Disclaimer: I don't own anything here… just the plot… Okay?
IMPORTANT: Haishi and Jujika have been changed to Oz and Alliance respectively… I like the sound of Oz and the Alliance better…
Here goes nothing…
Chapter II
Seven hopeful young women sat and waited patiently for the arrival of Jed Miyamoto. Having passed the preliminary interview with the HR officer, the only thing that stood between them and the much sought after job of being his secretary was an interview from the man himself. He was running rather late but that didn't dampen the spirits of any of the young hopefuls. They were all still smiling. Enthusiastic and eager. All but one; a stunning, emerald-eyed brunette.
Along with the constant crossing and uncrossing of legs, the impatient brunette started to drum her fingers on the table beside the seat she was currently occupying, a sign that her patience was growing thin. She never did like to wait; she was a prompt person herself. If there was any waiting involved, it was people waiting for her and not the other way around.
At long last, after almost an hour of waiting, Jed Miyamoto arrived. The aggravated woman looked up and as much as she hates to admit it, her latest target looked exceptionally good. His powerfully built body was garbed in a stylish pinstripe suit, thin-rimmed glasses covered his azure eyes and his wavy, blonde hair was neatly combed back. No wonder the position was so coveted. Not only was the pay good, the boss looked good as well. Such a waste to kill a very fine male specimen. But he is a member of Oz. Not even his striking good- looks could save him from her wrath.
"Good morning ladies, I'm very sorry to keep you waiting." Rei's fellow applicants practically swooned at the sound of his voice and almost melted at the sight of his dazzling smile. She never felt so embarrassed of her sex in her entire life. These women were very easily won over by the man; it was pathetic. But she had to play along, so she smiled as well.
She could feel his lingering gaze on her. As it should. Rei went to great lengths to make sure she held most of his attention. All the women were dressed professionally; clad in clean-cut, three-piece suits in colors such as black, white and beige. They looked boring and pedestrian. Rei could never let that happen to her so she opted for a baby- pink, A-line skirt with matching jacket that had a ruby-studded brooch on the left side. Under the jacket was a plain satin top. She looked different from all the rest. Chic, innocent and undeniably eye-catching.
Stepping forward, she gave the man a dazzling smile of her own, "It's quite alright, Mr. Miyamoto. We didn't wait long."
His smiled broadened much to the other women's dismay, "That's good. You are?"
"Miss Makoto Kino." Rei extended her hand fully thinking he was going to shake it. He didn't. Instead, he turned her hand so that her palm was facing down, brought it to his lips and gave it a feather light kiss. She felt herself blush and instantly hated herself for it. She couldn't help it; the man was a regular Casanova! The other women gasped, jealous that she got a one-up.
"Well, it's a pleasure, Miss Kino." He said as he finally let go of her hand.
She cocked her head to the side and tucked a loose strand of synthetic hair behind her ear, "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Miyamoto."
"I'll be looking forward to your interview, Miss Kino." He gave her a farewell smile before walking to his office.
Rei turned around and found the other women's green-eyed gazes on her. They looked ready to kill. The women scowled as she smiled to them and haughtily flipped the synthetic brunette plait over her shoulder. Like she cared about being Jed Miyamoto's secretary. The only thing she cared about was his demise and his information regarding Oz. Yes, she could easily slip into his house or office and easily eliminate him, but she needed additional information since hers was running low. The only logical thing she could think of was an inside job. Once she gets the job, she'd have free access to all the information she needs. After she gets all the necessary information, she'd kill him and by then, Oz will surely be crippled. He is, after all, an integral part of their organization. But killing him was not what was on her mind right now; right now, she had to get the job. Failure is not an option.
"Miss Kino," a blonde called from the office, "Mr. Miyamoto will see you now."
The same blonde held open the door and waited for her to enter. Before she did, she blew the remaining applicants a mocking kiss followed by a wink then a wave. She didn't stay long enough to hear the women's contemptuous remarks, not that it would bother her in the least.
