Chapter Seven

With dawns rays the two new partnered agents left the submarine, with their gadgets and papers all in order. They made their way into France, with the help of Shizuma and her ability to speak like a native, soon settled into the airports lounge. During the journey they spoke mostly of their aliases and the mission itself, nothing anymore personal. Shizuma knew from past experiences that getting a firm background on their supposed relationship helped in the long run. Trying to tell the redhead anything of the sort was not well received. It was deflected or another conversation expertly weaved in. It was frustrating. Sitting in the quiet lounge with only a few others around for the moment Shizuma was drinking her tea, deep in thoughts as her programmer was lost in her tablet. Shizuma decided once more to broach the subject.

"Nagisa?" Shizuma prodded

"Yes?"

Thinking a little on her approach "Can I ask you something? It's about our plans…in a sense"

Nagisa looked at Shizuma placing her tablet on the table in front, sensing an important topic at hand. Turning her body to face her partner Nagisa settled down to listen.

"Answer me this honestly. Does it bother you that much about this whole relationship thing that you don't want to discuss it or is it something else?"

"It doesn't bother me at all. There's also no point in acting like a couple either until the occasion calls for it, as for the background I doubt there will be any questions about it" Nagisa told her with a shrug of her shoulders.

Shizuma knew that there was something else hidden away in those words, especially how guarded Nagisa seemed to get when she asked the question. Just when Shizuma was going to ask mission details, a middle aged rich couple, judging by their clothes and superior attitude they displayed, sat down on the opposite sofa making mission talk impossible.

The snooty couple were seriously asking for it. When they had found out about their marriage, albeit an alibi one at that, they instantly turned from moderately tolerated to assholes in under a second. Shizuma lowered her eyes, to keep her expression of death from drawing unwanted attention. Her looking glance told her that Nagisa was in the same mind frame; her hands were clenched so tight that her knuckles were white and the rapid tapping of her foot. Shizuma reached over to put her hand over hers, gently loosening the death grip, all under radar from those opposite. 'I hate narrow-minded toads. Besides who asked for their remarks on who I date whatever the sex. I wish they shut up before I make them.'

"I can't see how two women can have a satisfying and filling relationship." Mrs Snooty sniffed

"I find my wife to be able to satisfy me just fine" Nagisa gave them a little smile.

Shizuma was able to hold her expression, just barely, from Nagisa's remark. Inside she was all blissful. When she saw the shocked expressions of the couple opposite, then over to Nagisa who still wore a fake smile, bringing a true one to her own lips. 'I can play this game.'

"I just have to agree" Shizuma put her arm around Nagisa, drawing her in close, the redhead willing played along "We've put up with people and your views before, we both like women, just because of an obvious difference, doesn't stop us from getting satisfied and fulfilled on a regular basis."

"Hmm… brings back some pleasant memories" Nagisa looked dreamy "remember the whipped cream honey?" looking straight at Shizuma as she said it.

The etoile felt the laughter bubbling in her partner, giving her a full out smirk as she launched into a descriptive and realistic story. As she told her story, getting more descriptive and not to mention saucy, the couple got more and more embarrassed. Nagisa couldn't bear to watch, hid her face in the crook of Shizuma's neck, in a last ditch effort not to burst out in hysterical laughter. The prankster enjoyed watching them squirm, the warm breath on her neck making herself squirm, but in pleasure rather than discomfort. Shizuma decided to finish her tale, what she cooked up brought too many ideas to her own mind what she would like to do with the one trying to stifle her giggles.

"Yeah the whipped cream and strawberries is something to remember. I personally recommend it if your own bedroom activities are getting a little stale. Want to hear of the sacrifice theme we cooked up?" looking delighted at the idea.

