Chapter Two
The master was displeased.
Those four simple words were all that the staff of Letterman Estate needed to know in order to initiate code red. The essential purpose of this code is to avoid the fifty-year-old stout man they called their master. Avoid him at all costs. When he enters the same room, leave quietly and immediately. Don't get in his way and don't make eye contact. Don't speak unless being spoken to. A servant's cardinal rule under the employment of John Letterman was be silent and invisible at all costs. If you don't yield to it, you won't survive.
And at the moment, that rule applied more than ever.
"What the fuck do I pay you idiots for!" yelled a near livid red faced man into the receiver of his newest digital phone. Only the best could be tolerated for a billionaire like him. A chubby hand adorned with many fineries raked through a graying pile of red hair as the well known CEO of Siren Finance listened to the best defenses the stuttering man on the other line could put up.
"I don't give a shit even if your mother is on her death bed! FIND ME THE LEAK OR ELSE!" shouted John Letterman in his final remark before slamming down the receiver.
"Perhaps you should calm down Mr. Letterman." Warned a dashing ebony haired man swarming with the air of allure.
"Dam it! Don't tell me to calm down Mason!" shot back Letterman as he nervously began to pace on the plush fur carpet in his luxurious home office. "My whole fucking life depends on this!"
"I am quite aware of that Mr. Letterman, but tearing yourself apart emotionally is not going to help."
"Well, you're my fucking attorney, do something that WILL help!" cried Letterman in on the edge of panic.
"As you know, I am doing everything within my capability to lessen the charges." Explained a very collective Drake Mason as he began once again to shift through the documents. "But some of the evidence they pinned on you is simply irreversible."
"You're one of the most notorious attorneys around for God's sake! DO YOUR JOB!"
"As you are aware, I am. It seems that the best I could offer you is 10 years in prison with parole as opposed to the death penalty." Announced Mason, not losing an ounce of his collective demeanor.
"WHAT! That's the fucking news you came to tell me?" shrieked Letterman at the top of his lungs.
Suddenly his breath came in short gasps. Taking deep inhales to calm himself, the ruthless CEO sat down on his expensive leather couch, as if to allow all this to sink in. Slowly the blood began to drain from his face and his once usual quite healthy features turned paper white. It is rather hard to accept such a drastic change as to going from everything to nothing in merely 3 weeks.
An uncomfortable silence settled upon the room, predicting impending doom. However, Mason noticed nothing of the pressure as he continued to patiently wait for logic to once again rule his client's mind. At last, Letterman opened his mouth to release a large sigh as all the facts settled in.
"Is this final?" he asked in he's usual threateningly calm attitude.
"No, there are many facts that could change the outcome. This conclusion was based on the outcome of the executive party gathering the best evidence. A large portion also depends on the jury and the judge. However the final catalyst still remains on how convincing the executive attorney is."
Letterman nodded his head, as if taking all this in. "Who is the executive attorney?"
"Sakura Kinomoto of Tyler Lawfirm. You must be well aware of the rapidly expanding reputation of this firm. Sakura Kinomoto is said to be the top employee in the firm." Recited Mason easily. This information was embedded in his mind.
"And why isn't the Lawfirm leader himself, Mr. Tyler on this case?" asked Letterman more out of curiosity than insult as why the best wasn't assigned against him. Their underestimation was his gain. One of the chief rules of finance.
This was a fact that Mason had figured out the instant he got this information. "Because Jason Tyler has this impending desire to humiliate me." he sneered with distaste.
"Very well," accepted Letterman, "so how good is this Sakura Kinomoto? I've heard her name a couple times, but not enough to leave a lasting impression."
"According to the legal world, quite good." Replied Mason with a shrug. "But still young and inexperienced. Still a rookie."
"And with her given status, that is the best you could do for me?" asked Letterman with the start of incredulity.
"After Tyler, she is perhaps my most potential rival. If both she and Tyler were out of the way, I could get you off completely clean." Spoke Mason with the utmost sincerity.
"Really..?" Pondered Letterman. "If both were eliminated, all this could be wiped out of my life?"
