So sorry this took forever to get out. I had a serious set back on this story because of a serious case of writings block. Also, something extremely upsetting happened!! I lost a very important notebook (sobs)!!!!! It had a very detailed outline of this story in it and now I'm all confused about a few things and I was hesitant to write in case I screwed things up! I still haven't found the notebook (my sister claims she has no idea where it is but she was the last one seen with it…grr)
In other news the squeal to "Ever the Same is officially in motion but not published (obviously). I want to get another couple of chapters of this story done before I publish another chapter story. I also want to get a few chapters of the new story done before I start publishing.
Alright, I'm rambling- enjoy!
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Risky, very risky, Kimiko decided as she tapped a pencil against the pad of paper the hotel provided with the room. She'd handed her personal notebook to Raimundo with a bit of reservation, such things she was private about but luckily that notebook was fresh with none of her notes and doodles in the margins. Currently Raimundo was pouring over the various notes she'd made on their latest clue back in the restaurant while he'd been outside on the phone. When he came back he'd been insistent on getting them moving and they'd made their way to another hotel and rented a room. It wasn't nearly as nice as the suite in their previous hotel but Raimundo had thought that they shouldn't play the Tohomiko card again unless necessary. So they had paid cash, much to the surprise of the front desk worker, and managed an early check in.
'Risky,' Kimiko repeated in her mind as she dared a glance at Raimundo lounging almost casually on the bed. He'd initially made room for her on the bed, apparently wanting to go over her notes together but Kimiko had excused herself into the bathroom and then went directly to the desk and although Raimundo had glanced up when she'd walked back into the room he hadn't said anything about her moving to the desk instead of the bed.
"Anything?" Kimiko managed to ask. Raimundo looked up from his reading and glanced at her.
"Nothing so far," he answered as his eyes fell back to the paper and he shifted to become more comfortable on the bed and Kimiko looked back at her own blank paper, fighting a rush of heat. Of course she'd noticed that Raimundo was handsome, she'd also noticed that nearly every female they came across noticed this as well. But did the clerk at the front desk have to mention the fact that she agreed while Raimundo was within hearing range? If he had actually heard Raimundo didn't mention it at all, much to Kimiko's relief. But now Kimiko's mind was reeling with thoughts about the sudden new addition in her life that was Raimundo Pedrosa. Before when Raimundo had teasingly made comments about being attractive she'd batted them off now that someone had voiced them out loud Kimiko was consumed with the fact that he was a highly attractive man and worst of all it was getting to her. She'd always prided herself on the fact that she wasn't the kind of girl that lost her nerve around a guy she liked or thought was cute-until now.
Now she couldn't so much as look at him without blushing and it was becoming a bit unnerving.
"You ok over there Kimiko?" Raimundo's voice broke into her musing.
"Hm? Oh yeah," Kimiko answered quickly when she realized he was talking to her. "Just getting a bit frustrated on this clue." Raimundo nodded but continued to watch her as she stared down at the desk, wondering what was wrong with her. Maybe she was just concerned about her father? Worried by their seemingly random and possibly endless list of clues laid out in front of them? That had to be it. Silently he slid off the bed and walked over to her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, surprised when she nearly jumped straight out of the chair. Rai jumped back slightly at the motion and stared at her as Kimiko turned to stare at him.
"Sorry, you startled me," Kimiko recovered first.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," Rai apologized. There was an awkward pause before Rai reached out for her again. Kimiko's eyes followed his hand and then moved back to his concerned and comforting face. "We'll figure this clue out don't worry," he told her giving her shoulder a squeeze. Kimiko couldn't help but give a tiny shiver at the action and the touch. Rai seemed to notice this and, almost daringly, placed his other hand on the opposite shoulder. Their eyes locked again and neither breathed. Kimiko thought that maybe it was her turn to make a motion but she really had not idea what to do, but knew she wanted to do something. The image of her father suddenly flashed in Kimiko's mind and she pulled back sharply, shaking her head.
"Sorry," she muttered though she wasn't really sure what she was apologizing to him for. Guilt was heavy in her heart at the thought that she was entertaining thoughts about Raimundo when her father was being held captive somewhere.
"No problem," Raimundo whispered back. He guessed that maybe he'd pushed to hard, his flirting not as subtle as it should be. He just couldn't seem to help it when he was close to her. It wasn't the normal course his flirting usually took, it was more subtle and sincere then he realized he was capable when it came to women.
'She's taken,' Rai's head reminded him sharply and he thought bitterly of Jermaine, who he'd never even met but had an instant dislike of. Before anymore awkwardness could spread between the two a knock at the door surprised both. Their eyes locked again and when Raimundo saw a hint fear in Kimiko's blue depths he felt the protective instinct in him flare doubly. Automatically Rai freed his gun from where it was concealed beneath his shirt and strode purposefully to the door.
"Who's there," Rai asked keeping his distance from the thin wood barrier.
"Room service sir," an overly perky male voice that certainly didn't belong to Vlad or Tubbimaru.
"We didn't order any," Rai answered automatically.
"Are you sure?" the man behind the door asked sounding confused. "A rare stake, baked potato, garden salad?"
"Sorry can't help you," Rai called back. There was bit of shuffling behind the door and both Kimiko and Rai tensed momentarily before someone swore softly about being on the wrong floor.
"Sorry to disturb you folks," the hotel worker called as he walked away. When there was silence Rai moved to check the peephole and found it empty.
"Too bad," Rai said replacing his gun, "I could have done with a stake."
"You just ate a hamburger," Kimiko said surprised. Rai just shrugged. "And he said it was rare," Kimiko added making a face, "I can't eat anything that isn't at least medium."
"Don't like your meat still mooing?" Rai asked almost crudely though he grinned and Kimiko gave a small shudder.
