Part 3
There was a soft knock on Quatre's door.
"Come in", the blond young man said sleepily.
Wufei got in and closed the door behind him. He shot a look at Quatre. His friend was putting on a tie while yawning widely, a thing that kinda slowed the process.
"Didn't you have any sleep last night ?", Wufei wondered.
"I did, but I went to bed late. Duo called."
"Oh, I see."
"No, you don't, but it's okay", Quatre chuckled. "We can spend hours on the phone. We stopped when I realized that it was 3:00 AM."
Quatre checked his image in the mirror. Light gray suit, white shirt, and the light-blue tie that brought out his eyes. He looked like the perfect businessman, he thought, frowning at his own image.
"Join me for breakfast ?", he asked, turning to Wufei.
"I already had mine", Wufei said with a smile, "I got up early."
"Well just sit with me, then."
Both young men seated themselves at the table on which some subsequent breakfast had been left. Quatre poured himself some tea, snatched a chocolate muffin from a basket and began to eat.
"So, what did you two talk about ?", Wufei asked.
He didn't know Duo yet, but Quatre never missed an occasion to talk about his best friend, so that Wufei almost knew what to expect. 'Almost' was an important thing, though, since Quatre kept telling that Duo was … Well, Wufei didn't know what Duo really was since any time it came to that subject, Quatre would say something like 'You'll see for yourself', or 'it's not something I can tell, you have to see it to believe it.'
"Duo said he was preparing a surprise for my birthday. He sent me a card and all, but he said he wanted to do something special with me since I was in the neighborhood. And he tactfully invited you along, since, I quote, 'your buddies are my buddies'."
"That's nice of him", Wufei said.
"Duo is someone nice. More than that. I just fear an incompatibility of characters between the two of you. Now that I think of it again, maybe it was a bit suicidal from me to ask you to meet Duo. You're going to open my throat after that."
"Well, it was your idea. And I promise if I ever go for such an extreme option, I'll do it quick and nice."
"I don't believe you. I've read about Chinese tortures."
Wufei laughed. And realized that he was laughing. And then, realized that Quatre was the only person he had been able to laugh with since Meiran had died. He looked at his friend. Quatre was looking back with a smile.
"You're getting better already", he said.
"And I thought you were paying me for you to get better."
"I am. It doesn't mean I can't return the favor. And you deserve it."
Silence fell for a while after those meaningful remarks.
"What are you doing today ?", Wufei finally asked.
"Bringing bad news to the president of KI Banks."
"KI ?"
"Kushrenada Incorporated. I'm sure you heard the name before."
"Yes. He's some big finance guy or something."
"Exactly. But I am afraid I will be announcing the end of our cooperation with him today."
"Why that ?"
Quatre sighed and looked out of the window.
"You know, I don't have any program to set up on L1. This is a rich colony, and the existing programs are providing everything to everyone's satisfaction. They just need donations. That's why we're staying only two days here. But L2 and L3 really need those charities. And for that, I need money."
Wufei patiently waited for the explanation to come to any point.
"Winner Enterprises Inc. has a lot of money invested in KI Banks. We have a lot of accounts in their banks, and they make investments for us. But now there is a problem. It looks like Treize Kushrenada is looking forward to diversify his activities. And he's doing it by investing in armament programs."
Wufei nodded. He began to understand.
"My father has decided that all of our relationships with KI should stop now. So I am in charge of closing all the accounts we have in their banks and taking back the money from our investment funds. And then, I can use the money to set up the charity programs."
"So you are going to ruin this man's day, if I get you right."
"I won't be ruining a lot. Well, OK, we are his biggest clients, but we always told we didn't want to be associated with that kind of business. It's their own fault they didn't listen. Or maybe they just believed Father would not notice."
Wufei frowned. The name of Treize Kushrenada was ringing a bell, but he couldn't point exactly what it was he remembered.
"I think I've heard his name spoken in association with crime syndicates", he finally said.
"What ?"
