Something would have to be done. Claude would succeed in ruining him should he not find evidence to prove his accusations false. Sebastian knew that he was clever and was not one to risk his well thought out plan with careless mistakes, however Claude was only human. And all humans, no matter how careful or perfect, make mistakes.

It was with that idea in mind that Sebastian slowly made his way toward the medical block. If he was found in the vicinity he knew he would be asked to leave, and should he be seen looking around in the evidence, he would surely be suspected even more than he already was. It would seal his fate, for Claude would use anything against him. The venture was risky, yet he knew that he would have to see it through.

Shaking the thoughts from his mind, he opened the back door, glancing around to be sure there was no one about. It was strange to find there were no guards posted, though he was glad of it, for it made his task an easier one. He sincerely hoped that Grell was not about, for having to deal with that man would be far worse than running into any guards.

He was still rather surprised to find the place relatively deserted as he walked across the hall. Perhaps they did not wish anyone to tamper with the evidence, for everyone in the camp without an alibi was automatically suspected. It did not leave many for guard duty.

As he reached for the door that led to the lab, he found it to be locked. It was understandable given the situation, and explained the lack of guards, yet it seemed as if it had not been thought through. He, as commander, held a key to nearly every door. It only took a moment before he was able to unlock the lab, again glad to find that it was also devoid of any human activity.

Closing the door so that he would have a warning should anyone arrive, he then turned his attention to the table in the middle of the room. Making sure to leave everything in it's original place, he quickly rifled through the various papers as he looked around the room. He was not exactly sure of what he sought, though he assumed there would be something. He was simply going to have to figure out what it was.

The papers and files that littered the table top were in disarray, the only ones that showed organization being the ones that had already been searched. Anyone would find the task of looking through such an endless sea of papers to be tedious, however Sebastian knew that if he did not, whatever he was looking for would only be found by Grell. And he could be fairly sure that anything the redhead found would only fall into the possession of Claude.

After a few moments of useless searching, he paused, attempting to think about it in a logical manner. Of course he had no idea where Claude had been standing or what he had been doing the moments that lead up to the murder, however he did know exactly where the body had been found. Judging from the direction it had been facing, he was fairly sure he could come up with a reasonable idea of where Claude had been.

Leaning one hand on the table in the midst of jars and stacks of paper, he began to map it out in his head. He went through a mental image of what may have happened, then turned abruptly toward the door to walk through it. As he turned, his hand caught under the stack of papers, causing them to fall scattered to the floor.

Cursing his mistake, Sebastian quickly bent to collect the stray stack, eventually gathering up all of the paper. He started to set them down on the counter where they had been, but paused as his eyes settled on a white envelope. Though normal looking, Sebastian's curiosity was aroused, and he decided he should take a look at it. He picked it up and replaced the stack, turning toward the door as he opened the envelope.

It took only a moment for his eyes to scan the words that had been printed on the note before he realized that it was the evidence he had been looking for. It was raw proof that Ash had indeed been with Claude at the time of the murder. The letter was an invitation to meet during the night, and by the look of the broken seal, it appeared that the message had been read by Claude and then tossed carelessly into the stack of papers that littered the table.

Though glad of his find, the commander quickly slipped the envelope into the breast pocket of his uniform, hiding it away. He knew that to bring it to Tanaka would place himself in an even worse predicament, for it could be seen as if he were trying to frame Claude in order to free himself from blame. However, leaving the note where it lay was not an acceptable alternative. There was a remote possibility that Tanaka would find it and come to the right conclusion, but more than likely was the fact that it would fall into the hands of Grell. And Grell in turn would make it disappear.

The only other way was to confront Claude when the time was right. This lifelong hatred would have to be settled between the two of them eventually. It was only a matter of time.

Sebastian contemplated his next move as he shut the lab door quietly on his way out. Ciel's ultimate security would come first, of course, but once the boy was safe, he would be free to tread the dangerous path he knew he was headed toward.

He had taken a few steps from the door when he heard footsteps coming down the other end of the hallway. There was no place to hide, though he decided against such a move, instead waiting to see who it was.

Claude Faustus came around the corner, pausing as his eyes fell on Sebastian. For a moment there was silence between the two men as they stood staring at each other.

Finally Claude spoke. "Just what are you doing here?"

Sebastian took a step forward. "I could ask the same question of you."

As Claude's expression hinted at a glare, the commander continued. "I was seeking Grell Sutcliff. As there were no guards posted at the doors, I let myself in. Perhaps you were seeking Grell as well?" The tone in which he spoke held implication, though he kept his expression controlled.

Claude understood, however his expression changed to one of satisfied indifference. "Perhaps, Michaelis. Perhaps."

There was a moment in which their eyes met, both of them locking gazes, unwilling to be the first to break away. They stood like that for several minutes before Sebastian suddenly smirked. "Well, isn't this a lovely opportunity. Here we are, alone. Isn't this what you've always wished for?"

Claude said nothing for quite a while, then he suddenly turned, beginning to walk away. "Not yet, Michaelis."

