"I am afraid we are unable to wire payment for the last job."

Heero glared sharply at his computer. "What do you mean?"

"There was a witness. The client has demanded that she be removed before payment is transferred."

"Impossible. Who was it?"

"Please wait." His computer made a soft beeping noise and a picture of a blonde girl appeared on the screen. "The witness is the target's younger sister. She was on her way to join her brother, and saw your face as you left the building this morning. The polizei will be all over this, 01."

"What about the Noventa job?"

"It can be postponed." There was a pause before the computerized female voice continued. "I know that it was out of your usual methods, and we regret the outcome, but do you accept the new target?"

Still frowning at the picture of the smiling blonde girl on his screen, he nodded. "I accept."

He walked slowly down the street, one hand concealing the gun at his side, the other holding a folded newspaper. Just as his briefing had said, the young blonde girl was standing on the curb, looking around the crowded square as she waited patiently for a car. He moved closer, unconsciously gripping the gun handle tighter. His finger twitched just as she looked over at him and gave him a half smile, the polite gesture of one stranger passing another on the street. His finger eased off the trigger and he continued on his way, eyes glancing around warily.

He took his first opportunity to duck into a deserted alley and pull out his phone. After hitting several buttons, he waited patiently while his phone connected to the database.

"Mission accomplished?"

"No. The girl had never seen me before." He paused, looking around briefly before turning his attention to the phone once more. "Where did you get that information?" When there was silence he checked his connection then tried once more. "Who was your source?"

The phone remained silent and Heero swore harshly before looking around once more. Seeing nothing that could pose a threat, he moved out of the alley and took the back way around to his car, unwilling to let the supposed witness see him once more.

It was a short drive back to his hotel, one that passed in tense silence. He made his way up to his room quickly and locked the door behind him. Taking a seat at the desk, he got out his laptop and attempted to log into the mainframe, then swore when he was denied.

"What the hell is going on?"

Blue eyes stared blankly at the computer, unable to determine what had happened though he knew something wasn't right. Suddenly his phone rang. He stared at it with something akin to apprehension, especially after the trouble he'd had connecting with the OrganiZation.

"Hello?"

"01, it's Sally." The woman on the other line took a deep breath then rushed on. "I could get Retired for contacting you directly, but your location has been compromised." He turned and looked at the front door, behind which there was a sudden flurry of movement. "Get out, now!"

He gripped the phone tightly in one hand as he ran toward the window. Behind him, the door to his hotel slammed open, tripping the wire he had set for just this purpose and igniting the small detonator attached to it. The men attempting to enter his room were blown back into the hall and Heero jumped off the balcony, grabbing the railing and swinging down onto the balcony below his before breaking the window and running into the room.

Ignoring the shocked look of the teenage boys playing video games, he sprinted out of their room and down the hall, trying to reach the west side of the building. Just as several armed police officers spread through the halls, guns aimed at him, he threw himself out the third story lobby window and landed silently in the river below.

After a brief stop to purchase a new suit and shoes, he made his way over toward the Palace, the largest hotel in the area. It currently housed the members of Parliament and the attendees for the political meetings currently being held. It was the last known residence of the ex-prince and his entourage.

It was almost laughable how easy he made it through security and into the lobby. He took a quick glance around then checked his watch. After brief contemplation Heero made his way toward the restaurant in the back of the hotel.

He watched as she laughed at something the old man had said, her movements seeming joyous for someone who had just lost a sibling. Perhaps she wasn't as close to Merquise as had been rumored. His eyes flicked from the newspaper to the smiling girl, keeping a steady watch as she made her way through what appeared to be a never ending meal. Finally, she began making the motions to excuse herself to the ladies room and Heero calmly put his newspaper away and stood, stretching purely for show.

He was ready for action at any moment, but anyone observing him at that moment didn't need to know that… His stride was easy as he made his way around to the bathrooms. He had also been monitoring the door from the corner of his eye and, unless someone had been in there since before he got there, there was no one other than Relena Peacecraft in that room. Calmly, he pushed the door open, his fingers already brushing his gun lovingly.

