AN: Dear Readers, I've been remiss in thanking everyone for their kind reviews. I am very glad that everyone likes this story!
AN2: Updated some grammar at the end of the chapter. đŸ˜…
Chapter 4
"The Plot Thickens"
"Quatre-sama it is time to awaken!" Came the cheery voice of Abdul in Arabic. Who threw open the curtains of Quatre's bedchamber to let the bright morning light fall upon Quatre's bed.
"Oh Allah- please close the curtains" Quatre moaned rolling over and pulling the silk sheet over his head.
There was a slight cough "Suffering from a hangover or not Quatre-sama you must awaken. Sanderson-san has been most belligerent on the vid phone" came the deep and silken voice of Rashid.
At those words Quatre sat up groggily, the fragrance of wine and the remains of his cologne floating around him. Pushing that dirty dream to the back of his mind… Alcohol was a dangerous mistress if the infamous Dorothy Catalonia visited him in the world of sleep. But he would die first before he admitted this to anyone- including Rashid.
"Are you well Quatre-sama? You look like you are blushing" Abdul asked as he crossed the room to open another curtain the morning light glinting off his pair of dark sunglasses.
Quatre winced his eyes feeling like they would explode in his skull-head splitting in two. While another traitorous part of his body was at full attention. To hell with that wicked dream…
"There is a jackhammer in my head Abdul please close one of the curtains" he called plaintively- he need a few more moments before he would be able to move off this bed. Abdul did no such thing he just grinned cheekily and left the room.
"Ahmed is making some special tea that will get rid of that nasty hangover" Rashid replied as if sensing Quatre's internal panic.
"Good, what time is it?" asked rubbing his eyes with the backs of his hands like a child.
"Half past eight" Rashid supplied dryly.
At once Quatre was out of the bed-streaming past Rashid & into the bathroom shutting the door. There Rashid heard the shower running as he went to Quatre's closet and selected a pale dove grey suit and crisp white shirt- a tonal paisley tie of pale cloudy blue followed.
"I am grateful for everyone coming so far to see me here. But can you tell me why you all have come?" Quatre asked loudly.
Rashid felt the corner of his lip quirk "To ensure the marriage hunting is successful" he replied "and to ensure that another episode such as last night is not repeated. Now you understand why those of my religion do not imbibe alcohol Quatre-sama"
Rashid heard a groan from the bathroom but Quatre said no more. Bending down Rashid also selected a matching pair of dress shoes from Quatre's impeccable closet.
A few minutes later Quatre emerged from the steaming recesses of the bathroom dressed in a robe his hair wet- wavy now with the heat. Rashid noted that the young man still looked decidedly green around the gills.
He gave a slight bow "please meet us in the kitchen when you are ready"
"Thank you Rashid" Quatre murmured
000
Twenty minutes later Quatre meet the 3 Maganac troops in the spacious kitchen. They were all having tea and biscuits at the long polished table.
Rashid crackled a smile "Quatre-sama you look quite good in that suit. I'm happy you grew into it"
"Linen is not the appropriate fabric for the workplace Rashid" Quatre replied like a petulant child as Ahmed handed Quatre a cup of tea which the former Gundam pilot took a sip.
"Ugh bitter" Quatre made a face
The men snickered behind their hands "do you have any food in this glass and metal palace Quatre-sama? The fridge is nearly empty" Abdul began querulously
Quatre swallowed the rest of foul tasting tea in one gulp grimacing before Ahmed whisked it away.
"I am not here most nights I usually sleep in my office. My apologies Abdul"
Abdul made a clicking nose with his tongue "Then it is time for grocery shopping"
Rashid gazed at clock on the wall "It is time to go. I will drive you to Winner Corporation Quatre-sama while Ahmed and Abdul will try to make this place more hospitable." Rashid sniffed as Quatre choked on a biscuit.
"Hospitable? Will you 3 be staying?"
"Of course- going forward Rashid will be your body guard. Whomever has released these lies about you into the papers may have far more insidious things on their mind." Abdul said looking directly into Quatre's eyes over the rims of his sunglasses.
"You're right- I'm glad to know you all are here. I feel" Quatre paused "much better" a smiled wanly and followed Rashid out the door.
