By the time Serena made her way into the reception area, the hunting party was already enjoying the Kensingtons' hospitality. They were wandering around, chatting with each other, and enjoying drinks and canapés after a day of shooting. Servants bustled back and forth, collecting empty glasses and handing out snacks and drinks while they waited for the announcement for dinner. They were all dressed in eveningwear, all strictly black tie. She was glad she still had the black cocktail dress Hayley had given her so she didn't look out of place.
As she appeared at the top of the stairs, Frederick looked up to her and smiled. Clearly he approved. As Serena made her way down towards her date, she prepared herself for more of the same treatment, but at least in company she could be sure he wouldn't try and take things too far. After all, it was one thing to have an attractive young woman on his arm, it was quite another to openly grope them in civilised company.
"You finally made it." He greeted her, kissing her on the cheek. "I was beginning to think you got lost."
"I kind of did." She told him. "This place is pretty huge."
This was a lie mostly; Serena had a pretty good sense of direction. She just wanted to use the little time she was alone to check out the layout and retrace her steps, trying to find the best route to the armoury. She quickly found that she was rarely alone. While many of the corridors didn't have cameras, she had found a couple of guards wandering around. She had managed to avoid being seen by all but the last one, and when she finally did get seen, he accepted her excuse that she was just lost. He had, unfortunately, been helpful enough to escort her to the stairs to the reception area. She just hoped what she had already learned would be enough.
"Well, we do occasionally have that problem with some of the new guests." He told her. "The regulars though have gotten used to the place."
"Frederick my boy, glad to see you've finally located your date." His father greeted him. He had dressed for the evening in an old military dress uniform, which bore an impressive collection of medals. He turned to Serena. "I was wondering if you'd be joining us."
"I wouldn't have missed something like this." She replied, taking a glass of champagne. "I've certainly never seen hunting done this way."
"Nor have I." A man said as he arrived. Frederick just looked at him, seemingly a little confused. He was a little shorter than Frederick, and more than a little slighter, but still appeared to have a healthy build. He was an Asian man, dressed in a black dinner suit with a red bow tie and cummerbund.
"I'm sorry; I don't believe we have had the pleasure." Frederick stated, extending a hand. "Frederick Kensington."
"Oh, this is Kenzo." Mr. Kensington stated, introducing him. "I'm afraid after almost twenty minutes I still find myself unable to pronounce his surname."
"My father always said surnames are too informal for friends." Kenzo joked as he shook Frederick's hand. "Everyone calls me Kenzo."
"You weren't here earlier." Frederick recalled.
"I only recently arrived." Kenzo explained. "I regret that I only became aware of the hunt in time to attend the first night's dinner. I regret missing the first hunt."
"Normally we don't take late arrivals, but Kenzo here was very insistent." Edward said with a smile that let Serena know what the story was. Money talked, even among those who clearly didn't need it. Obviously this new guy had paid over the odds for a late invitation.
"My business has only recently brought me to this country, and I am keen to meet others." Kenzo explained. "I am keen to learn the ways of my new countrymen."
"Well it's always a pleasure to see someone trying to fit in." Mr. Kensington replied cheerfully. Serena just nodded. That's why this guy was here, he was networking. The guys that came to this thing were heavy hitters in the business world. Kenzo finally caught sight of her, and she noticed a very subtle change in him. He looked to her with a searching gaze, seemingly sizing her up. She felt a little uneasy in his presence as he stepped closer, taking her hand. "And you are?"
"Kat." She said, keeping up the pretence. "Kat Hillard."
"Of course you are." He said with a little smirk. For a moment, Serena got the impression he didn't buy the fake name. Did he somehow know who she was? Would he blow her cover? He just gently kissed her hand, his eyes never leaving hers as he did so. Serena was a little relieved. It seemed he hadn't done anything that might lead the Kensingtons to believe her story wasn't trued. She just resolved to keep her distance for the rest of the evening as much as she could. While Frederick gave her the creeps, there was something else entirely about this Kenzo guy. "Perhaps we shall talk more after dinner."
"Perhaps." She replied as he seemed to slip away into the crowd, disappearing among the guests. Just then, another couple of members of the hunt party came over. One of them seemed to be almost giddy with excitement.
"Edward, is there any chance of seeing the main event?" The excited one asked him. "I've heard you have something really special this year."
"All in good time my good man." Edward replied. "Dinner will be announced..."
"We heard that it'll be good sport." The other interrupted him. "Is it true?"
Edward just sighed and took out a cigar.
"I suppose it'll give me the opportunity for a cigar before dinner." He replied. "Come on then. Frederick, if the dinner call comes, just start without us. We shouldn't be long."
Just as they left, a bell rang. The guests all looked to Frederick.
