It had been easy enough for Eduard to settle into the setting of the backyard of the villa while everyone was distracted, but now he faced a new challenge: the villa itself. 

His guesswork with the uniform of the servers had paid off, showing his experience, but it wasn't perfect, as he noticed upon setting eyes on the two waiters smoking against a wall. There was always some extra accessory or item of clothing with the especially high-profile parties and events that would be exclusive to itself. A subtle way for the organiser to really show off how much cash they were willing to throw around on seemingly unimportant things. In this case, the adornment in question was a [url=https://cdnb.lystit.com/photos/4bf4-2015/11/07/river-island-grey-dark-grey-pin-stripe-suit-skinny-waistcoat-dark-grey-pin-stripe-skinny-suit-trousers-dark-grey-pin-stripe-skinny-suit-jacket-gray-product-2-006203211-normal.jpeg]black waistcoat with thin, grey vertical stripes running through it[/url]. It was distinct and unique, and Montag knew that if he wanted any chance of getting into the villa itself, or any chance of not being thrown out by security if they bothered to give him a second look, he needed to get it. The servers were a fair distance away from any security or the snapping fingers of attendees, so there was little chance for interruption, at least for now while the gala was only just getting on its feet.

He made his way over hastily, though still acting as casual as he could, taking time to note the scenery and structure of the backyard, especially the stone wall which had vines sprouting from it like tentacles. They could possibly take his weight, but he decided he'd save them in case of an emergency. If things did get chaotic, he knew he'd had an easy way between this outside area and the villa itself. His mind briefly returned to the weapon concealed against his leg, and it was at that moment that the gates behind him closed. He felt his heart sink ever so slightly for a moment, but he didn't show it, still wearing the po-face that he usually kept as he got closer and closer to the uniformed workers, jazz music blaring to drown out the echoed clangs of the gate and the conflict on the other side of them. At least for now it seemed as though the first stage of his and Abigail's plan had worked.

[color=goldenrod]"Evening."[/color] He addressed his 'co-workers' with a small nod, slowing down as he stood at their side against the wall. Now close to them he could see that one of them was abnormally tall, probably just above the 2 metre mark, but the other, standing right next to him, seemed about his height. Perfect. He exhaled deeply before turning slightly to the man, who seemed about his age, perhaps a little older. 

[color=goldenrod]"Hey, I'm filling in for my friend tonight who's sick, but he didn't give me an idea of what the dress code would be like so I had to play the guessing game."[/color] Speaking in a more casual tone than he usually would, Eduard turned his uncut pocket towards the one he was trying to bribe, the unopened pack of cigarettes shown to him in full view, though still in a subtle manner. The dark-haired investigator wasn't thrilled with the prospect of just giving away the carton just like that, but he probably wouldn't have much time to smoke at this point anyway, and this was the main purpose he'd brought them for anyway. [color=goldenrod]"I really want to make a good impression on Mr. Arnault so he might offer me a job. My uncle works for him, y'see. So could I borrow your waistcoat? Just for this evening. I'll make it worth your while."[/color] Montag gestured with his eyes down to the packet of cigarettes to emphasise his point, before looking back up at the man. At this point, his response was crucial. If this guy was a stickler for rules, or worse an asshole, then the whole plan and Marie's life would be thrown into jeopardy. The bold, virtuosic tooting of a trumpet solo drained out of his ears like water down a drainpipe as he waited intently for the determining response.