"He's said to have links with that strange group called the Doctors. And on L5, I'm pretty sure half of the weapons and drugs that ended up on the streets did so through some of his societies. There was a great KI Import on my colony. Easy cover. No one was able to prove anything, though. And it all stopped when the triads finally got rid of that other crime lord who wanted to take over. KI Import closed after that, and we never heard of him again."
"I didn't know that", Quatre said, "and I bet Father doesn't either. But it only gives me one more reason to end this partnership."
"You like playing businessman, don't you, Quatre ?", Wufei asked.
"A bit", Quatre admitted. "Is it bad ?"
"No, I don't think so. In fact, if all the businessmen were like you, maybe we would have less trouble with them."
Quatre blushed at the compliment.
"You don't have to come with me, you know", he said. "You'll probably find it dull. Maybe you could have a look around while I'm there."
"No, I want to come", Wufei said seriously. "You have a killer after you, and it's not the sissy boys you have for bodyguards who will protect you. And then, I'd like to meet that Mr Kushrenada."
"Are you sure ?"
"Yes. Just show me what your world is. It's probably not that different from mine, except that you people fight with money where I use my bare hands."
"It's kind of true, I guess. I prefer fighting with my hands. After all, money is just something that is written on paper. Burn the paper and there's nothing left. Your hands don't betray you."
Wufei smiled. Quatre was being very philosophical this morning.
"What do you plan to do next ?", he asked.
"Well, I'll probably be there all day, there's an awful lot of papers to sign. I'll have someone with me, the assistant that is in charge of our banking activities on L1, but it will still take some time. But for tonight, I had thought, maybe you and I could just sneak out and find some quiet place in town for dinner."
"Sneak out ?"
"Yes. Like creeping out unnoticed and returning when we want to."
"I know what it means, it's just … Well, maybe your father will want to see you, and maybe it's not that safe to sneak out."
Quatre rolled his eyes.
"Wufei, I am not going to get myself killed, okay ? Put that into your head and believe it ! I just want to spend some time with a friend, and I don't want to do it in a hotel restaurant where everyone from the waiter to the other people are going to gape at us and interrupt us."
"I understand", Wufei said, giving in. "Thank you, by the way."
"For what ?"
"For helping me to start living again. I appreciate."
"I'm fine with it", Quatre said. "I like to do this."
Wufei smiled again. He was smiling a lot more lately. He shook his head off of the thought.
"What about them ?", he asked with a jerk of his chin towards the door.
Quatre took the hint.
"Oh, no, we're definitely not taking them."
"How exactly do you expect to escape them ?"
Quatre grinned, that strange little smile he had sometimes that made Wufei wonder if he really did know Quatre that well. Every time Quatre smiled like this, there was something that lightened up in his eyes.
"Wufei, can I tell you a secret ?"
Wufei leaned closer. Quatre's smile widened as he uttered the next sentence.
"Trying to lose the bodyguards is half of the fun."
O.O.O.O.O
Heero's laptop emitted a small beep, indicating he had completed the search. The Japanese man got out of his kitchen and went to sit in front of the computer, scanning the files. Hacking into the Winner database had been tricky. He opened a ID file, but there was nothing he didn't already know in there. Quatre Raberba Winner, born July 20th AC 180 on L4, mother died in childbirth, raised on L4 by Iria Winner his elder sister. Private tutors, then 4 years at a very private institution that gave advanced business management classes in the same time than classic high school programs. That didn't tell him who his target really was. Nor how on Earth this young man could have seen him when he was sure he had taken all the precautions to remain unnoticed. Precautions that had been enough for the security staff.
Heero was about to log off when something attracted his attention. A file named 'Chang Wufei'. He opened it. It only contained a contract stating that Chang Wufei had been hired as Quatre Winner's personal trainer, and a picture of the man. Definitely the Chinese man who had been at the airport. Heero frowned. It was not unusual for young rich men to take their personal trainers with them when they traveled around. What was unusual was that he was sure he had heard the name and seen the man before. But again, he couldn't remember when and under what circumstances.