The snobbish couple were not willing to sit through another story, as they quickly made up a lame excuse as they left the two laughing agents be. Shizuma laughed outright when they vanished, Nagisa quickly joined in, both laughing so hard tears were streaming down their faces. Many eyes looked their way in wonder, but it didn't deter them a bit. After a while they calmed themselves down, Nagisa wiping her eyes relaxing back into her chair. Both of them forgetting, the intimacy in which they still sat in. A calm peace settled over them, unlike before where there was always some tension between them.

"I needed that" Nagisa murmured

"I didn't know you could be a little devil Nagisa" Shizuma teased her

"I can be when the occasion calls for it" sticking her nose in the air rather haughtily.

Shizuma gave her a wide grin which was returned right back. The two agents began small talk, to carry on the light atmosphere, secretly both enjoying the conversation.

They arrived in Rhodes after a few hours of flight greeted by the humidity and the barren beautiful scenery of what the island had to offer. A long drive later in what could only be described as a hair-raising experience in the local cab they arrived at their hotel, a short distance from the harbour and the centre of a large town. The room itself was simple yet lavish, with two single beds, a balcony overlooking the sea in the distance and an en-suite to complete. Shizuma dumped her suitcase by the foot of the bed and her holdall on top, wanting nothing more than to have a good long soak in the tub. Putting that idea aside she opened the balcony doors wide, letting in the gentle breeze as she stepped outside and leant against the railing letting her mind wander. 'There are worst places to be sent to. First we have to find him and then the plans. I think Nagisa was looking into that, I wonder what she found out.' Turning back to face the apartment she found an endearing sight to be sure. Two suitcases were flung carelessly on the floor whilst a laptop bag neatly deposited on the table, the owner was the one she found amusing. Half flung on the bed the woman was fast asleep with mouth open slightly and soft snores filled the silence.

"What a cute sight" Shizuma softly spoke

Shizuma decided to leave her be, knowing that the redhead had been tapping away on her laptop the entire time whilst they were travelling. Leaving the room she decided to go for a small walk around the hotel, making sure she had a firm plan of the surrounding area. You could never be too careful after all. The evening rays of the setting sun shone beautifully, with deep orange on the lowest horizon with streaks of blue heralding the night. Walking slowly letting the hustle and bustle flow around her, Shizuma spotted a small supermarket up ahead and headed straight for it. Through the sliding doors just to the right, Shizuma glanced sparingly at a newspaper stand, not paying it much thought. 'I wonder what I came in here for. Wish there was a pool nearby, I would love a swim. They seem to be having a good chat, guess I'll amuse myself with the local news while I wait.' Her languid steps led her back to the stand near the door, as she picked up a random paper her eyes glazed over at the words. Turning the pages her eyes widened at a familiar image causing her to gasp in shock. Quickly closing the paper she rushed towards the cashier desk, tapping her foot impatiently as she waited for the friendly chat to end. Paying for her purchases, Shizuma legged it outside and rushed as fast as she could back to the hotel.

Bursting into the room, out of breath and hunched over in her exertion she managed to glimpse Nagisa fall from her bed in surprize landing head first on the floor. If she was fast asleep before she was certainly awake now. Shutting the door behind her Shizuma sat down heavily on her bed, watching as Nagisa picked herself up of the floor grumbling and shooting the etoile dirty glances as she did so.

"What is it with you and shocking people?" Nagisa asked grumpily sitting down on her own bed

"Sorry I didn't mean to rush in like that." Handing the paper over "this will make it clear"

Shizuma watched as Nagisa gingerly took the paper and flipped through its pages. She knew when she reached the same page as herself earlier, Nagisa's eyes widened and her mouth opened slightly.

"Well forgive me now?" Shizuma teased her a little

Ignoring the jibe Nagisa talked aloud "Saves us looking for him for sure. This ball his hosting tomorrow evening has some big shots going by the looks of it."

"We need to get in there. The only trouble with that is how we get inside, preferably as one of the guests."

