Chapter 1: Trouble...?

Dominique sat back.

Her dark eyes hidden beneath her Versace sunglasses, she surveyed the room with a more than casual interest.

On each table a scented candle flickered.

And, though she knew nothing about antique silverware, the former Russian policewomen recognised the candlestick holders were silver - the exclusive ‘Mayfair Club’ oozed wealth and privilege. And, as she continued to wait patiently for Inspector Cheyenne Kensington, Dominique took the opportunity to study what was happening about her.

It was not Dominique’s first visit to Australia.

Nor her first time at ‘The Mayfair’ Club in Melbourne.

“Dominique...?” a voice called. Dominique hesitated.

From where she sat, Dominique could see both the front door and the rear door. Nobody though, seemed to take any particular interest in her – Dominque Elena Tarasova it seemed, was as much a part of the Melbourne Establishment as any other woman at ‘The Mayfair’ and that suited her for now,

“Can we trust her?” a female voice sighed - it took Dominique a moment to realise that it was her own voice asking the question,

“Y-Yes...” answered Jennifer.

Seated with Dominika, the blonde savoured another mouthful of Chivas Regal...

“If anybody can sort this out, Cheyenne can, Miss Dominique...” Jennifer added finally.

Jennifer Maree Lawson smiled. Dominique turned to her.

She had read the dossier that Jennifer had supplied. But, she still had reservations...?

Inspector Cheyenne Kensington. The former ‘Miss Victoria Police’ and decorated ‘Officer in Charge’ of the ‘Force Response Unit’ - Dominique knew the thirty-year old policewoman by reputation alone.

“I rather think I’m a little under dressed for this place?”

Jennifer raised an eyebrow.

The former ‘Lieutenant Dominique Tarasova of the Russian Federation Police wore a long-sleeved red shirt. Seductively unbuttoned. It complimented her shoulder-length black hair and the fashionable chunky necklace she wore about her neck, as did the tight black ‘pencil line’ skirt, matching stockings and stiletto boots the Russian wore...

“I feel a little too ‘corporate’...?” Dominique continued.

Located in Spring Street, the ‘Mayfair’ Club was not far from the imposing state parliament building.

White blouses. Tailored skirts. High heels and expensive jewellery. Versace. Stella McCartney dresses. Ralph Lauren, Prada and Gucci.

Bureaucrats and Toorak ‘socialites’...

“Miss Dominique...?” Jennifer queried.

Dominique had already recognised Tara Moss in the corner.

And, not far from the front door, Genevieve Thompson from ‘Tennis Australia’ sat with Lady Victoria Campbell. And, by the large window overlooking Spring Street, the notorious Deanna Murdoch – just what the ‘Madam’ of the ‘Fantasia’ Brothel was doing at ‘The Mayfair’ intrigued Dominique but she said nothing to Jennifer,

“You’re one of the most attractive women in here at the moment?” suggested Jennifer in a whisper.

Dominique brushed aside the compliment with a polite nod.

“Miss Dominique...?” repeated Jennifer – it was then, that Dominique caught sight of Cheyenne.

“Jennifer...?”

Jennifer nodded.

Inspector Cheyenne Kensington paused in the open doorway. Behind her, a young policewoman stood – Dominique had not been expecting the former ‘Miss Victoria Police’ in uniform. Nor had she thought Cheyenne would have another female police officer with her,

“So...?”

“This is Cheyenne huh...?”

“Y-Yes...” Jennifer confirmed.

Cheyenne lingered in the doorway.

Silhouetted by the sunlight that streamed in through the front door behind her, she now became the focus for both Dominique and many of the other women in ‘The Mayfair’...

“Inspector Cheyenne Kensington, Miss Dominique...”

Cheyenne’s short-sleeved uniform shirt looked like it had been spray-painted on the policewoman.

The collar was neatly ironed flat. And, the distinctive dark-blue ‘trim’ on each collar lapel seemed to draw Dominique’s eyes to the fact that Cheyenne’s shirt had an additional button undone.

Her shirtsleeves were neatly rolled even shorter. A fashion trademark of the policewoman.

Woven ‘Victoria Police’ shoulder patches. The crisp pale-blue fabric accentuating Cheyenne’s suntanned complexion – tucked neatly beneath the collar of her uniform shirt, Cheyenne wore a silver lanyard around her neck, to which was attached her ‘Victoria Police’ ID badge. It glistened, just like the expensive looking necklace that she also wore. A diamond pendant of Dominique was not mistaken.

Cheyenne Kensington. Inspector – her identity confirmed by the issue nametag pinned to the front of her shirt.

The policewoman also wore a dark-blue uniform skirt. That was different. Dominique had not seen a policewoman in a uniform skirt during her time in Melbourne – Cheyenne also wore dark-blue stockings rather than the usual pantyhose. That too, caught Dominique’s eye.

Black ‘court’ shoes with a heel.

And, an older-style policewoman’s uniform hat with glittering ‘Victoria Police’ capbadge...

“And, in uniform too...?” Dominique observed in a whisper.

Jennifer said nothing.

“I thought,” queried Dominique, “She would be little more discreet, Jennifer?”

Dominique did not like ‘surprises’ - Inspector Cheyenne Kensington smiled, only too well aware that she was being looked over by the Russian. Not that she hadn’t also noticed Jennifer. Pausing a moment, she acknowledged Deanna Murdoch with a smile. Deanna blew the policewoman a kiss.

The former Russian policewoman raised an eyebrow again. Jennifer shrugged.

Cheyenne nodded to Genevieve Thompson and Lady Victoria Campbell.

Walking towards Dominique and Jennifer, she ran her fingertips lightly over the shoulder of Tara Moss and then Sophie Monk as she passed them – the policewomen’s eyes however, were fixed on the Russian and nobody else...

“They all know her, Miss Dominique – it would be pointless disguising her in here?”

There was something a little incongruous about a policewoman’s uniform in the ‘Mayfair’ Club.

Nonetheless, ‘The Black Widow’ as she was better known, enjoyed a certain notoriety in this part of Melbourne – the former ‘Miss Victoria Police’ was also a ‘Rhodes Scholar’ and recipient of the prestigious ‘Churchill Fellowship’ for studies in Criminology and Law...

“You’re amongst friends here, Miss Dominique...?” Jennifer assured the Russian.

Jennifer tugged at the collar of her white blouse and watched Cheyenne walk towards her and Dominique,

“Nobody here is going to ‘fuck’ with either you or ‘The Black Widow’ ... I promise, Miss Dominique?

Not that Jennifer’s eyes were the only ones intent on the policewoman - Dominique studied Cheyenne carefully as did both the closest waitress and Lady Victoria Campbell.

There was a moment of silence.

Cheyenne’s footsteps were measured.

Removing her uniform hat, she brushed a few loose strands of hair from in front of her eyes before slipping her issue handbag from her shoulder.