Heero brushed the thought away and switched the laptop off. Now, time for action had come. But first, there was something he needed to do. He took out his cell phone and dialed a number.
"J here.", someone answered.
"I suppose your man gave you the message."
There was a short silence at the other end of the line."
"I hope you didn't mistake our intentions …"
"If you hired me for this job, it's because you trust me enough to do it. If you don't, then find someone else, I don't care. But if you still wish me to do it, then I'll do it my way. I have my methods. They don't include someone following me around to see if I'm doing my job correctly. Which means anyone doing just that will be eliminated. Am I making this clear enough for you ?"
Silence.
"Of course, Mr Yuy. We will see that no other inconvenience of the sort will happen."
"I certainly hope so. I'd like to spend my ammunitions on more valuable targets."
And he cut the communication abruptly. The time had now come for the second stage of his plan. A series of decoy attacks to test the security. If the target was eliminated during one of those attacks, then it was over sooner. If not, it provided enough information for him to finish the job. Heero looked for another phone number and dialed it. He would use one of the numerous pathetic little killers from the L1 underground he knew for the first attack. It would probably not work out, but it would be a start.
Someone picked up the phone at the other end.
"Nichols ? Heero Yuy there. I got a job for you."
"I can't", the man answered. "I am not in that trade anymore."
"Nichols, do you by any chance remember why you're still alive ?", Heero asked evenly.
There was a distinctive gulp, then :
"Of course, Yuy-sama."
"Good. I would have hated to remind you this in an unpleasant manner for you or your family. Meet me in an hour at the Lizard's and I'll fill you in. Oh, and no guns on this one. Knives. I want it to be quick and silent."
"Yes, Yuy-sama."
O.O.O.O.O
Wufei had to admit that the building of KI banks was impressive. It was a block of glass glistening in the morning sun. Quatre stepped out of the limousine behind him. He was followed by Nami Akiba, a young and energetic Japanese woman who had been responsible for the banking activities of WEI on L1 for four years. She had briefed Quatre during the drive on what exactly it was they were going to do. The two of them had gone through a lot of papers, most of them transfer orders to other banks just waiting for Quatre's signature. Wufei had been impressed by the very professional look on his friend's face as he scanned the columns of figures and discussed some obscure points of international finances with Nami. Quatre really knew his stuff.
The two bodyguards came out last and the little group made its way towards the tall building. No sooner had they come in that a woman dressed in a red lady's suit came to them with a smile.
"Mr Winner, Miss Akiba, welcome to KI Banks. If you would please just wait for a minute, I will warn Mr Kushrenada that you are here."
"Arigatou, Rebbie", Nami said, and she motioned for them to move to the VIP waiting area, that was separated from the rest of the room by a velvet red curtain. Wufei saw the woman shooting him an awkward look as she got back to her desk to make a brief phone call. About five minutes later, a tall man with very long white blond hair that went down to his waist and dressed in a white suit came out of an elevator and to the reception desk. He exchanged a few words with the woman behind the desk and then moved to the VIP waiting area.
"Good morning, Mr Winner", he said, extending his hand.
Quatre shook it and smiled.
"I am Zechs Merquise, Mr Kushrenada's personal assistant", the tall man kept on. "I am going to lead you to Mr Kushrenada's office , he is waiting for you."
"Nice to meet you, Mr Merquise", Quatre said.
Zechs then turned to Nami. He shook her hand too, in a friendly manner that clearly indicated that they were seeing each other often. This was confirmed by the way they greeted each other.
"Good morning, Nami."
"How are you since last time, Zechs ?"
"Fine. But I am not sure I should be delighted by your visit. It's most unusual for you not to tell us why you're visiting."
Nami looked at Quatre.
"Since my boss is here, I think he will be the one to explain everything."
"Of course", Zechs said with a smile. "If you will follow me, please. Your bodyguards can wait here if you want, Mr Winner. I can assure you that your security is not at stake in this building."
Quatre shot a dismissive look to the bodyguards, who went to sit in the waiting area, but Wufei didn't move from Quatre's side. Zechs raised an interrogative eyebrow.
