Murder by Moonlight - Chapter 2, part 1-3

[blackrose]

Part 3

I stood up and shook her outstretched hand. "It's a pleasure."

Zechs cut her off. "Relena, I was just telling Mr. Yuy about the job."

A small frown creased her brow, but she nodded.

"Would you like to join us?"

"I would." She took the seat next to her brother, but refused when the waiter hurried over to offer her food and beverage.

"You were saying?" I prompted Merquise, trying to keep my focus on business and not 'her'.

"My sister has received several threatening letters."

I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. She was fidgeting with her napkin on the table.

"Go on."

"And then, a few weeks ago, she was attacked just outside her apartment."

"Did you get a look at your attacker?" I took the opportunity to turn my full attention to Relena.

"No." Merquise answered for her.

I took another sip of my soda. "Have you been to the police?"

Zechs snorted. "Give me a break."

"Yeah, I figured. But I have to ask." I smirked while still holding up my glass. "Not all of them are dirty or useless."

"Since when?" Merquise scowled at the idea.

I put down my glass. "So, she has some threatening letters and was attacked a few weeks ago. How long has all this been going on?"

"A few months." Zechs waved a hand in the air and sat back in his seat.

I glanced over again at his sister; she was still enraptured by her napkin. "Then you're not too concerned."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "I figured I could handle it."

"But now you figure you can't."

"Now, I have a big move to focus on. I won't be around so much."

"So you want me to keep an eye on her." I nodded in her direction, and just happened to catch her gaze as she looked up from the table. I quickly glanced away.

"You and your partner."

"You're talking twenty-four hours then." I took a deep breath. Twenty-four hours around 'her' was and wasn't sounding like a good idea.

"As close to it as you can manage."

I half-shook my head and reached for my glass again. "That's gonna cost you."

A slow smile spread over his features. "Only if you're accepting the job."

I hated that smile. I didn't trust it at all. He was baiting me, wanting to see if I would take it. I didn't know how much of Merquise's story was true.

The girl was afraid. I knew that much. But if she was receiving letters, then that was news to her.

It was a setup. I could smell it. But then, what was she so afraid of?

//to be continued//

[Rose of Betrayal]

What's in it for Zechs? If he was doing this to put Heero and Relena together. . .but that's too unlikely. *scratches head* He's getting something for this in return. . .hm, and maybe he's blackmailing Relena or something? Oh, dear, sometimes I get the weirdest ideas. . .

[Morrighan]

Ooh... More plot thickeners... Dang it Rose, we need more!!!

[melrose_stormhaven]

Oohhh...I can't wait. What's going to happen next?

[Sissi]

Hmmm, interesting... Merquize obviously wins something from this entire ordeal, but what, I can't tell. And Relena... yeah, she's afraid, and I wonder what it is. C/mon, Heero, accept the job!! We want some action here!! Lol.

[lilac310]

What is that she's so afraid of?...C'mon Rose, please don't leave us hanging in here......tell us!!!! WAHHHH!!!....

[Kaili Charmer]

huh...what's that nice-lookin bro of rellie up to now? :-?

[Andrea]

Rose! You're slacking!! What happens next?! What's going on! I want to know! *jumps happily*

~ The Slacker

Hey! I know where I stand!

[Gundam Girl]

Slacker, Rose. *delights that Rose can't call her a slacker now that Mask is done.* Update!

[blackrose]

EEP! *hides* I know, I know. But I have to finish LLL first. And I have 2000 words of the next chapter of Missing by a Mile that I want to complete next.

I haven't forgotten. I'm so sorry, guys. *hugs*