If you thought the confession was over, you're sadly mistaken! But I would like to apologize for my homophone issue. As they say in 2nd grade "Those are tricky words." Though sometimes its just a typo...=^-^=
Ch. 15 - The Incident
The next morning started quiet. Marinette hadn't planned to attend any of the shows for the day, and so she was able to sleep in a bit more. Adrien was pretty fine with that considering the drama with Stephen they'd had the previous night. Not even having his feelings accepted by the love of his life could stop him from being anxious about Stephen's future. At best, he could lose his standing as Gabriel's most trusted lead designer, at worse he'd be fired, and maybe black listed though that was unlikely given how set his career was. Even if his credibility does take a hit, Stephen was still pretty young and very talented. Adrien just didn't want him to have to leave. He was a good designer and Adrien liked to think they were friends.
The couple was having breakfast alone until Gabriel entered with all the emotional value of a brick wall. "I need to speak with you both." He calmly declared as Nathalie entered behind him with her tablet. Adrien reached out for Marinette's hand and squeezed it to both comfort her, and himself for whatever his father was going to say. "To begin with, I want to make sure the both of you understand the meaning of trespassing?"
Adrien raised a brow and traded a confused glance with Marinette. "Um… When you go where you're not supposed to?"
Gabriel nodded with a slightly irritated look. "So that means you are fully aware of consequences that come from it, correct?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Agreste, but… did something happen?" Marinette asked, still confused.
Nathalie turned her device and approached the teens. "Please take a moment to read this morning's most viewed scandal." He directed with sharp tone on the last word.
"Romantic Rendezvous on Closed Terrace of Grande Palais." Marinette read aloud and suddenly the implications hit her. Below the title a zoomed in slightly blurry photo showed a dark haired girl and a blond man kissing with the windows of the Palais in the background. Adrien and Marinette blushed at finding out they had been spotted.
"S-someone took a picture!?" The model asked in obvious fluster.
Gabriel raised a brow. "Of course someone took a picture. There are photographers all over the Grande Palais!"
"B-but, I mean, the picture is blurry so-"
"Nathalie?" Gabriel interrupted and his secretary turned the device to read from the article.
"This photo depicting two entangled lovers was taken around noon Thursday. While it may be hard to pin down who these romantic trespassers are, several eyewitness accounts as well as security footage from that day's akuma attack revealed it to be Adrien Agreste." She turned the tablet to show a security image of Adrien going up the stairs that would lead to the terrace. The sign next to the staircase indicated the terrace was closed to the public. She then turned it back around to continue reading. "This leads us to believe that the woman he's shown with is Marinette Dupain-Cheng, a young intern working for Gabriel Agreste, and rumored to be his new girlfriend. The couple was later spotted having lunch together. Whether the new hot couple of Paris will be charged for trespassing is still unknown, but one thing is for sure, Adrien Agreste is indeed dating Marinette Dupain-Cheng. This news was provided by a very reliable source and will no doubt prove itself true in the coming days."
"But fath-" Adrien cut himself off. He knew his father didn't accept excuses like that. He arranged a meeting up there knowing that no one would be up on the terrace for the very reason that it was restricted.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Agreste, I never-"
"No, Marinette. I was the one who asked you to meet me up there. This is on me."
Gabriel looked at him coldly before a very slight smirk touched his expression. "Well then, Adrien, you will be the one to address the story then. You will give a formal apology, and an interview regarding your relationship with Ms. Dupain-Cheng. As for Ms. Dupain-Cheng, I need to have a meeting with my in-" A loud knocking at the dining room door interrupted Gabriel's orders. His anger was obvious as he immediately jumped up and glared daggers at the door. "Nathalie." He ordered calmly considering his body language. He was already irritated by the trespassing issue even if it did involve his son finally getting around to dating Marinette like he wanted.
"Yes, sir." She strode over and peeked through the door, but was nearly pushed aside when Stephen forced his way in.
"Mr. Agreste, I need you to see this. It's important." He declared before immediately freezing at his employer's sharp glare.
"For your sake, Stephen, this better be a matter of life and death." Both Adrien and Marinette could see the tense atmosphere blooming around the men and were as relieved as Stephen when Gabriel gestured to continue.
"Um, yes… There was a story regarding the show." He pulled up his phone to show him.
