Chapter Three

Somewhere on the South coast of England

Impatience was the air Shizuma was displaying. By her feet were her suitcases, large ones, as she waited for her promised ride. It was already a half an hour late. No wonder she was getting irritated. Her journey to get here had been long and uneventful, with no fun or cute girls to make up for it. It also didn't help, that two beefy looking guys had started to take an interest in her. Ignoring them for now, as Shizuma kept her gaze firmly fixed on the road. 'What a backwater place this is. It just screams isolation and secrets. True she needs it considering what she does for a living. But come on! I've seen better hideaways. First stop to get the tracker into those plans, then onto the real chap who wants them. I wonder if I can find some fun.' Her just turned happy thoughts were rudely interrupted, by the guys she had seen earlier. Shizuma sighed in disbelief at the idiocy of some people.

"Hey darling. Want to have a good time?" one eagerly asked

"Don't bother, neither one of you is my type. Furthermore go away." Looking menacingly at the two

Suffice to say they were a little surprised at the tone of her response, until manly pride edged with stupidity kicked in. Shizuma saw this coming; they certainly looked serious enough in getting something from her. Fighting them in her new business suit and classy high heels, not a chance if she could help it. Good fortune smiled down on her, as a jeep pulled into a parking space not too far away. The two men thought it best to leave, as they no longer were alone. The jeep was an older model, even though it was mud splattered with a few dents in the bumper it was well cared for. Shizuma waited and watched as a tall gangly individual exited the vehicle. It wasn't until they came closer that she realised it was a woman. Beige tight pants with tan knee high boots and a white shirt, it didn't help with her hair cropped short. 'So not my type.' Keeping one eye on the thugs she waited for the woman to draw nearer.

"Miss Shizuma Hanazono?" the woman asked as she stopped a few steps away

"Yes that's me." Shizuma replied

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Amane Otori." She held out her hand as Shizuma shook it firmly "I've been sent by Miss Carter to pick you up. Is this your luggage?"

With a nod of her head Amane picked up one of the large suitcases, attempting to pick the other she failed in style. Shizuma decided to step on in, hefting the fallen case firmly up right, both women started towards the jeep. All packed up and settled in the two front seats, Shizuma shot one last glare at the two beefy guys, who was staring unabashedly at them, with a loud rumble of an engine they were off on the beaten tracks.

It was quite for a while in the jeep, comfortable silence it was but to Shizuma it was a little unsettling. The passing scenery of greenery, rolling hills in the far distance and the dense woodland that seemed to grow all around. Stealing a quick glance of her chauffer, Shizuma noticed that she seemed slightly nervous and edgy, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. 'I wonder what's she' so jumpy about? Being a driver doesn't get that response. Is it me or something else that's bugging her?'

"Miss Carter seems to live in a beautiful part of the country." Shizuma tried to small talk

"That she does." Amane replied still fidgety but a little calmer

"If you don't mind me asking…" Shizuma asked then continued when Amane nodded her head "How long have you been in her employ?"

"Just a little over eight months now." Amane told her

"Like it?" noticing the wariness on the woman's face she tried to ease it somewhat "I won't tell"

Amane gifted her with a small smile "It's all right. The stable work isn't so bad and some of her other employees are nice. I just don't think I'll stay on for much longer"

Shizuma prided herself on knowing how to read peoples expressions. And after watching her carefully realised that something was slightly wrong in the answer given. She couldn't figure out what. She was startled out of her reverie when Amane asked her a question.

"I hear you work for the IPR sector. May I ask what that's about?"

Knowing her legend well enough she replied "Basically I help a lot of high end people put on whatever show or function they need. Making it sure its smooth sailing on the night."

It was then Shizuma noticed the reoccurrence of the fidgeting and uneasiness but less than before. 'I wonder what's bugging her. I didn't peg her for the type to be nervous. I don't suppose she could be…'

Shizuma's sharp eyes caught sight of a leather briefcase on the backseat, a little out of place in the rundown jeep. Amane caught the glance, shifting a little uncomfortably in her seat. Shizuma had a gut feeling, about the contents, pulled out her phone and clicked on an application.

"Cell signal is dicey at the best of times out here, best to wait until you get to the main house." Amane kindly informed her

"Not to worry, I think I'll find a signal."