"Saved by the bell eh?" He asked. "I don't know about any of you, but I am ravenous. Dinner is served!"
With that, he put an arm around Serena, stroking her skin. She really wished her dress had more material, and didn't leave her shoulders and arms exposed. Not only did it mean she couldn't wear her hidden blade, meaning she had to leave it in her room leaving her completely unarmed, it also meant his wandering hands now had flesh instead of clothing to occupy them. As she had up until now, she managed to keep herself from showing how uncomfortable she was, and even managed to put her arm around him in turn. As they made their way to the hall though, she couldn't help noticing out the window that Edward and the other huntsmen were heading in the direction of the old slave quarters. She was sure Frederick had said there was nothing there. What were they going to see?
Back at the Shiba House, it was early in the morning, and Antonio awakened on the couch alone, with a slight pain in his neck. As he pulled himself up, he rubbed his neck, looking around and figuring he had to have fallen asleep there. Jayden was nowhere in sight, but then he heard a couple of cries and sounds of wood on wood from the yard and figured that the others must already be outside training.
He groaned as he went to his room to get changed into his training uniform, unconcerned about the fact that he would likely receive some comments for being late to practice. All that bothered him right now was last night.
He knew what he felt for Jayden, and he had to admit being so close to him felt good. It had obviously overtaken him at some point and he had fallen asleep, since he couldn't remember seeing the end of the movie this time around. He shook his head to clear his mind as he finished getting into his uniform. It was too much to hope for.
As he arrived out in the training yard, the others were already training. Mia was working with Mike, while Kevin was taking Emily through her paces. Jayden was standing with Mentor Ji, keeping an eye on things.
"Are you ready for practice?" Mentor Ji asked the Gold Ranger. Antonio smiled a little.
"What, no lecture?" He asked. "No 'you know when training is' or something like that?"
"I have factored jet lag into the equation. I am taking it easy on all of you today." Mentor Ji told him. "Just...do not expect such consideration tomorrow."
"So, do you want to warm up first?" Jayden asked him. Antonio just nodded.
"I think that would be for the best." He replied, before heading to a quiet corner and starting some star-jumps. Jayden was watching him when he finally heard a yell from the corner, and turned to see Kevin hopping around, his bokken on the floor, clutching his left shin. Emily was rushing around him, fussing, trying to get him to let go of his leg.
"Nicely done Emily." Jayden complimented her.
"Yeah, try saying that if it's you that got your shin cracked!" Kevin snapped.
"It's a legitimate tactic, and a good technique." Jayden reminded him. "If a man can't stand, he can't fight."
Kevin and Emily made their way off the mat for Kevin to rest. He was confident that he would be ready to resume the bout soon; he doubted it was serious, and such things happened regularly at the house. It was just a natural part of training.
"Mike's sword work is really improving." Mentor Ji commented, bringing Jayden's attention to the bout between him and Mia. "I would have expected the score to be a lot more one-sided."
"Sorry, I got distracted." Jayden admitted. "What's the score?"
"10-18 in Mia's favour." Mentor Ji replied. "A month ago it would have been a much larger gap."
"Mike's learning alright." Jayden stated, his eyes straying back to Antonio, who by now was doing some burpies as part of his warm-up. "I know we were meant to mix it up today, but by the time he's ready..."
Mentor Ji just waved him off. The others were only about halfway through their bouts, and so introducing Antonio at this point would only serve to disrupt them at this point. Jayden approached the area where Antonio was now just stretching off.
"So are you ready?" Jayden asked.
"Always." Antonio replied with a little smile as he picked up his wooden tanto, following him to the mat. "Lead the way Amigo."
Back at the Kensington Estate, dinner was a trying experience for Serena, but the party seemed to definitely be enjoying themselves, and it was easy to see why. The spread was incredible. Drinks flowed freely, and they all exchanged stories and laughter over the meal. Frederick continued to touch her and hold her at moments, sometimes quite openly, like making sure that his guests saw him with an arm around his 'bit of fluff' as she had overheard one of them say to a colleague, and the occasional slight squeeze of a knee under the table.
The bouillabaisse starter had already been cleared by the time Edward and the other two arrived. She took note that they seemed rather happy with what they had seen, that would mean they would go back to the party and it would make things easier for her. Between the security system and the guards, not to mention trying to shake her "date", things were going to be hard enough without the guests paying too much attention to her. There were plenty of women there, likely to act as company for the men, which also eased her cause. For now, the less people taking notice of her, the better.
The second course arrived, roast pheasant on a bed of salad with a berry jus, likely the spoils of the shoot earlier in the day. She was thankful that at least some of the game shot that day had not died needlessly.
"It's very different from chicken." Frederick assured her. "It has a strong, unique flavour."