"Nathalie." Gabriel called again and Nathalie looked at the device and then hunted for the same article on the tablet. Once she found it, she gave the device to Gabriel. He had the perfect poker face as he spent the next few minutes looking through it. There was no indication of whether he was pleased or angry; that made it more terrifying to watch. "Ms. Dupain-Cheng." He finally called and the designer flinched at the call of her name.
"Y-yes?"
"Have you spoken to Ms. Cesaire today?"
Marinette raised a curious brow. "Um, no… I did speak to her last night."
"I see, and did she say anything interesting regarding a photo taken during my show?"
Marinette wracked her brain for the information. Alya had mentioned she was going through pictures from the show last night. She even mentioned how watching the tripping incident frame to frame caused the accident to be more obvious. "Well… I wouldn't call it interesting, but she was looking at pictures from the show last night. She never mentioned a specific photo though." At least not that she could remember. Alya had hung up pretty suddenly, and hadn't answered a single message since.
The older man scrutinized her for a moment before standing and handing the tablet back to his assistant. "Stephen, we will be going to my office to continue this conversation. Nathalie, get in contact with both women and Ms. Rue in regards to the article's validity." He then turned to the teens. "Neither of you are to leave the mansion for the rest of the day. In regards to speaking with anyone outside this house, you are to say nothing in regards to contracts or your relationship being any more than what the public already knows." Gabriel didn't wait for a confirmation before heading out of the room with an anxious designer on his heels.
"… Would you think less of me if I told you I'm now more worried than when he first came in?" Marinette tried to joke but her expression gave her away in seconds.
"No… I'm actually terrified." Adrien whispered back. Nathalie gave a back glance at the couple with an amused smile. Gabriel was terrible at making things clear with his son. She took a note to make sure to keep Adrien informed of when Gabriel made his decision.
After breakfast Marinette excused herself to start working on the commission for Chloe, though in truth, she just wanted to go for a run as Ladybug. Adrien was only slightly hesitant to let her do her work alone, but agreed since he wanted to go for a rooftop run himself. He was very curious about what his father had gotten so caught on and figured he could see what he could find out while out and about; two birds, one stone. After Plagg grumbled over getting his morning snack, something he groaned about on the hour most times, Adrien was free to begin his rooftop gymnastics.
The Paris sky was mostly clear, and the sun was just covered enough to alleviate the summer heat. That and the nice breeze flowing thorough his ears and hair made Chat Noir fully aware of one thing. It was a perfect day to have a date out with Marinette. Given his current lock down orders, however, that plan was obviously out of the question. "If only I could just reveal myself to her already, then we could go on dates without anyone knowing it's us." He complained to no one in particular. He wanted so badly for Ladybug to know since he was already aware, but it would be best for her to figure him out based on slight hints. Ladybug was very adamant about the no revealing identities thing, but if she figures it out on her own then Chat's not to blame; even if he did drop a few very good hints on purpose. As he vaulted from roof top to roof top he noticed the obvious increase of pedestrian traffic the closer he got to the Trocadero. As he approached the Grand Palais it was even denser and camera flashes started in every direction. Street photographers were a staple of every major fashion show though he could tell there were a few pointed his way. Chat Noir didn't waste their efforts as he took a minute to pose on top of a parked bus before continuing on to perch on the Palais' terrace. The very same terrace he'd trespassed on the day before. The irony wasn't lost on him that Chat Noir would never be held accountable for the same crime as one of Paris's heroes. "Curious, kitty?"
He turned to the familiar voice of his partner who stood on one of the metal beams of the glass roof. "Milady, fancy meeting you out here?"
She raised an amused brow as she hopped down. "I was able to get a copy of the latest newspaper. Want to go and look it over with me?" She gestured towards their favorite landmark with a nod of her head.
Chat Noir stood upright and bowed with a motion of his hands. "Then after you, milady."
"Certainly." She then swung her yo-yo and began on her way. Both heroes waved as flashes picked up around them and a few called them out by name. With the excitement of the event, seeing the heroes of Paris was probably even more thrilling considering there were no akumas around.
"So, Ladybug, what's the scoop? I suppose it's about fashion right?"
Ladybug sat down on a beam and opened up the paper. "Well, I only had time to read the headline before a group of tourists noticed me and started to rush me at the park. I found this laying over the edge of a recycle bin. It's the morning edition, but it should still have some good scoops from earlier in the week."
