"And did you ask her where we are going too hide at, Akane?" whispered Ryoga as he repacked their bag.
Akane sat looking around the room trying to figure out where they could place this camera without it being too obvious. "Yes, Ryoga. We'll just have to improvise something"
"Improvise? We can't go back outside, the security creeps will be sure to check around there. This room is a prison, no closets and only one exit. Me carrying you into another room while they are charging up the steps is too risky"
"I know, Ryoga"
Akane scanned the upper levels of the office searching for some place to mount the mini-camera. Most of the beams in the roof were too high, but then she noticed two five-armed chandeliers hanging down from the roof. The one closest to the safe offered the best chance of success; Akane nodded and struggled to stand up. She called Ryoga and he helped her up.
"That chandelier," she told him, pointing.
"Yeah, that might do." He looked back at the safe trying to guess which arm would be the best too use. "Why don't you get up on my shoulders and stick that thing on the outer arm there"
Akane could see that even on Ryoga's shoulders, she still would not be able to reach the chandelier. "We're going to need more height"
Ryoga looked around and then with his foot, pulled a chair over to them. "Should give you enough height," he said.
So saying, Ryoga dropped to his knees and turned allowing Akane to lean against him. She giggled thinking how mad Ranma would get if he ever found them this close, and then Ryoga reached back slipping his arms between her legs and lifted Akane up over his head.
"Comfortable?" he asked, looking up.
She giggled again. "Your only freebie, Ryoga Hibiki," she teased.
"Don't start that"
He stepped into the chair and Akane reached up. It was a stretch, but Akane's fingers finally gained a grip on the bottom of the chandelier. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small black roll of electrical tape handing it down to Ryoga, and reached in her pocket again producing the mini-camera.
"Tear me off a short strip and fold it back sticky side out"
Ryoga did, passing it to her. In the dim light she barley could see it, but Akane turned the mini-cam face side up and pressed its back firmly onto the tape. One quick look and then at the safe, she reached out and stuck the thing onto the lower base of the chandelier.
Hikaru. Can you see the safe? she asked.
No. It's all dark. Something is blocking my view
Probably one of the arms, thought Akane. She removed the mini-camera and leaned out feeling her way slowly along the smooth wood extension until she felt the cradle of the light socket and bulb. Her shift made the chair wobble and Ryoga let out a grunt, shifting to compensate.
"Watch it, Akane"
"You watch it, I almost dropped this thing"
They steadied out, and Akane affixed the mini-camera to the outer side of the arm. How 'bout now, Hikaru
Hold on. Hikaru made a few adjustments to the screen, both he and Ono straining to make out the safe.
It's a little bit high. Can you point it down more
No! This is going to have to do. There's nothing else we can mount it on out of sight
Ono shook his head at the image. We can just see the safe, Akane. Let's hope your card carrier turns around long enough for us to get a good look at them
Cross you fingers, said Akane.
She wrapped the camera's cord around the arm and told Ryoga she was done. Once back on the floor, he set her in the chair and started looking around again.
"Still need a place to hide," he said.
"Under the desk?" suggested Akane. Ryoga pulled the chair away and peered at the leg space.
"Maybe one of us, but if those fools come to check the window they'll see the chair is moved and probably see under there"
Not good, they both continued to look around. The trophy cabinet was out; glass windows, and so was hiding behind the couch. There's no other way in or out of here except the doors or the window, thought Ryoga. He paused and raised a brow. "Or is there?" he said turning towards the door of the dumbwaiter.
"There," he said to Akane.
She looked back and frowned. "In that tiny space, Ryoga"
"Maybe not in it, but up on top"
They traded knowing smiles and Ryoga helped Akane up, grabbed their bag and moved to the door. He leaned her up against the wall and slid it open. A push of the button started the dumbwaiter down and he stopped it just as the top lowered into view. Shining the light inside, the shaft was cramped, but there would be plenty of space for them both.
"Okay, are you ready to play sardine?" Ryoga asked.
"Two problems. First I need to pull the silencer from the safe, and second; what if the bad guys open this up? They're going to see us"
"Not a prob. All I have to do is pull the wires right"
"And that will set off the alarm"
"And you will be in here holding the door open. This dumbwaiter is on a pulley system, so I can pull it and us up out of view"
Akane eyed Ryoga and took the flashlight shining its beam around the inside again.
"It's going to be tight," she said.
"After what we've been through, this will be nothing"
She reluctantly agreed and Ryoga picked Akane up and placed her in the shaft pushing the bag in behind her.
