Deep Play - Chapter 4
By Caliko

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Wu stared at the Cecil Corporate building from the Preventer Van. Sally, next to him, was fiddling with her bra strap, trying to adjust the mini microphone so that it didn't lump up. Wu was loosening his queue, pulling thick strands of dark hair over his ears so that the earpiece didn't show. Finally, disgusted, he just took the leather thong from his hair.

"You ready?" he asked, still not happy with what they were going to do.

"Almost." She tapped on the microphone, "Trowa, do you hear me?"

"Roger that. Tell Wu to stop scratching under his cast. It's disrupting his microphone."

She smiled and turned to her partner.. "Trowa said..."

"I heard him, Woman!" Instead of listening, he rammed the pen deeper under his cast, sighing when he reached the itchy spot.

"Wu!" Sally took the pen and threw it in the back seat.

"I was using that!"

/sigh/ "Come on, Wufei. We have work to do."

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That afternoon, they were eating their lunch in the corporate cafeteria. Looking around, Sally had to laugh. The word Cafeteria had no business being tagged to this place! It was more like a five star restaurant, complete with gourmet cuisine and waiters!

"I still don't believe that you want me to act this way." He mumbled, "No man of honor would behave like that!"

"Shut up! We have to make her believe that I would welcome your death! You dumping me like that, plus hefty insurance policies would make any girl think about it!"

He eyed her nervously... "Remind me to cancel my real policies..."

Trowa's voice came over their ear pieces... "She's coming out of the elevator..."

On cue, Sally raised her voice as she pushed herself to her feet.

"I don't believe you! You're dumping me?"

"No one told you to get pregnant, Woman. I have no time for children in my life." Wu's voice was cold, disgust rolling off his tounge.

"I thought that you loved me! That you would marry me!" She forced tears into her eyes, catching sight of Bethany Cecil in the corner of her vision.

"I loved you body, but I would never marry a woman who didn't know her place. Now, sit down, Sally. You're making a scene." He forced the shame from his face, reminding himself that it was all an act. Smirking up at her, he braced himself for the blow.

Her hand came down hard, leaving a red mark across his cheek as she turned and marched away. He stared after her, rubbing his cheek. It was supposed to be a cupped slap, the type they used in plays and movies.. but she actually hit him!

Looking around, he caught Bethany's eye. She stared at him, disgusted, yet gloating that he had been brought low. Minutes later, she was seated at her special table and watching him leave the room.

*****Phase one, complete.*****

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Bethany Cecil watched the little drama being played out in front of her. She cheered quietly as that woman, Po, slapped him. It almost made up for the chinese woman being weak in the first place. If she had to put up with the Preventers in her kingdom, Chang in particular, at least she could be amused.

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"Woman! You really slapped me!" Wufei hissed as they got into their jeep that afternoon. He had a slight scratch from her ring over one cheek, giving him a rakish look.

"Did I? SO sorry, but.. I was going for realism." She said, trying to look innocent.

"Uh huh.. yeah.." he eyed her, suspiciously, "What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing's wrong, Wu. I just.. got into the act." She grinned, ignoring his snort. The look on his face when she slapped him was priceless. "Now.. what do we do next?"

"Nothing right now. If we go too fast, she might have doubts. Wait about a week, then accidentally 'drop' some insurance papers. A quarter of a million dollars would lead anyone to murder."

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  "He's WHERE?"

Lady Une shouted, for once, forgetting to 'be graceful'. Realizing his mistake, the braided pilot quickly backed away, pushing the office door open with his heel.

"Hold it, Maxwell! What is Wufei doing at the Cecil corporate offices?"

Duo gulped back the lump in his throat and nervously brushed his sweaty bangs from his face. He was starting to regret taking a break from fixing the air conditioner.

"Staying a lot cooler than we are?" he hedged, wincing as he watched his 'quick get away' get away.

"Spill it, Duo! Why is he there, and not at the Marquis mansion?"

"Trowa had a plan?"

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Lady Une marched into the marquis mansion, dragging Duo behind her by the braid.

"Dammit! Why does everyone grab the braid?" He groused, holding the tortured hair close to his scalp.

She stopped in front of Zechs and Noin, instantly going into military mode as she stared them down.

"Why isn't Chang HERE?" She demanded. "I don't remember putting him back on the case!"

"Lady Une, relax! She's not going to attack them while all of our attention is spent watching her! Bethany Cecil is not stupid." Zechs reassured her, glaring at Duo as the young pilot rubbed his tortured scalp.

"Well, have you ever thought that I had my reasons to take both of them off of the case? Tell me, did either of you even think?"

"Hold it, Une! I happen to agree with my husband! They aren't in any danger, and the other pilots are acting as body guards while they are away from the mansion. Everything is under control!"

"Well, Noin, I certainly hope you are right, considering that Sally is in no condition for combat!"

"What? Is she sick?" Noin asked, instantly worried that her friend was hiding something.

"Oh, she's not sick. She's pregnant!" She clamped her hand over her mouth, belatedly realizing what she just said as she met each pair of shocked eyes. "You did NOT hear this from me!"

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hey! is it getting interesting yet???? LOL ~ Leeko