Wrongfully Accused
Chapter Eighteen
'He kissed me.' The thought ran over and over again in her mind as she ran over her cheek. 'No, it's impossible. My mind was playing tricks on me.' "He was playing a trick on me." Quistis said quietly to herself. 'But he was so sincere before.' "Sincere? This is Seifer I'm talking about!"
"Talking about what?" Rinoa asked turning to look at her confused friend.
"Nothing, I was just talking to myself." Quistis dismissed the brunettes concern as she stared out of the hotel room window.
"Do you really think this will work?" Selphie asked as she continued to examine the small key card in her hands. Quistis had told both girls about the key card and everything else she knew so far, excluding the details about Seifer. Hoping that this could be the break they needed Selphie had contacted Squall and Irvine. Both had agreed to meet in Quistis' hotel room in an hour, but Selphie had, so far, been unable to contact Zell.
"I just hope he doesn't go missing as well." Rinoa sighed.
"Nah, we can expect these things from Zell. He'll turn up soon." Selphie tossed the key card onto the bedside table, then through herself across the bed. "Shouldn't they be here by now?" She yawned.
"Now that's a sight a man can be glad to come home to." Irvine said as he walked through the door, winking cheekily at Selphie. She growled in mock anger as she grabbed his hat from his hands and tossed it across the room. "Easy Selph, it was just a joke."
"Quit playing around. We have work to do." Squall snapped as he walked through the door. "Quistis, where the hell have you been?"
"I've been following a lead sir." Although they very rarely referred to Squall in such a formal manner, Quistis did not want to push her luck.
"Sir, Quistis has information on the murders. I think this could be the answer."
"What is it?" He asked, quickly forgetting about Quistis' recent disappearance.
"It appears to be a key card." Quistis stated.
"For a bank or something?" Irvine asked, his arm draped casually over Selphie's shoulders.
" I'm not sure what it is used for."
"Where did you find it?" Squall asked.
"Daniel Lait sir. He acquired it from the evidence room. It was found at the crime scene."
"Why wasn't it reported?"
"There have been many items of evidence reported missing. There was some confusion down at the station recently."
"So that was the evidence you where investigating." Rinoa exclaimed.
"What?" Quistis blinked in confusion.
"Danny said something about a piece of evidence you were looking into, that's it isn't it?"
"What? Oh, umm, yes that's it." 'When did they talk to Danny?"
"Never mind all that." Squall interrupted. "Irvine, take this down to the crime lab. Have them figure out what it's for, but don't tell them where we got it from."
"Gotcha, when do you want me to go?"
"Now. The sooner we find out the sooner this will be over."
"Fine, cya." Irvine gave Selphie a quick kiss on the cheek before running out of the room. This simple action caused Quistis' mind to wander. 'Maybe he wasn't playing around. Maybe he was trying to tell me something.'
"Quistis! I need to speak with you." Squall said after the others had left. "I thought you'd be the last person I would have to reprimand for disobeying garden protocol. What the hell where you thinking?"
"I wasn't thinking sir."
"Where were you?"
"I went to question a few people, I guess I got carried away."
"Carried away? A few hours is getting carried away, a whole day is fucking ridiculous!"
"I'm not a child Squall, I can take care of myself!"
"....... I'm sorry, this mission is getting to all of us. We were just worried."
"I no, it won't happen again."
"I know it won't, but I'm afraid I can't simply ignore this."
"........?"
"Garden rules state that abandoning your team means you must be placed on immediate suspension..."
"I didn't abandon anyone!" Quistis said, her eyes widening at his accusations.
"I know that, but Garden still see's it as you going AWOL."
"Garden? You contacted Balamb?!"
"I had to. I don't like this anymore than you Quistis, but I don't have a choice."
"But what about the mission?"
"Your suspension won't be enforced until we return to garden, but for security reasons I'm going to have to ask you to stay in this room until given a specific order to do otherwise."
"This is ridiculous! I was just doing my job for Hyne's sake!"
"Quistis...."
"Why didn't you do something!? You're the commander of this fucking team!" Quistis yelled. She new she was overreacting, but at that moment she didn't care.
"Do you think I wanted this to happen!?" Squall yelled back, he was not going to allow himself look like the bad guy simply to cover up Gardens mistake. "I fought like hell for you, but there's only so much I can do!"
"I..."
"The truth is Quistis you screwed up and now you have to pay the price. If there was something I could do you know damn well that I would do it!"
"................."
Realising he wasn't going to get a response, Squall turned and headed for the door.
"Squall!" He turned around to face her. "What do you plan to do now."
"End this thing as soon as I can." With that he quickly walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.
____________________________
"Your kidding!!" Leanne said in disbelief.
"I wish. I'm surprised Cid didn't suspend me." Zell exclaimed.
"I don't believe it."
"It's true."
"20 or 30 is believable, but 140 hotdogs. No way!"
