Spy’s Ball

 The spy entered the ballroom in an elegant black tuxedo. He scanned the room reflexively and noted the exits, the blind corners, the lines of sight, potential resistance, security, targets. His neck hairs stood up when he realized that everyone else in the room was subtly sizing him up as well. Not just security – everyone.

He fought the urge to check his weapon. The room felt tense and ready to shift at a moment’s notice. A small old man stepped up to the stage and shuffled toward the microphone.

“I’ve invited you all here because I know who you are.” The room went quiet. Then a dozen cell phones rang. About a third of the room started to head to the nearest exit. A third made a quick pace toward the stage – and the other third to intercept them.

“The doors are all locked.” said the feeble man on the stage. “Not that it matters to you.” The temperature in the room seemed to drop, as if secrets were chilling the air.

“They’re also barred from the other side.” A few of the women in fancy evening dress put away mysterious objects back into their purses.

“Relax.” continued the old man. “We’re all friends here. As far as you know.” The room dropped another few metaphorical degrees. Everyone started looking at each other. Not to size them up, but to place them. Half remembered encounters in the dark on foreign soil seemed to spring to mind.

A few reached for what looked like hidden armaments. “Please. No violence.” implored the man on the stage. “Consider this your night off.”

The room seemed to collectively shrug. Soft music began to play. Everyone seemed to do mental calculations of attack, counter attack and survival. There seemed to be a collective shrug.

“Food will now be provided.” announced the host on the stage. “And not to worry. It’s not poisoned. If I wanted you dead, you would be.” That was the first open threat of the evening and it ironically seemed to break the ice.

The room relaxed. They might be dead in hours. Or they might not. There was nothing to do. Unless....

“Oh and one more thing. I’m disabling your devices. Do try and take a break for once.”

Another short scramble as people subtly checked his words.

“Enjoy your evening.” concluded the man on the stage. And for once - they did.