Chat Noir gave her a knowing expression as he whipped out his own newly acquired periodical. "Great minds, milady. I snatched this one on the way here from a bin as well."
Ladybug rolled her eyes as she looked at the gossip rag in her partner's hand. "Newspaper vs. Tabloid. Wonder which one is better?"
Her sarcasm wasn't lost on Chat but he waved it off. "Well, I bet mine's more interesting."
"Sure, interesting trumps true all the time." She looked through the front page as her smirk dropped to curiosity. "Huh? I wonder if this has to do with what he was bothered by?"
"Who was bothered by?" Chat asked at her muttered words.
"N-no one, just someone I spoke to earlier today." She then showed him the article. "You remember her right?" She pointed to the model in the image provided with the article.
"Hmm? From yesterday, Mandalle right?"
"Yeah, it says her that she tripped at the Gabriel show and was fired." Ladybug informed while trying to sound indifferent. "But it also says there may be evidence that this was some kind of sabotage."
"Whoa… really? Fashion is scary."
That made Ladybug chuckle. "Yes, but only when certain sorts are involved. I'm sure you know what I mean."
Chat flipped through his own paper and nodded. "Indeed I do, milady. Jealous models getting others fired, someone stealing another's design, or even throwing it away to ruin their works, and that's just the stuff off the top of my head. I don't even want to think about the really bad- Oh wow, I had a feeling those two had a thing for each other." He cut off as an article caught his attention.
"Who?"
Chat angled the paper to show her. "Marlinee Crew and Richard Audino. There's been a buzz recently over Marlinee being seen with a new man. Says here they're engaged now."
"Wow, I always thought Richard Audino was into guys." Chat smirked at that comment. It was pretty common for attractive male models to be seen that way, but he knew Richard personally. The man tries really hard to make people think that on purpose so that they won't harass any of the girls he dates. Maybe if Adrien had considered it early on, he could have done the same. Laughing at his own internal musings had Ladybug shaking her head as she turned the page of her paper. "Don't trust everything that rag says, Chat, you know most of it is groundless."
"Oh, then what about this? Did you know that Lila Rossi is actually secretly involved with Adrien Agreste?" He knew that would get her attention as her eyes snapped back to the tabloid in his hands.
"What the-" She stopped her own impulse to curse as the cocky grin on her partner grew. "I mean… That's garbage."
"Perhaps, but amusing garbage, no? Says here that the rumors of Adrien Agreste secretly meeting with Marinette Dupain-Cheng, a Gabriel intern, were actually a cover for his secret rendezvous with Lila. Reliable sources tell us that the Gabriel heir may be close to a proposal." Chat was so amused by the insane story, he just couldn't be angry about the obvious lies. When he turned to Ladybug she didn't look quite as amused, and his smirk fell. "Milady?"
"Throw that away, Chat Noir. I told you its garbage." She ordered as she covered her face with her newspaper.
"But, milady… What's wrong? I mean, yeah, it's obviously lies so why are you so upset?"
"Lies aren't always funny, Chat."
That stopped the hero cold. It didn't even occur to him how that would make Marinette feel. She hated lies, and Lila's lies were especially hurtful to her. A story, made up or otherwise, about both of them would definitely touch a sore spot. "I'm sorry, Ladybug." Chat crumpled the paper up and leaped up to the viewing platform of the tower. The little office inside had a waste bin he could use before he hopped down to sit back next to his partner. "All gone, see?" He then let out a sigh as he moved to dangle his legs over the edge next to hers. "I should have thought about it before I said it, I'm sorry."
Ladybug let out a sigh and closed her paper. She folded it neatly and set it beside her before facing him. "I'm sorry, I snapped… I suppose you're just more used to stuff like this than me."
"No, I mean, I guess I am, but I really should have thought about it before I said it." He paused as the urge to reveal himself bubbled up once more. "I know… I know you don't really like that Lila girl very much so…"
Ladybug rolled her eyes. "It's okay, Chaton, I know you didn't mean anything by it. It really is a ridiculous story. If there's anything I know from working alongside you for the past couple of years, it's that you only have eyes for your lady."
Chat Noir grinned proudly and crossed his arms. "Exactly, I'm not the kind of guy to fake something like that plus, Lila's just… Hold on…" His jaw dropped as Ladybug gave him a pompous smirk. "M-milady? What did you..?"