"My father used to say it was juice," Kimiko said shaking her head. "I nearly freaked when I found out it was…" she trailed off with her last word and looked over at Raimundo, "blood." Rai's eyes widened when he realized what she meant.
"The meat packing district!" he exclaimed excitedly and before he could help himself he gave her a congratulatory hug. Rai stepped back almost as quickly as he grabbed her and immediately busied himself with collecting up Kimiko's bag. "Here," he barely managed to get out handing her the bag without looking at her directly. Before she could help herself Kimiko accepted the bang and leaned in for a quick peck on the cheek. As she leaned back and slipped the bag across her shoulders she stole a glance at Raimundo who was still looking away but blushing deep.
"Thanks for reassuring me about my dad," Kimiko explained, "it means a lot that you can stay so positive."
"Um yeah," Rai mumbled and then found his voice as she walked past him to grab the two key cards on the dresser. "So do you have any idea where we're going once we get there?" Rai asked trying to set his mind straight again since Kimiko had sent it reeling with her simple kiss on the cheek.
"That is a very good question," Kimiko answered after freezing from the question. She walked past him again, handing off a card as she went. Sitting on the sole bed in the room Kimiko picked up her notebook and turned it over rereading the clue. "Maybe," she started to say looking up to find Rai only to have the space he'd been standing in empty. Startled she looked around and found him next to her on the bed, looking as if he'd been sitting there all along leaving Kimiko to wonder how he'd been able to sit beside her without her feeling the bed shift. He had a smug expression on as he raised a curious eyebrow, as if sensing the questions in her mind. With an annoyed huff Kimiko turned back to the clue.
"Here," she said pointing to the first three lines, "I think this all refers to the area."
"So then the last couple of lines are more specific?" Rai ventured.
"Though royalty may not reside there," Kimiko recited, "you can still shop under her name. Maybe there you'll find Fame."
"The last word," Rai pointed out, "fame is capitalized. Must be important."
"I think it's pretty obvious what it's referring to," Kimiko told him and Raimundo nodded.
"Shopping," he grimaced somewhat. "So any stores down there named Fame or something like that?"
"And why would I know?" Kimiko asked sharply.
"Because you're a girl?" Raimundo said slightly nervous for her reaction.
"And just because I'm a girl you assume that I like shopping?" she asked testily and Rai cringed.
"Sorry, sorry," he apologized, "bad generalization."
"Awful," Kimiko said glumly, "but I do enjoy shopping." Rai grinned victoriously. "But wipe that smug look off your face," Kimiko told him, "I have no idea if there is a store with the word Fame in it."
"Well that's a bust," Rai said exhaling loudly. "What about the night clubs and stuff down there? The restaurants?"
"Maybe," Kimiko shook her head, "but I don't go down there often. It's too expensive." Rai was about to make a comment but Kimiko distracted him by pulling out her PDA and pulling up a search engine. When nothing productive came from searching 'meatpacking district', 'Gansevoort Market (the official name of the district), and 'fame' Kimiko looked over at Raimundo for suggestions.
"Try changing out fame for royalty," he told her. Kimiko did so and still nothing conclusive came up. "Come on," Rai said when he noticed Kimiko looking somewhat discouraged, "are you confident about the next clue being somewhere in the Meat Packing District?" Kimiko nodded. "Ok then," Rai stood up and extended a hand to her, "we'll head down there and see what we can't figure out." Kimiko looked hard at his hand and then accepted it, letting him pull her up.
"Sounds like a plan," she smiled neither letting go of the others hands for many long moments.
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One of the nice things about living in a city like DC was that the presence of helicopters never caused a second glance. However, since the terror attacks in 2001 things had become somewhat strict regarding airspaces and schedules. If one plane or helicopter wasn't where it was suppose to be at a certain time people would take notice. That's why it was nice to have a friend who was dating the head of a local transportation company that catered to many celebrities and politicians that traveled in and out of DC and the surrounding areas on a regular basis.
"Have I mentioned that you owe me so much," Cynthia told Clay for what had to be the tenth time in the past fifteen minutes.
"I know," Clay told her patiently.
"I'm serious," Cynthia went on, "you should just sign over your first born child to me because that's the only way you'll ever begin to pay me back." Clay grinned over at her.
"I believe
you."
"But still," Cynthia said
seriously, "I'm worried that Tom won't be able to help you at all."
"It's worth a shot," Clay shrugged as he turned down another street heading toward the tiny airfield situated on the edge of metro and suburbia near Dulles Airport. Cynthia sighed miserably again wondering how she'd ever let Clay talk her into this. They rode in silence until they reached the gate into the tiny air strip and were waved through after Cynthia told the guard they were to see Tom, who was expecting them.
"Do you want me to ask or you?" Cynthia asked as they pulled up to the tiny office building that was tucked in next to one of the hangers.
"Let's play it by ear," Clay said throwing his truck into park and cutting the engine. Cynthia gave a nervous short of nod and slip of the truck as Clay did the same. The two were greeted at the door by the smiling Tom.
"Nice to see you again Clay," Tom greeted after giving Cynthia a quick kiss on the cheek. The two shook hands and Tom beckoned them inside out of the light drizzle that was growing steadily stronger. "Can I get you two anything? Coffee? Water?" Tom offered cheerily and both politely refused. "Alright," Tom went on as he sat behind the desk and the two sat across from him, "Cynthia said you needed to talk. So what can I do for you?" Clay started to reply but the phone ringing interrupted. "Excuse me," Tom apologized and answered.
"He's not really the kind of person I imagined you'd be with," Clay whispered lightly leaning closer to Cynthia.
"What do you mean?" Cynthia practically hissed back embarrassed.
"He's awfully," Clay paused to find the right word, "bubbly."
"Well," Cynthia said slowly, "he's never boring."
"Sorry for that you two," Tom said hanging up the phone.