Shizuma waited patiently for the application to open, Chikaru's own design, as it began to automatically scan the immediate surroundings, its sole purpose to find the chip in the missing plans. The jeep became a little tense. Her phone gave her a positive light. The plans were in the briefcase. Putting her phone casually back into her pocket, she kept her hand holding on tight to the other object occupying the space.

Turning to face Amane "Had to do a little business in town?" nodding her head towards the backseat.

"I do odd jobs other than stable work sometimes. Often it's picking up things from town." Amane answered a little jumpy "Why are you so interested in a briefcase anyway?" fixing Shizuma with a hard stare.

The etoile caught onto the underlying threat, quickly showed her hand. No phone, but a small handgun pointed straight at the driver.

"Stop the damn car!" stressing each word

Amane was wide eyed at seeing the gun, gently pulled over to the side of the road, quite a feat considering she never took her eyes off the woman, or more accurately the gun. When the jeep was parked, the engine still running, the two women kept still as to not set the other one off. All was quiet for a little while, until Shizuma thought of her contact she was supposed to get in touch with. Surely not.

"Is the grass any greener on the other side?" rolling her eyes at the silly message.

Amane mouth dropped open in surprise "Isn't the grass underneath the same everywhere?" completing the sentence.

They were both stunned, both at the identity of the other and the misunderstanding behind it all. Shizuma looked from Amane to her gun, returning it safely into her pocket, clicking the safety on first. Getting readjusted in her seat Shizuma, looked over to her driver and contact, to see that she was getting a weird look.

"I'm sorry about earlier, I had to be sure. It's good to know our information is correct, that Melinda Carter is the one that obtained the plans." Shizuma apologised and explained

"That's all right; you have every right to be cautious." Looking like she wanted to asked something before thinking better of it.

Amane got the jeep back on the road, off towards their destination. Her demeanour was calmer than before, as if a weight was lifted off of her shoulders. Shizuma glanced one last time at the briefcase; it was now only a matter of time to watch and wait for the big fish to show itself.

"I must admit you're not what I expected when I was told to be you're contact. I was expecting…someone else." Amane broke the silence

Shizuma shot her a searching gaze "Really? I thought everyone knew me since my codename gives it away."

"True but I haven't been in Astraea long."

"That explains something at least." Amane turned her head slightly to glance quickly at Shizuma before turning back to the roads

'There is something wrong about this'

"So what can you tell me about Carter and her mansion? Her other employees especially" Shizuma asked of the contact. Her mind now filling with information she needed and also the boredom of the drive their flitted away.

You had to admit, that the bad guys knew how to live and work. Their secluded resorts were always top class, so what if they had the extra armed guards and maniacal punishments suited to personal tastes, which put a dampener on morale, but the rest certainly outweighed it all. Shizuma took in all the surroundings, as she sat in the passenger seat of the jeep, looking over the grounds of the isolated manor. The etoile saw numerous riders as she progressed thru the grounds; her driver was pensive and silent throughout. After several more minutes of nothing but greenery and small woodlands, the gravel driveway opened into a spacious and well styled courtyard. The main feature was a fountain, made of white marble stone, in an elaborate three tier pools, with crystal clear water spouting from its top, situated in a small roundabout. Yellow sharp eyes took in everything in sight, positions of doors and windows, the guards that patrolled around the manor and other little necessities she found worth noting.

Amane cruised the jeep around the fountain, to finally stop across from the entrance into the building. Shizuma Hanazono had arrived. With a quick glance to Amane to reassure her, they unbuckled their seatbelts and exited the car, walking a few steps towards the door. They were very hard to miss, as two armed guards, who looked like wrestlers from their muscles, just stood and stared at the newcomers. 'I'm finally where I should be. Nice to know Amane is trustworthy after my little stunt. I guess it's time to meet the good lady of the house.'

In the background, Shizuma ears picked up the sounds of happy chatter, horses and underneath a soft music waltzing away. Shizuma heard the front door click open, bringing her full attention back and on alert, as her target walked out into view dressed smartly in riding leathers. A black silk shirt, covered by a black waistcoat outlined in red, with matching black trousers and knee high boots. Safe to say she cut quite the scene. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun, which brought out her deep hazel eyes. Those eyes focused solely on Shizuma, who in turn met her gaze squarely on.

"Amane I see you have brought my honoured guest to my abode" thanking Amane, sparing her a quick glance over. Her voice grew husky when she addressed Shizuma "I'm Melinda Carter, it's nice to meet someone from the International Public Relations sector."