"True. You have a lot more freedom than being one of the staff. Getting hold of information is not going to possible." Nagisa shoulders slumped a little

Shizuma closed her eyes and leant back on her hands as she tried to think of a way to get into the exclusive party. They didn't have a lot of time to come up with anything either. Silence ensued. A musical tone broke the silence, making Shizuma jump a little as she rummaged in her pocket for her phone. Looking at the ID she raised her brow and hit the speaker.

"Etoile. Nagisa. I hope you're settled in." M's voice blared out on speaker

"Yes Miyuki all settled in" Shizuma rolled her eyes

"Don't roll your eyes Shizuma." M reprimanded her making Nagisa smirk "Any news?"

"Well does the fact that Reede is hosting a gathering for the elite and colleagues in his field tomorrow night count?" Shizuma told her

"That was fast even for him" M said with a question surrounding her words

"The same thing has crossed our minds" Nagisa opted in

Outside in the hotels hallway

A creaky cart made their way down the corridor pushed by a maid belonging to the hotel. The cart was surprisingly empty which was strange in itself; the maid themselves was one of the many that worked there however looking closer, the boots of sturdy wear were not exactly part of the uniform, yet walking with a purpose all the same looking closely at the number of the doors as they went. Arriving at their destination, glancing up and down the hall they stooped low and pushed something under the door. In a flash they hauled the cart down and away.

Back inside the room

"Hang on Miyuki" Shizuma interrupted her boss putting the mobile on the table

She watched Nagisa pick up the paper from the doorway and hand it over, before flinging the door open and rushed outside. A few minutes later she came back shaking her head in loss. Shizuma nodded to her once before turning back to the delivered suspicious mail, noting no markings or any clues on the outside. Opening the envelope and peeking inside she couldn't believe her eyes. Nagisa was by her side looking quite irritated at being left out of the loop.

"Well is it anything I should know about or is it from one your many exes' I shouldn't know about?" Nagisa grumbled folding her arms across her chest

Shizuma shot her a look handing it over and picking up the phone once more "Well M I think we found a way in"

"Yeah though I wonder who helped us." Nagisa quietly whispered

The next day was busy with getting so many things in order for their night time jaunt into the world of Kenzo Reede. They hauled their best evening gowns out; made sure their aliases were set tight with plenty of background history. To make sure that they both worked to the best of their ability, Shizuma put Nagisa into her familiar role of her computer programmer mind, knowing that she could whiz talk her way around with the best of them. All they could do was wait until evening, which made the etoile wonder what was worst. The waiting or the unknown.

Come time the taxi pulled up outside the two agents were all bedecked in their finery. Shizuma in a stunning strapless white gown that fell to her ankles with black designs curling around the edges and Nagisa in a bright red dress that came to knee height with layers that reached behind that fell to the ankles. They would certainly turn heads when they arrived.

Arriving at the hall they were greeted with quite the spectacle. Lights shone at the entrance with valets all handsomely dressed waiting for the next guest and tip. Many guests were already making their way inside, with many outside trying to look in or taking photos for the next morning's news. Pulling to the kerb the taxi stopped and one of the men held open the door in a gentlemen fashion as Shizuma was the first to exit. Thanking him she turned to help her partner and both walked inside and side by side. More members of staff was lined and waiting taking the guests coats and other articles, what got Shizuma's interest was some of the security that lined the entryway. Her partner gave her a small nudge, which when she turned round to face was met with an irritated face of the redhead and an indifference face of the staff.

"May I take your coat madam?" he asked

Shizuma nodded her head quickly as she handed her coat over and walked her way on through. Noticing the absence of her partner she turned back around to see what was keeping her.

Shizuma watched Nagisa in slow motion, taken aback at the skill she showed, as the young woman tripped forward to be caught by the security guard. Not the skill in being a klutz but what followed soon after. Shizuma nearly missed it herself since it all happened so fast. The young whiz was seemingly an expert in pickpocketing. As Nagisa fell forward, she quickly clawed off his security tag with one hand, whilst she held on tight to her purse in the other. The flustered guard helped to steady her feet, the blushing redhead kept up a demure role.