"No problem," Clay assured him.
"So," Tom went on, "what can I do for you?"
"Well Tom," Clay started but Cynthia cut him off.
"Clay needs to get to New York City Tom," Cynthia said in a level quick voice. Tom seemed unsurprised.
"Ok, that's no problem," he replied pulling out what looked to be an overly larger date book and flipped it open. "When are you heading up?"
"Hopefully within the hour," Clay answered and that caught Tom's attention.
"You're kidding?" he asked surprised.
"I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important," Clay assured him.
"But," Tom shook his head and Cynthia broke in.
"Tom," she pleaded, "this is serious. Please? There must be something you can do."
"Can I ask why?" Tom questioned.
"A friend is in trouble," Clay answered, "and I think he's in some worst stuff than he realizes." Tom looked between the two, studying both hard.
"You have to understand that I just can't randomly send a helicopter or plane out. There needs to be a flight plan, a schedule. If you're in airspace you're not suppose to be then you've got trouble."
"I understand that," Clay told him, "believe me I understand that." Tom was quiet again, studying both intently before staring at the book he'd pulled out.
"Let me make some calls," he finally said, "see what I can do."
"Thank you Tom," Clay said sincerely dipping his head down in a sign of thanks. Cynthia looked close to tears.
"Tom you're the greatest." She didn't know why she was so emotional about this or when she became so invested but suddenly getting Clay to New York was the most important thing at that moment. Tom seemed to notice this but didn't say anything, just pulled out another book and started leafing through it silently. Wordless he picked up the phone and punched a few numbers in. Both Clay and Cynthia watched on expectantly but were unable to hear as Tom turned in his chair, his back to the two. Clay shot Cynthia an odd look but she didn't seem to notice, just continued to watch Tom as he spoke, her hands curled tightly in her lap.
They were able to understand Tom saying his goodbyes as he turned back to hang the phone back up. "No luck there," he told them. "I've got a few more people to talk to." Clay's phone suddenly broke in, beeping almost angrily and urgently and filling the room with the annoying noise.
"Someone probably noticed I wasn't strapped to my desk," Clay muttered checking the phone's screen, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the name. "I've got to take this," Clay told them in a distracted manner as he hurried, slightly limping, as he left the office.
"I'm going to check on him," Cynthia told Tom standing as well but stayed behind long enough to give Tom a kiss on the cheek as thanks. "Thanks again," Cynthia told him before leaving the room as well. Tom watched her go and frowned when she was out of sight. He then immediately picked up the phone and dialed quickly.
"Bailey's moving," was al he said when he felt someone on the other end pick up. He didn't hear an answer, just the phone disconnecting he was left with static.
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After leaving Omi's gym, the part time instructor immediately moved to look for some sort of privacy. Settling for a clean enough looking alleyway the older man pulled out a phone from a pocket on the inside of his coat and dialed a number into the key pad. He waited, three rings, and then punched in another number. This time five beeps and yet another number. Finally he came to a voice recording and the man spoke into the phone for voice verification. There was a pause and then an automated voice spoke to him.
"Code Red"
That's was all he needed to know. Closing the phone the man placed it back in his inner coat pocket and set off in search of Kimiko Tohomiko.
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Raimundo and Kimiko opted for the subway instead of chancing a cab knowing that getting across the city in a car would be horribly time consuming and frustrating. Kimiko was after all very aware that time was steadily disappearing and there was no end in sight.
"You have an admirer," Raimundo broke into Kimiko's thoughts as she wondered on the clue. Glancing up Kimiko could see an older man across the length of the subway staring at her almost greedily. Kimiko scowled at both him and Raimundo.
"Focus," she instructed.
"I am," Rai told her casually laying an arm over her shoulders that seemed to deter the man staring from across the way. He felt Kimiko shift slightly but she didn't protest. "Have you had any brilliant ideas?" he asked.
"Not yet," Kimiko sighed and crossed her legs, fighting the urge to lean against Raimundo. "I keep going over the shops and stuff I know are down there but I can't think of anything definitive."
"Don't stress," Rai advised her unconsciously rubbing her shoulder with his thumb. "We've figured out the others, we'll get this one."
"How do you stay so optimistic?" Kimiko sighed.
"Its part of the job," Rai answered honestly. "You've got to think there is some hope in everything. I mean, there are so pretty shitty situations out there and we're often in the thick of it. If you let the negative over take you, you get into bad places not only as an agent but in your civilian life as well." Kimiko glanced at him.
"I don't mean to pry but you seem to speak from experience," she said softly. Rai looked over at her briefly but looked away and focused on the floor.
"Yeah, unfortunately I do," he admitted. "There were times when I was under, with the Heylin that I seriously considered doing what Charlie, my mentor, did. Even before I knew he'd done it. It was tempting; they offered what seemed like a much better, much easier life than what I was going to get in the FBI. And then when I found out Charlie had…" he trailed off looking somewhat upset. Kimiko gave him a sympathetic look.
"But you didn't," Kimiko told him and Rai looked at her.
"But I thought about it, a lot," Rai told her glumly.
"And you're human," Kimiko assured him. "But most importantly you choose not to and that makes you better than most." Rai watched her in surprise as she spoke.
"You make it sound so simple," he laughed slightly. Kimiko wrinkled her nose.
"It's the English major in me," she told him in a lofty tone. "Not only was analysis shoved down my throat but I was also taught that at the root of everything was some sort of basic human nature. Yours was the classic struggle between the good and evil in man. And thanks to the miracle of free will you came out on top." Rai laughed when she finished.
"Do you hear yourself?" he asked.
"Crazy, I know," Kimiko said flatly, "but strangely it makes sense."
