Chapter Eight

Pan rolled over in her sleep. An alarm went off in her head when she only encountered space where her husband should be. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes to confirm that Zarah was nowhere in the room.

She stumbled from the bed and wandered through the house and blinked blearily at the kitchen table. She rubbed her eyes and looked again to confirm that there were two people sitting at her table.

"Sasoli?"

The twins stopped whispering to each other and glanced up at her.

"What are you doing here so early?" Pan's sleepy fog disappeared as Sasoli gripped her in an almost desperate hug.

"I'm sorry, Pan," Sasoli released her and left the house without another word.

Pan turned questioning eyes to her husband.

He shrugged and kissed her briefly on the mouth.

"What were you talking to her about?" Pan refused to be diverted.

He shrugged again and gave her a push in the direction of their bedroom.

"Get dressed or you'll be late for school."

Pan protested lightly only for him to shoo her away and continue eating his breakfast. With a sigh of defeat, she retreated.

She would ask Sasoli later.

"Dad! Dad!" Sasoli searched unsuccessfully for her missing parent.

Her world came to a stop as she spotted her phone one table with a note.

Gone wandering. Be back later.

Uub paced nervously in the security. Himbon and his partner were already there making snide comments about Sasoli being the head of security.

"No wonder the company's going down hill with a woman guarding it," Detective Beasely snickered as he flicked his cigarette ashes onto the floor.

The smoke swirled lazily before it seemingly dissipated.

"You know she only got hired because she's family," Detective Himbon sneered.

Uub glared at them from under his heavy dark brows but said nothing.

"Why would a Briefs woman want to enter security detail?" Detective Beasely nibbled on the end of his cigarette.

Detective Himbon snorted, "Because she wasn't qualified to do anything else."

"You don't know that," Uub inserted darkly, if his theory was right then she was more than capable of doing other things.

Detective Himbon turned to Uub slowly, "I don't recall asking your opinion. You shouldn't even be here."

"Himbon," Beasely put a hand on his partner's shoulder. "It's not Uub's fault that he was requested."

Himbon jerked away from the other man harshly and stood toe to toe with Uub.

"If it were to me," Himbon snarled darkly, his blue eyes darkening until they were almost black. "I-"

"But it's not up to you," a wry female voice broke the tension. "Gentlemen, I'm sorry I'm late but it was unavoidable."

"Getting her beauty sleep no doubt," Himbon muttered when they turned to her.

Sasoli stood before them in the doorway, calm and serene. The only hint that she had spent a sleepless night was a slight darkness around her eyes.

"What's the plan of attack?" Sasoli crossed her arms.

"Questioning the staff," Beasely came forward and shook hands with her, "I'm Detective Beasely."

"Sasoli Briefs," she gave him a thin smile before turning to glance at the other male.

Himbon turned his back on her, not caring if he was rude.

Sasoli frowned.

"Don't mind him," Beasely brought the forgotten cigarette to his lips, "He's in a snit because his brother-"

"We need to get started," Himbon cut him off and dashed out the door, nearly shoving her to the side.

Sasoli narrowed her eyes as she watched Detective Himbon stride angrily down the hallway. He was . . . familiar.

Detective Beasely nodded at her and started to follow his partner.

"Detective Beasely," she stopped him with a touch. "There's no smoking in this building."

"Ah," Beasely flushed and glanced around for a garbage receptacle.

"I'll take it," she plucked the offending object from his limp fingers and disappeared into security office.

"Better keep an eye on him," Uub intoned before joining Sasoli.

Detective Beasely stared at the door for a moment lost in thought. Sasoli Briefs was a beautiful woman doing a man's job and successfully. Himbon was wrong to assume she was incompetent and given the job on a lark. There was more here than met the eye.

But then, Beasely snorted and shoved his hands in his pockets, it always did when Detective Uub was involved.

Uub licked his lips nervously as he approached his touchy partner. She stood with her back to him, not saying anything. This was the time to set his trap. She was calm, surprisingly calm, and if he was going to ask his questions and get anywhere now was the time. If she went on the defensive, then she was the Scalpel, if not then she was innocent.