"I'm so very sorry" Nagisa apologised as her hands were working.

The security tag was quickly passed under her bag; a pale light shone once on the clasp as Nagisa swiftly and discreetly pinned it back on like it was before. Shizuma watched her partner with a small smile as Nagisa walked over to her and both walked together into the main hall.

"Where did you learn that skill?" whispered Shizuma

"You mean you can't?" looking over to Shizuma, receiving a raised eyebrow for her answer.

The hall was huge and lavish. Everything was expensive, to suit the mood of the night. Three chandeliers hung from the ceiling lighting up the hall in all its glory, stain glassed windows with beautiful wood and marble flooring. The tables and chairs were mahogany carved, dotting around were busts and statues of the Greek pantheon. Definitely for the rich and famous. The tables were situated at the furthest end of the hall away from the doors, some filled with food others for people to eat and sit around. Waiters were serving drinks on silver trays as they mingled among the guests, carrying wine and champagne. The rest of the floor space, was unoccupied as the majority stood around the edges, in Shizuma's experience if there was an orchestra, as there was, it was going to be mainly used for dancing.

What caught her focus most was a solidly built podium in the centre, probably for the start of the show that would begin shortly she surmised. 'I'm impressed. They certainly know how to plan for a do, whoever did this. A little forward of them, showing off their wealth like this though. A cocktail styled event, with everyone dressed up to flaunt themselves. Hmmm… certainly some more than others that I can see. Now let's see who we have on the menu tonight.' They made their way into the hall, walking to one of the many windows on the side, taking note of the other guests as they walked on by. Shizuma stopped a passing waiter taking two glasses of red wine off his tray and passed one to Nagisa, who happily took it.

Time drew on with the faint note of music and talk in the air, as Shizuma gazed at her surroundings with fingers tapping a tuneful song on her champagne glass. Eventually only a few stragglers walked their way inside, mingling themselves effortlessly with the other guests. The doors closed with finality and everyone grew a sense of anticipation of what was to come. 'He certainly likes to put on a show. A grand entrance and a pretty speech, so overused.' Glancing to her left to see what her hacker was up to, was surprised to find her not taking the least bit notice of anything. Her red eyes were focused on the chandelier then slowly moved around the rest of the ceiling with an occasional nod of her head. Shizuma was a little confused.

"What are you doing?" whispering softly

Nagisa gave her a quick glance and a shrug of her shoulders "Nothing but admiring the design. Though I must say that the chandelier looks like it has work done to it recently."

Shizuma's brows furrowed slightly as she tried to see what Nagisa meant. Looking up all she saw was a huge piece of lighting, nothing stood out about it. True she had seen more beautiful ones with less wiring holding it up and considering the rest of the hall looked a little out of place. Nagisa must have been watching her expression as her next words proved it.

"If you can't see anything wrong about it, that's all right you know. It just means whoever did it did a good job."

Before Shizuma could form a reply the lights in the hall dimmed, until all lights went out and the room plunged into darkness. Talk stopped and a few startled gasps penetrated the silence.

"Oh please!" Shizuma muttered under breath which was quickly followed with a short jab to her stomach. She knew when to shut up.

A spotlight illuminated the podium in a sudden burst of light. Also there was a smartly dressed man in a classic tux standing behind it as he absorbed all the attention. Kenzo Reede had made his appearance.

"Ladies and gentlemen I welcome and thank you all for coming here this evening. As all of you are aware, I have been absent from my field of technology advancement for quite some time, yet I have still kept my hand in bringing new projects to light. Tonight I hope to remedy that. Tonight we will all make history." Waving his hand at the podium a gasps of shock echoed the room as a holographic image appeared before them "Ladies and gentlemen may I present to you the future. Meet the MS-R42, the newest and most powerful mini manned submarine to date. It can go deeper and last much longer than the current models, equipped with state of the art technology. With my own adaptions as you can see it can be equipped with moveable limbs. Not only that the front can be detached from the main pod acting in a sense as an escape route if it indeed is in trouble. Ladies and gentlemen I give you the MS-R42." A loud applause followed his words as the lights came back on.

