G'day..
Well.. this little story continues on after Who's a God? - I have yet to come up with a workable title.. all suggestions are welcome! I'm horrible at naming things..
Anyway.. I hope you enjoy reading it.. and C&C is welcome..
-----Brett
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An Oh My God? / You're Under Arrest Crossover Story
By
Brett Handy
PART 1
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I noticed the siren almost immediately. Have you ever
found that whenever you make the tiniest mistake in your
driving, there's always a cop around to spot it. Not that I
dislike the police, they're doing a job that I'd rather not
and for the most part are a good bunch. However this wasn't
the thought going through my head as I pulled over to the
curb. I knew exactly what I'd done wrong (failed to indicate
while changing lanes), but it wasn't the fine that was
worrying me. I was suppose to be going out to dinner with Urd
and Syliana, we were going to try discussing things rationally
(at least that's what I kept telling myself).
"Perhaps it's divine intervention", I mused as the police
officer got out of her car and walked up alongside mine.
"Nice modifications", she murmured, looking over the car
carefully. When she reached my window she was all business
however, "License please", she asked politely.
I managed a smile and handed over my license, "Well Mr..
Handy", she said, looking at the licence, "You're from
Australia?".
"That's right", I said, glancing at her curiously,
"That's an international license... is it a problem?".
"Oh no", she said pushing her long hair back and
scribbling furiously on the ticket.
"Nice wheels", a comment came from the other side of the
car, I glanced over at the other policewoman, "I'm afraid that
you're going to have to open up the hood", she said, "You need
an inspection".
I glanced back at the other officer who was staring at
her partner in confusion, "He does?", she said, looking at the
ticket.
"That's *right* Miyuki", the second officer insisted.
Officer Miyuki gave me a helpless look, "Please open the
hood and step out of the car", she said almost apologetically.
I sighed, "Look", I said, "I really have got some place I
have to be...".
"Are you refusing an official order?", the second officer
asked, scowling.
"No", I said, popping the hood and getting out of the car
with another sigh.
"WOW!", Officer Miyuki commented from where she'd joined
her partner, ogling the engine, "Natsumi, you see those fuel
injectors, they're rated for a Class-A rally vehicle!". The
two officers launched into some kind of discussion on exactly
what kind of parts were in what area.
I leaned against the car, shaking my head, "Is this going
to take long?", I called, over their conversation.
"We have to be careful you aren't using some sub-standard
parts that might endanger you and other drivers", Officer
Natsumi called back to me. I guess I was standing there for
about five minutes before I noticed something unusual, I'd
seen the same car go past four or five times since I'd
stopped. The car I noticed was rather unusual, it's windows
were all tinted a jet black colour and it seemed to be moving
rather slowly as it went past us.
I was about to comment on it when Officer Natsumi slammed
the hood shut, "Excellent condition engine", she commented,
"This car is only just street legal however".
"Oh?", I asked curious, "Why's that?".
Officer Miyuki gave me a small smile, "You don't know
what kind of car you're driving?", she asked.
"Officer", I said, grinning a little sheepishly, "All I
know about cars is you put gas in them and they go, when they
stop going, take them to a mechanic".
"How did you get a car like this then?", Officer Natsumi
asked in amazement as she walked towards her own vehicle,
"It's been hand-modified".
I shrugged, "It was a present from some friends...", I
paused as the black car came past for a fifth time. This time
however I caught a flash of grey, starting at the police car
and spreading outwards. Without thinking I pushed officer
Miyuki into my car and threw myself at Officer Natsumi. I'd
apparently caught them off-guard, because all Natsumi had a
chance to do was mutter a quick, "What the?!?!", before I
barrelled into her, knocking her into the ditch beside the
road. I whispered a quick forcefield spell. A moment later
the police car disappeared in a white flash and the
thunderclap of an explosion rolled over us.