"Pull and run, right?" he said.
"And you better not get lost on the way over"
"Lost… me"
"Ryoga, it's you, remember"
He paused and then said, "Keep that light on me. I'll follow the beam"
"You better be quick, Ryoga Hibiki"
"Hey, It's me! Don't worry"
Akane cut her eyes briefly up to the sky and sigh. "Get over there. I'll contact Ukyo and on my signal do your thing"
"Got it chief. You can count on me"
"Let's hope so"
Ryoga went over to the safe and picked up the box on the mantle, flashing a quick thumb up to signal he was ready. Akane let out a huff and activated her comlink.
Nabiki and Ukyo rejoined the party and quickly went around checking with the others to see if Ranko had gotten the word out. Most of their reactions were the same, shocked and worried all in one, but were ready for whatever happened next. Satisfied, Nabiki began searching for Tatewaki. A tap from Ukyo on the arm drew her attention.
"So what makes you think the police will not show up here?" she asked in a low voice.
"Maeda will not want cops roaming around his grounds. That's like asking for trouble if they come in and start rooting through his safe in an investigation"
"Hmm, still he's going to tighten up security once that alarm goes off"
"We'll have to just deal with it, Ukyo"
She spotted Tatewaki and went over to him. "Hey you," she greeted him, latching on to an arm.
"Oh, Nabiki. I thought you'd never return to me"
She smiled and casually led him away from the group he was with. "You are not going to like what I have to say next," she whispered.
"Great, more delays. I cannot keep dodging Maeda forever, Nabiki"
"Well, Kuno-baby, we're getting ready to tease him"
"We are? How"
Nabiki did not answer leading him along through the crowd until they came upon the one person neither of them wanted to see. Maeda stood with Vicky, Sachi and Tanyun, gesturing and moving his head around as if scolding them.
"Maeda," hissed Tatewaki. "Are we throwing in the towel, Nabiki"
"I need an alibi, so you and he are it"
"What"
Nabiki squeezed his arm playfully and then smiled. "Boss! How are you enjoying things here"
Okura turned around, at first his face twisted in anger then when he caught sight of Tatewaki, it faded away into a broad mask of pleasure.
"Finally!" he said, "Tatewaki, I have cornered you at last"
"Why I've never been on the run in the first place, Okura," answered Tatewaki.
"I'm not sure about that Tatewaki. Nabiki's help has been keeping me 'busy' this evening"
"Of which we need to talk about, Miss Tendo," added Vicky.
Nabiki feigned ignorance. "My girls? Why, have they been doing something wrong"
"Later," snapped Okura. "Tatewaki, we still need to chat and since I have you here, might I suggest we adjourn into my den"
Just behind Okura over his shoulder Nabiki caught sight of Ukyo passing by. She did not stop, but gave her a quick wink signaling that things were about to begin.
"Why sure, boss," she said. "I have been telling Tatewaki this all evening"
"You have?" questioned Tatewaki.
Kick!
"OW-Oh, yes, yes, I forgot! So many people here that I know it simply slipped my mind"
"Then shall we?" replied Okura, gesturing towards the den.
They barely started when the warble of an alarm suddenly filled the air stopping the party. Everyone turned looking around baffled by the noise wondering what it signaled or what to do. Tanyun and Sachi knew and they traded surprised looks before turning their gaze upon Nabiki.
"Now what on earth could that be?" said Nabiki.
A murmur started to pass through Okura's guests, Vicky quickly acting before panic set in.
"It's okay, everyone, she announced to them, "Just our security system acting up. No need to worry, everything is alright"
"Ooo, sounds like I better go and check on my staff," said Nabiki.
She started to leave but a firm grip on her wrist stopped her.
"No," said Maeda, glaring hard at her, "You will stay here with us." Nabiki swallowed fearfully and nodded. Okura pointed too Tanyun and Sachi, telling them to get Chino and check it out. The two men dashed off through the crowd.
"I see you are going to be occupied, Okura," said Tatewaki. "Nabiki and I will go get drinks while you take care of business"
"I need Nabiki here," Okura firmly answered, "just in case she has to help check things with me"
Tatewaki narrowed an eye not ready to allow Maeda his way. Nabiki could see his concern and gave his hand a light squeeze signaling that she would be alright. He briefly cut his eyes down at her and then smiled.
