Disclaimer: Bioware owns all.
A/N: First off, a big Thank You to KassyB and Kudara for sharing their thoughts and feedback, as well as to the readers following along. You all are the motivation that keeps me writing. Secondly, this chapter is rated M for violence.
Chapter 32
I exited the cab a block from the club and sought solace in the shadows of the night, wrapping the darkness about me like a thick blanket. My earlier mess of emotion no longer mattered, anger and frustration abandoned in favor of purpose. Too many questions remained unanswered and so I hunted the one person I knew could enlighten me. Vengeance would wait, but only for so long as Treia remained useful. Despite my need for her information, I could not help but hope she proved worthless. I realized I wanted revenge - a life for a life. And I wanted Vale's killer to know pain.
The line at the club's door had not thinned even as the night wore on, scantily clad patrons continuing to wait their turn for revelry. Bass still thundered from within the gaudy entrance, reverberations echoing down the walkways. Staying to the shadows I activated my cloak and brushed passed the guards, the flickering lights surrounding them masking any possible hint of my presence. It was easier than I had hoped, a fact which roused my suspicions.
I melted into the writhing shadows, easing through the drunken crowd with fluid grace. I paused briefly near the bar, Treia's opulent perch in sight. Watching her merriment, I imagined I could hear her laughter even above the noise of the club. She appeared rather satisfied as I studied her, her posture relaxed and inviting, no hint of remorse or regret. I pushed aside my building fury and continued my course through the shadows.
Treia kept a small entourage with her, a smattering of human and asari and all of them beautiful. She laughed again as she conversed with them, and I paused once more to observe her. If she was as powerful as Vale believed her to be, Treia would have received word of the explosion as soon as it occurred. One would expect that as a businesswoman and owner of our hotel she would be infuriated with damage to her property. However, given Treia's current state of satisfaction, this was clearly not the case. She was celebrating. I'd no doubt she had been party to our intended demise.
My excitement built as I fell into old rhythms, patience and training taking over as I hunted my prey. Continuing deeper into the shadows, my attention remained fixed on Treia. Creamy blue skin glowed amidst the flickering lights, her delicious smile dangerously inviting. Adrenaline pulsed within my veins and I embraced the sensation, finding comfort in the familiar. I could not pounce as yet, she would need to be alone, and I had little doubt that time would come soon.
I exploited the many weaknesses I had observed during our earlier meeting. I allowed my cloak to drop and moved with the shadows, hiding in plain sight amidst the crowd. Always she remained in my sight, and gradually I drew closer to my goal, easily avoiding her lax security. I was almost disappointed that she did not present more of a challenge. Almost.
As even the wealthy and powerful must, Treia excused herself and left her opulent perch. I followed her to the washrooms, the scent of rich perfume trailing in her wake. She moved with ease, sex and power oozing from her in equal measure. Yearning welled up within me as my adrenaline pumped wildly. I longed to feel my hands around her neck, to feel the heat seep from her body as I wiped that delicious smile from her face.
Unlike the rest of her club, the washrooms were well lit, myriad bright lights flashing throughout. I mimicked the movements of the crowd, remaining unseen and forgettable, shadowing her steps as she entered a private stall. Activating my cloak once again I slipped in quickly, latching the door behind me.
She opened her mouth to speak as she turned around, suspicion writ plain across her features when she realized something was amiss. The air shimmered briefly as my cloak dissipated, her searching gaze transforming to one of anger. I pressed my finger to her lips for silence, a predatory grin upon my face.
"Now, now Treia. I recommend you speak only to answer my questions."
A muscled tightened in her jaw and I watched as her eyes narrowed in understanding. She nodded.
"Good." I dropped my finger from her lips and reached for my knife. "The explosion was per your orders or another player in our game?"
She smiled, relaxed and inviting, heat in her gaze. "Now why would I destroy my own hotel, let alone a valuable contact? Really, Jin. What do you take me for?"
I let my smile fade, disappointed in such a stereotypical denial. "I take you for a woman who likes profit." Her gaze flickered a bit and I repeated my question. "Your orders or someone else?"