Pieces of metal bounced off my hastily erected shield and
several bits of shrapnel hit the back of my car. "Natsumi!",
a voice called from my car. A moment later I felt a hand on
my shoulder and I rolled off the still-stunned policewoman.
"We're ok", I said, shaking my head to clear it.
Natsumi however was gasping for breath and rubbed her
stomach, "I should charge you with assaulting an officer", she
grumbled, "Next time, just shout a warning, ok?".
I shrugged, looking around at the mess that was left of
their patrol car, "I'm just glad that wasn't my car", I
observed, "Tamiya would kill me!".
"What happened?", Miyuki asked in a shaken voice.
Looking around I noticed that the black-windowed car was
absent, "I noticed a strange car", I said carefully, "It must
have gone by five times while you were examining my car".
Natsumi looked at me seriously, "Did you see which way it
went?", she asked. I nodded, "It was headed south last time I
saw it", I observed.
The two officers exchanged a glance and then nodded,
"We're officially confiscating your vehicle, Mr Handy", Miyuki
said over her shoulder as she ran for the car.
"Now hold on..", I began, moving quickly to follow the
officers. I managed to reach the passenger door just as
Natsumi did and she gave me a stern look, "What do you think
you're doing?", she asked.
"I'm coming along", I insisted, "It's my car!".
The two officers exchanged a look and I played my 'trump
card', "Besides, you won't get far without these", I said,
holding up the keys.
******
Brett was wondering what possessed him to accompany the
two policewomen as they narrowly missed hitting a large fuel
truck.
"I take it back", Natsumi commented over her shoulder as
she watched her partner, "This car is *not* street legal".
Brett smiled, "I don't see you complaining", he observed.
"Hang on!", Miyuki snapped.
Natsumi and Brett grabbed for their seat belts as the car
flew around a corner, cutting in between two lines of traffic.
Brett spotted the car that had been acting suspiciously up
ahead. It was weaving in and out of traffic, obviously in a
hurry to get somewhere. Natsumi grinned viciously, "Let's see
how they deal with us", she growled.
They were closing on the car when Brett suddenly recalled
something important, "Do either of you have a gun?", he asked.
Natsumi and Miyuki exchanged a long look, "No", Natsumi
admitted.
Brett grimaced, "So why are we chasing a guy who blew
your car away then?", he asked.
Before either of the ladies could answer, the back window
of the car they were pursuing suddenly opened, revealing the
business-end of a machinegun. "Oh no!", Miyuki said, slamming
on the handbrake and spinning the wheel.
The machinegun began to fire just as the car began to
slow. Everything seemed to go into slow motion as Natsumi
raised her hands futily against the storm of lead that was
approaching. Just before the bullets reached her door, they
suddenly ricocheted away, as if they'd hit a solid wall.
Natsumi, a scream dying in her throat blinked in confusion.
The car slid to a halt and the two officers exchanged an
amazed look, "What happened?", Miyuki asked slowly.
A groan echoed from the back seat and they turned to see
Brett picking himself up off the floor of the car, "Warn me
next time you want to stop", he said, holding his hand over a
nasty cut on his brow, "That hurt".
Miyuki noticed a phone on the side of the road and nodded
to Natsumi, "Take care of him", she said, "I'll call in".
Brett batted away Natsumi's hands as she tried to examine
the cut on his head, "Never mind", he said, "It's not
serious".
Natsumi gave him a stern look, "Sir", she said formally,
"I'm directing you to cooperate with me!".
"Ok", Brett said, surrendering. Natsumi gingerly
examined the long cut, "Have you got a medical kit around
here?", she asked.
Five minutes later Miyuki returned to find Brett leaning
against the car, a bandage around his head, "What took you so
long?", Natsumi asked as she reached the car.
Miyuki gave her friend a curious look, "What's got you so
bent out of shape?", she asked.
Natsumi gave Brett a withering look, "Mr Hero over here
wouldn't let me tend to his wound", she explained.