"This is Chang Wufei", Quatre said, introducing his friend. "I don't doubt that you made sure I was perfectly safe, but I nonetheless would like Wufei to come with us, if that's not an inconvenience."
"Of course not, Mr Winner", Zechs said. "Nice to meet you, Mr Chang."
He began to hold out his hand when Wufei bowed in a typical Asiatic greeting. Not low enough to mark Zechs as someone socially superior, though, Quatre noticed with an inner smile. And from the look on Zechs' face, the young man had understood that. No wonder, since he was living on a colony where most of the population was from Japan and Korea. But he didn't show in any way if he felt offended, and merely replied in the same way, before leading them to an elevator.
Apparently, this was a private elevator that led directly to the last floor of the building. Zechs used a key and entered a code on a digital pad before a trap opened in the wall, showing a single white button. Zechs pressed it, and the elevator began to go up.
"Should I assume that you made us the honor to visit for purely formal reasons, Mr Winner ?", the tall man asked casually still smiling.
"I am afraid not", Quatre answered smiling too. "If that had been the case, I would not have brought miss Akiba with me."
"So you are bringing us some bad news then ?"
"Well, Mr Kushrenada might not find them so good."
"I see."
Zechs didn't seem to be annoyed, although Quatre was sure the man had understood what this implied. In fact, Quatre thought, Zechs seemed to be enjoying himself a lot, which was strange. After all, his boss was about to lose his best client. There was nothing amusing in that. Quatre had a strange feeling about that man, but he found him very nice on the whole. And he was just doing his job after all. Quatre concentrated on what he was going to say as they walked out of the elevator.
O.O.O.O.O
Treize Kushrenada was impatiently tapping on his desk with a pen. It was unusual of him to be so unsettled, but the situation was strange. Nami Akiba had given no motive for the visit of Quatre Raberba Winner. Maybe the young man only wanted to familiarize himself with the way things worked here, but somehow, Treize's instinct told him that it was not what it was all about. The young man didn't need to come here for that, Nami Akiba could have provided a full report of the situation. She was in charge of all of WEI's banking activities on L1, which meant that KI was not their only partner. But it was the only one that Quatre Winner had decided to visit before moving on with his father to the next colony cluster.
Treize sighed and placed the pen back into his pocket. In a few minutes, he would know. And he had to admit he was quite impatient to meet Quatre Winner. He had seen him on the news last night. The boy looked awfully young, a lot younger than eighteen. There was a gentle innocence in his eyes as he smiled and waved to the camera. This young man could not possibly be a threat to him. And if he tried to be, Treize thought with a smirk, there was surely a way to convince him to back off. The presence of Nami Akiba would make it difficult, but not impossible.
There was a soft knock on the door. Treize smiled to himself. He could have recognized Zechs' way of knocking anywhere.
"Come in", he said.
Zechs opened the door and held it for Quatre Winner to get in. The blond young man was followed by Nami Akiba, and a Chinese-looking man Treize didn't know. Zechs came in after them, closed the door and went to sit in a chair not far from Treize's desk.
"Welcome, Mr Winner", Treize said affably with his most charming smile.
"Salaam aleikum, Mr Kushrenada", Quatre said with a smile, falling back into his own language and bowing slightly with a hand on his heart.
"Good morning, miss Akiba."
"Good morning, Mr Kushrenada."
Treize turned to the last visitor. The Chinese man looked straight into his eyes, jet-black orbs piercing the blue ones. He didn't say his name or anything, just bowed his head slightly without lowering his gaze. His face looked like a bronze mask, expressing nothing. Treize felt nervousness creep up his spine, but didn't show it. He was not going to be impressed by that little show.
"Please sit down", he said to his guests, gesturing towards the chairs in front of his desk. Nami and Quatre sat down, but the Chinese man went to stand beside the door, leaning on the wall and his arms folded on his chest. Treize sat back in his own chair and crossed his legs.