"You don't believe me just ask Quistis. She was the one who found them."
"That's just inhuman. You're unbelievable."
"Why thank you."
"I didn't mean it as a compliment."
"Well that's how I'm going to take it."
"You just live in your own little world don't you."
"Sure do, restricted access to non personnel."
"I'm hurt, so I'm not allowed in." Leanne said in mock hurt.
"Well, maybe a temporary pass."
"Haha, you're completely nuts."
"You noticed?" Zell stared ahead as they walked through the park area. It was almost dark and he had practically forgotten about his mission, but at that moment he didn't really care.
"Ah, I should really be going." Leanne muttered.
"Wha? why?!"
"I have to get dressed, for the banquet."
"Oh SHIT!! I completely forgot about that. Squall's gonna kill me Wait, you're going too?"
"Yeah, a friend of a friend's got connections, if you know what I mean."
"Really? Cool, I'll see you there then." Zell made no attempt to hide his excitement.
Leanne couldn't help but laugh at his childish actions. "I guess so, look forward to it."
"Yeah same." A short silence fell between them before Zell looked at his watch and shot off in the opposite direction. "I'll see you at the banquet!"
Leanne's smile quickly fell as she remembered why she had gotten the invitation in the first place. 'This is perfect. It's the perfect excuse to get close to Quistis and find out what she's up to. This is exactly what I wanted to happen. Isn't it?'
___________________________
Zell ran into the hallway just as Selphie stepped out of her room. "Wow Selph, that skirt actually hits the floor. This is the first time I've seen you without your legs."
"Zell this isn't time for jokes. Squall is seriously pissed."
"I'm sorry I lost track of time."
"Hurry up and get dressed. We're supposed to meet in the lobby in 5 minutes."
"Dressed?! Shit, I forgot to pick up my suit."
"Don't worry, Rinoa picked it up for you. It's in your room."
"Remind me to thank her later."
"You won't be able to thank anyone if you're in hospital, which is exactly where Squall's going to send you if you don't hurry." Selphie shook her head as he ran into his room. She stepped towards the room opposite hers and knocked.
"Who is it?"
"It's Selphie."
"The door's unlocked."
Selphie walked into the dimly lit room. She sighed at the sight of Quistis standing at the window, looking out at the city lights. She looked as though she was about to cry.
"I know why you're here, and the answer is no."
"But Quistis, you have to come, it's part of our mission."
"No, it's part of your mission."
"But I thought you weren't suspended until we got back to Garden."
"No I'm not officially suspended until then. I still have to stay locked up in here like an animal until we return home."
"But Squall gave you permission to attend. I thought you'd be happy."
"Happy? Happy that the only contribution I can make to this fucking mission is my 'charming' personality?! Happy that I'm practically a liability? Why the fuck should I be happy about that!" Quistis yelled after spinning around to face her.
"That's not true, we wouldn't have our current leads if it wasn't for you." Selphie pleaded.
"And what if these leads fall through? What then!?"
"We'll find something else and.."
"And I'll be left here to pass the time with complimentary mints and a fucking mini bar!"
Selphie looked down at the floor. She had come in hopes of bringing a smile to the tormented SeeD's face, but she had only made things worse. "I'm sorry Quistis. I wish I knew what you were going through."
"No you don't."
"."
"Your going to be late."
"I'll ask them to wait in case you change your mind."
"Don't bother." Quistis snapped as she returned her gaze to the view outside the window. Selphie quietly walked out of the door, but not before leaving Quistis' invitation on the night stand.
_____________________________________
"Zell stop fidgeting." Rinoa snapped as she tried to secure his bow tie.
"You're cutting off the circulation to my head."
"That's supposed to happen."
"Since when."
"Since always."
"I can't breath!"
"Good, then you won't be able to talk!"
Irvine gave a crooked smile when the two teens began to wrestle with each other as Zell tried to remove the tie from around his constricted neck. His expression quickly changed as he saw Selphie step out of the elevator, her arms wrapped around her chest as if trying to protect herself. He quickly walked over to her before she reached the group. "Selph?"
"She isn't coming." She said as she stared at the floor.
"It's okay Selph." Irvine put his arm around her small shoulders. "It's probably for the best. I doubt she'd be the life of the party at the moment."
"I can't stand the thought of her sitting up there by herself. I'm worried about her."
"We all are darlin', but you know Quistis. She'll pull through. She always does."
"No Irvine you don't understand. There's more to it."
"Like what?"
"I I cant' say."
"Selph, you can tell me anything."
Selphie opened her mouth to tell him about Seifer, but the sound of Zell's voice stopped her. "Hey, is Quistis coming or not?"
"Zell!! How's about a little sensitivity?" Rinoa snapped.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that."
"It's all right Zell." Selphie sighed, glad that he'd stopped her from saying anything. "We should get going."
"So she's not coming?" Rinoa asked, her eyes wide with disappointment. Selphie shook her head before wrapping her arms around Irvine's waist and placing her head on his chest.
