"bait"
Threw me for a loop. I don't think I'm being pedantic. "Bait" is a hunting and fishing term, referring to something that the hunter puts out to attract a larger/more desirable prey. The hunter will typically remain out of view until the desired prey arrives to "take the bait". I don't see anything that says the story can't go in that direction.
If I'm being obvious, I apologize.