For his part, Quatre was studying the man in front of him with rapt interest. It was evident to him that Treize Kushrenada was nervous, but determined. Quatre couldn't wait to hear what his excuse would be for trying to invest Winner money into armament programs when he knew perfectly well that his client was against this kind of investments.
"May I know what causes me the pleasure of your visit, Mr Winner ?", Treize asked.
He half-expected Nami Akiba to conduct the conversation, the young man being only an observer of how things were supposed to go on in the world of finances. But the blond young man answered with a little sad smile.
"I am afraid my visit will not cause you any pleasure, Mr Kushrenada. I am here to announce you that WEI will be ending all of its partnerships and investments into KI Banks from today on."
Quatre waited for a reaction. Treize hid his surprise well. Or actually he hid the real reason of why he was surprised well, but a genuine surprised expression appeared on his face.
"I am sorry to hear this", Treize said. "May I know what prompted this decision ?"
Quatre felt his temper rise. If the man wanted to play it that way, fine. Quatre could do it too.
"I think you know perfectly well why, Mr Kushrenada", he said with a smile that was not sad at all this time, but more wolfish.
Zechs jumped in his chair when he heard the sudden change of tone. The tall man began to listen to the conversation more carefully.
"Excuse me, but I don't know what you are talking about", Treize said mildly.
Quatre got up and went to the window.
"If you remember well the terms of the agreement that was reached between KI Banks and WEI, the Winner money invested in your establishment was supposed to finance projects related to environmental development and employment. Miss Akiba, along with our ethic committee, signaled to us that you have actually been investing part of this money into armament programs …"
Quatre turned to face Treize, his face very determined and his eyes very cold.
" … And other activities that are not the kind that WEI wishes to be associated with."
Treize swallowed hard. Impressing the little boy was out of question, since it was clearly not a little boy he had in front of him. But how in space was he going to get out of this ? The Winner money represented half of what KI Banks was investing on L1.
"I am sure we can find some new agreement that could satisfy both parts, Mr Winner", Treize said, his mind working fast.
"I am afraid that is out of question. KI Banks has broken the terms of the agreement. All of WEI's accounts here will be closed, the money from the investment funds will be taken out, and all of it will be transferred to others establishments. Today."
Quatre had seen the little flash of concern in Treize's eyes when he had mentioned the 'other activities'. And actually, he had also seen a flash of surprise pass in Zechs' ice-blue eyes before the man regained his composure. Apparently, Wufei had been right. KI was involved in more than just armament programs. Quatre frowned. It was more than time to get the money WEI had invested out of it, before the company became involved in something nasty.
"If you can guarantee me that you will abandon this kind of … investments, Mr Kushrenada, then I think WEI could consider a new agreement with your company. But until then, I think it would be best to break all the links between them."
Treize raised his hands in defeat.
"I cannot prevent you to do everything you want with your money, Mr Winner. I can only be sad to lose such a good client, especially since your investments were very productive. In fact, I doubt you will find another bank that could make them fructify as we did."
"Oh, but I don't intend to invest that money again, Mr Kushrenada. In fact, I'm going to spend it all."
"Spend it all ?", Treize asked, confused.
The amount of money was close to reaching three billions. That was a lot to spend. Quatre smiled, following the man's thoughts. He had to admit he was having fun, and he was not regretting it. Treize Kushrenada knew what he had gotten himself into. Now he was just paying the price, and Quatre didn't feel sorry for him.
"My father left me in charge of setting up the new charity programs of WEI. The money will serve just that purpose. Creating charities for the deprived, especially on L2 and L3. I think three billions should be just enough to start."
Treize coughed to hide how angry and disturbed he was. He was losing his best client not to a rival establishment, but to street rats ! He did his best to pull on the sad resigned face of the banker that must let his client go.
"I suppose I can't make you change your mind."
"Oh, you can, Mr Kushrenada. Actually, it's all up to you. You know what you have to do for WEI to start a new partnership with you, don't you ?", Quatre said with a smile that showed he knew more than he said.