Everyone was all still in a dither from the announcement. Shizuma worked her way to the front to gather a closer look at the plans. The holographic image was impressive too she had to admit. The mini manned submarine was hinting at other aspects, but what she couldn't quite grasp. 'It all looks a little wrong somehow. I don't know what it can be. I wonder if we can analyse it better, I'll bet Nagisa will know a way. That girl has gadgets that do a ton of things.' Shizuma was about to turn around to look for her partner, until a redhead came into view on her right. The girl tended to arrive unexpectedly. The etoile saw the intense gaze she gave the image, as she fiddled absentmindedly with her purse. Shizuma watched her from the corner of her eyes, trying not to draw attention to them. Nagisa opened her purse, as she shook her head slightly, as she pulled out her compact mirror.

"You look fine Nagisa" Shizuma politely told her, as she looked weirdly at her.

"Why thank you darling." Nagisa gave her a quick smile.

Nagisa quickly turned her focus back onto the mirror, she gazed at it for a while all the time Shizuma stood by her side quietly. With a snap, Nagisa closed her mirror and swiftly scurried away dodging the guests with ease. Shizuma froze for a moment when the redhead sped away, her exit was sudden and unexpected. Deciding it best to make a quick retreat herself, she hurried away to find her partner.

"Nagisa, would you mind explaining to me, what you were really doing by the podium." Shizuma asked her.

"Checking my makeup Shizuma, I need a mirror to do that you know" came the sassy reply back.

Shizuma took in a deep breath at her response, not really surprised at her reply. Tapping her wine glass to hopefully calm her down a little, she continued to stare at her partner, who was sipping her own wine with a small smile on her lips. Bending in closer to Nagisa, Shizuma put her lips real close to her ear.

"We both know what you were doing Nagisa" whispering in her ears.

Shizuma pulled back out but stayed rather close by her side. Nagisa had pinked cheeks Shizuma gladly noted as she waited patiently for an answer. Unfortunately her answer didn't come. Shizuma spotted an elderly gentleman making his way towards them, all dressed smartly in his tux, knowing that whatever he wanted to chat about would take a while. Shizuma inwardly threw a tantrum at the delay, remaining her cool demeanour on the outside.

"Ladies" the man bowed his head in greeting "I'm Marcus Ballas"

"It's nice to meet you Mr Ballas" Nagisa greeted him cheerfully "I'm Nagisa Hoshi and this is my partner Shizuma"

Shizuma bowed her head in response wearing a small smile, staying out of the conversation. Marcus seemed quite smitten with Nagisa so she left it up for her to do the small talk. It didn't stop her from keeping an ear and eye on the pair, in her past experiences some of the more touchy-feely kind came with the elderly. The conversation flowed smoothly with all things considering.

"Mr Ballas…" Nagisa began only to be cut up

"Please my dear girl, call me Marcus" he gave her a warm smile.

"If you insist Marcus" Nagisa blushed a little "Your profession is the mechanical engineering of boats like these am I correct?"

"Ah. A woman with an intellectual mind I see" grinning broadly.

Shizuma wanted to knock his block off with that comment. She didn't know whether it was a sexist comment or a joke, but it annoyed her all the same.

"I am indeed. I was quite impressed with the display earlier on. I would love to see the blueprints of the vessel, but sadly it would not be possible." Looking a little glum.

"I'm guessing there is a market for something like this then." Nagisa asked

"More than you think, mainly for the academic world however. Yet saying that, the military are always on the lookout for new vessels." Marcus sipped his champagne giving Nagisa a searching stare "You are a rare find, most women I've met tend to avoid the talks of this nature, it's certainly quite refreshing."