"Yes I'm quite sure it is possible without any difficulty." Assured Mason with confidence. "As I told you, the major catalyst to your final verdict depends on the executive attorney."
"Good.." Letterman smiled in sinister amusement. "Perhaps I should take your advice..."
Mason raised an eyebrow in amused curiosity. "That is.?"
"You are yet young, Mr. Mason. Shall I say you are around...32?" predicted Letterman with his usual slow preciseness.
"Yes, I am turning 32 this fall." Agreed Drake Mason with a shake of his head, as if agreeing to some business deal.
"Then you don't know everything of the world yet." Proclaimed John Letterman with a cruel smile. "My golden rule is victory can be obtained in many ways, no matter the cost."
*~*
"Well, here is the way I see it," explained a tall strawberry blonde as she put down her glass of martini. "Best case scenario, you win the case, but you would be watching your back for a VERY long time. Worst case scenario, you lose the case, don't bother going to sleep at night."
"So you think I'm screwed either way?" asked Sakura with a raised eyebrow as she took sip of her nearly untouched martini glass. The banging music made it considerably hard to have an intellectual conversation, and the constant shouts of the raving crowd did nothing help the matter.
"No, no, no." defended the blonde, "I'm just saying that the end may not justify the means. John Letterman might be on death road right now, but that doesn't mean he's not going to haunt you from the grave."
"You think he has an heir or something to carry out his vendetta?" asked Sakura with an amused smirk. "Cheryl, I really don't think its going to get that intense."
"Fine, lets say the guy has no one left, don't you have Drake Mason to deal with afterwards?" pointed out Cheryl, the blonde. She flashed the bartender one of her winning smiles as she indicated for another glass to replace her current near empty one. The bartender, honored by such warm treatment from what appeared to be a supermodel, went to his duty eagerly.
Sakura rolled her eyes in exasperation. She might have known Cheryl Morris since high school, but the way she works guys with one single smile still annoyed and amazed her.
"What's to deal?" replied Sakura with a nonchalant shrug. "It's just a case. After this, he goes he's way and I go mine."
"Don't you think he's going to be looking for a way to publicly humiliate you if he lost to you, a supposed rookie, no offense." Hinted Cheryl.
"So what, if he wants a full scale battle, let him bring it on." Sakura proclaimed without fear. "Although I doubt he'd go into so much trouble to get to me. Don't forget, Tyler is first on his list if he's out for blood."
"Sakura." sighed Cheryl as she eyed her fourth glass of liquor with favor. "Sometimes your just way too bold."
"Well, you got to take risks in life" replied Sakura with a smirk. "And I'm a big risk taker."
"Alright.." Cheryl warned with one of her lighter tones, indicating she didn't approve, but accepted nonetheless. "I think a celebration is in order. To your new case, a golden opportunity." She raised her glass to indicate a toast.
"To my new case" agreed Sakura, raising her own. A light melodic click was heard amongst the heavy music as the two glasses came into contact. Both women drained their liquor, Cheryl taking in the whole glass with just one gulp.
"I think that guy is eyeing you Sakura" she smiled as she put down her glass to nod in the direction of the stare. "He's quite gorgeous. As tall, dark and handsome as they come."
"I've got work tomorrow" stated Sakura without even taking a glance at the mysterious stranger. A one-night stand is the last thing she needed right now with her constant fretting. And she certainly didn't need another friend trying to set her up, not that she can say Cheryl would be any successful at it. The supermodel's longest relationship EVER lasted for a month. She just fancied herself not the type of woman to be tied down to one man. Sakura could completely relate sometimes. Marriage is a commitment that neither woman was ready for.
"Suit yourself girl," Cheryl shrugged, "but I'm going for it. You know Sakura, one of these days, your going to fall hard for the guy that couldn't be more wrong for you."
Sakura laughed, not choosing to heed her old friend's comment as anything more but ridiculous.
*~*
Out of all the women he could have, Jason Tyler could never quite understand why he chose to go after the one he couldn't. Perhaps the concept of forbidden fruit intrigued him. Or is it perhaps the need for a challenge that drove him. But whatever it may be, he found the object of his thoughts constantly brought back to one woman. Sakura Kinomoto. His taboo.