Her smile widened slightly, voice sultry in the close confines. "Even if I give you the answer you seek, there's nothing you can do. This is my club. My world. You can't touch me here unless I invite you to."
"Truly?" I placed my knife against her neck, recognizing the effect of the cool metal upon her hot skin.
She laughed aloud, eyes bright with amusement. "Such delightful threats you make, Jin. But we both know nothing will come of it."
I smiled sweetly at her then, tracing a line down her arm with my free hand, admiring the play of light on her skin. Reaching for her fingers I toyed with them in mine, feeling the heat of her grip. I met her eyes only for a moment, my gaze turning hard as I applied pressure and twisted my grip. A satisfying pop sounded between us and her expression transformed into one of surprised agony. I glanced down at her hand and briefly contemplated the awkward angle of her index finger.
"I'll ask one more time: the explosion was on your orders or another's?"
Treia spared me a venomous glance as she cradled her broken finger. "Mine."
"Your motive?"
"Power. Money," she answered curtly, her poise no longer collected.
I frowned in thought. "Why kill Vale. Surely he offered you a cut of the deal."
A harsh bark of laughter escaped Treia, her voice no longer velvety smooth. "His employer wants him dead – wants you both dead. Seems he went and pissed off the wrong bunch this time around."
Impatience stirred in my veins and I pushed her against the wall, blade barely piercing the tender skin of her throat. Treia grunted in pain, still cradling her broken finger between us. "Who's his employer? Who gave you the order?" I needed to know - needed to confirm Aria's intelligence. I was loathe to move forward with so many unknowns in my path.
"No," she shook her head awkwardly, a mix of hate and fear in her eyes. "No I can't –"
"Who?" I flicked the blade slightly, parting flesh giving way to a thin trickle of dark violet. Treia gasped in pain.
Her eyes rolled forward in fear, finally come to the realization that I was in control. "No," she whispered. "They'll kill me if I tell you."
A tight smile curled my lips as I felt the hunt reach its climax. "I'll kill you if you don't."
She shut her eyes against me straightened defiantly. "I can't."
"Who is Vale's contractor?" The tone of my voice was devoid of emotion, pitiless. I knew the outcome, recognized her decision, but whether it was stubbornness or stupidity was a mystery. It mattered not, however. Treia remained still, tight-lipped and silent. And so I did what was needed.
She made no noise as she died, the brief look of surprise on her face fading as her body fell to the floor. Blood poured down her broken throat, staining the silken fabric of her dress and pooling beneath her. I squatted down and wiped my blade clean on the expensive material, and although the act was futile, checked her once more for signs of life.
Her eyes were empty, as it should be.
Replacing my knife I stood. I stepped carefully so as not to get blood on my boots, and exited the small stall, blending with the crowd and washing my hands in front of an enormous mirror. I took a moment to check my reflection, mussing my short hair a bit and mimicking the other women. Satisfied with my ruse I left, blending seamlessly once more into the shadows.
Again I moved through the crowds, easing past the drunken revelers with fluidity. I took a winding route toward the exit, remaining hidden within the flickering lights of the many stages. I slipped past a security guard and continued on around the bar. The exit was in sight, but I refused to hurry. Haste brought attention and I had no need of such complications.
I halted my progress, pausing momentarily to observe the goings-on. Given the unchanged atmosphere of the club, no alarm had been sounded. It appeared my deed had not yet been discovered. Taking advantage of my continued anonymity I pressed onward, exiting through the gaudy doors only to run into the face of confused surprise. Vale met my questioning gaze, realization dawning in his expression as we both stood momentarily dumbfounded.
"Jin?" He stepped back and looked me over as if trying to convince himself I was no apparition.
I shook my head, confusion suddenly pooling like a rock in my gut. "I saw you die – saw the explosion."
"No. I left the room shortly after you did." He frowned. "You didn't go back?"
"I came back just as –" A loud scream echoed through the club and a sense of chaotic urgency swept through the crowd. I grabbed Vale's arm and dragged him along behind me. "We need to go. Now."