"As you wish. I'll be waiting for you to finish… Okura"
He went off and Nabiki watched him with a smile, warmed by her man's concern for her well-being. The feeling quickly disappeared as Maeda spun her around.
"This had better not be of your doing, Nabiki," he said in a low voice, "or you will pay dearly"
"Now how could it be my doing, Boss?" she replied. "I'm right here with you"
Maeda let her go gesturing with a slight nod towards the front room, and Nabiki sighed leading the way through the guest…
Tanyun, Sachi and Chino thundered up the stairs to the third floor charging down to Maeda's office. Without pause they burst into the room fanning out as the lights were switched on looking for any signs of intruders. The room was empty and Tanyun went over to the cabinet where the safe was concealed. He gave it a quick once over then stepped aside going to the windows.
Locked? He thought to himself. Several of his security men were searching the grounds below and he opened the windows up.
"Did you find anything?" he shouted down to them.
"No," answered one of the men, "Nothing so far"
"Keep searching"
Tanyun shut the windows and turned around. He shrugged baffled by the alarm.
Sachi could not believe that it went off on its own. "Chino, go open the safe"
The burly man went over and opened up the panel. No marks or signed of intrusion, he reached into his jacket pocket and produced a white credit-card and slid it through the key slot, tapped in the combination and opened the door.
Out in the van, Hikaru and Ono strained to get a good look at the man's face. The screen kept flickering, not to mention that they could see just the top back of his head.
"Boy, does he need a haircut," said Hikaru.
Ono stared down at him disbelievingly. "Are you really worried about his hair"
"He could try to have some sort of decent appearance there, Doc. I mean look at him. All hair, he's a gorilla"
Ono thought a moment and then looked back at the screen. "I'm not going to even address that, Hikaru. Just keep your eyes on the screen"
They watched as the safe was re-closed, and as the man turned around he stepped back up under the view of the mini-camera. After several minutes, the lights went out and Doctor Tofu activated his link.
Akane! It's Tofu. We didn't get a good look at our target. You guys hear anything
Akane strained to reach up in the confining space of the shaft, struggling for a few second before she could respond.
Doc, I can't vouch for Ryoga, but I didn't hear anything. We're in the shaft of this dumbwaiter playing Twister and it's hard to hear at all… wait… what's that, Ryoga? …Ryoga says he might have heard a 'un or Chee-something, but that's about it
Great. You two better stay in there just in case they decide to return. Maybe Nabiki can identify our man with our description… okay, Ukyo, go find Nabiki
Ukyo smirked lightly at his request. She all ready knew where Nabiki was and stood a comfortable distance away watching as she, Vicky and Maeda awaited the return of his three henchmen. Nabiki leaned up against the wall trying hard to appear nonchalant; her eyes were cutting over in her direction every so often searching for a sign. Ukyo rolled her eyes up when their eyes met and Nabiki shoulders visibly slumped.
"Something wrong, Nabiki," Victoria suddenly asked, noticing her change.
Immediately Nabiki straightened up. "Uh, no, no, Vicky. Just waiting for Tanyun and the guys to come back with any news"
"You better pray it is good news… Nabiki," said Maeda in a dark tone. He glared at her, and she smiled timidly back, and then Tanyun, Sachi and Chino returned.
"It's clean, boss," reported Tanyun. "Nothing wrong with the room, the boys found nothing outside"
"Could 'a been a short, Boss," added Sachi.
Okura did not believe it, but Nabiki was here the whole time and so were her girls. Still, he felt uneasy about the situation and gave Nabiki a brief look.
"I still do not like it," he said low to them.
"Well, boss," whispered Sachi, "since we are going to get her anyway… I could take her now. Tie her up, throw her in the trunk… zip off we go and you'll have your leverage against Kuno"
It was tempting, Okura looking her way again, but he knew Tatewaki would miss her presence almost immediately and might cause a scene. No, the time was not right… yet.
"Tanyun, put two men on my office door. Place two more outside underneath the window." He smiled, gazing back at Nabiki.
"Boss, I'm short now as it is outside," said Tanyun. A stern look settled the issue and Tanyun sighed going to carry out his orders.
"Put Chino up there," suggested Sachi.
"No, he's on anti-animal duty for me right now," said Vicky.
"…and I want him down here too," said Okura.
Nabiki joined them. "So am I'm clean?" she asked.
Maeda arched a brow and let out a light grunt. "You're clean for now, Nabiki"
"Good, my hostess is waiting for me and I need to go take care of business"
She started to leave and then Okura stopped her.