She stood in the first room, in front of a huge mirror. As she caught sight of him in the reflection, she turned and gave him an indignant look.

"This is the women's –" Her voice trailed off as her eyes strained to see the gun placed to the side of her, lending her a wild eyed, panicked look.

"You're coming with me."

"No! Why?" Her voice caught, failing once more.

"Because I may need you, and you are as good as dead without me."

Her struggling lessened at those words and he began to pull her toward the back of the powder room, and the maid's entrance. They left through the back corridor, with no one in the restaurant the wiser. Relena was blessedly silent, though Heero felt her struggling against his grip as they made their way outside.

"Where are you taking me?"

He paused, rearranging her and the gun so she was more visible than the firearm.

"I don't know yet. We need to get someplace safe."

She winced at the reminder of his earlier words and her voice was timid as she asked, "What do you mean I'm as good as dead?"

He looked down at her, hiding his surprise. A quick glance around the street showed no signs of people and Heero finally put away his gun, confidant that he could handle one underfed princess. After one last check behind him, he began walking down the street, pulling her after him.

"Have you ever seen me before?"

She nodded, fright evident in her eyes. "Yes… On the street, earlier today."

"Before that?"

"No." She shook her head violently, blonde hair flying and his eyes hardened.

"Someone ordered a hit on you, and they know that I failed to complete it. Now they're after me and they'll send someone else after you."

"And you need me?" She sounded skeptical and he had to give her credit for having an attitude in the face of danger. Most girls would have shit themselves by now.

"Yes. They obviously want you dead without wanting to admit it, and it somehow connects to why they're after me."

She still looked confused, though she stopped asking questions as they approached his car, a gleaming silver two-seater that he had stashed away in Sanc for occasions like this; a bit of an upgrade from the beater he had driven to the Kushrenada's warehouse. Reaching for his keys, he dug them out of his pocket and pressed a button, watching as the car's lights flashed and the trunk popped open. She had only a moment to protest before he picked her up and deposited her inside, leaving her time to squeal, "There's already a body in here!" before he shut it firmly and walked around to the driver's side. She pounded furiously as he got in and started the car, pulling away from the curb with a small squeal of tires.

His mind raced, his heart raced and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being followed.

"We need to get out of the area. If we're lucky, they haven't released our identities."

He didn't add that it was unlikely that they would escape that easily. If someone wanted him bad enough… And it wasn't like Relena wasn't recognizable. She was a princess; even if her family had been deposed years ago, people still knew of her and her brother.

"You see that platform down there, the one with the sandwich shop?" He pointed to her left and she looked over before nodding. "Go wait for me in there. Buy something to eat, get a newspaper, look bored."

As she accepted the money, she gave him a questioning look. "What are you going to do?"

"I have something to take care of. Just sit there and pretend you're waiting for a train. I'll be back."

She nodded and he watched as she sauntered along the platforms, stopping to pet the small terrier lying outside the door to the café as though she hadn't a care in the world. As soon as she was in line, he turned and disappeared into the shadows. It didn't take long to find a door marked employee's only, and he pushed his way through without a moment's hesitation. After passing several offices he came to a small, empty locker room. His eyes scanned the room quickly, finally landing on the train attendant's uniform that was neatly folded on the bench. He changed quickly, pulling the hat low over his eyes before re-entering the platform. As he walked calmly down the deck, he became aware of a young man several yards behind him. His pace quickened slightly, though he gave no sign of noticing the boy, and he turned right into the closed section of the station. The boy followed and Heero allowed himself one good look at his pursuer as he jumped nimbly over a railing and landed in the corridor below.

Purple eyes flashed and a braid flew out behind him as the boy lunged forward, following Heero over the railing without regard for what was below. There was a soft thud as he landed and Heero broke into an all out run, turning a corner and ducking behind a large freight container. Though he waited silently, the boy never appeared to follow him down the hallway.