"Hey!", Brett said defensively, "If I wanted to be
tortured...".
"Well", Miyuki said, interrupting the impending argument,
"The Boss wants us back at the station ASAP".
Brett sighed, "So I guess this means I don't get my car
back yet?", he asked.
Miyuki smiled apologetically, "Sorry", she said, "But he
did say we had to get back quickly".
******
I wouldn't say I've been in many police stations in my
life, but the station at Bokouto was the nicest looking
station I'd seen. Everything looked new and even the officers
walking around looked neat and tidy. That was in contrast to
the two policewomen I was following into the station, they
looked rather dishevelled.
"So why can't I leave yet?", I asked as we were buzzed
inside.
"We need a statement", Miyuki explained, "You're our only
witness".
"What about the two of you?", I asked, looking at my
watch and noticing that I was now over a half an hour later
for dinner.
"We need a non-police witness", Natsumi said, "And you're
it!".
I looked around, "So how long is this going to take?", I
asked.
"Oh not long", Natsumi said, smiling evilly, "Not more
than two or three hours!".
I nodded, "I'm a dead man", I sighed, "If Urd doesn't
kill me, Syliana will".
"Urd?", Miyuki asked curiously.
"Syliana?", Natsumi echoed her.
"I was suppose to be having dinner with them", I
explained.
"Dinner with two girls in one night", Natsumi said,
feigning surprise, "You must be some kind of playboy".
"Hardly", I replied sullenly, "It's not like I had a
choice about it".
"Maybe you should phone them?", Miyuki offered, pointing
to a phone I could use.
"Errr.. no", I said carefully, "In this case I think I'll
need the element of surprise...".
******
Urd was trying to control her temper. Brett was late.
That wouldn't have gotten her too upset in itself, but the
fact that she had to share a table with Syliana was driving
her nuts. The two were sitting around waiting for Brett in a
bustling restaurant, in fact they'd gotten some strange looks
in the last hour or so.
"What do you think's keeping him?", Syliana wondered.
"You're the Goddess of Mystery", Urd reminded her,
"shouldn't you know?".
Syliana smiled slightly, "Touchy tonight, aren't you?",
she asked.
Urd gave her a look that could have frozen water, "You're
really worried, aren't you?", Syliana asked, "You think
Brett's going to choose me over you?".
"I do *NOT*-, Urd said, then she smiled, "Besides, you
haven't even slept with him yet.. ".
Syliana looked outraged for a moment and then her
confident smile returned, "I hardly think than counts",
Syliana observed dryly, "You really think he'd let that
influence him?".
There was silence for a while at the table, which was
broken by Urd's laugh, "Look at us", she said, "Sitting here
arguing over a guy...".
"Yeah", Syliana said, smiling, "I never would have
thought this would happen to me..".
"YOU?", Urd said, grinning, "What about me?".
The two Goddesses again dropped into silence, "So what do
we do?", Syliana said, "I don't want to lose out, neither do
you...".
"Brett's going to have to make a choice", Urd said, "And
we're going to have to abide by it".
Syliana looked troubled, "But one of us is going to be
disappointed either way", she reminded Urd, "Couldn't we...".
"What? share him?", Urd asked sarcastically.
Syliana thought for a moment, "You're right", she said,
"He wouldn't go in for that, would he?". Syliana looked
around nervously, "Does it always feel like this?", she asked.
"Does what always feel like this?", Urd asked in
confusion.
"Being in love", Syliana said quietly.
"I don't know", Urd admitted, "I haven't been in love
that much myself".
After a few more moments Urd picked up a menu, "Well,
there's no sense starving while we're waiting", she observed.
Having cleared the air a little Syliana nodded
thoughtfully, "I wonder what his excuse for being late will be
this time?", she mused.
Urd grinned, "Usually their reasonably good excuses,
something along the lines of 'I was caught in an earthquake'
or 'I was busy fighting a Demon' were his last two", she
laughed.