The commander was sure the other man had not come for the reason he stated, however he was also sure Claude had not bought into his own lies. They both knew what the other was doing, yet the deadly game they played prevented them from speaking of it outright. It seemed as if they both strove for deception, always acting in secret, though they knew quite well that the other was aware of it.

But Claude would be disappointed. The mistake he had made would not be there for him to find and destroy. Sebastian had that evidence, and he could one day hopefully use it against him.

Abberline paced the small cell they had been placed in, every now and then glancing toward Soma who lay on the single bed that had been provided. It had been a day after they had been released from the standing cell, and though he had recovered enough to walk, Soma was still too weak to do much more than lay still. The ordeal had taken a toll on the gypsy, and his spirits had been greatly lowered by what had taken place. The teen was despondent and quiet, speaking only to mutter the name of his servant. Abberline wasn't quite sure what he should do in light of it, and it only served to darken his mood against the commander.

Sebastian was just as displeased with having to talk with Abberline, and put it off for some hours. It was late in the day when he finally made his way to the cell in which they were being held.

Unlocking the door, he entered the room with his hand resting on the grip of his gun, eyes regarding the other man suspiciously. He could tell Abberline also held him in no high regard by the way the he was looking at him, and decided to get straight to the point as it would benefit both parties. "I have something to speak to you about."

"Tell me about Ciel first." Abberline stared the commander straight in the eyes, an almost challenging expression in his gaze.

"The boy is well." Sebastian's expression did not betray the annoyance he felt.

"Why did you take him in the first place?"

"As I said," Sebastian opted to blatantly ignore the question, resuming his original purpose of visiting, "I have something to talk to you about."

Abberline, on the other hand, was not going to allow his question to be pushed to the side. He had worried about Ciel for far too many nights to be dismissed in such a manner. "Yes, you do." He took a step forward. "You may be able to fool others, but I've been places and seen far too much. I know exactly what kind of a man you are. You're the kind who thinks you may take whatever you want simply because you can. Even if it means stealing and destroying the childhood of a little boy. If I find out you've hurt him, in any way, so help me God I will make you pay."

Sebastian stared at him for a few minutes after his words died away. It was the very reason he disliked this man, for he could see what so many others could not. A low chuckle escaped his lips, attempting to cover the fact that Abberline's words had indeed angered him. "You'll make me pay? You are currently in no position to do any such thing." Sebastian leaned against the door casually. "But you may put your mind at ease. I have not touched him in the way you seem to be implying."

Abberline did not think it wise to believe him, yet he knew he had no choice. "You had something to say?" he offered.

"Yes, I did. What I tell you must not leave this room, though as a prisoner I believe speaking of this to anyone would be foolish on your part." Sebastian paused.

Abberline glanced over at Soma then looked back at Sebastian. "What is it?"

"There are some unavoidable events that shall be taking place in the near future. You do not need to know about those. However because of this, I thought it best if Ciel were to leave the facility." He looked Abberline in the eyes. "In other words, I am going to help him escape my camp. Now, this invitation was only held out to him, however despite my better judgment, he convinced me to help you as well if you so wish."

Abberline was silent for a moment. The reasons for why he did not trust the commander were understandable. Why would an evil man do such a thing? It was difficult for him to imagine that the commander could care for another and want to save their life. He had started to think of him as inhuman. Almost like an animal. It was strange to see emotion, even in the form of words, coming from this man.

Sebastian shook his head, a wry smirk gracing his lips. "Why trust me? That is the question you were about ask, was it not?" He did not give Abberline time to reply. "It's a risk, that I will not deny. But you really do not have any other choice. You can either believe me and escape with the boy, or you can stay here and die. This won't be offered again."

Abberline was about to reply, when Soma stood from the bunk he had been reclining on. His steps were shaky and weak, though his gaze was resolute. "Do you already posses a plan? If not, I am willing to share what I know with you. It may help. I for one will not waste time here if I am shown a way out."

Abberline shook his head slowly, a sigh escaping him. He wished Soma had kept quiet, for Sebastian's words could all have been a trap of some sort. However, there was no use in refusing now that Soma had spoken. He only nodded.

"Very well then. We shall exchange information and form a plan." The commander turned to Soma. "Tell me everything you know."

Sebastian knocked on the door of the officer barracks, waiting for a few moments before it was slowly opened by Eric. It was well into the middle of the night, for they had not wished anyone to witness them meeting together.

It took only a moment for him to explain the details of his plan, as well as inform Eric of what Soma had told him. If the boy's servant was indeed still waiting, he would prove useful in carrying this out. But first he would have to be contacted. Sebastian had written up a note explaining the situation. With the help of Soma, it had been translated into the language of the gypsies. To someone who could indeed read the language, it would seem like a strange letter, but purely innocent in intent. Soma had insisted his servant Agni would understand every word.

"Two days from now I will make sure the tower by the south side fence is unguarded for a few minutes past midnight. The electric fence will also be turned off for about five minutes. That will give them time to either climb it or get under it. I will not ask you to escort them, for that would be far too risky for you. However, I do have a favor to ask." He handed a note to Eric. "Place this beside the second post at that end of the fence tonight. There is someone out there whom I wish to solicit help from. " He started to turn away. "Thank you."

