After work I scanned through several fashion shops. Jeans and a sweater were a big no-no in a place like Essence Brook. And so was my wardrobe. I sauntered between aisles of gowns at Seduce, my mind disregarding most.

A saleswoman with heavy makeup drew near, her voice sugar sweet, "Are you alright? What are you looking for?"

"Evening gown for a business meeting." Her eyes widened a fraction, I guess business meetings aren't usually conducted in gowns so I said, "Well, just a gown you know, for Essence Brook." Her eyes widened a fraction more at hearing a place where only the high-class could afford to mingle.

"Mmm. this would be good. or this." She flicked past various styles until she came across a black tube dress, the type that's in danger of leaving you naked by slipping. "This dress would look quite wonderful on your figure, fashionable. accentuating your curves." I had to admit, it was chic but the price? Oh well. I zipped my credit card through and drove home to prepare. makeup, hair, dressing. a lot of work.

Walking towards Hilton hotel, I wondered for the first time if this was a good idea. I never considered refusing the invitation. The thought of solving Chiharu's murder encompassed me, I was desperate enough to throw caution to the wind. But as I thought about it now, it seemed ludicrous that this unknown man would know anything that I didn't already know. There was also the jeopardy he could be the culprit. But to live life, you got to risk it.

I sashayed up the stairs and promptly the regal double doors glided inward to an impressive outlay. A glitzy passage led into another, then another and finally towards an escalator. Once up I found myself facing an arched entrance welcoming me into a glittering world of wealth, champagne and prosperity. Suddenly, it occurred to me that I had no idea where to find him. As I pondered over this reflection a footman sent me an inquiring glance, "Sakura Kinomoto?"

I murmured a demure "yes" and with a graceful gesture he directed the way. I was escorted amid crowded tables and posh chairs until we arrived at a secluded table cornered by two glass walls. They out looked an expanse of city lights and skyscrapers. The scene was breathtaking from such an altitude. Yet what drew my gaze was the man posed elegantly behind the table set for two. His eyes were glazed mystical brown, stark features daunting between attractiveness and pure danger. He lilted his lips into a coquette smile and raked his eyes over me.

"Beautiful," he whispered.

"Pardon?"

"The city view. It's beautiful don't you think?" His stare burned into mine and we both knew he wasn't speaking of city sights.

"Sure, beautiful. Uh. Mr.?" He didn't reply, only sat at ease, languidly relaxed. "If you recall, during our.conversation, you never mentioned your name." Still, no response. "Well?"

"Well Sakura Kinomoto, it seems as if I know yours and mine to you is yet to be known. Are you so desperate to know?"

Damn. That shut me up. "No sir, your charms need perfection shall I go to the extremes of desperation." I smiled innocently and proceeded, "You mentioned you had information of Chiharu Mihara's.death," the last word spoken in a hushed tone.

"Oui, but spare me for a while. I need to use the bathroom."

"You're not mine to spare." He smiled beguilingly and I returned one saturated with sarcasm. He shrugged and walked away.

I fought the urge to poke my tongue at his back but this was not the place. A waiter swished past with platters upon his palm, brushing Mr. Unknown's coat onto the carpet. He found himself in a predicament, unable to retrieve the coat. "It's okay, I'll get it."

I picked up the coat but as I draped it over the chair a single card slipped out. I saw a portrait on it. his face. and the name below could only be his. Keiji Morisato. My memory raced back two months. a network of drug dealers, all had been captured. except Morisato. He had disappeared. but he was here. with me. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. What am I doing with a missing drug lord? God help me.

I realised I was in danger of being caught staring at Keiji's ID card so hastily I replaced it and resumed my former position. My mind was a frenzied tangle, possibilities knotted through and through. But only one dawned with sufficient sense. but one I would rather not dwell on. Keiji arrived then, "Shall we resume our tête-à-tête?"

"Love to stay but something's come up," I muttered uncertainly with a waver in my voice.

"Nothing serious?" "No, no. just you know. sisterly problems." It was a lie and I knew it. I don't even have a sister.

"Better go help then? We'll meet again Sakura. Au revoir." I wanted to say that next we meet I'll be arresting him but of course, I didn't.