Shizuma clenched her glass tight. He was certainly asking for it by her book. Mostly she was angry with Nagisa, who looked quite comfortable and confident in the discussion and let the remarks slide. The etoile worked to maintain her calm exterior, especially when a certain hacker decided to become friendly. With herself not him. An arm snaked its way around her waist resting on her left hip, a warm body gently pressed to her side as Shizuma glanced down quickly to find Nagisa wearing a fake smile. It made her wonder what she was planning on, when she saw a flicker of shock go through their acquaintances eyes. 'Well at least he knows she's taken…what am I saying?! More to the point what is she up to?'

"Depends on your tastes I suppose Marcus, it has never been a past time of mine to discuss fashion and whatnot. I hope you don't mind us discussing the mini sub." Nagisa told him

"Not at all certainly." With a broad smile

Shizuma pulled herself into the conversation a little jumpily since she felt Nagisa slowly draw her arm back around. Very slowly in fact and she felt every move Nagisa made against her thin dress.

"Perhaps you could help us to clear something that has puzzled us then." Shizuma began "The sub itself is designed a lot differently than he mentioned. Certain parts don't click together if you know what I mean."

"Shizuma is right. Maybe you can clear up our misunderstanding by showing us?" nodding her redhead towards the holographic image.

Marcus Ballas bowed his head with a gesture for them to proceed, following into step beside the silver haired. Slowly they made their way to the front of the podium; the crowd was dispersing leaving them with room to talk freely and to breathe. The three of them surrounded the podium with Ballas to the left hand side and the two next to him.

"It's certainly an interesting design. A slim line aerodynamic approach." Nagisa observed aloud

Marcus nodded his head in approval. Shizuma on the other hand was wondering if she was going to understand anything about the conversation to follow. Her head drooped slightly in defeat as she was proved right when they started talking above her head. So maintaining her cool image the etoile studied the holo image before her, trying to put puzzle pieces together. 'Certainly a weird approach on the design side. Like a dolphin. I'm guessing the catches on the side…' Interrupted out her thoughts by a hand resting on her arm, looking to the culprit to see Nagisa with a confused look.

"Sorry Shizuma did I interrupt you?"

"No. I was studying the design. Did I miss much?" Shizuma asked

"No darling, not at all. I guess all our tech talk bored you a little. Shall we move on to the design specs now Marcus?" Nagisa looked to their guest

"Of course. More interesting anyways"

"The catches at the front and lower back, there for the limbs he mentioned right?" Shizuma asked

"I believe so. The outlining dent surrounding the front part is for the ejection departure. The tubes on either side…hmm…my professional guess…some sort of a ballast." Looking a little confused at his own analysis.

The two agents shared a secret glance. If the professional was having trouble at identifying some of the sub, good guess that it was something else entirely.

"Shame there isn't an inside view" Shizuma muttered

The three of them discussed the mini-sub a little more, until Ballas brought up a subject that caught their full attention.

"It sure is strange that Mr Reede has delved into this department. Usually he's line is more on the designing and programming aspects." Putting one hand on his hip and one under his chin in contemplation "even more so that he has got Japanese help considering on how he left."

"I haven't heard that" Shizuma said with a searching look

"Really? I thought it was common knowledge in the community." Sounding a little uneasy under her stare

"Well enlighten us. Our host is something of a mystery." The etoile took a sip of her wine in all appearances confident

"All I will say that there was a very heated debate between him and some higher ups about…some conduits"

"Thank you for assistance Mr Ballas. Cleared our questions up all right." Nagisa butted in "maybe we will talk again later in the evening. It seems some others wish your company" nodding her head in the direction

The two women bid their leave and Marcus Ballas left to talk with the interested party. It was clear to Shizuma that Nagisa spoke up with a reason, to defer the topic of her question in her opinion.

"What was that with Ballas?" Shizuma whispered as they made their way slowly to the side of the hall.