Once inside, Rei couldn't help but marvel at the gigantic office's interior. The floors were of the best granite, a deep black with tiny streaks of white; the walls were white, a sharp contrast to the floor; the office was framed by a huge window giving her a good view of the city. His furniture was simple, sleek and upholstered in black. The office oozed masculinity and sophistication.
"You like my office Miss Kino?" He asked, effectively snapping her out of her reverie.
"Yes. Its very…" she searched her mind for the right word, "manly."
"Thank you. Please, have a seat."
Once she was comfortably seated, he formally started the interview. There were several brown envelopes on top of his desk. He took the one that was on top of the file and opened it. It was 'her' résumé.
The only sure fire way she knew how to get the job was if she had an amazing résumé. Since she didn't exactly go to college, she knew she'd never have a fighting chance at the job if she applied for it fairly. So, doing the only thing she could, she hacked into a reputable college's database and fabricated a student. Everything had been made up. From the name, the grades in the transcript, even the diploma, which Rei printed out just to be thorough. All her papers have been made-up as well, letters of recommendation and clearances. She thought of everything; it was what she was. Scrupulous.
"Well, Miss Kino, I am very impressed. You transcript is marvelous. You have exceptional grades."
Rei smiled graciously, "Thank you, Mr. Miyamoto."
He put her papers down and looked at her inquisitively, "But that doesn't necessarily mean you're fit for the job It's a very taxing job, Ms. Kino. Do you think you can handle the pressure?"
"Of course sir. I assure you, I work very well under pressure." Rei said as she closed her sentence with a hospitable smile. She can't afford not to get the job. All her intricate planning would go down the drain if she failed this interview.
"Very good. But I would assume that a person such as yourself would want a more prestigious job. I find it rather hard to believe that you would want to become a meager secretary."
"You said it yourself that this job is quite taxing. I'm a bit confused with your standpoint with regards to this line of work, Mr. Miyamoto. Do you think being a secretary is trivial?" She challenged. He sounded like he thought very little of a secretary. Even if it was a mission, she would not want him to think of her as only a 'meager secretary'. It seemed rather degrading.
He shook his head emphatically and smiled at the brunette. Never before has he ever interviewed such a witty applicant. "Not at all. Why would I be hiring one if I thought that? I just thought that you would want to be more than just a secretary. You are overqualified."
Now was the perfect time for flattery. Surely, he'd give in, "You seem to be unmindful of the fact that many women would jump at the chance to work for you. Why should I be any different? As for being overqualified, well, let's just say that's an added bonus."
"Really, now. I didn't know I was so …desirable."
Rei inwardly grinned. Finally, he was catching up. "Oh, yes. Very desirable indeed." She reassured, "Everyone would kill to have this position."
He raised an eyebrow at that, "You think you can handle the position?" he asked. This was certainly not a regular interview. But the woman was hard to resist. Though he did feel more drawn to her wit than to her face. Having her for a secretary wont be bad. Smart and definitely something to look at.
"I know I can handle the position." She said, emphasizing the 'know' so he wouldn't question her abilities then added, "I can handle any position." She purred making sure he caught the sexual innuendo.
He did as he grinned wolfishly and leaned in closer, "What do you say we continue this interview over lunch?"
Hook, line and sinker. "What about maintaining a professional relationship between co-workers, sir?"
"You don't work for me yet, Ms. Kino."
"What about the other applicants, Mr. Miyamoto?"
"What about the other applicants?"
xxx
It had been well over two hours since he had seen the mysterious brunette enter the building and he was starting to grow impatient. He crossed his arms in annoyance, his mouth was set in a grim line. A waitress came with yet another cup of coffee, his fifth. He paid no mind to the smitten girl as his Prussian blue gaze never left the building's main entrance. Bringing the cup to his lips, he wracked his brain for answers to the many questions that have been plaguing him as of late. The warm liquid traveled down his throat, but it did not help calm his nerves. He was beyond frustrated. The results of his research were inadequate; there was very little information on Rei Megumi. All the information he got his hands on, he noticed, was new, barely three years old. It was as if she just came out of the blue. Going over Ayame's files again, he knew that Rei Megumi is most definitely not a Megumi since deceased agent's father died before she was born and her mother died upon giving birth to her. She was left in an orphanage, so how could she possibly have a sister who claims to have come from the very same parents? Lastly, the last time he checked, Rei Megumi was not a brunette. But there was no mistaking it, she lived in the loft that was registered in Rei 'Megumi's' name. For days he waited for Rei Megumi to come out, but the only person going in and out of the loft was the brunette. He assumed that Rei had dyed her hair and wore green contacts. But that still didn't help him. So what if she dyed her hair and wore contacts? The fact still remains that he, the Perfect soldier, had nothing. Zilch. Nil. Out of frustration, he slammed his fist on the table, effectively gaining the attention of the people who sat near him.