Although it is generally not a good idea for employers to have sexual relationships with employees, in Jason's opinion, whoever invented that rule could take it and shove it up their ass. He could care less. If he sees a woman he likes, he takes her. That's the way it is. End of conversation.
But again, this whole concept comes back to the point of her. Jason has been attracted to many women before, and he had them all. In the end, they were all the same, beautiful, but completely brainless. They were like a glamour that faded away after a while. So he supposed that the whole concept of having a brain is partially the reason he was so attracted to Sakura ever since she started work in his Lawfirm two years ago.
However, despite telling Andrew it was her looks, brain, and ambition that so attracted him to Kinomoto, he himself was still in doubt if that was the whole of it. Certainly there were countless women out there with her same qualities, and he, Jason Tyler, one of the most eligible bachelors in America, could certainly have any one of them. But just not Kinomoto. Why?
Simple. She didn't like him back. This mixed in with the fact that she was THE ice queen, she was the best his firm had to offer, and she was strictly against mixing work and personal relationships, made a whole very complicated situation. Besides, it would be too much for Jason's pride to be turned down by any woman. So thus came the scheming and waiting, a technique he was well known for in the legal world.
And it was about time that he transferred his known talent to personal use.
"What are you thinking about honey?" cooed a pretty brunet in her over- honeyed tone. Same hair, eye color, and size as Kinomoto, yet it just didn't feel the slight bit satisfying.
"About how beautiful you are" he replied smoothly, bending down to kiss her neck among the silky bed sheets. The brunet giggled in pleasure while wrapping her hands around his neck as his lips slowly trailed down to her breasts.
Yet another conquest easily achieved. No sweat.
*~*
This was the room of fate. The room that first received all potential targets. The room that decided whether a life shall be taken or left alone.
The room that served as the head office for one of the most notorious crime organizations in the world. The Li Foundation.
"Mr. Li, as you know, I am a very able customer. I would like this done as fast as possible with the utmost silent convenience." Boomed a voice over the black speaker. A custom telephone design of the organization, years ahead in technology than the rest of the world.
"That is the way this foundation operates Mr. Letterman." Replied an icy smooth velvet tone from deep within the shadows of the lightless room. The moon illuminated a soft white glow, penetrating the thick glass of the large Victorian window to shine upon the documents on the sophisticated oak desk.
"Good. I knew I could depend on you. The Li Foundation has never disappointed me yet. I care not for the fee you charge, but I would like the job done by your best man." Letterman stated with the utmost demand.
"It shall be arranged."
"Good. I'm glad to hear." Approved Letterman with a degree of desperation that very few could depict. Unfortunately, the man within the shadows was one of these few.
"The name and identify of your target?" asked the cold tone.
"Kinomoto. Sakura Kinomoto of Taylor Lawfirm."
*~*
"I don't know Tomi..." answered a nervous Sakura over the phone. The shuffling of papers could be distinctly heard in the background.
"Nonsense." Stated Tomoyo with command. "You are coming and that's the end of that."
"If you don't mind, I would sort of like to be in charge of my own activities" replied Sakura with sarcasm.
"If you were, you would likely never see the lights of pleasure again." Tomoyo announced while brushing her long raven hair with one hand. "You know Sakura, too much work can't be good for you. What kind of a best friend would I be if I let you work yourself to death."
"I'm fine" assured Sakura with frustration. After working for three straight hours, she has yet not come up with a single piece of new hard evidence or any clue as to whom the leak might be.
"You sound mad. See, some time off would be good for you. After all, you're not due in court for another month, ample of time by then. Just come out with us and clear your head. I promise you won't regret it." Pleaded Tomoyo with a smile, knowing the result already.
"Fine.." Sighed Sakura. She could use a break. This frustration was getting her nowhere.
"Great!" cheered Tomoyo with glee. "Get dressed fast. Michael and me will be by to pick you up in half an hour. Oh we're going to have SO much fun Sakura!"
"Its just a new underground dance club" murmured Sakura. "Can't imagine what's so exciting."
"Correction, it is THE hottest new club. I'm just so glad Michael thought to get us invitations. As the old saying goes, anyone who is ANYONE will be there!"