"Sasoli, I-"

"I want to apologize," Sasoli turned to him, her blue eyes sad. "I've been . . . hostile to you and . . ."

Uub's thought process stumbled and came to a halt.

"You didn't deserve it," she finished with a sigh, "I've been stressed out."

Uub opened his mouth to reply when sound failed him. This was the last thing he had expected to come out of her mouth.

"It's understandable," he finally found his voice. "Your employees are being murdered, your parents are . . . separated, and you're cousin's in jail . . ."

"And they expect me to fix it all," Sasoli's lips curved wanly, "However, it is still not an excuse for my behavior."

Uub exhaled lightly and shrugged.

"I won't hold any grudges if you don't."

Her smile warmed.

"I accept your deal."

He returned her smile helplessly. She looked so happy that he hated to bate her . . . but he had to know and there wasn't a better time.

"Sasoli, have you ever heard about a criminal named Scalpel?"

"Scalpel?" Surprise at the sudden change of subject was clear in her eyes but there was also puzzlement.

Her head tilted slightly to the left as she chewed the inside of her check. Her thoughts were almost visibly flashing through eyes before she finally shook her head.

"No, I haven't heard of him," her eyes were wide with curiosity. "What he'd do?"

Uub answered carefully watching her every move.

"He terrorizes Capsule Corp. buildings all over the world."

"What?!" Her mouth dropped open.

Uub was startled at the vehemence of her reaction. Her aura flared out a deep red when, just as suddenly, it winked out. Her body went limp and she collapsed into a chair.

"Why didn't he tell me?" She was devastated, "I could have done something."

"Sasoli," Uub kneeled in front of her, "I'm sure-"

"No, you don't understand," Sasoli clutched her hair and arched her back in frustration, "This is my job. Why wouldn't he tell me?"

"He's never attacked this building," he offered consolingly.

"He wouldn't have dared," Sasoli raked her teeth across her bottom lip in thought.

Uub sat back on his haunches and sighed. With this genuine reaction, she couldn't be the Scalpel. He couldn't help the frown that darkened his features, it would have been too easy if she had been the Scalpel ... but all the pieces fit so well . . .

Sasoli smashed a fist into her palm, "It's settled."

"What?" Uub snapped out of his thoughts.

"After we capture the murders, then we'll go after that bastard, Scalpel." Sasoli shot to her feet, forcing Uub to do the same.

"Sasoli," Uub became stern, "You can't come after Scalpel with me."

"Why?" Sasoli ground her teeth in a desperate attempt to not attack.

"You're not a cop, Sasoli," Uub became extremely guarded as she went still.

Sasoli took a deep breath.

"I can still assist," she stated logically, "I can get files, videos, witnesses, and anything else you could ever need. You would be a fool to turn down my help."

Uub stared at her, surprise and excitement clear in his face.

"You could get me those documents? Even though they're different buildings?"

An arrogant smirk, "Uub, we may be an international company but each building is held accountable and must answer to Trunk and as held of security, I have unlimited access to everything, anywhere."

"Wow," Uub blinked, "But that's . . . a lot to keep track of . . ."

"We hire only the best," Sasoli crossed her arms. "Trunks has proved he is more than capable of handling everything."

"But he's gone."

"Yes," Sasoli pursed her lips, "and we have to fill his shoes as well as our own."

"How is he?" Uub saw her the question in her eyes. "Trunks?"

She was still puzzled.

"I mean," Uub elaborated, "How is he handling jail?"

"Oh, uh . . ." she grimaced, "I'm sure he's fine."

Sasoli moved quickly to the door.

"You mean you haven't visited him?" Uub was shocked.

Sasoli exited the room in silence.

Trunks Briefs lay on his bunk with his arms crossed behind his head. His eyes were closed and his body was relaxed to the point of falling asleep.

Without warning, an evil smile crossed his lips and he laughed evilly as he pictured Zarah suffering as rushed to finish his new workload.

Yes, life was good, Trunks hummed to himself and tapped his foot to an imaginary beat. He had adapted to prison life surprisingly well once they had stopped trying to force roommates on him.