She chuckled at him as she stood up. "Come on now, Chaton, a model is supposed to be able to remain composed at all times. You're going to ruin your brand."
Chat's ears fell back as he turned himself around. "My father's brand you mean." Though he was more irked about how she'd tricked him just now.
"Come on, kitty, it was just a joke." She reached down and scratched his head right behind one of his ears. The cat hero's resolve melted as his expression fell to pleasure at the gesture. His head started to lean her way right as a purr rumbled from his throat. "I had a feeling you already knew."
"I did…" He trailed off when she scratched just right. "But I didn't think you knew." To his disappointment, she stopped and leaned back on her hands.
"Oh, I've known for awhile. I can't really say how long though. Before I knew it, I just… Started treating you the same in or out of the suit."
Chat furrowed his brows and crossed his arms. "So wait… You knew I was Chat during my confession yesterday?"
She nodded and looked away with a blush. "It was one of the things that made me feel so ashamed of the circumstances. All those years of turning you down only to accept when I had everything to gain?"
"But I had everything to gain too." Chat argued back.
"True, but at the time I wasn't completely sure of how you felt. I knew you loved Ladybug, yes, but in the situation you'd have to choose an intern. Considering how much more time you spent with me than other interns I knew you would pick me."
Chat Noir kicked his feet and looked down at the ground far below. "But.." He then snapped his head up. "If you had a feeling I was Chat Noir, and you knew I loved Ladybug, then you could have just told me who you were, right?"
Ladybug chuckled, but it wasn't amusement so much as it was lamenting. "Yeah, sure. Looking back on it now, it could have solved so much, but it doesn't stop the dangers. The only reason I'm doing it now is because if you knew, and I knew, it would be inevitable. I realized that when I picked out your clothes on Thursday. I couldn't stop seeing Chat Noir when I looked at you. Looking back, I had been doing that all week." Chat Noir took a moment to think on his clothes. The cat pun shirt was obvious but Monday and Tuesday… Green and black. "You calling me 'milady' during the show was what sealed the decision, and it's why I was almost positive you knew who I was."
Chat gave a sheepish grin and shrugged. "Well… I can't argue with that, milady. To tell you the truth, I've been ready to blurt out who I was for nearly a week."
"Was it Sunday?"
"Huh?" He asked with the sudden question.
"When you figured me out, was it Sunday?" She asked again.
"Oh, yeah…"
She let out a sigh. "I had a feeling since you were suddenly acting so weird all of a sudden. It was only when you asked that I remembered letting Adrien… You know…" She insinuated with a harsh blush at the memory. "It had seemed so natural at the time."
Chat blushed as well, but he decided to lean back towards his partner. "I loved it though, milady. I can't think of a single other thing that was as nice as letting me rest on your lap." He decided not to bring up the spying for confirmation part. "So… Since we are an item as civilians, what about-"
"No, Chat Noir." Ladybug quickly cut off.
"Huh? But why not!?" Chat argued with a kitten pout. "I mean, it's not like we aren't already dating."
Ladybug let out a sigh and turned to him with a serious expression. "That may be true, Chat, but Hawkmoth doesn't know that. If we become an item to the public he'll be more likely to use that relationship against us. Plus, if he starts to think we know each other's identities?"
"Oh…" Her partner responded with his ears drooping with his expression.
"Cheer up, kitty." Ladybug reached out to hold up his chin. "It's not like you don't have the girl of your dreams as your girlfriend." Chat Noir blushed and tried to lean in for a kiss. "Sorry, but no." She denied with a hand over his lips. She then gestured to the public below. "But when we get back, well, I don't think I'd mind."
The tease had Chat a little frustrated, but amused by her flirting. Ladybug didn't normally flirt with him. "Oh, well, maybe I won't want to by then." He crossed his arms in a dramatic pout.
"Suit yourself, kitty." She shrugged and stood up.
"Wait, I didn't mean-whoa!?" He stood up so fast he missed seeing the newspaper and slipped when he stepped on it.
Ladybug quickly caught her partner from falling, but the paper even more quickly caught the wind and scattered as it fluttered about. "Be more careful, Chat Noir."
"Thanks, Ladybug." He replied with a blush.
"Thank me by helping me pick it up." She quickly swung off after a few pages and Chat leaped down the tower to get the ones closer to the ground.