"I'll keep that in mind," Rai told her as the train slowed. "This is our stop." The two stood and made their way to the doors as the train came to a stop, Rai grabbing her hand without a second thought as they navigated toward the stairs and back up to the street. Kimiko tried to write it off as Raimundo merely assuring that they weren't separated and removed her hand from his as soon as possible, missing the somewhat disappointed look flair across Rai's features. Kimiko had resolved as they left the hotel that the fact that Raimundo made her stomach twist in a good way was something that she needed to push to the back of her mind. Her father was the most important thing at the moment and she needed all her focus on that.
"This way," Kimiko pointed down the street, heading towards where she knew a few high end stores were tucked in together. Rai followed, making a slight show of shoving his hands into his pockets. He was also, glancing for the familiar faces of Vlad or Tubbi as well as the unknown assassin that was wandering the streets. With nothing else to do the two began to window shop, scanning the insides of shops for some clue though they really had no idea what they were looking for. Every so often Kimiko would say something about something she'd see inside that caught her eye and wished she could afford. Rai snorted at her after the third time she said it.
"Incase you forgot you're probably one of the richest people under the age of twenty-five," Rai told her, "you could probably buy these stores."
"Kimiko Tohomiko could, Kimiko Tomney is on a very tight budget."
"Huh," was all Rai answered.
"And what is that suppose to mean?" Kimiko asked.
"Nothing, nothing," Rai said looking away at nothing and Kimiko made a disapproving noise in her throat.
"Come on," she told him and sighed heavily. "I love this store."
"Why?" Rai asked.
"Who knows?" Kimiko shrugged. "Alexander McQueen just has great taste." Both froze, and stared at one another before practically bursting through the doors. "Why didn't I think of this before? I mean, I practically live on his website."
"Queen, it works perfectly," Rai said under his breath just so relieved that they'd found the spot. "Ok," he said, "now we just need to find something called fame. You know anything?" Kimiko shook her head no.
"Nothing comes to mind," she answered, "but let's ask." They made their way to the front counter where an immaculately dressed woman probably twice Kimiko's age smiled a flawless smile at the two.
"What can I do for you two?" she asked in the perfect saleswoman's voice.
"Well, we're looking for something called Fame," Kimiko said sounding slightly uncomfortable.
"Something called Fame," the woman repeated looking thoughtful and then smiled sweetly again. "Oh yes! Of course the special order," she shuffled toward the back and returned with a carefully wrapped box that was hidden under the counter. "I'll need to see some identification of course." Kimiko and Raimundo exchanged uneasy looks.
"Um, what name is it under?" Kimiko dared to ask trying not to sound or look nervous but Rai could sense it coming from her.
"Pardon?" the woman asked her politeness never fading but seeming less believable now.
"Um well, you see I was divorced recently and," Kimiko trailed off and the woman shook her head.
"I highly doubt it is under your name," she told the two and her eyes glanced at Raimundo but didn't settle. Kimiko seemed to guess that it must be a man's name that was holding the box and whatever was in it. Raimundo though seemed uninterested.
"Could it be under your ex's name honey?" he asked nonchalantly but the endearment still threw Kimiko off.
"Um," Kimiko managed through gritted teeth, "I doubt that."
"Well I wasn't sure if you were giving my name or his out as your significant other at the time," Rai explained to Kimiko and then turned to the sales clerk, leaning against the counter separating them. "These things are so complicated now a days," he lamented, "what with who's with who and such." Kimiko bristled slightly next to Raimundo but kept her mouth shut tight. "Do you remember," Rai asked the woman, "who placed the order?"
"I'm sorry but it doesn't say here," the woman went from overly cheerful salesperson to what seemed like a lovesick teen and Kimiko had to begrudgingly admit he was good at what he was doing and at the same moment vowed that she wouldn't let him do that to her.
"What I'm guessing happened here," Rai went on seamlessly, "is that my unfortunate fiancé here ordered this a little while back and forgot what name she put it under. Divorces can be such messy things that I'm guessing she reserved it under my name so her ex-husband wouldn't know she was still spending his money."
"And," the woman seemed to sober under the admission that Raimundo and Kimiko were 'together, "what would your name be?"
"Raimundo Barros," he answered easily surprising Kimiko who didn't object but watched eagerly as their clerk gave a small smile.
"May I see some ID?" she asked as her polite voice returned.
"Of course," Raimundo said pulling out his wallet and selecting a card from within. To Kimiko it looked like a completely legitimate District of Columbia driver's license but instead of Pedrosa it clearly said 'Barros'. Kimiko waited in silent anticipation as the woman inspected it and returned it.
"Very good Mr. Barros," she nodded and handed over, first his ID and then the package. "Have a very good day and please shop again with us here at Andrew McQueen's." Rai smiled, said his thanks and steered Kimiko out of the shop and it wasn't until she was on the street that she realized she'd been holding her breath. When she finally let it out Raimundo seemed to follow suit.
"That was," he breathed, "possibly even more intense than some of the other shit we've gone through today." Kimiko laughed at that and Raimundo went on. "If I hadn't given her the right name I think she might have refused to give it to us."
"How did you know? And what name did you give her?" Kimiko asked curious.
"Lucky guess and," he grimaced, "that's the name I used when I was with the Heylin." Kimiko grimaced as well.
"Very lucky guess than," Kimiko agreed. "Thank God you're smart like that."
"We make a good team," Rai told her, pleased when she sent him a sincere smile of thanks. "Come on," he said changing subjects, "let's find a nice and quiet place to open this."
"Sounds like a plan," Kimiko agreed turning to follow him and then froze.
"What?" Rai asked noticing Kimiko's suddenly pale face.
"Come on," she hissed grabbing his arm and dragging the two of them back into the store they'd just exited. Rai followed without protest, knowing that something had seriously spooked her. "It's that woman," Kimiko whispered hurriedly pulling him along with her out of the sight of the large store front window.