"Just a new underground dance club for the rich. So what else is new."
"Sakura, if your going to go out and have fun, you have to lighten your mood." Warned Tomoyo with a frown. "Besides, maybe you'll even see your boss there. He is, after all, an well-acclaimed playboy. Hey, maybe you two could even hook up!"
"Tomi, I'm not even going to start explaining the degree of wrong in there."
"Okay, okay. I get it!" acclaimed Tomoyo with laughter. "But you never know, tonight might be just the night you meat your special someone."
"Sure" replied Sakura. "Whatever makes you happy." Although it wouldn't be so bad for herself either.
*~*
Eriol glanced once again at the picture of his new target. Sakura Kinomoto.
"Sure is a beauty." He murmured to himself as his gaze fixed on her cool emerald eyes. "Too bad she has to die within a week." The lights turned green as he pulled his attention away from the picture and sped his black Mercedes down the street.
Although Eriol knew it was not his place to ask what these people were killed for, he could not but sometimes ponder. He hypothesized that Kinomoto was either wanted dead for knowing too much or presenting too much of a threat legally. The confidence in her eyes showed him that much and her reputation as a charismatic lawyer solidified his prediction. Eriol figured this might in end come down to her brewing in a case that involves a very influential client. Too bad she won't live to finish her work. Women like her were in short supply in modern society.
As the houses and trees blurred passed him, Eriol went through his usual logic before reaching a target.
'Sakura Kinomoto was a young woman with influence. She had a tight circle of exceptionally influential friends such as Tomoyo Daidouji and Michael Stanley. So where would she be an a Friday night amongst such friends? Given she was a workaholic, but her best friend Daidouji is known as a party animal. So where would two chics with power go on this Friday night?'
Eriol smiled with a predatory glint in his eyes as the Mercedes made a sharp left turn, sending the car behind him in a honking frenzy.
"Why at the opening night of Club De Rose of course" he stated aloud with a laugh. "Anyone who is anyone will be there."
This mission is going to be a piece of cake.
The master was displeased.
Those four simple words were all that the staff of Letterman Estate needed to know in order to initiate code red. The essential purpose of this code is to avoid the fifty-year-old stout man they called their master. Avoid him at all costs. When he enters the same room, leave quietly and immediately. Don't get in his way and don't make eye contact. Don't speak unless being spoken to. A servant's cardinal rule under the employment of John Letterman was be silent and invisible at all costs. If you don't yield to it, you won't survive.
And at the moment, that rule applied more than ever.
"What the fuck do I pay you idiots for!" yelled a near livid red faced man into the receiver of his newest digital phone. Only the best could be tolerated for a billionaire like him. A chubby hand adorned with many fineries raked through a graying pile of red hair as the well known CEO of Siren Finance listened to the best defenses the stuttering man on the other line could put up.
"I don't give a shit even if your mother is on her death bed! FIND ME THE LEAK OR ELSE!" shouted John Letterman in his final remark before slamming down the receiver.
"Perhaps you should calm down Mr. Letterman." Warned a dashing ebony haired man swarming with the air of allure.
"Dam it! Don't tell me to calm down Mason!" shot back Letterman as he nervously began to pace on the plush fur carpet in his luxurious home office. "My whole fucking life depends on this!"
"I am quite aware of that Mr. Letterman, but tearing yourself apart emotionally is not going to help."
"Well, you're my fucking attorney, do something that WILL help!" cried Letterman in on the edge of panic.
"As you know, I am doing everything within my capability to lessen the charges." Explained a very collective Drake Mason as he began once again to shift through the documents. "But some of the evidence they pinned on you is simply irreversible."
"You're one of the most notorious attorneys around for God's sake! DO YOUR JOB!"
"As you are aware, I am. It seems that the best I could offer you is 10 years in prison with parole as opposed to the death penalty." Announced Mason, not losing an ounce of his collective demeanor.
"WHAT! That's the fucking news you came to tell me?" shrieked Letterman at the top of his lungs.