"All right, let's go, we're late enough as it is." Squall said, pushing himself out of a chair.
"Wait." Selphie pleaded. "I said we'd wait in case she changed her mind."
"She's not going to change her mind Selphie." Squall said. "Irvine, you've got the invitations?"
"Right here." He said patting his breast pocket.
"Good, let's go."
"Come on Selph." Irvine whispered in her ear. "Quistis wouldn't want you to go to a party in a mood like this would she?"
".."
"She could still turn up later."
"I doubt it." Selphie walked off to catch up with the others.
"So do I." Irvine whispered to himself before running after her.
_________________________________
"Where the hell are you gonna go?" Raijin asked.
"I dunno, Esther probably. Maybe Dollet." Seifer said as he shoved the few weapons Raijin had into his bag.
"Maybe you should stick around. The instructor might still come through for you."
"Yeah, maybe. And maybe she's already got half of the fucking Galbadian military on to me."
"I don't think Quistis would do that ya know."
"I can't afford to stick around and find out."
"So you just gonna give up. Live the rest of your life on the run."
"I don't have a choice. I only had one thing that could have cleared my name, and I gave it to that bitch. What the hell was I thinking!" Seifer slammed his fist down on the table near the bed, causing the glass top to crack.
"What exactly happened."
"I panicked, that's what happened."
"No, before that. Why did you tell the instructor about.... You know."
"I don't know. I guess for a second I thought I could trust her."
"What made you change your mind?"
"Common sense." Seifer sighed and continued to pack his bag in silence. Raijin watched his friend for some time before speaking.
"Since when did you ignore your instincts?"
"What?"
"Your initial instincts were to trust her right? You've told me many times that your instincts are never wrong. Why the change of heart."
"This isn't like a fucking SeeD exam. I've got more to loose than just my life."
".................." Suddenly Raijin stood up and threw Seifer's bag across the room.
"Wha?!"
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Raijin yelled. "You come here asking for help and yet when it's offered to you you don't accept it."
"..............."
"I don't blame you for not trusting Quistis. But what the hell have you got to gain by keeping secrets from me!?"
"Don't start!"
"Fuck you!! What do you think I am!? Stupid!? Hell, why not, everybody else does."
"Shut up! You want the neighbors to call the cops!?"
"You think I can't tell that you're still hiding something?!"
"It's none of your fucking business."
"You're just being your usual arrogant self. To proud to admit that you can't do this on your own."
"You're full of shit! I came here didn't I?!"
"Yeah, expecting me to just stay out of your way and let you take care of everything! Well I've got news for you, I can't just sit around and watch my best friend get killed!"
"Yeah, well I refuse to risk your life by getting you involved. This is my problem and I'll deal with it by myself!!"
"It's my choice whether or not I get involved!!"
"Like hell it is!!" Seifer yelled out, no longer caring if the neighbors heard.
"Why don't you just admit it! You're scared!"
"No, I'm just sick and tired of having to answer to you! Since when did you have the right to control........." Seifer flew across the room as a fist connected roughly with his chin. He looked up at Raijin who was panting heavily and holding a bloody fist. Without thinking Seifer ran forward and punched him in the lower stomach. Raijin began to fall forward but Seifer grabbed him by the collar and threw him against the wall. He was about to throw another punch but Raijin dodged causing his fist to hit the wall.
They continued to fight for some time, neither willing to admit defeat. Finally, after the two were close to loosing consciousness, they each collapsed in a breathless heap on opposite sides of Seifer's room. Slowly Raijin raised his bloody head to stare at his battered friend. Seifer stared back at him, keeping eye contact until Raijin finally spoke.
"I... just don't wanna... see you get... hurt." Raijin managed to say, finding it hard to breath and talk at the same time.
"This.... is my problem. I shouldn't..... shouldn't have come here in the first place."
"Like hell."
"You're saying... you're glad I came and... fucked up your life."
"No but..."
"But what?"
Both took a moment to catch their breath. Seconds later Raijin started to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"You must really like her."
".................?"
"She is driving you out of town after all."
"Get fucked." Seifer laughed.
"Good to see you can still take a joke."
"At least one of us has a sense of humor." Seifer reached into his back pocket a pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He placed the tip of one in his mouth and looked around for his lighter.
"Those things are gonna kill you ya know." Raijin said as he threw a box of matches over to him.
"My life story. Everything I do is bound to kill me eventually." He said as he lit the cigarette.
"Says who?"
"Practically everyone. Haven't you heard? I'm a walking disaster."
"Ha, yeah I heard." Raijin walked over and sat beside him. "Don't be stingy, give us one."
"You don't smoke."
"Neither do you."
"Good point." Seifer threw the packet onto Raijin's lap.
"Do you think you're gonna get out of this alive."
"................"
"I'll take that as a no."
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Please review, I should have the next chapter finished in about a week.