Heero waited several more minutes before smiling grimly. Knowing there was no other option, he cracked his knuckles and steeled himself, stepping out from behind the crate and blocking the punch that was immediately thrown. He knew the boy had been waiting; it was exactly what he would have done. Exactly what his training told him to do.

He dodged another punch, throwing one of his own then, when the boy dodged it, shooting a foot out to catch him off-guard. The boy jumped before landing easily and spinning, lashing out with one foot that connected solidly with Heero's shoulder. He stumbled back, using the boys advance to lure him closer. As he moved, he became aware of another presence behind him. When he turned to check, he saw Relena round the corner, a wary expression on her face and when he swung back around to face his assailant he found him gone.

"Did you see his face?"

She looked up, startled, and shook her head. "Whose face?"

Heero ignored her question, his mind racing. "I told you to wait for me on the last platform."

"I saw you pass by…"

She grimaced as he grabbed her firmly by the upper arm and walked her away from the area. The boy had left so she wouldn't see him, of that Heero was positive. In fact, the boy's whole demeanor reeked of the OrganiZation, though he had no way to prove it. His eyes darted around, searching for any other threats as they walked quickly across the lobby of the train station and back out onto the teeming deck.

"They're already looking for us." He motioned to a group of guards standing against a wall. "There are never this many guards, and they're never armed. Not in such a public place."

They were almost out the door when one of the large screens suddenly switched to the news and Heero froze, bringing her to an abrupt halt right after.

"The granddaughter of wealthy arms manufacturer, Duke Dermail, was shot this morning as she attended a gala held in honor of Milliardo Peacecraft. Dorothy Catalonia was exiting her vehicle when she was hit in the back of the head by a sniper from an unknown location. In related news, Relena Peacecraft went missing several hours later, though it is unknown if the two incidents are related. Mr. Peacecraft has released a statement in which he says, 'this is a blatant attempt by my detractors to intimidate and bully members of my group. It will not work. My dear sister's disappearance shows the ruthlessness of my opponents and Ms. Catalonia's death is further proof that reform is needed, and I am determined that it will be achieved.' Peacecraft went on to say that he will fund any investigation necessary to find his sister, and to catch the shooter. In other news—"

Heero stared at the TV, his eyes blank. Dorothy Catalonia? That was impossible…

He went over the whole thing in his mind. The hair. The Organization. The girl.

Then it clicked.

"Who was Dorothy Catalonia?"

"One of my brother's supporters."

Her response sounded glib and rehearsed and he narrowed his eyes.

She gave him a haughty look and he responded by grabbing her once more and pulling her out the door.

"You know, all you have to do is ask. It's not like I have anywhere to go right now."

He ignored the comment, instead positioning her against the car and crossing his arms.

"Now, you are only of use to me if you have information I need. What was Dorothy Catalonia to your brother?"

She gave him a wary look, her blue eyes uncertain. "She was his biggest supporter; some would say his right hand man."

That was a bit more than she'd given him the first time, and sounded a bit more honest.

"So she would have been invited to the gala… Was she supposed to be in the car with your brother?"

Relena shook her head. "No, she wasn't even going to attend. Then Milliardo said he had a quick matter he needed to attend to personally and asked her to go in his car to let the people know he was on his way."

He nodded, more to himself than to the girl looking at him, and stood.

"Someone's after me. Someone who also wants you dead." He paused, unsure whether to tell her the rest. "Someone who your brother has ties with."

She stood, her eyes blazing as she walked toward him. "My brother would never do that! I can't believe you would even say such a thing!"

"Your brother had Catalonia murdered; do you honestly believe he'd think twice about killing his estranged sister?"

She paused, clearly unsure of the answer, and when she spoke her voice was soft. "How?"

"He arranged a hit on himself then sent the girl in his place. There was no mention of his name on the news, just that someone had been shot. I was told that you were a witness and needed to be eliminated, but when I saw you I knew you had never seen me before." Heero paused briefly, his mind fitting the pieces together. "Even though I didn't kill you, once I took you he had cause to go on television and play the victim. He still got what he wanted."

