Tell me how you like it so far, okay? I want to know what you guys think. Thanks Ysengrinn.

Samanda

P.S. to the reviewer who wanted to know why I haven't updated UV. It's a joint fic and Jassy's life has been chaotic. So I took over the chapter and wrote it. I've already posted it so go and read! Thanks.

Dance Of The Dead

Chapter Two

Written By:

Samanda Hime-sama

Further conversations with Amelia had revealed more about the FBI agent that had bought the picture from her. Zelgadis Graywords (name indicated by the credit card receipt) was in his late twenties, was tall but slim of build, had blue eyes and purple hair.

"Purple?" Lina had exclaimed.

"Purple." Amelia confirmed.

"Amelia, are you sure he was FBI?" Lina was doubtful. "They normally don't dye their hair weird colors..."

Amelia was adamant. "He told me it was a joke played on him by his now ex girlfriend. And he showed me his badge and everything."

"Well, then it shouldn't be too hard to find him." Lina cracked her knuckles and grinned.

Amelia warned her. "I cannot condone violence, Miss Lina. Even in the name of justice."

On top of everything else, Amelia was a utter pacifist and cried at acts of animal cruelty, Disney movies and teared up at Miss America pageants. Lina just shook her head and for once kept her mouth shut.

Lina said sternly. "Amelia, just stay here and watch the shop. And you're going to listen to me from now on, right?"

"I promise." Amelia fervently agreed. "I don't want to go to jail. Unless they have a manicurist."

"Good." Lina shook her head at the younger girl who was now muttering about facials and justice. "Don't sell anything while I'm gone. Wait till I come back."

Lina psyched herself up. When she felt that she was finally ready, she stepped forward onto land that was currently being used for evil purposes. She looked up and waited for lightning to strike or for LoN to smite her. When it didn't she breathed a sigh of relief and looked around.

Oh the horror that surrounded her! Hundreds of obsessed coffee drinkers had come from around Cephied County to participate in the yearly Festival. Lina, who preffered tea over coffee, was outnumbered on all sides as she made her way cautiously through the throng of jubilant and jittery people who had been caffeinated beyond their limits.

Lina caught sight of a purple head and headed in that direction. He was looking through a booth of personalized coffee thermos' when she managed to make her way to him. She accidentally bumped into him and he turned to look at her.

Oh Amelia's description hadn't done him justice! He towered over her petite frame, Lina guessed he was about 5'8" or so. His hair was extremely purple, more purple than she could have imagined without him standing in front of her.

He did have a slim build but he was wiry and his eyes were a mesmerizing shade of blue. He was pale as if he didn't get out all that much. He was handsome in a dark prince of the night kind of way.

If you substituted the suit for a black pullover and jeans, Lina mused, he'd be able to pull off the look of the current style of the arty set. He'd definitely acquire some envy then. Just because it was a style didn't mean many people could pull it off without looking ridiculous.

And Lina, who loved this type, fell into instant lust with him.

"I'm sorry about that." Lina apologized. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

The man accepted her apology graciously. "That's alright."

He began to move away. Lina put out her hand and said. "My name is Lina Inverse. I own the gallery, Fireball, on Crescent St."

"I bought a painting from your gallery the other day." The man smiled. "My name is Zelgadis Graywords."

She shook his hand. "I know."

The woman sitting across the table from him was definitely unusual. Zelgadis knew this with the intuition that always helped him when solving a crime.

She was petite, only 5'2". She was at least part Irish as evidenced by the pale, flawless complexion that only the Irish could lay claim to. Her long hair was dark shade of red and the wild curls of it clung to her skin and the floaty black dress she wore. Her eyes were extraordinary. They were a shade of brown with strong hints of red, in certain lights he was sure they would look crimson. Mahogany, he thought the shade was called. She was a woman of contrasts, both physically and personality wise.

She sipped at the tea she had ordered despite the dirty look of the waiter. She had glared back at him and reminded him sweetly, that a paying customer was still a customer. And if he didn't like it, why, then he should find another job. And she would be all to eager to help him on his way. The waiter backed down and had scurried away, muttering apologies.

The plate of tea cakes should be here soon, Zel thought, as he sipped his coffee.

Lina had insisted, claiming that she needed a snack. So Zel had requested it and waited for her to get down to business. And as long as she was hungry, there would be no talk of business.

When she wasn't talking, she reminded him of one of those porcelain dolls his sister, Eris, had always gotten for Christmas when they were younger. Delicate and breakable at least until she opened her mouth. Then the illusion was destroyed.

The cakes came via their new waitress. Lina had scared off the waiter apparently. Well Lina thanked Alice nicely and sent her off, probably wondering why her coworker was scared of such a nice person. Lina pounced on the cakes with all the verve he was coming to expect from her.

She swallowed, sipped her tea then spoke. "About the painting you bought..."

"Yes?" He replied, wondering where this was going.

"My assistant really wasn't supposed to sell it." She explained. "I hadn't had time to trace the provenance or to estimate how much it was really worth. So you see, I really need it back."

"No can do." His tone was final.

"Please." Lina leaned forward. "At least let me see it."

He was firm. "I bought it. It's my property now."

"Please let me buy it back from you. I'll give you a refund." Lina was losing patience as she forced the last word out, looking like she said the ultimate dirty word.

The look made me laugh. "Why do you want it back so badly?" he asked.

"Because once I get a good look at it I'm sure it will be a forgery." Lina had lost all patience but spoke quickly and quietly. "I can't let you have it if it is. It would ruin my reputation as a gallery owner and my own personal reputation as an art appraiser. So, please let me buy it back."

Zel was clearly pleased. "Really? You think it's a forgery?"

"Yes!" Lina hissed.

Zel nodded. "Good. It will make my job so much easier."

"What?" Lina exclaimed.

Zel was calm. "I never explained what I did as an FBI agent, did I? How remiss of me. I locate art forgers and arrest them."

"LoN protect me." Lina muttered and leaned back in her chair. "So you're not going to give it back to me."

It was Zel's turn to lean forward. "I might. For a price."

"What? For money?" Lina was ecstatic. "Great!"

Zel shook his head. "No, for the use of your talents as an art appraiser. You can spot fakes, right?"

"Sure! I'm the best in the business." Lina said proudly and grinned. "But it's a stiff fee."

Zel thought to himself that Lina looked like a pirate at the moment. "Your sister sent me to you specifically."

"My sister?" Lina turned ashen.

Zel nodded. "Yeah, she's my supervisor. She wanted us to use you as a civilian consultant. She sent you a note."

Lina opened the note he handed her. Her hands shook a little as she skimmed it.

Lina,

I want you to help out Zel

in any capacity he needs.

Otherwise, I might make

a surprise visit to see you.

Your sister,

Luna

P.S. You're not to charge

him for any services

rendered.

In a daze, Lina refolded the note and stuck it in her purse. Her head whirled with the shock of Luna's demand. And suddenly felt like she had entered an alternate reality that didn't make any sense. And Lina couldn't take it.

"For free?" Lina shrieked before she fainted.