Melinda extended her hand after her introduction, with a small smile in greeting. Shizuma smiled back, more seductively however, clasping her hand in soft hold.

"It's very nice to meet you Miss Carter. I'm Shizuma Hanazono from the Head Office, thank you for having me here."

The two women kept their hands together as they continued to stare at each other, but after a little while released the hold after Amane coughed politely to gain attention. The driver was too used to this sort of thing, to make a deal out of it.

"Yes Amane. Was there something else?" Melinda looked over to her

"The documents you wanted me to fetch, would you like for me to put them in your office?" the tall woman asked, lifting the briefcase higher up.

Melinda looked thoughtful for a moment, until she smiled and shook her head a little "I'll take them Amane thank you. You can go back to the stables now, I'm sure you want to check things over" taking the briefcase from her, as Amane left in the jeep towards the stables. Melinda turned her gaze to her guest, looking somewhat apologetic "I am deeply sorry for this; I was going to give you a tour. I know just the one to go in my place, she is my top programmer and honestly, she should have arrived around now."

A hurried set of feet echoed on the tiled floor of the manor, as a blur of red tumbled out into the courtyard, tripping over the last step in her haste. Shizuma caught a quick glimpse, barely, of red eyes and cute lips before a loud yell filled the air. Reacting on instinct the etoile stepped quickly forwards arms stretched and taut, instantly filled with an embarrassed red head. Eyes locked on to each other for a brief lasting second, until the klutz pulled out of the embrace and straightened herself up. Shizuma couldn't resist checking her over, noting how her red sleeveless shirt and black jeans showed off her toned body; along with a tinted flush to her face making her one cute girl. She secretly hummed her approval.

"Miss Hanazono may I introduce Nagisa Aoi, my top programmer. Nagisa this is Shizuma Hanazono from the IPR." Melinda introduced them to each other, seeing Shizuma's interest in the red head.

With a quick handshake and a brief greeting, due to Nagisa's flustered state, Shizuma took action as the tension was getting higher.

"Miss Carter has unfortunate business to attend to, graciously offering me a tour by her top programmer" letting it sink in to Nagisa.

It sunk in alright. With squinted eyes glanced towards the silver head she turned towards her boss. Who in turn, brought the briefcase to rest in front of her. Red eyes widened ever so slightly at the object, Shizuma caught it with a mental nod of her head. 'Let the hunt begin.'

"I can do a tour Melinda, no problem at all. Shall I have her back for your afternoon sit down?" Nagisa calmly spoke

"That would be fine Nagisa thank you." Then addressed her guest in a more intimate tone "Have fun and I will see you later" With that said she walked back into the manor, whispering to one of her servants who came out and collected the bags.

Nagisa waited until the door had shut, before she turned her attention to the woman. Shizuma however, was already waiting for attention from the red head.

"I guess I should thank you for catching me earlier. You have good reflexes I must say" Nagisa nodded her head in thanks

"No need for thanks. I had a cute girl land in my arms, what more could I want by greeting?" smirking a little, stepping closer to the younger woman.

Shizuma was honestly a little shocked, though she never showed it, when Nagisa rolled her eyes at her comment and took a few steps away.

"Shall we begin the tour? Start off among the stables and work our way from there. Who knows, maybe you will find more interesting rides along the way" Nagisa told her in a dull tone and began to walk slowly off. Not waiting to see if she followed.

Yellow eyes watched her walk for a little, the sway of her legs and the curves of the woman then quickly began to follow, pleased by what she saw. 'I love a challenge.'

Shizuma followed Nagisa as they strode towards the grounds, making sure she was close but not too close. She listened as the young woman outlined the basic layout of the grounds, most she already knew thanks to her drive here. Shizuma was looking around her barely listening to the other woman, when she was completely caught off guard.

"It seems Amane has told you roughly all this already."

Shizuma looked to her right to see no one there then twirled around to find Nagisa had stopped walking altogether. Hands on hips with an arched eyebrow she looked more tempting to the etoile, but she wisely said nothing on the subject.

"I was curious so Amane filled me in on the basic layout." Shizuma replied

Nagisa crossed her arms "Why would a PR person like you be concerned with a layout of a mansion before you got here? I thought the guest list would be more up your alley"

Shizuma just stared at her for a little while, a little bit startled at the quick thinking of the woman. Shizuma knew she had to deflect her curiosity and suspicions fast and it was only the first day.