Believing him to be just another rich boy many had hoped to capitalize on the situation and make him pay handsomely for protection. Others had been drawn to his good looks . . . it was surprising that his company had prepared him for ambushes at any time. Still, it was different here, he was allowed to fight back here and no one in the building stood a chance against him. So all would be thugs and suitors found themselves rebuffed harshly.

An unconscious roommate every morning for a week ensured that he never had to share his personal space again.

The only drawback was the meals. They were so tiny compared to his usual servings that he was on the verge of starvation. It was getting to the point where he was considering taking up the common practice of stealing other inmates food.

"You have a visitor."

Trunks' humming ceased and he was off his bed faster than the guard could track.

"Who is it?" His blue eyes were narrowed dangerously. No one had deigned to visit him thus far and anyone who dared show there face now was going to be served with some of the same.

The prison guard swallowed nervously as sweat beaded his brow. This prisoner acted like he owned the prison and, once on the outside, he might very well decide to buy it. Trunks Briefs was not a man to trifle with, if just for the fact that he was probably the richest man on earth.

"She said her name was Maron," the guard answered quickly.

"Maron?" Trunks repeated with a charming smile that quickly turned upside down, "What is she doing here?"

"I don't know, sir," the guard bit his tongue as the prisoner laughed at his mental slip.

"Take me to her then," Trunks smirked arrogantly as the door slid open and he exited his cell with a strut.

He was happy to note that he no longer received cat calls from the other prisoners. He hadn't perfected his father's glare for nothing and it was perfect for intimidation purposes.

They exited the holding area and continued through the hallway where the visiting rooms were located. Trunks was disappointed to see he would have to talk to her through shatterproof glass. With a resigned sigh, he picked up the phone

"Trunks!" Maron's eyes lit up with relief, "You're ok."

"Yeah," his eyes drank in the sight of her. "I'm surprised they let you in to see me."

"I had to make a couple of concessions," she grumbled.

"Concessions?" His brows shot up, "You're wearing a wire, aren't you?"

"Yes," Maron smiled as she imagined all cops that were probably panicking at the moment. "Would you like to see it?"

"Yeah, I've never seen a wire before," Trunks smirked, thinking similar thoughts, and leaned forward interested where she might be sporting the wire.

Sure enough, Maron started to unbutton her blouse. "Me either, dating you has given me some strange experiences."

Disappointment glinted in his eyes when she stopped unbuttoning just above her bra to reveal the small microphone. Clinical interest shone clearly as he leaned back into his chair.

"I'm sure Bra and Zarah could improve it's design," Trunks tapped his lips considering.

"Yes, it is rather bulky," Maron agreed and buttoned her shirt.

They stared at each other for a moment lost in their own thoughts when he smiled at her.

"I'm happy you came to see me."

She tilted her face into her hand and let her arm support her head.

"So am I," her smile was sad, "I've missed you."

He inched closer to the glass.

"Yeah, you don't see anything so beautiful in prison," Trunks studied her features, "Unless it's smuggled in."

She lifted a pale brow, "You're such a flirt."

"But you're so pretty," he protested, "I can't help but compliment you."

She remained silent though her lips twitched in amusement.

"You're the 'pretty' one, Trunks."

He didn't dignify her comment with a response.

"How's my company?"

"I have no idea," she shrugged, "I haven't been able to get close to the building."

"So my cousins have unsupervised reign?" He paled a bit.

"Bra's there," she offered,

"Bra's head is stuck in the clouds," he scoffed.

Maron sighed, "Then I don't know what to tell you."

Trunks crossed his arms, agitated that he had no control of the company his family had trusted him to run.

"Will you do me a favor Maron?"

Her brows lifted in amusement, "Trunks, if I didn't pretend to be pregnant so you could drag me kicking and screaming through Capsule Corp. to scare off your secretaries then what makes you think I'll let you do it here?"

"Why would you do it here?" Trunks was confused.

"For the same reason I would have done it in Capsule Corp." Maron folded her hands neatly, "To let everyone know you're unavailable."

"Unavailable?" Trunks' mouth dropped open as he realized what she was suggesting. "Maron!"