"Gotcha!" He declared as he snatched the first page. He used his baton to pin down another. "And two."
He took note of another as it flapped right into a man who was taking a picture from behind. "Wha!?"
"Oh, sorry about that." He apologized as he grabbed the paper and the foreigner turned around.
"Who- Oh my gosh, it's Cat Noir!" The man announced in English.
Chat Noir blushed and nodded. "Yes, that's me. My apologies for the paper. I knocked it down when I wasn't paying attention." He explained when he realized his French apology probably didn't get through.
"Oh it's no problem. Since you're here, though, could I ask for a picture? My girlfriend will never believe I ran into you if I don't." He explained with a smirk. "You see she thought the Eiffel Tower was over-rated for sightseeing, and decided to go to the Grand Palais instead."
Chat laughed at the man's insinuation. "Well, as a Paris native, how could I allow such an insult to stand?" He then struck a very Chat Noir pose with his staff at the ready.
"Thank you very much!" The foreigner thanked looking every bit as excited as any fan.
"Of course, and don't forget the group shot." Chat snatched his phone and placed an arm around him. "To prove you met me?" He explained before pressing the shutter button.
"Chat Noir."
He jumped at the warning tone. Both men turned to see Ladybug with her arms crossed while gripping several crinkled pieces of newspaper. "Oh, hey milady, want in on the shot?"
"Chat, did you get all the pieces of paper?"
The cat hero blushed and pulled out the three he had. "Um… I think?"
"My apologies, but could I get one with both of you?" The tourist asked since he now had two heroes in front of him.
"I'm asking. Just a moment." Chat responded as he turned back to his partner. "Just one picture, milady? One of the papers hit him so I was letting him have a picture to make up for it."
Ladybug looked at the eager tourist and then glanced around. There were a few others in the area snapping photos, and it wouldn't be long before someone else approaches for the same thing. "Okay, one, but he better make it quick." Chat bounced his brows mischievously as he flashed the tourist a thumbs up. Ladybug reached for her yo-yo, but was cut off when Chat Noir suddenly grabbed and dipped her like they were dancing. He leaned down to kiss her, but she wasn't having any of it and pushed his face away with a roll of her eyes. "What did I tell you, Chat?"
"A cat can try…" He lamented as he straightened up and let her go.
"Now let's go. I want to show you something." She swung back up the tower before he could say anything else.
"Thank you so much!" The tourist called as Chat hopped up himself.
Ladybug was waiting for him with her yo-yo in communicator mode. "So, what's up, milady?"
"Look at this." She turned her screen to show a news posting. "I overheard some girls talking as I was picking up one of the pages from a tree."
"Gabriel's Show Stumbler: An accident? Or a case of runway envy." Chat read out with his expression growing more serious.
"It talks about the accident and how Lila actually tripped her during the show."
Chat took the device to see it better. "Huh? How could she? I mean, I was right there, and I never saw her move."
"Scroll down. They have a picture of it zoomed in." Chat did as he was told and found an up-close picture of Mandelle tripping. It was followed by a cropped portion showing her shoe caught on something but it was hard to tell. "According to the article, Lila is suspected of using something like clear packing tape. She placed some on the bottom of her shoe near the toe and left a little sticking out. Then she simply placed it in Mandelle's path so her shoe would stick on it. Since the butterfly dress is so long, it wouldn't have been hard to hide the tape."
Chat analyzed the photo and could see something with a slight shine near their feet. "I wouldn't put it past her to sabotage Mandelle. I knew she'd pulled something right after it happened." He spat in irritation.
"I thought the same thing especially when she threw a fit about going second back stage. Right now it's a growing story, but the comments are rolling in by the minute."
"This is definitely what had father so suddenly tense." Chat stood up and gestured in the direction of his house. "We should get back."
"Yeah, I want to try and catch Stephen if he's still there."
Both teens were now looking utterly mortified and regretful as Gabriel Agreste looked down on them. It was all a misunderstanding, but it's not like they could explain. As soon as they arrived back at the mansion, Nathalie was looking for them. She had been in Marinette's room, so Ladybug hopped into Adrien's room. With his body guard looking around, the only safe place to change back was his bathroom where Chat had already escaped to. Considering that Adrien was actually planning to go to the bathroom when she arrived, he was very much surprised to see her come through the window. That led to Marinette dashing out of the bathroom when she noticed and Adrien's bodyguard watching her leave with Adrien, whose pants were unzipped and sagging, calling after her over the misunderstanding he may have caused.