******
After I'd finally finished my statement I was brought
into an interview room, where two familiar figures were
waiting for me, "Having fun?", Natsumi asked with a grin.
I scowled at her angrily, "I've made my statement, why
can't I leave?", I demanded.
"Mr Handy", another police officer said in a steady
voice, "We still have some questions for you...".
"Now look mate", I said slowly, trying to contain my
anger, "I've given you my statement, I'm now three hours late
for my appointment, my friends are going to be worried about
me...".
"Which friends would that be?", the older officer, "The
address you've given us is a temple!".
I nodded, "That's right", I agreed, "I'm staying with
some friends..".
"That would be while you're studying at NIT?", he asked.
"Correct", I agreed again, "Now if you have no other
questions other than to confirm what I've already told you..".
"One question Mr Handy", the older man said, "I see that
you've been travelling a lot lately, Australia, the United
States and even a trip to Great Britain".
"That's not a question", I grumbled, "Get to the point!".
He nodded, "Very well", he said, "While you're name is on
the databases of the customs authorities of each of those
nations, none can actually find the paperwork to back up the
computer records..".
I mentally made a note to fix that as soon as I got home
and tried to bluff my way through, "Obviously I'm not
responsible if their record storage isn't up to scratch..", I
began.
He interrupted me before I could continue, "It also
appears that you've managed to travel all over the world
without booking on any international passenger company, I
checked the records going back three years".
I looked at Natsumi and Miyuki, "So why are you checking
up on me for?", I asked, "I did everything you asked...".
Miyuki shrugged, "Police are notoriously nosy people",
she said apologetically.
"Yeah", Natsumi said, leaning close, "So you'd better let
us in on what's going on!".
I sighed, "Nothing that should interest the police", I
said firmly, "I've never broken any law you people uphold and
to be frank about this, unless you're gonna arrest me, I'm
going home!".
Natsumi and Miyuki blinked in amazement as I stood, "I'm
sorry, but unless you're going to charge me with something,
I'm leaving!", I walked over to the door, opened it and
stepped outside.
******
"We hit a nerve", Miyuki observed.
"Follow him", the Captain ordered.
"But we're not detectives...", Natsumi protested, "Why
us?".
The older officer smiled, "You know more about him than
any other officer, besides I believe in my officers cross-
training in different areas", he explained. He then looked at
them seriously, "Requisition a sidearm each".
"Right Sir!", Miyuki said, grabbing Natsumi's arm and
pulling her from the room.
"What's the rush?", Natsumi protested as she was dragged
down the hallway after Brett.
"This is our chance to get into the investigation
section!", Miyuki explained, "I don't know about you, but this
is why I joined the police!".
Natsumi thought for a few moments and shrugged,
"Whatever", she said, "I guess we can drive just as fast in
the investigations sections as we do in the traffic
section...".
******
Brett pulled into the temple with a cold feeling in his
stomach. Getting out of the car he warily walked towards the
front steps, prepared for an ambush. Opening the front door
he crept quietly inside and into the kitchen. Running into
Belldandy and Keiichi sitting in the dining room, sipping on
some tea. He grinned at them, "Is the coast clear?", he
asked.
"Good evening", Belldandy said, smiling slightly.
Keiichi grinned at me, "So you missed dinner huh?", he
asked.
Nervously looking around he nodded, "So where is Urd?",
Brett whispered.
"She came home about two hours ago", Belldandy said, "And
went to bed".
Brett sighed in relief, "I'll talk to her tomorrow then",
he decided, walking off to his room.
Keiichi looked over at Belldandy, "So why didn't you tell
him that Urd and Syliana went to sleep in *his* room?", he
asked.
"Call it a surprise", Belldandy said, sipping her tea.
******
I shrugged off my shirt and pants and crawled into bed.