Suddenly his breath came in short gasps. Taking deep inhales to calm himself, the ruthless CEO sat down on his expensive leather couch, as if to allow all this to sink in. Slowly the blood began to drain from his face and his once usual quite healthy features turned paper white. It is rather hard to accept such a drastic change as to going from everything to nothing in merely 3 weeks.
An uncomfortable silence settled upon the room, predicting impending doom. However, Mason noticed nothing of the pressure as he continued to patiently wait for logic to once again rule his client's mind. At last, Letterman opened his mouth to release a large sigh as all the facts settled in.
"Is this final?" he asked in he's usual threateningly calm attitude.
"No, there are many facts that could change the outcome. This conclusion was based on the outcome of the executive party gathering the best evidence. A large portion also depends on the jury and the judge. However the final catalyst still remains on how convincing the executive attorney is."
Letterman nodded his head, as if taking all this in. "Who is the executive attorney?"
"Sakura Kinomoto of Tyler Lawfirm. You must be well aware of the rapidly expanding reputation of this firm. Sakura Kinomoto is said to be the top employee in the firm." Recited Mason easily. This information was embedded in his mind.
"And why isn't the Lawfirm leader himself, Mr. Tyler on this case?" asked Letterman more out of curiosity than insult as why the best wasn't assigned against him. Their underestimation was his gain. One of the chief rules of finance.
This was a fact that Mason had figured out the instant he got this information. "Because Jason Tyler has this impending desire to humiliate me." he sneered with distaste.
"Very well," accepted Letterman, "so how good is this Sakura Kinomoto? I've heard her name a couple times, but not enough to leave a lasting impression."
"According to the legal world, quite good." Replied Mason with a shrug. "But still young and inexperienced. Still a rookie."
"And with her given status, that is the best you could do for me?" asked Letterman with the start of incredulity.
"After Tyler, she is perhaps my most potential rival. If both she and Tyler were out of the way, I could get you off completely clean." Spoke Mason with the utmost sincerity.
"Really..?" Pondered Letterman. "If both were eliminated, all this could be wiped out of my life?"
"Yes I'm quite sure it is possible without any difficulty." Assured Mason with confidence. "As I told you, the major catalyst to your final verdict depends on the executive attorney."
"Good.." Letterman smiled in sinister amusement. "Perhaps I should take your advice..."
Mason raised an eyebrow in amused curiosity. "That is.?"
"You are yet young, Mr. Mason. Shall I say you are around...32?" predicted Letterman with his usual slow preciseness.
"Yes, I am turning 32 this fall." Agreed Drake Mason with a shake of his head, as if agreeing to some business deal.
"Then you don't know everything of the world yet." Proclaimed John Letterman with a cruel smile. "My golden rule is victory can be obtained in many ways, no matter the cost."
*~*
"Well, here is the way I see it," explained a tall strawberry blonde as she put down her glass of martini. "Best case scenario, you win the case, but you would be watching your back for a VERY long time. Worst case scenario, you lose the case, don't bother going to sleep at night."
"So you think I'm screwed either way?" asked Sakura with a raised eyebrow as she took sip of her nearly untouched martini glass. The banging music made it considerably hard to have an intellectual conversation, and the constant shouts of the raving crowd did nothing help the matter.
"No, no, no." defended the blonde, "I'm just saying that the end may not justify the means. John Letterman might be on death road right now, but that doesn't mean he's not going to haunt you from the grave."
"You think he has an heir or something to carry out his vendetta?" asked Sakura with an amused smirk. "Cheryl, I really don't think its going to get that intense."
"Fine, lets say the guy has no one left, don't you have Drake Mason to deal with afterwards?" pointed out Cheryl, the blonde. She flashed the bartender one of her winning smiles as she indicated for another glass to replace her current near empty one. The bartender, honored by such warm treatment from what appeared to be a supermodel, went to his duty eagerly.
Sakura rolled her eyes in exasperation. She might have known Cheryl Morris since high school, but the way she works guys with one single smile still annoyed and amazed her.
"What's to deal?" replied Sakura with a nonchalant shrug. "It's just a case. After this, he goes he's way and I go mine."