"I hope I don't need to explain why I'm disappointed in you, Adrien."
"No, father." The model responded with a sigh.
"You as well, Ms. Dupain-Cheng. Your parents left you in my care. Having a relationship with my son aside, I'm sure your parents would not be proud of you doing such things at your age."
Marinette nodded. "Of course not, Mr. Agreste." She answered though whether her mother actually cared or not was debatable. Sabine did have a tendency to insinuate she encouraged Marinette to be more physical with Adrien when he was at her home, and not just recently. The winks and letting him up in her room without a single question was just a bit of the evidence for that. Her father on the other hand… he'd be right in line with Mr. Agreste.
"This certainly doesn't need to become some sort of habit though I am grateful you chose a more private location this time." He then made a more pointed gaze to Adrien. "There will be no more of that for the time being, is that clear?"
"Father, I don't think-"
"Excuse me, Ms. Dupain-Cheng, but please go into the other room. Stephen is there waiting, and he will fill you in on what we've decided regarding Mandelle." Gabriel ordered at his son's attempt to argue. Adrien wasn't happy at being told how to be with his girlfriend even if he didn't plan to go that far at the moment. "Now, son," His father started once the two of them were alone.
"Please don't tell me there are rules for how I can be with my girlfriend, father. You can't expect me to-"
"Adrien, I want you to listen and not interrupt." Gabriel cut in with a pointed tone and a no nonsense expression. "Nathalie has already pointed out that the way I explain things doesn't always come out clearly, so I will take this moment to do so." He walked over to his desk. "I don't expect you listen at all if I were to restrict your relationship with Ms. Dupain-Cheng." He glanced back at his son who looked very confused. "I was young once too, and very in love with you mother. Don't look so surprised."
Adrien blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Um… Okay then… What was that for?" He asked pointing to the door.
"Of course that was my official stand on the matter. Her parents did entrust me with her care, and I can't, in good conscience, condone such explicit actions under my roof given the circumstances." He then reached into a drawer and pulled out a box. "Now with starting her career and your time in University, I don't believe having a child so early would be appropriate. That being said, I trust you would think more responsibly though I did plan ahead just in case. Personally I would be satisfied for you to at least wait until you've gotten engaged to make use of them, or until this whole matter with Mandelle and the show is settled if you can't manage that." He let out a sigh and handed Adrien the box. "But once again, I was young and in love once too, so I'll leave you with this and ask you be a bit more discrete. Also, make sure Ms. Dupain-Cheng is fully receptive to the idea before you start." He finished with a pointed tone and a stern expression. Adrien stared blankly at the box in his hand while his father made his way to the door. Something about this was all wrong, but he just couldn't put his finger on it. There was just no way his father just gave him a box of condoms basically telling him to go for it, but don't be obvious. That's not something his father would do. "By the way, I had Nathalie stock more in your bathroom just in case." Gabriel called before leaving the office.
Yes, Gabriel Agreste is an embarrassing father too, and he was so nice to have Marinette leave before talking to his son about it. The incident, caused by Marinette surprising him while he went to take a leak, could have been handled better if two things didn't happen. 1 - Marinette panicking at the idea of seeing him drop his pants without warning. 2 - Adrien didn't impulsively run after her thinking he'd done something wrong. Those two were made for each other.=^-^=
In regards to Ladybug's explanation above, I just wanted to clear this up in case it wasn't clear. She only decided to reveal herself simply because Adrien was being a little too obvious and only getting worse, as well as her own tendency to treat him like Chat Noir without thinking. With them both being aware of the other now, they can more actively avoid ousting themselves.
I also wanted to explain the thing with Lila tripping Mandelle. As someone who has moved at least a dozen times in my life, packing boxes is chaos. Paper and tape is everywhere, and I have gotten my shoe stick on packing tape more times then I can count. If you buy the good stuff, you have to actively tear it off or have it attached to something else to pull it off. She basically stuck the end of the tape and Mandelle stepped on it as she passed her and the shoe stuck enough to cause a stumble. (Clever and the evidence would generally be easy to dispose of... generally.)=^-^=