I noticed almost immediately that I wasn't alone. Reacting in
the normal manner I jumped out of bed and flicked on the
light. To say that what I saw surprised me is an
understatement. Syliana was lying on my bed, still sleeping.
Urd was sitting in the one chair in the room, it was tilted
back and she appeared to be snoozing as well.
I froze for a moment and then carefully turned out the
light. Neither of them had moved so I felt around for some
clothes and quickly backed out the door. Breathing a sigh of
relief I stopped by a closet on my way out, picking up a heavy
blanket. I walked outside onto the veranda, picked a place
where I wasn't likely to be run over in the morning and curled
up to sleep.
After tossing and turning for several minutes I finally
achieved a somewhat comfortable position, but sleep wouldn't
come. I'd managed to put of making any decision regarding my
relationships by pushing the fact that I'd only just recovered
my memories. It had made for an interesting Christmas and New
Years to say the least. Syliana and Urd were two totally
different women and they both insisted that they loved me.
Did I love them? that was the main question, I'd actually Urd
to marry me once and I was pretty sure I loved her. As for
Syliana, I'd lived with her for a month and during that time
I'd become fond of her, it was different than what I felt with
Urd, but still compelling.
Realising sleep wasn't going to come easy I picked up my
blanket and walked over to the cherry tree, laying down under
it. The tree was sparsely covered in blossoms and I had a
nice view of the night sky. Since they'd made their
'ultimatum' I'd tried to keep an open mind, for every date I
had with Urd, I also spent some time with Syliana. And this
was making things more and more difficult. How do you tell
someone who you care about that you care about someone else
more? it was a question that I thought I had the answer to,
but I didn't.
I was just beginning to fall asleep when I felt uneasy,
looking up I noticed a red dot on the tree. I froze and
watched as the small red light moved down the tree, towards my
head. I whispered a spell and created an image of myself,
sitting in the same position I was, then I ducked away under
some bushes. A few seconds later there were three sharp
cracks from the base of the cherry tree, a moment later the
sound of three gunshots rang out over the quiet neighbourhood.
******
Natsumi suddenly jerked awake as three gunshots broke the
stillness. Miyuki already had the gun she'd been assigned out
and was running in the direction of the sound. "You check on
him!", Miyuki called.
Drawing her gun Natsumi quickly climbed over the fence
and ran towards the building. She had made it halfway across
the courtyard when a dark shape rushed out and tackled her.
Her gun spun off into the darkness and she felt herself held
down, a knee in the small of her back and her arms pinned
behind her. "All right!", a familiar voice said, "What the
hell are you doing?! who sent you?".
"My Captain sent me!", Natsumi said, groaning at the
pressure Brett was putting on her arms, "And if you don't get
off me I'll...". There was a second set of gunshots at that
point and Brett quickly pulled her under cover of some bushes.
"What's going on?", Brett demanded, "why are you
following me?".
There was a scream from beyond the wall and Natsumi
gasped, "Miyuki!", she whispered. Suddenly breaking from
Brett's grip she bolted for the wall, vaulting over it. She
reached the police car just as another car sped past, it
disappeared into the darkness. She was about to get in the
car and follow when she felt a hand on her shoulder, "Here!",
Brett said, handing her the gun she'd lost when he'd tackled
her.
"Where's your partner?", Brett asked looking around.
Miyuki was in trouble. She was resting against the
temple wall, holding her hand over the bullet wound marring
her shoulder. Her gun was lying several feet away, along with
her destroyed two-way radio. She'd reached the gunman just as
he'd placed a long case into his car and tried to arrest him,
but he'd moved with incredible speed, avoiding her shots and
shooting back at her.
She'd managed to avoid being killed by ducking behind the
corner of a building, but it hadn't stopped her being wounded.
The gunman had ignored her after she'd lost her gun (which she
found surprising) and had simply gotten into his car and
driven away. Miyuki managed to pull herself to her feet and
began staggering back towards where she'd parked her own car.