When they reached the parking lot Quatre was shocked to see the deep burgundy Rolls parked neatly in his assigned spot. Wordlessly he got into in the passenger seat and looked at Rashid inquiringly.
"We went to Miss. Catalonia's apartment this morning- she was most happy to hand over the keys. Not before relaying the whole dismal day yesterday in full detail. Quatre your actions were particulary uncouth. Taking advantage of Miss Catalonia in such a way"
Quatre's brows shot into his hair "I did nothing of the sort! She was the one who kissed my lips!"
Rashid's eyes narrowed "and brandishing a weapon at her. She had a cut on her neck this morning and a bruise on her wrist"
Quatre clenched his jaw knowing that arguing with Rashid was fruitless. However the conversation ended as they pulled into the underground lot. Exiting the car-they took the elevator to ascend to the PR department floor.
0000
Sanderson Fellowes face was red as a tomato when Quatre walked into the private office of the head of the PR department. Sitting at the love seat in the spacious office was Dorothy Catalonia wearing a pale yellow dress that was patently modest.
"Mr. Winner you are over an hour late" Sanderson said from between clenched teeth, glowering down at the small lean form of Quatre Winner. Rashid stood some distance away trying not to bristle that the tall man who looked like he was being strangled by his olive gray suit.
"And who is this?" He pointed to Rashid's tall powerful form dressed in the loose flowing clothes of the Bedouin tribes.
"This is my dearest friend and bodyguard Rashid" Quatre replied evenly as Dorothy watched the exchange from her seat with the air of someone watching an excellent play.
Rashid gave a quick inclination of his head "Since the company has been lax in assigning Quatre-sama any protection since the press scandal our group has taken it upon ourselves to protect him."
If possible Sanderson's already red face turned a ugly shade of purple.
"No- it is the Corporations duty to assign the proper people to protect the Heir to the Winner Corporation"
Quatre turned calmly to Sanderson Fellowes with narrow eyes. " Last time I checked Mr. Fellowes I still own 65% of company shares and I want Rashid to shadow me. Is that clear"
Dorothy cleared her throat before setting her paperwork down and standing up.
"I can vouch for Rashid-san he is a most protective and loyal individual" she said addressing Sanderson. As if under some spell Sanderson seemed to calm yet the fierce look had not left his eyes. Dorothy was impressed another gold star to add to Saint Quatre's perfection. She could see that that Rashid was observing her shrewdly and calmly she said.
"Then it is settled gentleman?"
000 2 weeks later 000
The hot summer sun beat down upon the open pavilion of the Winner mansion located in a heavily wooded area inside Mars colony. Quatre Winner sat in the white wicker chair with his laptop in front of him. Dwelling under a cheerily fringed sun umbrella and watched the group of beautiful women faded in and out of sight as they circled through the expansive gardens. Trying to work in the heat of the sun was proving unsuccessful. It was only noon and already he was exhausted- his stomach churning uncomfortably. Perhaps it had been the nonstop rounds of dinners and PR events. Or the travel all over the colonies and to Earth.
He wasn't as young as he was when he had piloted Sandrock, perhaps he was getting soft in his old age. A tiny smile curled his lips before a voice abruptly pulled him out of his reverie.
"The suit becomes you Mr. Winner" Sanderson came from behind Quatre and dropped this months Men's Vogue edition onto Quatre's open keyboard. Plastered on the front page was none other than Quatre himself wearing the now infamous pale silk lilac suit and looking like some sweet angel. Sanderson had paid extravagantly for the centerfold of Vogue along with a munificent article expounding Quatre and the Winner Corporation's excellence.
Quatre flipped to the center of the magazine with great reluctance-he was not the type of person who lavished in fame. He was only a simple man trying to run his fathers company with integrity and fairness. Cringing he went through the pictures before reading the article his stomachache increasing.
"Did the PR department write this?" He asked sensing a flavor of them in the voice of the article.
Sanderson's gave a thin smile to the Heir- "the writer was" Sanderson paused "persuaded to write this way"
Quatre barely suppressed a snort "you are devious in all things Sanderson" he commented closing the magazine and setting it one side with a mixture of shame and borderline humiliation.
"Thank you Mr. Winner I will take that as a compliment" he said before disappearing back into the house.