"Don't you think he's going to be looking for a way to publicly humiliate you if he lost to you, a supposed rookie, no offense." Hinted Cheryl.
"So what, if he wants a full scale battle, let him bring it on." Sakura proclaimed without fear. "Although I doubt he'd go into so much trouble to get to me. Don't forget, Tyler is first on his list if he's out for blood."
"Sakura." sighed Cheryl as she eyed her fourth glass of liquor with favor. "Sometimes your just way too bold."
"Well, you got to take risks in life" replied Sakura with a smirk. "And I'm a big risk taker."
"Alright.." Cheryl warned with one of her lighter tones, indicating she didn't approve, but accepted nonetheless. "I think a celebration is in order. To your new case, a golden opportunity." She raised her glass to indicate a toast.
"To my new case" agreed Sakura, raising her own. A light melodic click was heard amongst the heavy music as the two glasses came into contact. Both women drained their liquor, Cheryl taking in the whole glass with just one gulp.
"I think that guy is eyeing you Sakura" she smiled as she put down her glass to nod in the direction of the stare. "He's quite gorgeous. As tall, dark and handsome as they come."
"I've got work tomorrow" stated Sakura without even taking a glance at the mysterious stranger. A one-night stand is the last thing she needed right now with her constant fretting. And she certainly didn't need another friend trying to set her up, not that she can say Cheryl would be any successful at it. The supermodel's longest relationship EVER lasted for a month. She just fancied herself not the type of woman to be tied down to one man. Sakura could completely relate sometimes. Marriage is a commitment that neither woman was ready for.
"Suit yourself girl," Cheryl shrugged, "but I'm going for it. You know Sakura, one of these days, your going to fall hard for the guy that couldn't be more wrong for you."
Sakura laughed, not choosing to heed her old friend's comment as anything more but ridiculous.
*~*
Out of all the women he could have, Jason Tyler could never quite understand why he chose to go after the one he couldn't. Perhaps the concept of forbidden fruit intrigued him. Or is it perhaps the need for a challenge that drove him. But whatever it may be, he found the object of his thoughts constantly brought back to one woman. Sakura Kinomoto. His taboo.
Although it is generally not a good idea for employers to have sexual relationships with employees, in Jason's opinion, whoever invented that rule could take it and shove it up their ass. He could care less. If he sees a woman he likes, he takes her. That's the way it is. End of conversation.
But again, this whole concept comes back to the point of her. Jason has been attracted to many women before, and he had them all. In the end, they were all the same, beautiful, but completely brainless. They were like a glamour that faded away after a while. So he supposed that the whole concept of having a brain is partially the reason he was so attracted to Sakura ever since she started work in his Lawfirm two years ago.
However, despite telling Andrew it was her looks, brain, and ambition that so attracted him to Kinomoto, he himself was still in doubt if that was the whole of it. Certainly there were countless women out there with her same qualities, and he, Jason Tyler, one of the most eligible bachelors in America, could certainly have any one of them. But just not Kinomoto. Why?
Simple. She didn't like him back. This mixed in with the fact that she was THE ice queen, she was the best his firm had to offer, and she was strictly against mixing work and personal relationships, made a whole very complicated situation. Besides, it would be too much for Jason's pride to be turned down by any woman. So thus came the scheming and waiting, a technique he was well known for in the legal world.
And it was about time that he transferred his known talent to personal use.
"What are you thinking about honey?" cooed a pretty brunet in her over- honeyed tone. Same hair, eye color, and size as Kinomoto, yet it just didn't feel the slight bit satisfying.
"About how beautiful you are" he replied smoothly, bending down to kiss her neck among the silky bed sheets. The brunet giggled in pleasure while wrapping her hands around his neck as his lips slowly trailed down to her breasts.
Yet another conquest easily achieved. No sweat.
*~*
This was the room of fate. The room that first received all potential targets. The room that decided whether a life shall be taken or left alone.
The room that served as the head office for one of the most notorious crime organizations in the world. The Li Foundation.
"Mr. Li, as you know, I am a very able customer. I would like this done as fast as possible with the utmost silent convenience." Boomed a voice over the black speaker. A custom telephone design of the organization, years ahead in technology than the rest of the world.