He felt impressed and aggravated at the same time. There were just too many unanswered questions! Oz, the 'Casablanca Killer' and now add Rei 'Megumi' to his list of problems. Just perfect. His supposed 'link', the one he thought could help him with his many questions was also shrouded in mystery. He wanted to shoot something, somebody… it didn't matter, anything would do. Anything to vent his anger.
A familiar pink clad figure finally got out of the building and stood at the entrance looking like she was waiting for someone or something. Heero abruptly got up, hastily threw some bills on top of the table, got his helmet and rushed outside to his motorcycle. He straddled the motorcycle, put the helmet on and waited for the brunette to make her move. A silver BMW Z4 emerged from the building's basement parking and stopped right in front of her. She got on and the car drove away. Heero followed closed behind. Determined not to loose them even in traffic. There was absolutely no way in hell was he going to let her out of his sight. He picked up speed as the car edged further away. He was going dangerously fast, but it didn't bother him in the very least. He wasn't going to loose her. She was wreaking havoc in his mind and he didn't like it. Didn't like it at all.
Judging by the time, he assumed that she and whomever it was she was with were heading off to lunch. The car stopped and parked outside a small restaurant. He did the same and parked his motorcycle beside a Benz. He got off, looked around and felt terribly out of place. His was the only motorcycle amidst the sea of luxury and sport's cars. It looked like a modest little bistro, but if the cars parked were anything to go by, he knew it was more than that. His assumptions were right. He could sense and air of arrogance floating about as he entered the 'modest little bistro'. Everyone was dressed formally. He stuck out like a sore thumb in his blue jeans, green shirt and tousled hair. He ignored the demeaning stares and scanned the area for the brunette he'd been stalking. He found her together with an unknown blonde sitting by the window. Luckily, the table adjacent to theirs was vacant.
"What do you think of this place, Ms. Kino?" he heard the blonde ask. He did a double take, thankfully, nobody noticed. Did he hear right? Did the blonde call her Ms. Kino? She was supposed to be Ms. 'Megumi'. Had he been following the wrong person around then? Did he waste all that time on the wrong woman?
"It's very nice and please call me Makoto, Mr. Miyamoto."
Heero's brows furrowed in confusion and anger. Who on earth is Makoto Kino and where the hell is Rei Megumi? He couldn't have made a mistake. He never makes mistakes. But what was all this Makoto Kino crap all about?
"Well, Makoto, I insist that you call me Jed, since we're on a first name basis here."
"Okay, Jed."
Before Heero could vex himself any further, the maitre' d came with the menu.
The waiter scrutinized him, giving him the message that he clearly didn't belong. "Good day, sir. Would you like to have a look at our Carte du jour or would you like to have our chef make something especially for you?" His chin was high in the air and his voice held a tinge of arrogance.
"I'd like to see the menu." He glared at the lanky waiter, disliking his condescending tone. The waiter visibly paled at this and shakily handed him the menu. Had he not been the reserved person that he is, his eyes would have popped out and his jaw would have dropped, something he was sure Duo would have done if he was with him. No wonder only the best cars were parked outside, the prices were unreasonably steep. Even a single cup of coffee cost a fortune. Today's lunch was going to burn a hole in his pocket. They just had to eat here!
"Beef brioche and scotch neat." He ordered in his usual monotone voice.