"They really are beautiful pictures Quatre" Dorothy said from behind him. Quatre did not turn knowing that she must have passed Sanderson on her way out to the pavilion. As she rounded the corner, Quatre saw that beside her was the tall and thin form of Martha Dermail. Martha was Dorothy's cousin once removed.
She looked a little like Dorothy but she did not have the stunning length and unusual color of hair. Rather Martha's was fashionably cut and a shade of pale strawberry blonde. Quatre knew her to be soft spoken and gentle.
Dorothy had told him that Martha had grown up sheltered by her neurotic parents. She was to inherit the title of Duchess and a great estate once she married.
Martha ducked her head shyly to glance at the front cover of Men's Vogue "Lilac becomes you Mr. Winner"
The two women sat as lemonade was briskly brought out into the pavilion. Quatre shut his laptop and put away his papers almost unable to bear the socializing he would soon withstand. Rashid and the other Maganac members were entertaining the 5 or so other women that were still in the garden.
"I thank you Martha- I cannot find myself so appreciative of those photos."
"Why is that?" She asked in her soft voice as Dorothy silently poured the lemonade for the 3 of them a sardonic smile pasted on her face. Quatre had come to call this her "default face" especially around him.
"Because Quatre does not think himself handsome Martha. Men are stupid are they not?" Dorothy replied handing each of them a glass. Quatre took his and sipped cautiously
Martha looked at her cousin with wide eyes "how can you think such a thing Mr. Winner? Isn't this proof enough?" She gestured behind her to the group of women.
Quatre laughed "I'm afraid this has nothing to do with my looks. Merely my accounts" he tilted his head to one side and gazed at Dorothy for a moment. Dorothy was fastidiously avoiding his gaze just as her phone rang.
"Hello?" she answered calmly
"You bitch!" Sarah hollered "how can you fall off the earth and then your picture show up in the papers like this!"
"Calm yourself Sarah" Dorothy said drily. Inwardly sighing, publicity had its disadvantages.
Dorothy barely batted a eyelash "You didn't make the list Sarah-chan" and with that she hung up.
Martha was hiding a smile behind her hand " You truly have the most shallow and annoying friends"
Dorothy fetched a sigh "I suppose it is my personality"
Quatre ducked his head to conceal his smile- of course Dorothy saw this quirking a brow. Wondering if she should be insulted or amused
"You are a wicked man " she managed to comment as she met Quatre's eyes once more. There was a amused glint in his eyes.
"Quatre! Come join us!" cried a voice from the garden. A stunning young woman with long dark hair and smooth mocha skin called.
Quatre beamed her a wide smile "I am coming Sahar!" he turned to the two cousins
"Beg you would excuse me ladies" and with a polite bow left the two women to join the others.
When Dorothy was sure he was out of earshot she made a disgusted noise "An oil heiress right?"
"Don't forget a childhood friend to boot" Martha added watching the pain that was so plain on Dorothy's face. As the young woman blindfolded Quatre and together they disappeared into the nearby hedge maze.
"My only consolation is they will be leaving after dinner. Sanderson has told me that this will be the last of these little gatherings. Tonight both I and Sanderson will help him eliminate more ladies"
"Are you removing yourself Dorothy?" Martha inquired
Dorothy pressed her lips together " That will be Quatre's decision alone. Sanderson finds my name there most entertaining"
"You are a masochist cousin" Martha replied with a little frown on her thin lips.
Dorothy giggled " Perhaps I am but who would miss the chance to marry him?"
Martha smiled pitifully at her relative "You fell hard didn't you?"
Dorothy turned away stung, when had she become so terribly transparent? "I don't need your pity Martha I need your support- that's why I put you on the list"
Martha Dermail's brows shot into her hair as she set her lemonade down the glass shaking ever so lightly "I was never even competition was I?"
For a moment Dorothy looked startled gazing into her cousins sky blue eyes
"Martha…"
The young woman rose "This is just like you. You never change" she said bitterly before she turned and went to join the others.
000
Rashid had watched the exchange of words between the two young cousins with mixed emotions. Apparently a tiger cannot change her stripes- in the case Dorothy Catalonia was being herself. She had not changed in all the time that Rashid had known her. But her passion for Quatre-sama now had a deeply bitter edge, one that he knew his gentle Master could not abide.