"Don't stray too far, Nabiki," he said.
She forced a smile and nodded continuing on her way.
Once out of eye and earshot, Nabiki leaned towards Ukyo and said, "What happened"
"Akane didn't place the camera in as good of a spot as she thought," replied Ukyo, "the guys didn't see our man"
"Damnit all!" growled Nabiki. "Did Ryoga or Akane hear a name"
"Ryoga heard something but could not make it out"
They stopped in the dining room and Nabiki hung her head, rubbing her temples not liking this at all. "So what did Hikaru and Doctor Tofu see then?" she finally said.
Taking a quick look around, Ukyo rubbed the side of her head. Doc, I'm with Nabiki. She wants to know what you guys saw. she muttered low.
Hair mainly. Hikaru thinks the guy needs a haircut. Called him a gorilla
She giggled at the description. "I really am glad I'm here, Nabiki," she said.
"Ukyo, what did they see"
"Hikaru says… a gorilla. Lots of dark hair"
Gorilla, thought Nabiki and then it dawned on her. "Chino!" she said turning around searching the room.
"Who?" asked Ukyo.
"Mousse's screen… I should have known"
Ukyo joined her in the search but they could not see him from where they were standing.
"Eew, Nabiki. If he's our man then we better go find some clubs. That's a big boy were talking about"
"I know, Ukyo. Where is he"
Just then Ukyo's comlink beeped. Ukyo, called Ranko, Goon alert
What's up
That Tanyun guy just took two of his flunkies upstairs
Ukyo sneered, tapping Nabiki's shoulder. "Tanyun's heading back up with two of his men," she said.
"Great. Maeda's setting guards on his office." Time to think up another plan, Nabiki mused. First, find Chino, and then worry about getting the card to Akane after.
"Ukyo, tell Ranko to meet us in the front room, then tell Akane for her and Ryoga to stay out of sight"
As Ukyo passed on the instructions, Nabiki moved further on through the crowd searching for Chino. For a large man it seemed that he had disappeared from the party, and she wondered if Maeda did not have him leave to safeguard the keycard. From the kitchen appeared Akari and she made her way over to Nabiki.
"Nabiki," she said and Nabiki literally jumped out of her skin.
"Oh, Akari… don't do that. I've still several decades before I get gray hairs"
"Sorry… uhm, Kasumi wanted me to let you know that she's made the final 'trays' for our event, and that she's also running out of dishes to serve the guests"
Another problem, Nabiki shaking her head. "Well tell her to slow up. We're not ready out here yet.
"She already is"
Not good, thought Nabiki. Ukyo joined them.
"Ideas"
"Yes. We're going to meet up with Ranko then split up and find Chino"
"You mean the monster?" asked Akari.
"Yes, and you better help us too. We need to find Chino and then get him upstairs somehow without Maeda, Vicky or his henchmen seeing"
"That's not going to be easy, and we still have to take him down"
"One obstacle at a time please, Ukyo"
The three made their way through the guests meeting Ranko in the front room. Dropping back out of sight, Nabiki began laying out their next move.
"Okay, first we locate Chino. Once that happens, we mark him until we can figure out a way to get him safely away from this party"
"Then we get to beat him up?" asked Ukyo.
"If it comes to that, yes. I'd rather knock him out, get the card and then figure out a way to get it to Akane"
"How"
"I'm thinking. Hold on a minute"
As Nabiki schemed, around the corner of the doorway appeared the burly figure of Chino. Ukyo, Ranko, and Akari started in surprise and stared nervously as he headed their way. Terror gradually filled their eyes as he stopped and glared down at Nabiki.
"I got it," said Nabiki, "We tell him Vicky wants to see him upstairs. That should get him away from everything"
"Nahh… not exactly, Nabiki," said Ukyo.
"Why not? He'll believe me I'm sure"
"Before or after?" asked Ranko.
"Before or after what"
"Now"
Nabiki frowned. "What are you guys talking about"
Akari lowered her hands from her chin, timidly pointing behind her. She turned and let out a yelp startled by Chino presence. Pausing to regain her breath, Nabiki finally looked up at him.
"Is everybody out to give me premature gray hair?" she said.
Chino stared down at her and then arched a brow. "Who were you talking about"
Nabiki gulped.
"Uhm… no one. Is there something I can help you with, Chino"
The skeptical look played across the four women before changing into one of nervousness. Carefully, Chino looked around behind them and then leaned closer to her.