"I do", Treize said through gritted teeth, not even hiding his frustration now.
He sighed.
"Well, then, I suppose you and miss Akiba can operate the transfer procedure with Mr Carson. You hardly need me for this."
"Thank you for your time, Mr Kushrenada", Quatre said, holding out his hand for the man to shake. "Believe me, I did not want to bring such bad news. I do hope that we will reach another agreement once this 'matter' is cleared out."
Treize shook the offered hand, surprised to find it so strong. He then turned to the blond man sitting by his side.
"Zechs, will you please lead Mr Winner and Miss Akiba to Mr Carson's office and make sure they have everything they need ? Then you'll come back, I have something I need you to do for me."
Zechs nodded and got up and towards the door.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr Winner", Treize said. "Your father must be proud of you."
"I hope he is, Mr Kushrenada. I hope he is", Quatre replied pensively before going out, followed by Nami Akiba and the Chinese man.
O.O.O.O.O
Zechs was back about fifteen minute later. He closed the door behind him as he got into Treize's office. The red-haired man was fidgeting a pencil. He ended up snapping it in two, and threw the pieces on his desk.
"I can't believe I didn't see this coming", he said dejectedly. "I have been humiliated by an eighteen-year-old that apparently knows far more than is good for his health, and I just lost my best client. Who could believe that the WEI ethic committee was actually doing its job ?"
Zechs came over to the desk and placed a soothing hand on Treize's. A gesture that had nothing to do with the fact that he was the man's personal assistant.
"Calm down, Treize", he almost purred. "You'll find a way to get back to them, you always do. Anyway, you are not the only one to be disturbed by this. Those charities are threatening more people than you think."
Treize affectionately stroke a strand of white blond hair.
"Who was the Chinese man ?", he suddenly asked.
"Mr Winner introduced him as Chang Wufei. He insisted for him to come with him, although he dismissed his bodyguards."
Treize played with the long hair in his hand absentmindedly. Then he shook his head and sat back straight in his chair.
"Find me who this man is", he said in a commanding voice. "And call the Doctors and tune them in on my direct line. Then you can go home, I won't need you for the rest of the day."
Zechs smiled and got out to reach his own office. After a moment, Treize's phone rang, and he picked it up.
"G here."
"This is Treize Kushrenada. The young Mr Winner came out of my office half an hour ago. WEI is currently withdrawing all of its money from KI Banks. It will be effective tonight."
"I see. You are not the only one, my friend. Dermail called. Mr Winner has also decided that his company's partnership with Romefeller Ltd should end today."
"We need to take care of this situation before it gets dangerous."
"Someone is taking care of it, dear friend. We hired the Perfect Soldier to find a solution to this problem."
"Yuy ? You are not going to eliminate Mr Winner, are you, G ?"
"No. We thought that Mr Winner could be more inclined to see things our way if something happened to one of the persons he cherishes most."
Treize smiled to himself, understanding the hint.
"Good. Make him do it fast, though."
"It is not in our power to 'make' Heero Yuy do something he doesn't want to do, Treize, as the man himself reminded us. If I were you, I would be careful. If he ever knows you said that, you could end up with a nice little hole in your head."
Treize shivered. G was right. Heero Yuy had methods and principles. And if there was one thing he hated, that was to know that someone was trying to control his actions. That was why Treize avoided using his services as much as possible, but since Odin Lowe had been executed, the Japanese was the best left on the market. He probably would not fail them. Unless he was given a good reason to do so. In which case eliminating the ones who had employed him could also become a possibility.
"I'll keep that in mind, G. But if I think things are not going fast enough, I could take care of it myself."
"It's your problem if you have a death wish, Treize", G answered before hanging up.
O.O.O.O.O
In the office next to Treize's, Zechs took the listening device out of his ear. He reached a small recorder hidden in one of his drawer and extracted the tape that had been in it. He replaced it with a new one, and pushed the record button. Then, he took his jacket, placed the tape carefully in one of his pocket, checked that the recorder was invisible and got out of his office, a little smile on his lips.