Ch. 7
It was late at night. But the mansion was still buzzing with activity. Officer Turner waved towards the items placed on the table. "U4-AC Precision Rifle, Guruv Handgun, gundanium alloy knifes, sleeping gas, flash bombs, explosives, rope, mini-computer, hydrogen potassium, phone." He listed. "In short, this guy is a walking armory."
"I see." Murmured Treize. He looked at the weapons and than looked behind him at Anne. She was yelling at some of the soldiers for letting the assassin get into the estate.
"His physical condition is excellent. He is no doubt a professional killer." Continued Turner. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black metal device about the size of his hand. "We also found this scrambler. It created a gap in the laser alarm which allowed him penetrate the first defense line. He knocked out those three sentries with sleeping gas and destroyed the security cameras to get inside. A more detailed report will require more time."
"Very good. Continue the investigation, but be discreet. There is no need for anyone to know of the incident." Treize turned. "You are all dismissed. Lady Une, you may remain."
The soldiers gladly escaped from Anne's angry glare. Turner bowed and left also.
"Sir, you must leave this place immediately! Brussels is no longer safe." Anne said as the door closed behind her.
Treize sighed. "If someone is very determined to kill me, no place is safe."
Anne was not so easily persuade. "Go to Luxembourg. It used to be your headquarters, the security there is better."
"It would look like I am running away. Everyone would know something was wrong. I would look like a coward, weak in the eyes of my enemies. It would only lead to further attempts on my life." He held up a hand as Anne started to argue. "Give me a few days to think about it. As long as I stay within the estate there will be no danger. No one is foolish enough to try again so soon." Anne looked into his eyes and knew that there would be no point in arguing. His expression softened and he covered the distance between them in a few long strides. Anne leaned willingly into his embrace. "I am sorry. I know how concerned you are, but I can get nothing done if I run at the first sign of danger. I must stay. This new government needs my support."
Anne thought for a minute. "I have an idea. You can wait a few days before leaving. Spread a rumor that you will be going to Moscow on business for a few days. This way, you will have enough time to look into this incident and it wouldn't look like something was wrong. Also, no one except those you trust will know where you have gone."
Treize nodded. "A good plan. There are tunnels that lead into the Luxembourg base so no one will see me enter."
"Meanwhile, security here needs to be tightened. I will personally see to that. I will arrange things at the Preventers before I leave with you-"
"No, you are not going with me." Treize interrupted.
Anne looked startled. "But you've never gone on a trip without me!"
"You need to take care of Maremeia. The Preventers need you too."
"Zechs and Noin can manage without me. They can take care of Maremeia."
"I will be fine. I don't want Maremeia or you to be pulled into this mess. Besides, I need someone to keep an eye on the situation here in Brussels."
Anne sighed. "Yes sir."
"It's been a long day. I think I will get some rest." He pulled Anne against him and gave her a quick kiss. "Good night, my Lady." Anne watched him disappear up the stairs before gently touching her lips with her fingers. She smiled. "Good night, Treize." She said softly.
Next morning…
"You called for me sir?"
"Yes, have a seat. Turner's report just came in."
Anne took the papers from him and glanced over them.
Treize took a sip of tea before putting down his cup. "I have been thinking about the assassination attempt all night. Who do you think did it? Why? I have my own theory. But I would like to hear yours."
"The person is rich, that's for sure. The weapons the assassin had with him is very advanced. The rifle was developed by the Preventers last year. It would fetch a high price on the black market. Most of his equipment is very costly. He is a professional assassin, yet there is no record of him in the Preventer's data base. He is likely to be someone's bodyguard or part of a private army."
Treize frowned. "That makes things more complicated. The only people that could have such money and power are the aristocrats and politicians. The aristocrats are my allies, they have no reason to kill me. The politicians barely know me, I haven't done anything to provoke them, yet."
Anne stared at the report for a few minutes, deep in thought. She looked up as both of them came to the same conclusion. "The President?" Anne whispered. Treize shoved back his chair and stood. "Impossible! He wouldn't dare do such a thing." He paced back and forth across the room.
"I know you and him have a feud. He has considerable wealth and an elite guard." Her voice had a deadly edge to it. Anne stood up and walked towards the door.
"Wait! Don't do anything foolish!"
"I will kill him!" Anne's eyes flashed with fury.
"We have no proof and we are not even sure ourselves. You will get arrested or worse."
Reluctantly, Anne walked back sat down.
"There is one thing that puzzles me. How did he know where we were? He must have expected to get us at the ball. But when he saw that we had left, how did he know where we were? The rose clearing was a secret place. There is very few people that know the grounds well The only I know how to get to the rose clearing. We can't go accusing anyone unless we solve all of the mysteries. Politics is very delicate. The entire nation will crumble around us if we are not careful."
"Sorry sir. It won't happen again."
Treize nodded. "You need to control your temper, Anne. Your anger must not cloud your judgment."
"Yes sir."
"We will proceed with the plan we agreed on yesterday-"
There was a knock on the door and a servant poked his head into the room. "Lady Une, Relena Dorlian is here to see you."
Relena strode into the room. She smiled at Anne, but seemed surprised to see Treize. She bowed formally. "Duke Treize, Preventer Une, I am sorry if I came at an inconvenient time. This is an important matter."
Anne waved her in to a chair. "It must be important for you to personally visit us."
Relena pulled some documents out of her jacket and handed them to Anne. "A delegation have just come back from the colonies. They have discovered pieces of titanium alloy in space."
"There have been many false reports in the past. The metal could be pieces of mobile suits left over from the War. Titanium alloy is being used recently in space construction work so the metal might have come from a colony. We shall investigate, but you can reassure the colonies because it is unlikely we will find anything."
"Thank you. I will tell the delegation."
Relena stood up and excused herself
"You better get going. They will need you at the HQ. I can take care of things here." Treize said quietly answering Anne's unspoken question.
"I will see you tonight." Anne said before leaving.
Treize stood up and looked out the window. His eyebrows drew together thoughtfully. Titanium alloy. An assassin. Someone seems to be trying to start a war. But who?
Sorry this took so long to write. I had a few problems with the plot. The good news is that I am almost finished the next chapter. I will post it soon. As usual, review!