The title of this chapter is a Latin phrase which means "After this, therefore because of this." This is called the theory of coincidental correlation or the "post hoc" fallacy, which holds that it's incorrect to assume that if one event follows another, the first event caused the second event to occur (if you jump up and down and it starts to rain immediately afterward, it's a fallacy to assume that your action caused the downpour).

Chapter Fifteen: Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

Ulrich was tugging impatiently at his tie when the knock came at the door. He walked to it calmly and opened it. Yumi was resting her weight on one hip, causing the long slit in her dress to reveal much of her leg. Ulrich found himself staring until her voice broke in, sounding half annoyed and half amused, no doubt at the goofy expression he must have been wearing.

"How do I look?"

Ulrich shook his head to clear it. "Perfect. Do you have your gun?"

Yumi brandished her handbag, a black one that matched the dress perfectly. "Never leave home without it," she quipped lightly.

"Is it loaded," Ulrich pressed.

"Of course,' Yumi said haughtily. "What good would it be if it wasn't?"

Ulrich smiled. "Just checking." Yumi made an indignant noise. Ulrich decided to change the subject. "So, did you see where Sissy went?"

Yumi shook her head. "Nope. Was it really smart to let her go. She knows where you live now and everything. And she knows about me and my," Yumi struggled for a word,"...job."

Ulrich shrugged. "We caught her once, so I doubt she'll be back. Besides, she's a hit woman. If she turns you in she'll probably have to explain herself, and that's not something I'd imagine she'd want to do. You're safe."

"Are we ready to go then?"

"Just let me grab my jacket."

Moments later they were out in the parking lot debating cars. Ulrich won in the end, and Yumi climbed into the Escalade stubbornly.

The ride to the party was silent, with Ulrich consulting the mysterious invitation occasionally to make sure that he had the street right. Finally they pulled up to a spacious office building.

"Do you know where we are," Yumi hissed excitedly. She continued before Ulrich could answer. "This is SpinTeck, the most successful company in the city!"

"Then why are we here," Ulrich asked, dropping his voice to match Yumi's own whisper.

"I have no idea. Whoever sent the fax must work here."

"Only one way to find out." Ulrich pulled up to right in front of the building where a valet stood at attention. "Now remember," he prodded before getting out, "We're a couple."

Yumi rolled her eyes. "Of course, dear."

"Great, darling." They exchanged annoyed looks with each other until the valet tapped uncertainly at the window. Ulrich took the hint and got out as the man went around to open Yumi's door for her. He flipped the man the keys and stuck his arm out for Yumi.

"Shall we?"

She gave him an impish smile and took his arm. "Let's."

Inside there was an entryway with racks and hangers for coats and a red carpet that disappeared around a corner leading to the main ballroom. Yumi hadn't even thought to bring a shawl to hang, so they continued down the carpet and through a massive pair of doors.

"Fancy place," Yumi mused, eying the marble floor and high ceiling appreciatively. "Kind of fancy for a simple office building though, don't you think?"

"I guess they built this place to prepare for this sort of thing."

Along one wall there were buffet tables set up with hors d'oeuvres and wine. At the other end a band was playing a waltz softly. "Fancy," Yumi muttered as one couple twirled by.

They stood for a few more moments watching the crowd. "We should try to blend in," Ulrich said suddenly. "We should dance."

"You can waltz?" The question came with a raised eyebrow.

"Of course I can waltz! I'll prove it." Ulrich bowed slightly, placing a hand out. "May I have the honor of being your partner for this dance, miss?"

Yumi placed her hand on his own mutely and allowed herself to be lead to the middle of the floor, where Ulrich proceeded to show off his waltzing skills, throwing hin extra twirls occasionally to make her dizzy.

Yumi laughed as they spun. "I get it, I get it. Knock it off!"

Ulrich laughed as well. "That what you get for suggesting that I can't dance!"

The song ended abruptly, melting into a slow song. Couples all around them pulled closer, bodies touching as they swayed to the music. Yumi and Ulrich froze, watching uncertainly.

"We are a couple," Yumi reasoned slowly.

"At least for tonight," Ulrich added hastily.

"Of course," Yumi amended. "So we might as well..."

"Just so people don't get suspicious," Ulrich concluded.

She nodded. "Most definitely. I mean, after all, we don't want people to suspect..." She trailed off as Ulrich pulled her close. Yumi rested her head comfortably on his shoulder, breathing in his scent and relaxing in Ulrich's presence. She could feel his heart beating in his chest, and realized that her own must be going just as fast.

"Hey, Yumi," Ulrich said softly. She raised her head off his shoulder to meet his gaze. "You know, this would probably look more real if we, um...kissed."

Yumi felt her face begin to flush. "I suppose so. It is just an act, after all." She laughed nervously.

Ulrich nodded nervously, fighting to keep the grin off of his face. "Alright then..." He leaned in slowly, and Yumi found her eyes closing and her face rising to meet his own.

"Yumi Ishiyama? Ulrich Stern? Is that you?"

The moment was broken, and Yumi turned, breaking out of Ulrich's gentle grip to see a woman hurrying towards them.
her hair was a pretty shade of pink, and Yumi recognized her instantly.

"Aelita? Is that you?"

The younger woman's face lit up. "Oh, I knew I recognized you! It's been years! How are you two? Why are you here?"

"We're great," Ulrich said warmly, smiling at his friend. "How are you?" He decided it better not to answer her question as to how they had gotten there.

"Oh, I'm doing fine," Aelita said. "This is my company. I never thought I'd see you two here. And together! That's a sight I never thought I'd see again!" She smiled widely at the pair. "Oh, why don't you come with me? We have so much to catch up on!"

Yumi was about to object, thinking that it would be better for them to stay where whoever wanted them there could see them, but Aelita already had her arm and was toting her away with Ulrich in tow.