"The blonde from the park?" Rai asked grabbing Kimiko instinctively closer.
"Is anything wrong?" the familiar voice of the saleswoman from before asked. Rai turned to her thinking fast.
"Is there a back exit?" he asked quickly.
"Yes but," the woman started to protest but Rai cut in.
"I would really appreciate it if we could use it," he said urgently, "I have a very jealous ex heading this way. She's threatened my fiancé before. We even have a restraining order that she is very clearly ignoring." The sale's woman looked at the shaken Kimiko and seemed to buy the story.
"Oh my," she breathed, "should I call the police?"
"No," Rai shook his head firmly. "It would be best if we could
just exit without notice." The woman still looked hesitant.
"If it helps," Rai pressed, "please feel free to open an account under my
name here. I promise we'll be back to shop and give you enough commission to
make it worth your wild." That seemed to impress the woman and she lead them
around the back, through a door marked employees only and then into a back
alley way.
"Thanks so much," Kimiko called as she jogged along behind Raimundo. Raimundo reached back and grabbed her hand, increasing their pace until he was a comfortable distance away. "As soon as we're done with this I am downing a pint of Ben and Jerry's." Rai laughed at her, expecting her to name off a random beer.
"Sounds good to me," he agreed looking around. "Come on," he tugged her along, "there's a Starbucks over there. We should be able to catch our breath and check the website in there." Kimiko nodded and followed, trying to nonchalantly remove her hand from his but Raimundo held firm so Kimiko stopped fighting it.
"Do you want anything?" Raimundo asked when they entered the air-conditioned store and he finally let go of her hand.
"Just water," Kimiko answered and scooped out an empty table. Rai nodded and stood in line while Kimiko moved to a table, away from a window but in a good position to watch most of the store. Kimiko was just pulling up their website when Raimundo returned, two drinks and a few assorted baked goods in hand. Kimiko sent him a questioning look before caving and selecting a cookie.
"New link," Kimiko said moving so they could both see the screen. "An address and what appear to be nonsensical numbers."
"And letters this time," Rai corrected and after a second look Kimiko saw he was right. "This address is near Penn Station."
"Here let me see," Kimiko said taking back the PDA and checked something as Rai watched on curiously while chewing on a muffin. "We've got a match on the address and it is… drum roll please. Madison Square Garden."
"Hm," Rai mused. "So I'm guessing that that maybe those numbers and letters could be section, row, and seat." Kimiko smiled and pulled up a map of the inside of the arena.
"Looks like you're probably right," Kimiko answered, "but we won't know until we get there." Neither made a move to stand however and Kimiko thoughtfully chewed on her cookie and took a sip of her drink, surprised to find it was iced green tea. She looked up and saw him watching her over the edge of his own drink, as if expecting her to be watching. Kimiko didn't say anything, instead she looked away obviously a bit uncomfortable so Rai decided to change the subject.
"If we're heading toward Madison Square Garden then I think we might as well pay my friend Jack a visit."
"Oh?" Kimiko looked back curious.
"Yeah, he never answered back from the email I sent him before with those pictures I sent," Rai's eyes narrowed slightly, "I'm curious as to why."
"You don't think he'd have anything to do with this?" Kimiko asked surprised.
"With Jack you never really know anything," Rai shook his head. "Like I said before he's…interesting." Raimundo stood up and looked down at her. "You ready to go?" Kimiko nodded and made to follow him out, both checking outside before they ventured onwards. "Let's move fast," Rai told her as they hurried toward the subway and Kimiko didn't object, only feeling safe once they were off the street. After a quick double check of the map the two climbed onto a train and managed to claim two empty seats. Kimiko then pulled out the box they gotten and after a glance at Raimundo, carefully undid the wrapping around it.
"These things just keep getting more and more random," Raimundo said taking the item out of the box.
"Is it a lantern?" Kimiko asked confused.
"Kinda looks like one," Rai agreed inspecting it closely. Kimiko took it from his hands and inspected it herself.
"I think it's supposed to be a perfume bottle," she realized. "I didn't know that Alexander McQueen had a perfume line." Kimiko screwed open the top and looked inside. "Made to look like a perfume bottle, but not one. Its empty"
"A good cover if anyone decided to look in the box," Rai reasoned and took the lantern back.
"I don't get this Rai," Kimiko said resting her elbows on her knees and cupping her hand in her hands. "We're placing seemingly random items all over the city. It doesn't feel right you know?"
"Not at all," Rai said in a quieter voice and Kimiko got the hint that she probably shouldn't be speaking about it too loudly. They rode in silence for the rest of the way, both lost in their own thoughts until their stop came and the two moved together towards the doors and out of the station.
"So how are you planning on getting us in?" Kimiko asked as they entered the ticketing center.
"Why do you ask me?" Rai asked back.
"Because you seem to have most of the bright ideas today," Kimiko explained with a wave of her hand.
"While, yes I am brilliant, I've mostly been flying by the seat of my pants today." Kimiko blinked at him disbelievingly after he'd said this.
"That's comforting," Kimiko said dryly. "Let's just try saying we think we left something at the seats and want to check."
"See, you're smart too," Rai teased and Kimiko gave a heavy sigh before moving forward. At the single open ticket booth the girl seemed disinterested and simply called in one of the security guards over. When he arrived both Kimiko and Raimundo's eyes widened slightly. He looked to be the quintessential Italian, at least two heads taller than Raimundo with wavy black hair pulled back into a neat pony tail on the back of his neck and nearly black eyes settled purposefully on Kimiko.
"I'm Tony," he introduced himself and Rai muttered 'of course you are' under his breath receiving a glare from both Kimiko and Tony. "What can I do for you two?"
"Well Tony," Kimiko smiled, "I was wondering if there was anyway we could get into the stadium, I think I might have left something there."