"That is the way this foundation operates Mr. Letterman." Replied an icy smooth velvet tone from deep within the shadows of the lightless room. The moon illuminated a soft white glow, penetrating the thick glass of the large Victorian window to shine upon the documents on the sophisticated oak desk.
"Good. I knew I could depend on you. The Li Foundation has never disappointed me yet. I care not for the fee you charge, but I would like the job done by your best man." Letterman stated with the utmost demand.
"It shall be arranged."
"Good. I'm glad to hear." Approved Letterman with a degree of desperation that very few could depict. Unfortunately, the man within the shadows was one of these few.
"The name and identify of your target?" asked the cold tone.
"Kinomoto. Sakura Kinomoto of Taylor Lawfirm."
*~*
"I don't know Tomi..." answered a nervous Sakura over the phone. The shuffling of papers could be distinctly heard in the background.
"Nonsense." Stated Tomoyo with command. "You are coming and that's the end of that."
"If you don't mind, I would sort of like to be in charge of my own activities" replied Sakura with sarcasm.
"If you were, you would likely never see the lights of pleasure again." Tomoyo announced while brushing her long raven hair with one hand. "You know Sakura, too much work can't be good for you. What kind of a best friend would I be if I let you work yourself to death."
"I'm fine" assured Sakura with frustration. After working for three straight hours, she has yet not come up with a single piece of new hard evidence or any clue as to whom the leak might be.
"You sound mad. See, some time off would be good for you. After all, you're not due in court for another month, ample of time by then. Just come out with us and clear your head. I promise you won't regret it." Pleaded Tomoyo with a smile, knowing the result already.
"Fine.." Sighed Sakura. She could use a break. This frustration was getting her nowhere.
"Great!" cheered Tomoyo with glee. "Get dressed fast. Michael and me will be by to pick you up in half an hour. Oh we're going to have SO much fun Sakura!"
"Its just a new underground dance club" murmured Sakura. "Can't imagine what's so exciting."
"Correction, it is THE hottest new club. I'm just so glad Michael thought to get us invitations. As the old saying goes, anyone who is ANYONE will be there!"
"Just a new underground dance club for the rich. So what else is new."
"Sakura, if your going to go out and have fun, you have to lighten your mood." Warned Tomoyo with a frown. "Besides, maybe you'll even see your boss there. He is, after all, an well-acclaimed playboy. Hey, maybe you two could even hook up!"
"Tomi, I'm not even going to start explaining the degree of wrong in there."
"Okay, okay. I get it!" acclaimed Tomoyo with laughter. "But you never know, tonight might be just the night you meat your special someone."
"Sure" replied Sakura. "Whatever makes you happy." Although it wouldn't be so bad for herself either.
*~*
Eriol glanced once again at the picture of his new target. Sakura Kinomoto.
"Sure is a beauty." He murmured to himself as his gaze fixed on her cool emerald eyes. "Too bad she has to die within a week." The lights turned green as he pulled his attention away from the picture and sped his black Mercedes down the street.
Although Eriol knew it was not his place to ask what these people were killed for, he could not but sometimes ponder. He hypothesized that Kinomoto was either wanted dead for knowing too much or presenting too much of a threat legally. The confidence in her eyes showed him that much and her reputation as a charismatic lawyer solidified his prediction. Eriol figured this might in end come down to her brewing in a case that involves a very influential client. Too bad she won't live to finish her work. Women like her were in short supply in modern society.
As the houses and trees blurred passed him, Eriol went through his usual logic before reaching a target.
'Sakura Kinomoto was a young woman with influence. She had a tight circle of exceptionally influential friends such as Tomoyo Daidouji and Michael Stanley. So where would she be an a Friday night amongst such friends? Given she was a workaholic, but her best friend Daidouji is known as a party animal. So where would two chics with power go on this Friday night?'
Eriol smiled with a predatory glint in his eyes as the Mercedes made a sharp left turn, sending the car behind him in a honking frenzy.
"Why at the opening night of Club De Rose of course" he stated aloud with a laugh. "Anyone who is anyone will be there."
This mission is going to be a piece of cake.