Thankyou so much Sanguine Shadows and Caligula II for reviewing! Also for showing some support for something a little different compared to what I have done previously. But I do believe I am forever cursed to have hits but not reviews. Thanks heaps!

The Bargain

Nina's Minatory

Three Months Earlier

Nina walked briskly down the city street, her heels clacking loudly against the paving. There was a heavy scent of cigarettes and coffee, but after years of dirty work Nina was used to the smell.

Her eyes explored the buildings until she found the neon sign she was searching for. It wasn't the worst place she had been but it certainly wasn't the best. She entered the restaurant, ignored the leers of all the seedy businessmen and took a place at a corner table.

She ordered two Martinis and waited patiently at the table. The waiter walked over with the drinks and placed them on the table.

"Will there be anything else?" He asked. Nina put a crisp note in the waiter's hand and shook her head,

"No, and I would prefer not to be bothered again."

The waiter nodded and inched away, clutching the money tightly.

Nina leaned back on the upholstery, crossing her legs and sipping her Martini. She watched the couples that were dancing and listened to the music.

Her eyes flew to the door as it squeaked open, and as the man stepped in she settled into her seat. The meeting was to begin.

His eyes probed the room and as soon as she fell into his sight he quickly trudged over to the table. He plonked himself in the chair opposite her, and grabbed the Martini, drinking it speedily. A wry smile rose on Nina's face and she spoke,

"By the way, I bought you a drink."

He grunted, and finished the Martini.

"You're welcome." Nina replied to his absent thanks.

He sank into the chair, and blinked at her, as though he had only just noticed her. He rubbed his hands and collected his thoughts. Nina just sat, observing him over the top of her Martini glass.

"Nina, I have a proposition for you." He began, resting his elbows on the table.

Nina raised her eyebrows and offered a tart rejoinder,

"Ah. Lei, you've come to bargain."

Lei scrunched his nose up,

"Yes, I guess."

Nina baited him,

"I guess if you can't beat em' join em', right Lei?"

Lei frowned and Nina just smirked at him.

"Every man we send in is found and killed," he revealed, "four already in the last year."

Nina's face remained blank and she waited for him to continue.

"We know he is planning something big. Something destructive and dangerous. We learnt that much." Lei continued, "But no one we send in can get close enough to find out all the precise details."

Nina traced her finger around the glass rim of her Martini, and lifted her finger to her mouth, tasting the vodka. Lei watched her for a moment, stood up and said quietly,

"Dance with me."

Nina raised an eyebrow, and slowly raised herself from the chair. He offered his hand but she ignored it. She walked over to the centre of the dance floor, and waited. Lei trailed behind her, and once he reached her he took the customary position. Nina placed one hand on his shoulder, and disdainfully took his hand with her other.

"Try anything and you die." She murmured coldly and Lei nodded. She spoke softly,

"What do I get for helping?"

Lei twirled her leisurely, and breathed in her ear,

"Immunity."

Nina made some intricate leg movements and looked at him curiously,

"From what?"

"From us."

Nina spun around, and turned to face him, retorting sharply

"What's the Hong Kong police going to do to me?"

Lei gripped her arm, and as they waltzed, he answered her

"Considering the people you consort with and the people you're suspected of killing, Nina it would just be a matter of time."

Nina pondered for a moment as they stepped in time with the music, and replied acidly,

"So, Mr. Lei, what is the company?"

Lei turned, and they waltzed in a different direction,

"It's a company called 'Geneticks'."

She scowled at him, weaving around, and responded with disbelief,

"You want me to infiltrate the most notorious militia company for the police?"

Lei bent his arm, and she leaned back over it, her lithe body arching elegantly. As she was draped over his arm, he leaned towards her and whispered,

"And that's not all. We want you to take a partner in with you."

"Oh thanks." She simpered, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I'll leave you to take care of the details." Lei leaned forward and planted a kiss on her chest, near her collarbone. Nina pulled herself up from their dip, and glared at him. With cold fury in her eyes, she stomped her heel into his foot. A look of pain flew across his face as her high heel dug into his foot.

"I warned you." She spat, and she turned away from him, and walked calmly to the door.

Lei called out after her,

"Three days, Nina."

She shot him a scathing look and began her way home. Now she had a large and unsatisfactory situation on her hands. She had to find a partner.

But first and foremost she had to get away from the waltz of treachery she had just engaged in.

I hope you guys are willing to read more, because I will have more up soon! Please review!

Happy Days

BreeLady