"True." Backtracking her steps to be closer to the red head "But I have to know about the location if I'm to organise the event. Yes?"

Shizuma watched as the cogs began turning in Nagisa's head and gave an inward sigh of relief when she saw her response hit home. In a quick movement the programmer was walking steadily away leaving Shizuma to catch up. The etoile easily kept pace giving her quick glances over, noting the stoic features and the tenseness surrounding her. Before she could speak someone else spoke up.

"Miss Aoi! Hold up!" a male voice shouted from the wooded trees

Shizuma eyed him up as he got closer, the black uniform of the security personnel along with a handgun bolted at his hip and radio plugged in his ears. His appearance was one she took little interest in, black short cut hair, with deep hazel eyes and stubble on his chin with a well-toned body as she saw from the short cut sleeves.

"Danny" Nagisa nodded her head at him as he stopped a few steps away "Can I introduce Shizuma Hanazono from the IPR. Miss Hanazono this is Danny Porter head of security."

Shizuma took a firm grasp of his hand when he held it out and gave a brief hello, as she was more aware of the eyes he had for her guide.

"Nice to meet you ma'am." Danny turned his attention to Nagisa "Miss Aoi you're a hard woman to track down."

Raising an eyebrow at his words "Really? I've been in my office all morning and I had no calls to suggest otherwise."

"It's only now I've been informed of it myself" looking a tad embarrassed "the security cameras along the perimeter have been malfunctioning along with the alarm system. You know it best after all."

Shizuma watched on the side-lines as the two talked, thinking this would be a great time to see some of the security measures up close without suspicion. Trouble was how to bring it up. Her prayers were soon answered.

"I'm in the middle of a tour Danny, I'll stop by later to sort it out." Nagisa apologised

"Wait." Reaching out "Please Miss Aoi you know how Miss Carter gets when the security is down." looking a little scared

Shizuma also caught the doe eyed gaze he sent her way; thankfully it wasn't reciprocated a bit by the redhead. The etoile watched as Nagisa muddled it through and with a nod of her head the security man looked brightened.

"I am sorry about this…" Nagisa started

"Don't be Nagisa. This is a part of your work and things do come up. Though I hope we get time for our tour afterwards." Shizuma smiled wide relishing the fact that Danny looked less than pleased.

In a short time they were in the woods and setting things straight. Shizuma took in as much as she could gather about the locations and how to spot them when she did her own snooping rounds. Nagisa was very helpful as she tutted and cursed at blown wires and mixed circuitry, unbeknown giving her helpful hints of how to disrupt the signal herself. It didn't take long for the broken to become fixed and with a stern warning of how to maintain them they were off. Shizuma was busy looking at her surroundings as she stepped out into the clearing, mulling over facts and so forth, so she missed the long piercing gaze that was being directed her way.

It had to be said Shizuma enjoyed her tour immensely, though the fact that a certain programmer had resisted all her flirts and charms dampened her spirits. It was just not a good thing for her ego to handle. Her visit to the stables meeting up with Amane once more, the closeness of her and Nagisa set her teeth on edge. Thinking on. Her walk around the different out buildings like the impressive large garage filled with beautiful cars, the security lodge and the workshop. Each cementing a more solid plan in her mind. When the grounds were covered Nagisa showed her the mansion itself. Inside was as grand as the grounds but not so obvious that it was made gaudy. Everything was exquisitely made, stylish yet simple and everything combined well with each other. Shizuma was guided around the lower levels first revealing multiple rooms which some consisted of a music room, a small library a large kitchen and an open lounge with access to a conservatory from the little time she saw. What caught her interest most was a heavy wooden door that was ignored by the redhead, when asked Nagisa simply stated that it was the door leading to the basement facilities. 'I bet that's where it's gone too. Though I'm surprised it isn't guarded as much. Hmm… cameras are installed too. I'll have to leave that exploration for a later date. I can't be too careless.' The ground floor done Nagisa led her up the staircase and pointed out bluntly this is the rooms of all the personnel that lived on site.

"This is your room" Nagisa stopped and indicated the room to her right

Shizuma barely gave it a look over as she turned back to her guide "Where is your room?"

"Far enough away" giving her a hard glare "I'll be back in half an hour to escort you to the sit down. I hope you'll be ready by then"

Without another word she walked swiftly off leaving Shizuma leaning against her door. 'I think she's warming up to me.'