Serena took a bite, feeling what he meant. It was a slightly courser meat than chicken, and had a stronger taste which was complimented perfectly by the accompaniments. It was seasoned to perfection, and she had to admit, if she had time, she would consider finding out the recipe. Unfortunately, she was on a timetable, and she had no desire to remain here longer than she needed to be. She hoped to be long gone by the time everyone woke up the next morning.
"It's lovely." She replied, taking a sip of champagne. She kept herself restrained on the drink, knowing that eventually the men would no longer notice who was or wasn't there. It would give her time to go back to the armoury.
"Well, there's more to come." He assured her, grabbing her knee again under the table and stroking her thigh. "You should try the bread and butter pudding."
Forcing a smile, she continued to eat, keeping an eye on the others to ascertain when she could make her move.
Back at the Shiba House, practice was going on well, and everyone was appreciative for the slower pace to get them used to being back.
The other two bouts had ended, and the others were taking a breather while they watched Jayden and Antonio taking each other to the limit.
Their wooden blades blurred through the air, colliding many times as they parried and responded.
It was a show that none of them could help but appreciate. Although his style was self-taught, there was no doubt that Antonio was a master. Watching the two of them was something special, they each brought out something in the other that pushed them to great heights. It was like watching Rembrandt or Da Vinci painting first-hand. It was like watching Pavarotti and Careras performing together. It was something that they knew that few in the world would ever be able to see, even fewer to match, and perhaps, none would ever surpass.
Jayden fell to one knee in a blur of activity so fast it was almost impossible to see. Antonio brought his tanto to the back of his head, tapping it lightly.
"29 all." Antonio said with a grin. "Want to call this match point?"
"Whatever you say." Jayden answered as they set up again. Both of them circled each other, looking for an opportunity, gripping their weapons tightly. Antonio shuffled forward a little, before backing off as he saw Jayden flinch. They exchanged a little smile as they realised they had each others' number.
Finally, they launched themselves at each other, but Jayden had the upper hand. Seizing Antonio, he threw him over his hip, landing on top of him. He pinned Antonio's weapon arm to the floor with his knee as he mounted him, before bringing the bokken to his throat. They looked at each other, their faces only inches apart. Antonio smiled.
"Looks like you have me where you want me." He commented.
Both of them were breathing heavily, and they were both exhausted. Jayden looked to Antonio, and started to get up slowly, allowing Antonio to get up, his gaze straying to the others. The other Rangers were impressed by the display, as was Mentor Ji. He turned from them all.
"Alright, let's mix it up." He told them. "Change partners. Mike, you're with me."
Mike got up, taking up his bokken reluctantly. He had been closer than ever before, but he still lost to Mia. Taking on Jayden was a completely different matter. Antonio watched him go to the farthest mat.
"Antonio, we haven't had much chance to spar yet." Emily said cheerfully as she grabbed his arm. "Come on."
"Uh...yeah, sure." Antonio replied, following her to another mat. "That sounds good."
Meanwhile, back at the Kensington Estate, Serena had excused herself following the meal. She had hoped to be alone, but Frederick insisted on escorting him to the room. As they arrived by the door, she faced him.
"Are you sure you don't want a nightcap?" He asked her. She gathered he wasn't really asking her to rejoin the party for a drink. She just slowly shook her head.
"I'm afraid I overdid it at dinner." She told him. "I'm so stuffed, I could sleep all night."
"Well, if there's anything you need, feel free to ask." He told her, drawing closer. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Serena knew that he was unlikely to leave if he thought she was just playing him, and steeling herself, she closed her eyes and drew in, kissing him full on the lips. He seemed to take it at face value, one hand in her hair, and the other straying around her body, but all the while, Serena just tried to keep her mind on the fact that she needed to go to work soon. As they parted, she just smiled again.
"See you tomorrow Frederick." She purred as she closed the door. She waited to listen for his footsteps leaving, before breathing a sigh of relief.
"Thank God, I thought I had a Siamese twin!" She complained.
"You didn't seem to be too..."
"Shut up Hayley." Serena complained as she kicked off her shoes and started to undo the dress. "Have you got the details?"
"They're all on the laptop." Hayley replied. Serena looked out another outfit, a simple pair of tight black jogging pants and a black top. She booted up the laptop and stated to look at the display as she got dressed.
"That's some pretty serious security." Serena responded. "It doesn't help that all we know is that's what's here, not where it is."
"You can presume most of it is where any valuables are." Hayley told her. "Studies, the armoury..."
"Seriously, you haven't seen this place, that doesn't narrow it down." Serena commented. "Half the portraits in the lobby would buy my parents' farm."
"Well, you'll figure something out." Hayley assured her. "You usually do."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Serena replied. "Just continue to be the angel on my shoulder."
As she left, closing the door behind her, the full-length mirror in her room moved, and someone made his way inside.