The other man nodded silently in acknowledgement.

"The note, Sutcliff. Did you find a note?"

Grell raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow, his gaze holding disdain for the other man's question. "Of course not dear. If I had I would have given it to you. I am well aware of our agreement." He giggled. "William was quite feisty last night."

Claude's gaze hardened, ignoring the other man's words. "Then he has it."

"He has what?"

"The note. I made a mistake. Michaelis found it." His voice was tense, lips drawn in a hard line.

Grell did not seem to notice. "Yes, well mistakes are to be expected. It was the reason I was brought to help you."

Claude pulled his gun without warning, cocking it as he held it to the redhead's forehead. "You failed."

Grell paled slightly, blinking rapidly before a slight grin slipped over his lips. "You can't shoot me. It would be terribly difficult to explain. And you would be instantly convicted." He reached out slowly, pushing the barrel from his face. "But, I'll tell you what." His fingers ran through the ends of his hair as he spoke slowly. "I'll get that note back if Sebby darling does happen to have it. I will not fail you again."

The fences were all wired, he had figured that out the first night he had gone exploring. His hand still bore the burn from the electric charge that flowed through the wires, but it was the least he could suffer for his prince.

Surely such a place would have a weakness. They always did, one simply had to know where to look. And so instead of giving up on such a hopeless mission, he continued to scout the area at night when the guard was lower.

He had searched the south and west fences thoroughly to no avail. The sun was starting to show itself on the eastern horizon, alerting him of the daylight that was fast approaching. He would have to return to the forest and start again the next night. Swiftly he retraced his steps, moving as silently as he could along side the fence. He had traversed the entire span of the west fence and turned the corner into the south.

Something caught his eye. A white piece of paper lay propped beside one of the posts as if someone had deliberately placed it there. Crouching, he used some caution, slowly reaching under the electric wire to snag the paper. He did not read it there, but continued on to the wooded area, only then opening the note to see what it contained.

The note had either been delivered to the intended contact, or it had been found. He would know by the end of the day when a reply was to be requested.

It was not as if his plan rode on the possibility of outside help, for the prisoners could escape easily enough with his own assistance. However, having a gypsy on their side was an advantage once they were on the other side of the fence. It would give them the freedom of being able to hide and move about as easily as those of the nomadic race seemed to.

As Sebastian entered the hallway of the main building, he was met by Tanaka. The older man looked grim. "I have to say, it does not look good for you."

The commander nodded slowly. "I was afraid that would be the case." There was no use trying to fight it.

"Because you were my best young officer at one time, I shall say this purely off the record." Tanaka paused, placing his hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Despite the evidence, I don't believe that you could have done something like this."

Sebastian knew that his superior meant well by what he said. And though it was true, he knew he could say nothing. He still held the letter in his breast pocket, but he could not bring himself to speak of it. He felt like he would be breaching any trust this man held for him if he were to know how he acquired it. That is if he even believed him in the first place.

Nodding his head, he sighed. "It's good to know that you at least have not lost faith in me."

With those words, he broke away and headed toward his office. Unlocking the door, he placed his hat on the rack before turning toward his desk. He paused, his eyes drawn to the red clad figure sitting in his chair.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was dangerously calm.

Grell, who was well aware of both men's strange moods, only smirked. "Hello Sebby."

Sebastian walked forward. "I asked you a direct question. I suggest you answer it."

Instead of replying, the red haired man stood, walking around the desk toward Sebastian. He sat on the surface of it, facing the other man. "I know how much trouble you are in, but you know my offer still stands. I could get you out of this. It could all just be a teeny, tiny little misunderstanding."

"Murder is no misunderstanding." Sebastian's eyes narrowed. "But you know as well as I do what is really going on here."

Grell batted his eyelashes, standing from the table in a way that could only be described as provocative. "Mm..Of course Sebby darling." His hands settled in the lapels of the other man's uniform, fingers wandering down his chest. "But I don't like him." A small pout puckered his lips. "I like you."

Disgusted by the man's actions, the commander tried to determine just what it was the redhead wanted. Of course there was the obvious, though he could not believe the man had waited for him in his office just for that.

He was about to make a reply, when he felt Grell's hands pause over the slightly stiff rise of the note in his shirt pocket. Though the redhead's hands resumed their former path quickly, it was far too late to fool him. With a quick motion, he grabbed both of Grell's arms and pushed him away rather roughly. "I suggest you leave immediately." His gaze hardened as Grell's smirk turned into a glare. "And deliver a message to Faustus when you see him. Tell him two days from now. He will know what that means."

A/N: And I finally updated. I fear that most people will give up on this. I've had a terrible case of procrastination lately. But as I always say, I do intend on finishing this. And it is almost over~ Though it may last a good three chapters more at the very least.

Anyway, thank you all so much for your lovely reviews, favorites and follows. I hope I have not been abandoned because of how long I take to update.