Nagisa shook her head slightly, with a warning hint in her red eyes. Shizuma looked confused for a little while but waited patiently for the answer she knew she would receive. The soft strings of a violin were heard amongst the chatter of the crowd, a few dancers occupied the floor twirling slowly around. Shizuma kept her eyes peeled around her for anything she could use; her focus was broken when a wine glass was passed to her by Nagisa who looked quite relieved. At what Shizuma was about to find out.

"Sorry about that earlier, with me being…" unsure of what to say, Nagisa fumbled and blushed a little.

Shizuma looked quite amused at the sight deciding to help her out a little "It certainly was a little shock, usually it's me who is being… shall we say intimate?" smirking a little

"Moving on" Nagisa admitted her defeat "The reason why I didn't want to discuss anything more until now, is because my scrambler, of sorts, has just kicked in."

"What scrambler?" Shizuma lowered her voice even further when she heard this

"Take a look at your belt Shizuma"

Shizuma did what was asked of her, getting curious and intrigued. Her belt was certainly different than when she put it on. It used to have two linked circles with fancy wiring interwoven between them. Now she only saw the one silver circle minus the other and the wiring. Breaking her observation away from her belt, to reflect more on how her partner had done the whole thing without drawing suspicion. Especially from herself, since she had felt nothing or seen anything out of the ordinary. The etoile heard soft giggles from her right, the sound she had barely heard once before. Looking over to Nagisa, whose eyes were twinkling merrily and smile graced her lips. Shizuma raised her brow whilst she took a sip of wine.

"Oh don't give me that look. Your face was a rare treat; it's not every day I get to put something past you."

"I'll say this Nagisa; pickpocketing is a skill you've gotten down pat. I'm also suspicious of your makeup kit too."

"Well I was just as curious as you when I saw it up close, not to worry we have it on memory now." Taking care with her words as a couple swept by them.

Shizuma nodded her head in more admiration than acceptance.

They were standing by the buffet table, Shizuma discreetly watching the guests whilst Nagisa devoured her second helping of a cake with a generous amount of chocolate sauce. The etoile admitted it was a bad idea for them to remain there any longer; the cakes were in grim jeopardy. When the sweet lover had finished, Shizuma steered her away, arms linked they flitted past the guests to rest by one of the many windows surrounding the hall. As Shizuma took a sip of wine, her eyes found a familiar sight. An androgynous person, dressed in dark clothing, was standing at the right hand side of their target. Discreetly watching, Shizuma noticed that the person constantly stayed at his side taking only water. Their face was hidden, giving her no clues on thoughts or gender. Shizuma needed to know. Nagisa was taking two glasses from a waiter, was startled when Shizuma stepped in taking them both off her, putting them on the ledge. Gracefully Shizuma took one of Nagisa's hands into her own.

"Care to dance?" she asked softly as she led the way to the floor.

Shizuma could feel Nagisa shaking a little, making her wonder if her partner could dance at all. A soft waltz from the band brought a few more couples to the floor, as the two agents began their own dance. They moved in sync, steps flowing together, hearts beating as one with eyes locked on to each other's. It was beautiful. Watchers among the guests marvelled at their dance, certainly drawing attention. Loath as she was to do it, Shizuma was enjoying herself and so was her partner; there was work to be done however.

Barely moving her lips she asked "Nagisa to the right of the Archive, do you know who that is?"

Nagisa took a quick peek then looked to Shizuma, deep in thought "Familiar is all I know. Melinda's guest and they often came to the manor when I was working there."

"They were there the night of the auction too. Connected to all of it I'm sure"

"I'll check with the hotels security cameras tonight, see if I can put a name to our elusive friend"

Nodding her head in agreement, Shizuma frowned a little when the music played its last notes.

AN: Thanks once again for all of your reviews :) Glad your liking the story. I hope this chapter wasnt such a downer, it didnt come out really the way i wanted to. Anywayz happy reading :)