"Don't be so shocked," Maron waved her finger at him. "You're so pretty, I'm sure you've caught someone's eye by now."

His cheeks burned with resentment and a healthy dose of embarrassment. "That's not funny, Maron."

She pouted at him while batting her eyes.

"Then what do you want?"

"I need you to tell Goten to visit me," Trunks crossed his arms.

"Done," Maron became serious. "Have they been feeding you properly?"

"No," Trunks gave her his most pitiful look. "I'm practically starving."

She nodded, her blond hair bobbing with her movements.

"Not for much longer," she assured him, steel lacing her voice.

He smiled, he had every confidence in her.

"Times up."

The two fair heads turned sharply to glare at the guard.

"I have to go, Trunks, but I'll visit soon," Maron took a second to mesmerize his face before turning to leave.

"Bye, Maron," Trunks intoned softly as she walked away.

Bra Briefs was a woman in love with a demi-saiyan by the name of Son Goten so she didn't see any problem with taking a break to visit him. She didn't expect to nearly be accosted by two strange men when she opened her secret door to enter the main part of the building.

All she had intended was to peek out of the stairwell door and then wander around until she spotted him. What she got was, she peeked out, startled two armed men, and then guns were pointed in her face with a demand of identification.

After the surprise had worn off, annoyance took it's place.

"How many women do you know that have blue hair?"

The men tensed and slowly lowered their weapons.

"Bulma Briefs?" Inquired the man with shabby brown hair.

"Her daughter Bra," she exited the stairwell and glared at them. "Who are you?"

The blond man smiled charmingly, "I am Detective Himbon and this is Detective Beasely."

"Detectives?" A blue brow arched as she discreetly pressed a button on her bracelet.

"Yes, we are investigating the murders," Himbon tried to take her hand.

She stepped away from him.

"Is that a fact?"

Himbon opened his mouth only for it to snap shut when Sasoli and Uub came around the corner.

"You rang, Bra?" Sasoli eyed the detectives.

"Are you aware that there are police in this building?"

"I invited them," Sasoli replied with a pointed look at Uub, "Have you met my new assistant?"

"Uub?" All the seriousness melted from her as a smile crossed her features. "How have you been? I haven't seen you in ages!"

Uub became instantly uncomfortable as the blue haired scientist hugged him and the other detectives just stared.

"Let me guess," a nasty sneer appeared on Himbon's face, "You're the one who requested him."

Bra was puzzled as she let go of Uub.

"Requested him?" Her blue head tilted as she glanced at her cousin and Uub. "I thought you said you were working for Sasoli."

"He is," Sasoli forced a smile, "I guess you were looking for Goten?"

"Yes," Bra nodded, "It's was nice seeing you again, Uub, we should do lunch and catch up."

"He'll be busy for the next couple of days," Sasoli cut of his response. "Go ahead, I need to have a talk with the detectives."

Bra's expression instantly hardened as she regarded the forgotten men. "Gentlemen."

They barely had time to nod before she was gone.

"Listen carefully," Sasoli's blue eyes were hard. "I was the one who requested him and I will not have you blow his cover."

Himbon turned red with rage while Beasely merely nodded and said, "Of course."

Sasoli narrowed her eyes at Himbon and walked up to him until they were only a couple inches apart.

"I know you," her eyes flickered over his features.

He flinched back and gave her his profile.

"Impossible," his blue eyes glinted with disgust. "Unless you've had run-ins with the law?"

"Never," Sasoli took a mental step back. This was not a man she would be allowed to beat answer out of, pity. "Check our records and I'll check mine."

She saw the flash of panic in his eyes and was intrigued when recognition followed closely by absolute hate.

Uub and Beasely exchanged an uneasy but interested glance.

"She does look familiar," Beasely mused.

Sasoli turned to Beasely in surprise and studied him intently, "You . . . were in the bar that night . . ."

"Bar?" Beasely lifted a brow when recognition caught and flared in his eyes.

Uub paled when both detectives turned to him with astonishment in their eyes.

"Isn't she your ex?"

End of Chapter Eight