"Miss Nabiki… may I… may I speak with you a moment"
Nabiki blinked not sure how too respond at first. "Well… sure, Chino"
Chino cut his eyes at the other women and then gently guided Nabiki away from them. "Nabiki… I… (gulp)… I have a small request I would like to ask of you"
"A request"
They stopped and he faced her. The expression on his face was one of distress bordering on near desperation. She could see that whatever it was caused him some major stress. He wrung his hands glancing around again before continuing.
"I… I really need a favor from you, Miss Nabiki"
"A favor?" Now this was more to her liking. Pure manipulation, just the thing she excelled in. "Ah, so what can 'Miss Nabiki' do for you, Chino, hmmm"
A blush colored Chino's pudgy cheeks and he stared down at the floor embarrassed. "I… don't get me wrong, Miss Nabiki…, but… I would like to… speak to one of your girls"
Oh this just can't get any better, thought Nabiki. She shot Ukyo a brief smile and then asked Chino which girl he was talking about. Chino turned and pointed back into the main room. The closest girl there was Tsubasa.
"Tsubasa?" said Nabiki.
"No, no, not her," answered Chino. He pointed past Tsubasa and as the guests thinned there appeared Chino's true target.
Mousse.
"Her," he sighed, lust flowing from every pour of his body.
Ranko and Ukyo followed Chino's stare, leaning out to see what he was pointing at. They spotted Mousse, glanced back at Chino and his lovelorn gaze, and then let out muffled cackles of delight putting two and two together.
"Now ladies," said Nabiki, and they stifled their laughter; Akari lost wondering what was so funny.
"Don't mind them," Nabiki said to Chino. He blushed again and stared back down at the floor. Reaching out, Nabiki gently stroked Chino's dark locks, putting on her best confiding smile.
"Chino… there's no reason to be ashamed. You've seen the reaction from the other males here"
"I know!" he replied looking sharply back around at Mousse. "She is an… angel… A-A goddess sent down from the very heavens"
"Heaven is quite a reach there, Chino"
He suddenly grabbed Nabiki by both arms, lifting her up from the floor. "Please, Miss Nabiki!" pleaded Chino, "Please allow me to speak with her. I must… I must let her know how I feel"
Nabiki was speechless staring at Chino in disbelief. Ukyo cackled, drawing their attention and she quickly turned, pressing her face against the wall to hide her joy, shoulders and body heaving uncontrollably.
"Yes, Chino," said Nabiki. "uhm, could you put me down first"
Chino set Nabiki down and she fixed herself back up. "Now then, do you have a place where you and Moussa can talk alone"
Another Ukyo guffaw cut the air.
"There is a V.I.P. Guest room up on the second floor to the right near the end of the hall"
Nabiki nodded. "Second floor, guest room to the right near the end. Got it. I think we can make something happen here"
"Thank you, Nabiki! I will be forever in your debt"
"Naturally. You're going to have to give me some time though to speak to her"
"Why"
"It's been a rough night for Moussa, or have you forgotten"
Chino shook his head, a sad expression appearing.
"Awww, now don't get discouraged. I'm sure once I've talked to him-her, she will be more than happy to talk with you." She lifted his head and smiled. "Twenty minutes"
Chino exploded with joy, pulling Nabiki close, hugging her tight. "Thank you, Nabiki! Thank You"
"(Ugh!)… you're welcome, now stop crushing me"
He let her go and set the timer on his watch. "Twenty minutes… I will be there," said Chino. He waltzed away as if on air leaving Nabiki stunned and amazed. She shook herself and regained her senses, staggering around to face Ukyo, Ranko and Akari.
"We got lucky," she said.
"Oh I'll say!" said Ukyo, still wiping tears from her eyes. "If I knew this would be happening, I would have brought a recorder"
"Ukyo, this is no time for levity! We have to move fast"
Ukyo and Ranko settled down while Nabiki drew up a plan. "Ranko, get back to serving and keep an eye on the stairway while we're up there. Akari, go get Mousse and bring him to us… and then you better go tell Shampoo to join us as well"
The two left, Ukyo waiting brightly for Nabiki's next move.
"Will you stop looking so happy," said Nabiki.
"I can't help it. He's going to bolt you know"
"Mousse… maybe. That's why you're coming with me"
"I wouldn't miss this for the world. And you know something else"
"What"
"I'm soooo glad you brought me along"
Nabiki let out a huff, rolling her eyes up at the ceiling. "I wish you would stop saying that! Come on, we don't have much time."