"Why would he want to kill me?"

She shivered slightly as his eyes fixed on her. "Do you know anything you aren't supposed to know?"

"I…" She sighed softly. "I found out that my brother occasionally used Dorothy as a body double. When they're wearing that horrible mask, it's nearly impossible to tell them apart, especially with the hair. We weren't on the best of terms at that time and I told him I was going to go to the people and have him removed from the election. I don't honestly think that I would have done it, but he made me so angry." She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. "And now Dorothy has been murdered. Poor Milliardo, he must be having such a hard time."

"He's the one who had her murdered."

"You have no proof of that." She glared at him, as though she had just remembered she was a princess. "You're quick to tell me about my brother, but you have yet to tell me who you are."

"It's not important who I am."

"Well then why do you expect me to believe you when you say I'm in danger? You seem to be the only dangerous one around me."

Years of training kept Heero from rolling his eyes. "I'm the only one keeping you alive. You were next, in case you'd forgotten."

She frowned at Heero, her face thoughtful. "Oh, I don't think he really would have had me murdered."

"Why were you standing on that corner?"

"Milliardo called this morning and asked me to have lunch with him. I was waiting for a car to pick me up." Her voice trailed off slowly, realization lighting up her eyes. "He set me up? Why?"

"You know too much." Heero gave her a shrewd look. "And now you are going to help me catch him."

She shook her head vehemently. "I could never do that."

"How many innocent people do you want him to kill?" Heero really didn't care how many died, but he had a feeling that the blonde girl would.

She shivered and he nodded.

"That's what I thought. Get in the car."

An hour later, Heero stood on the wooden deck of a small ferry, leaned comfortably against his car. From the truck there was a muffled thump and he almost smiled in satisfaction.

The blonde girl talked far too much.

Once they were well away from shore, he opened the trunk, revealing an irate Relena.

"You! I almost suffocated in there!"

"You're overreacting."

"Overreacting? I was in there forever!"

Heero ignored her, instead waiting for her to get out of the trunk before handing her a wrapped bundle.

"I got you dinner. We're going to be on the ferry all night."

She dropped into the passenger seat if the car gratefully, unwrapping the large sandwich he had handed her.

"I would thank you if I wasn't so mad at you."

He closed his eyes and leaned back in the driver's seat. "At least I got rid of the body."

"Funny."

Minutes passed, with only the sound of Relena chewing to break the silence. Finally Heero opened his eyes and looked at her.

"We need to talk."

Relena's face was indignant as she stared at him. "Yes, we do…"

He ignored her outburst, interrupting with, "You almost got me killed at the train station. I told you to wait for me."

"I did, but I didn't want you to leave without me, and I was worried about you…"

"From now on, I make the plans and you follow them, exactly. Deviate again and I will kill you Relena."

She stared at him, wide eyed. "You wouldn't really kill me, would you?"

"I should have already," she heard him grumble, and it didn't sound like he was joking.

"I am sorry…"

"Eat your sandwich and shut up."

She glared over at him and he leaned back in the seat, closing his eyes once more.

"Wake me up in two hours."

"Ok… Won't you at least tell me your name?"

"01."

"That's not a name."

"I was an orphan. I don't have a name, just a number." He glanced at her, and then shut his eyes again. "If you must call me something, call me Heero."

"That's a nice name. Why didn't you just tell me that one?"

"Relena. Shut up or you're going back in the trunk."

Sorry about the unannounced hiatus. I finally got this story back on track, but I'm still having problems with Fight or Flight and The Driver. Everything I write for them is all wrong, and I love those stories too much to not make it perfect. Hopefully I will get over it eventually so I can finish.

As I said, I got this from the movie Hitman and, while I am changing most of it, a few of the conversations needed to stay the same. I don't own Hitman or Gundam Wing or anything remotely similar that anyone else owns…