"Have you checked the lost and found yet?" Tony asked returning Kimiko's flirting smile.
"Yes," Raimundo lied flatly, "and it wasn't there."
"Than I'm sorry to say that the chances it's at your seat are pretty slim," Tony answered actually sounding regretful.
"Oh," Kimiko said sounding equally disappointed and if Rai wasn't mistaken he was certain even her ponytails dropped slightly.
"But," Tony said quickly, "I wouldn't mind showing you to where you were sitting before just to double check."
"Really?" Kimiko asked brightening and clasping her hands in front of her. "That would be so amazing. I'm truly in your debt." Tony grinned at that and from slightly behind Kimiko Raimundo fought the urge to physically remove the smile from the security guard's face. For good measure he moved to wrap an arm around protectively around Kimiko but she stepped out of his reach and closer to Tony, telling him the section they'd been sitting in and started walking ahead. Raimundo trailed behind moodily and Tony sent a glance in his direction.
"You're friend doesn't have to come along," Tony told Kimiko, speaking as if Raimundo wasn't even there. Kimiko also glanced behind her shoulder and gave Raimundo a little smirk.
"I think he'd rather come," Kimiko said in a soft voice, "he's got the protective big brother thing going on."
"Hm," Tony responded. "He's a friend of yours?"
"Yeah, we were just out shopping together, killing time before coming here."
"Shopping?" Tony asked.
"Oh yes," Kimiko nodded and then whispered, "he's gay as the day is long."
"Really?" Tony asked and gave a calculated look at Kimiko's left hand that swung near his side. Kimiko noticed but didn't say anything, fully aware that Raimundo could hear everything and she was enjoying the bit of fun she was having at his expense. "Here we are," Tony said stopping before a pair of locked doors and then stepping forward to unlock them using a key from a very full key ring. As he pulled out the correct key Kimiko sent Rai a loaded look glancing at the package in his hands and than back into his eyes. Rai read her message but wasn't sure he liked it. He didn't have the option to protest though because a moment later Tony opened the doors and ushered Kimiko and, visibly reluctant, Raimundo forward. Raimundo continued to follow wordlessly as the two flirted blatantly in front of him and he fought rising jealously that was making his chest suddenly feel overcrowded.
Almost without realizing it they arrived at where the clue commanded them to leave their latest find. Kimiko stopped and searched under the chair and after a moment stood straight with her lips pouting.
"Shoot," she in a tone akin to Betty Boop, "its not there."
"I'm sorry but the chances weren't that good to begin with," Tony said and much to Raimundo's disgust he placed a hand on her shoulder to both comfort and guide Kimiko further forward. Raimundo lingered behind and as quickly and inconspicuously as possible set the tiny model of a lantern onto the ground beneath the designated seat. He then followed behind Kimiko and Tony who was leading her back around to the door and by the time he caught up Kimiko was giving him her information. Rai was barely aware of what the two were saying to one another; instead as soon as he caught up he caught Kimiko by the hand and tugged her away, saying a tight thank you to Tony before heading towards the nearest exit. When they hit the outside Kimiko turned to Raimundo.
"Were you able to leave it under the seat?" she asked immediately.
"Yes," Raimundo answered gruffly surprising Kimiko.
"What's got you so wound up, besides the obvious situation of course?"
"Do you make a habit of going around and flirting whenever you need something?" Raimundo asked bitterly and Kimiko stiffened.
"Pardon?" she asked slowly.
"Just curious is all," Raimundo shrugged.
"Oh so it's ok for you to flirt with any female in a ten foot radius but the second that I do it to help our cause I get criticized for it?" Kimiko snapped. "That's not right at all and you know it."
"I do not flirt with everything that walks by," Raimundo shot back and Kimiko raised a speculative eyebrow. "Well I don't," Rai added glumly. "Did you have to make up that I was gay?" he finally asked and Kimiko couldn't contain her laugh.
"It worked didn't it?" she asked. "I was able to flirt that walking ad for steroids into enough distraction that he didn't notice you leaving the perfume bottle and we got out of there with no problems."
"And you got a date from it as well," Rai added looking around at nothing in particular.
"What do you mean?" Kimiko asked confused.
"You were giving him your information weren't you?" Rai asked turning his attention to her. Kimiko smiled and shook her head.
"My junk email and my old cell number," Kimiko told him. "Believe me," she assured him, "guys like Tony- not really my thing."
"And what is your thing?" Rai asked.
"Brazilian FBI agents," Kimiko said lamely with a roll of her eyes. "Is that what you want to hear?" she asked folding her arms over her chest and looking at him squarely in the eye.
"It's a start," Raimundo said flashing her a flirtatious smile and Kimiko groaned.
"Focus," she commanded but was also fighting down a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. "You said your friend Jack lives nearby?" Kimiko said changing tactics and looking away.
"Sure does," Rai nodded as he hailed a cab, "do you mind stopping by his place?"
"I don't see why not," Kimiko shrugged. "But how do you know he'll be home?" A cab pulled up and Raimundo opened the door for Kimiko so she could climb in first.
"I can almost guarantee it." Rai told her sliding in after. He gave the driver the address and then turned to Kimiko. "I guess you could say that Jack is a bit of a homebody," Rai explained and Kimiko sighed crossing her legs to look out the window.
"I'm still worried that this is going to break a rule and we've only got two strikes left," Kimiko muttered.
"I think we're ok," Rai told her leaning back against the seat and Kimiko glanced back at him.
"Confident much?" she asked and Rai only smiled. "May I ask why you think we're ok?"
"Just a feeling, trust me on this," Rai told her closing his eyes and Kimiko studied him in silence for a moment before turning back to look out the window, not catching Raimundo cracking an eye to watch her before smiling and closing his eyes again.
