird was also wearing the same receiver, but his model was rigid and plain black. “Test.” A woman's voice sounded faintly in my ear. “Yes, I heard,” I answered. “Can you hear me?” I asked in reply. “Yes, I heard.” The woman at the other end of the receiver replied. “Can you hear it clearly?” Laird asked again to confirm. “Yes. I’m ready.” I answered with a long sigh. “Do you remember the safe word?” Laird asked. “Whitehill Academy.” “Ok.” Laird then sighed in relief again. His face was tense, with his lips slightly parted without a smile. I knew he was nervous, but I was determi