"What is it Rashid?" Abdul said quietly in Arabic. Rashid didn't even blink even though Abdul had come up so silently to stand with him near a rose bush. The riot of blossoms filling the air with a heady fragrance. "I believe the situation will be very tough for Quatre-sama tonight"
0000
Like some self fulfilling prophesy that evening Quatre, Sanderson and Dorothy sat in the luxurious office as Dorothy gently drew lines through the young woman's names with her father's ivory fountain pen. Another ludicrous antique that was over a century old- Dorothy took fastidious care of it.
"So the ladies who are left are Sahar Vilesmal, Martha Dermail & Edith Williams."
Quatre's head shot up "Where is your name Dorothy"
There was a long pause in the room, one which Sanderson quirked an eyebrow up
"It is terribly unfair for me to be both your advisor and a marriage candidate Mr. Winner" she replied evenly feeling the cold green eyes of the Head of the PR department burning a hole in the side of her face.
"That may be so" Sanderson spoke up "but you are a worthy candidate none the less. Quatre seems to be very fond of you- in his own particular way"
The heir of the Winner Corporation looked wordlessly up to Sanderson and then met Dorothy's eyes directly. It was the first time in days she had met his gaze "Put your name back on as Sanderson says. He is right that I am fond of you"
Dorothy's eyes widened, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Just then there was a loud beep from Sanderson's cell.
"I have to take this" he got up and exited the room leaving the two of them alone.
Dorothy felt awkwardness descended "Are you fond enough to marry me?" she asked when the silence had become to great.
Quatre rose from his chair and came to stand close to her "Are you fond enough to accept?"
Just then the door to the door to the office opened with a bang "Mr. Winner we need to call an emergency meeting"
000
It was nearly 10:30 by the time they got everyone connected via life size or personally gathered into the grand conference room. Quatre sat at the head of the table staring sightlessly at the document in front of him. Apparently the person who had leaked the salacious information about his love life wasn't a person at all but rather an anarchist organization. Also it was far more serious then they had first assumed. The Winner Corporation going back to the first years of space colonization had always been a bone of contention with the so called anarchists of space. Like the fringe groups which dwelled on Earth- these people did not wish to have any colony ruled by the democratic government or rather any government at all. Quatre knew that his father had a least 2 attempts on his life before the actions which led to his death. Quatre also knew that about 100yrs back into their line one of his own family members had been assassinated in the name of "free colonies."
Markus Litner the head of the "Blue Tsars" was the most vocal and public of these groups. Apparently the Blue Tsars had put out a hit on Quatre's life of 10,000 credits which was the equivalent of 20,000USD for "capitalist abuses." He knew that everyone in the Winner Corporation here on Mars had the main headquarters in Dubai where in danger.
Publishing the salacious news on his marriage prospects had been vital to all this, as a great distraction to let their collective guards down. Quatre listened to the board members and the head of security with a growing sense of surreality.
He was no longer a Gundam pilot- there was no Sandrock any longer to watch over and protect him. Quatre feared that even Rashid and Maganac's would not have the power to stop these people...
"Mr. Winner?"
"I think we should cancel my marriage plans. Apparently this was some kind of ruse to get me back into the public eye again. To make it easier to do me in" he said gently. Brushing the bangs from his eyes
"I think there is only one choice to be made" Richard Smith said who was the head of security.
"We will need to marry you off as quickly as possible- and then bring you to the safe house"
"Why the marriage?" a board member asked
"Because each of the young women left are targets. We need to get this done as quickly as possible. Print it in the papers & spirit the two of them away- as you know the Blue Tsars have an excellent network of information. They will know if the papers print false or misleading information." Richard replied pasting the older man with a contemptuous glare.
"The Blue Tsars will know of the safe house" Sanderson said tiredly pinching the bridge of his nose
"We can take him and his new bride to a place that no one will know"
Quatre's eyes widened to see Rashid step from the shadows, in the dim light of the conference room he saw the faint glint of Abdul's sunglasses and Ahmed shift his weight to the other foot. The three of them looked very grave.
"Well then" Sanderson said spreading his hands "who is the young woman you would like to marry Mr. Winner? You've got to know them all well enough these last 2 weeks"
A muted form of shock and alarm sped through him, the surreal feeling deepened. Strange almost trancelike Quatre replied
"Dorothy Catalonia"
00000