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Rai wasted no time walking to the town house they were dropped off in front of and confidently turning the handle to be let in. Much to Kimiko's surprise it opened easily. "Hang on a second," Rai told her and stepped through the threshold, leaving Kimiko on the tiny front porch. Kimiko was about to protest but Raimundo was speaking again but it was too muffled for Kimiko to understand. Daring a peek inside she saw him speaking into a speaker mounted into the wall. As if sensing her was being watched Rai turned and motioned her in, the door closing without help behind her.
"As long as the pass code is the same," Rai told her as she stepped closer, "than all of the security traps should be disabled.
"And if you didn't say the right password?" Kimiko asked and Rai grinned.
"Well, you're agile enough aren't you? We should be fine," Rai stepped forward as he finished speaking and Kimiko followed after a stunned second.
"Should be ok?" Kimiko repeated catching up with him easily. Rai lead her down a hall way and pulled open another door revealing a set of stairs leading down into darkness. "He's not dangerous is he?" Kimiko asked following Rai down the first few steps.
"No more than any other evil boy genius," Rai answered deadpan. Kimiko debated the merits of questioning him further but decided to stay silent as they stepped off the last step. The moment Kimiko's feet settled on the concrete floor, lights and buzzers began to go off wildly making Kimiko jump closer to Raimundo who only look annoyed and shouted over the noise "knock it off Jack!"
The light show came to a sudden and complete stop and the individual noises each tapered off.
"Security systems don't work if a person isn't scared by them," a somewhat whiney voice came out of the shadows. Kimiko turned and saw a man stepping into the light of one of the over hanging lights. He was around Raimundo's height but that was where the similarities ended. The first thing Kimiko noticed was the vibrant blood red hair and Kimiko wondered if there was any possibility that it was natural. She next noticed his eyes, a similar shade stood out almost violently against skin that was so pale Kimiko thought that maybe this person, presumably Jack Spicer, was an albino. There seemed to be no added muscle than what came naturally to a human anywhere on his body and lanky was the best way Kimiko could think to describe him. Finally Kimiko took in the 'goth' apparel that hung at least one size too large all over his body and was enhanced by black lines drawn beneath both eyes. All in all Kimiko's barest reaction could be described as 'whoa'.
"You're predictable Jack," Raimundo answered breaking Kimiko out of her analysis. "Plus can I help it if I have nerves of steel?" Both Kimiko and Jack scoffed aloud at this and Jack finally seemed to be aware of her.
"Hold on, hold on," he almost yelped. "You coming is bad enough. Who is this?" Kimiko looked annoyed, first at Jack and then glanced at Raimundo with the same expression.
"I thought he was your friend," Kimiko muttered.
"I said it was complicated," Raimundo shrugged and then made with introduction. "Jack Spicer, this is a friend of mine Kimiko Tomney." Kimiko was about to say hello but Jack interrupted.
"No she isn't," he accused and Rai and Kimiko exchanged looks. "You're Kimiko Tohomiko," Jack went on. "I'd recognize you from a mile away."
"I'm afraid you must have me confused with someone else," Kimiko answered steadily.
"Jack Spicer is never wrong," Jack answered and Rai snorted in response, earning a glare from Jack. "I'll prove it," Jack said stalking over to a particular cabinet and thrust the doors open for viewing. Rai let out a whistle and Kimiko's eyes widened somewhat.
"Jack, that's kinda sick," Rai gestured at the dozens of pictures, magazine clip outs, and computer print offs all of Kimiko and her father.
"Tohomiko Electronics is the big time when it comes to cutting edge shit," Jack explained. "Of course I'd take noticed if the owner's daughter was hot. It was an added bonus to keeping up to date on the company and its workings." Kimiko's face was now equal to the shade of Jack's hair.
"Raimundo's right," she spat, "it is sick. What are you some sort of stalker or something?"
"No!" Jack protested. "Nothing like that! I'm just a big fan of your company! I can't help it that there is a cute face involved in it." Kimiko resisted the urge to smack him as he finished speaking. Rai seemed to notice this and intervened.
"Why don't you put the creepiness away?" Rai suggested. Jack just shrugged indifferently and closed the doors with a clatter before making his was to an open desk chair.
"Now what do you want? I'm very busy." Kimiko looked around the 'lab' speculatively.
"I can tell," she said sarcastically and noticed a video game paused on a TV screen in the corner. Jack noticed her eyeing it.
"Hey! Can I help it if my genius needs to take a break every so often?" Jack whined.
"Huh," was all Kimiko answered with and Jack looked slightly crestfallen.
"This is not at all how I imagined how our first meeting would be," Jack mumbled mostly to himself but all three in the room heard it.
"Creepy beyond words," Kimiko shuddered and steeped instinctively closer to Rai who was not liking the way the Jack and Kimiko were getting along.
"So Jack," Rai said choosing to ignore what was said between Kimiko and Jack, "get a chance to take a look at those
pictures I sent you?"
"Ah, what pictures?" Jack
asked covering up lamely.
"Jack I don't have the time or patients to fuck around right now," Rai snapped annoyed. When Jack gave a defiant look that came out as more of a pout, Kimiko and Raimundo exchanged looks and Kimiko took her cue. As much as she didn't want to leave Kimiko guessed that Jack might be filling to give up more information if it was just Raimundo.
"Sorry to interrupt," Kimiko spoke up, "but can I use your restroom?" Kimiko asked politely.
"Sure," Jack answered soundly slightly surprised. "Up the stairs and down the hall to the right," Jack told her and Kimiko excused herself. As soon as the door to the top of the stair closed Jack let out a low whistle. "Damn, she's even prettier in person." Rai took his eyes off the door he guessed Kimiko was listening behind and glared at Jack.
"Back off man, she's taken. And even if she wasn't treat her with a little respect," Rai commanded.