"That's a beef brioche and scotch neat." He repeated, "I'll be right back with your order, sir." Heero nodded; satisfied that the man's arrogant tone was gone replaced by a voice that hinted amiability and fear.
xxx
Rei collapsed onto the couch, smiling contentedly to herself. Today was a day to rejoice! After lunch, she knew she was a shoe in for the position. The other girls never stood a chance. She thought smugly. She spent most of lunch animatedly talking to Jed. His company wasn't as bad as she thought it'd be, but she constantly had to remind herself that he was a target and that she should not get emotionally attached.
Another thing to rejoice about was that her 2003 Ford Thunderbird was near completion. She dropped by Haruka's shop and marveled at the sight of her revamped car. She sent it in for a new paintjob, reupholstering and complete detailing a little over two weeks ago and she was missing it dearly. But judging from the progress, she knew her waiting would not be in vain. She couldn't wait for it to be finished.
Getting up, she carelessly kicked off the uncomfortable stilettos, not caring where they would land, and walked barefoot to the bathroom. The irritating contacts had to go. She quickly took them off and placed them in a small, plastic container, which then joined the rest of Rei's extensive collection inside the medicine cabinet. Next to come off was the wig, which upon removal was recklessly allowed to fall to the tiled floor.
Her clothes also fell to the floor, joining the previously discarded wig. After keeping her hair up in a high chignon, she walked to the tub and waited for it to fill with warm water. Once full, she languidly stepped in. The water felt like heaven. She closed her eyes and sighed in content. For now, she freed her mind from thoughts of assassinations and revenge.
Her head instantly jerked up at the sound of footsteps. It was barely audible, but she knew what she heard. The sound was unmistakable. Somebody had gotten inside.
Why didn't I lock the goddamn door?
It could be a burglar, no surprise there since she did live in what many considered the 'danger zone' of the city. She cautiously got out of the tub and wrapped a towel tightly around herself. It was a good thing she had and already loaded revolver in the medicine cabinet. She took out the 44M revolver and cautiously opened the door, making sure it made very little noise. The place still looked the way it did before she went inside the bathroom. Everything was still the same; the lights were still on, her bed still hasn't been made, nothing seemed to be missing and the door was still closed.
Must be my imagination.
Dismissing the thought, she walked to the door and locked it. She then walked straight to the couch and looked around one last time. Still nothing. "I must be going mad." She muttered. Once comfortably seated, she put the gun down beside her and looked for the most vital part of the T.V.: the remote control.
Where is that stupid remote?
Rei looked for it behind the pillows and under the cushion. It was still nowhere to be found. She bent over, thinking it could be under the couch and paused as she saw a shadow towering over her from behind.
Oh, shit!
"Get up." She heard the voice from behind her command. The voice came out as an incredibly sexy drawl and Rei couldn't help but grin despite her current predicament. She grabbed the gun beside her only to realize it was too late. She stood up; but before she could make use of the gun, something cold was pressed against the back of her head. The end of a gun barrel.
"Are you here to steal my stuff?" She asked though she was in no position to. Even if she did have a gun in her hand, it wouldn't do her any good since the 'burglar's' gun was aimed at the back of her head. She could try to fight him off, but how? It would only take a split second to pull the trigger. The towel that covered her wet and bare body suddenly loosened and threatened to fall. Before that could happen, she tightly gripped the towel with her free hand and held it firmly in place.
"Drop it." He commanded again.
"You're going to rape me?" She innocently asked.
Heero smirked at that. Maybe he could get her to drop that too. He shook his head and pushed the foolish thought away. What was he thinking? "I meant the gun."
TBC
AN
Sorry it took soooo long to post this. I needed to do major revising since the original draft was kinda complicated and I don't know… I had a hard time with it myself…
Jed Miyamoto… I know it sounds incredibly stupid but I was running out of names… and yes, he's supposed to be Jadeite… in my original draft it was supposed to be Treize(sp?) but I like him too much to make him an antagonist so… I like Jadeite too, but not as much a Trieze. lol
Anyway… Hope it wasn't that bad. If it is, tell me… I'll gladly take it down…
Please review, k?
cries Spurs lost game 3! Waaaaaah… It sucks!
Sorry again for the late post…
Luv lots, people!
Ja!