"Sorry," Jack said holding his hands up defensively and looking disappointed, "didn't know you two were like that."
"We aren't," Rai admitted begrudgingly, "she's got a boyfriend."
"Oh, tough break," Jack told him and Rai tried to shrug it off.
"What about those pictures I sent you," Rai changed topics.
"What pictures?" Jack asked again and Rai kicked the chair so Jack spun to face him.
"Once again, I don't have time for bullshit right now Jack so tell me what you think," Rai said in a tone that left no room for Jack's refusal. Jack seemed to sense this and sighed, turning back to his computer. Quickly he pulled up the email that Rai had sent out on Kimiko's phone earlier in the morning.
"It could be something," Jack admitted once the pictures had been pulled up, "but at the same time it could be nothing."
"You're smarter than that Jack," Rai said leaning against the desk. "Tell me what you really think."
"What I really think," Jack repeated, "is that if you want a really good analysis than you're going to have to give me a little time to study it more. Do you have it?"
"No," Rai breathed out. "We had to leave it somewhere." Jack looked curios.
"Alright, I'll bite," Jack said, "what are you up to."
"Can't really say," Rai told him. "I would if I could Jack cause I feel like I need your help on this, but I just can't right now."
"At first I thought you were back with the FBI but then I remembered you're still taking time off. Plus you're running around with Kimiko Tohomiko. So what's up?"
"I can't say Jack," Rai insisted and tapped on desk. "Now really, you've got no idea what this thing," he motioned toward the screen, "is all about?"
"Sorry Raimundo," Jack apologized. "I'll look more into it but I've really got no idea."
"I don't believe that you know nothing," Rai said skeptically.
"Looks like a see through golf tee to me," Jack mused, "but I really could be anything."
"Any information you can give me Jack I'd really appreciate it," Rai told him. The door opened at the top of the stairs and Kimiko descended back into the basement. She didn't say anything, just stayed silent and watched the two expectantly.
"The best I can tell you now is that it is something electronic," Jack went on. "What it is exactly? I'm not sure but I'll look it over some more and see what I can tell you." Kimiko nodded and then spoke.
"Thank you Jack," Kimiko said, "it really will be a big help. But I'm sorry we have to go." Rai looked at Kimiko who didn't even glance back at him. "It was very nice to meet you Jack. Thank you for everything. Come on Rai." Kimiko turned and walked towards the stairs, not looking back once.
"Guess we're going," Rai shrugged and made to follow Kimiko, Jack following after Rai up the stairs. Kimiko was waiting for them in the hallway, looking slightly anxious. "Mind if I use the bathroom before we go?" Rai asked Kimiko who looked indifferent but didn't say anything. Rai shook his head and walked away, wondering about the mood swings that girls were capable of. As soon as the door clicked behind Rai both Jack and Kimiko turned toward each other, Kimiko's eyes narrowing and Jack's mouth opening, speaking before Kimiko could get a chance to.
"Don't trust Raimundo," Jack spat in a whisper.
"What?" Kimiko asked surprised.
"I can guess the story he told you- he was under with the FBI but being the great guy that he is he wasn't swayed by the Heylin, right?" Kimiko nodded numbly. "Well, that's partially true. He was working for the FBI, and was under for them but he did go to the Heylin. He's working for them. They're the ones that have your dad."
"How do you know about my father?" Kimiko whispered quickly.
"Not enough time to explain," Jack said as the door at the end of the hall swung open. His voice lowered as he added. "Don't trust him." Kimiko nodded numbly but when she looked back at Raimundo again her face was normal.
"Ready to go?" Kimiko asked when Raimundo joined them.
"Sure," he said glancing back and forth between the two before following Kimiko to the door. Jack waited in the threshold until them were out of sight and then went back to his basement/lab and picked up his cell phone. The ringing ended and although no voice answered him Jack knew that didn't mean that no one was there.
"I did what you said," Jack said into the phone. "I warned her."
"Good."
"But I wanted to know what the hell they're doing with my prototype," Jack said with some confidence that wavered as he added, "please?"
"Well, it's no longer a prototype, now is it?" Before Jack could respond the line went dead leaving Jack more confused, and worried, than before.
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"I trust you," Kimiko said out of the blue surprising Raimundo as he shut the door behind them. He looked at Kimiko who was sitting on the room's lone bed and looking dejected. They'd returned to the second hotel they'd rented to work out the next clue Kimiko said she'd received and was their reason for leaving Jack's.
"Kimiko?" Rai asked nervously while walking over to her. He stood in front of her but when she didn't look up he kneeled down in front of her. "Kimiko what's going on?" he asked settling his hands over her knees. Kimiko, who was clutching her bag to her like a life line lifted her head enough to see him and Rai could tell she was on the verge of tears.
"Today is crazy," Kimiko told him, "and I have no reason in the world to trust you, but I do."
"Um, thanks, really," Rai replied still confused.
"Tell me the truth Raimundo," Kimiko practically pleaded. "Who are you?"
"What are you talking about?" Rai asked her. Kimiko suddenly dropped her bag to the side and leaned forward, catching Raimundo by surprise. Kimiko dropped to her knees off the bed so they were on the floor together, Rai's hands floating near Kimiko's sides unsure of what she was doing. Kimiko's hands ghosted around Raimundo as she leaned closer and lightly pressed her lips to his. Rai was so shocked that he could respond at first but wished hard that he could. His mind was finally catching up with him but before he could respond as he wanted to Kimiko moved again pulling back from him and to Raimundo's immense surprise he found his own gun pressed into his chest. Frozen he looked down at the gun and back at Kimiko who was staring him square in the eye.
"I'm sorry Raimundo, but my father comes first."
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So….what do you guys think? Please review and let me know, I promise that the next chapter will be out quicker than this one!! That's a promise I will keep!! Ok, till next time hope life is good!!