She'd gotten half way along when she saw two figures
running towards her, in the darkness she could just make out
Natsumi coming towards her. She lost her footing and the
ground came rushing up at her, but she knew her partner would
take care of her.
******
I quickly moved to help Miyuki, "Watch it!", I cautioned
Natsumi, "Looks like she's been shot...".
Natsumi paled slightly at the gunshot wound, "Help me get
her to the car!", she ordered me.
I shook my head, "Leave her where she is for the moment",
I said, placing Natsumi's hands over the wound firmly, "Keep
pressure on it".
She looked liked she wanted to argue, "Trust me!", I
said, drawing in some energy and beginning a healing spell.
At that moment Urd, Skuld and Syliana all arrived, "What's
happened?", Urd demanded, looking around warily.
"We have a bit of a gunshot wound here", I observed
dryly, between spellwords, "I'll explain in a minute..".
Placing my hands over Natsumi's I released the healing
spell. Natsumi's eyes widened in amazement at the blue
glowing energy that passed from my hands into hers and down
into her partner's wound. I gently took Natsumi's hands away
from the wound and she looked in disbelief at the clean scar
that was all that was left of the bullet's impact.
I sat back against the wall and drew a deep breath, "What
are you?", Natsumi asked, obviously shaken buy what she'd
seen.
Ignoring her question for a moment I looked over at Urd
and Syliana, "Someone just tried to kill me", I observed.
"Why would any mortal want to kill you?", Syliana asked
in confusion, "I could understand a few Demons not liking
you..".
Urd shook her head as well, "That doesn't make sense at
all", she agreed, "Why would anyone want to kill you?".
"Demons?", Natsumi asked weakly, "What are you people
talking about?!?!".
"Sorry", I said, introducing everyone, "Natsumi this is
Urd, Syliana and Skuld". I grimaced, "Natsumi is the reason I
didn't make our dinner tonight..", I explained.
Urd and Syliana both gave Natsumi a look that could
freeze water and Urd gestured at Miyuki, lying on the ground,
"Perhaps she would be more comfortable inside?", she
suggested.
We carried Miyuki inside and carefully laid her out on my
bed, "She'll be fine", I reassured Natsumi, "Just give her a
few hours to sleep and recover".
"Someone's trying to kill you?", Keiichi asked in concern
as I explained what happened.
"Yeah", I observed dryly, "Not much fun".
"What I can't work out is why someone would be after
you", Urd said, "You haven't done anything to anyone!".
Natsumi was sitting quietly at one end of the table,
sipping on some tea that Belldandy had made, "Will you answer
my question now?", she asked me calmly.
I shrugged, "I don't think you'd be able to accept the
answer yet", I explained, "It's a bit unbelievable..".
Natsumi thought for a moment and then nodded, "Would I be
able to use your phone?", she asked.
"Of course", Keiichi said, standing, "I'll show you where
it is".
After Natsumi had left Urd gave me a curious look, "So
what are you going to tell her?", she asked.
I grimaced, "No idea", I replied, "I'm more concerned
over who it is that's trying to kill me and why!".
******
Natsumi's report caused a bit of a stir at the station,
within a few minutes the Captain had arrived, along with a
forensic team and a certain motorcycle cop. Natsumi was
waiting outside, "Where is she?", Officer Nakajima asked
desperately.
"Hold it!", Natsumi barked, grabbing his arm before he
could run past into the temple, "She's sleeping!".
Officer Nakajima looked around angrily, "Where's the guy
that shot her?", he demanded.
"He or she got away", Natsumi explained, "I couldn't
chase and leave Miyuki by herself..".
"Of course", the Captain said gently, "Could you show us
where you found her..". Natsumi showed them the blood-soaked
wall that Miyuki had leant against and Officer Nakajima paled
slightly, "Are you sure she shouldn't be in hospital?", he
asked anxiously.
"Positive", Natsumi assured him, "In fact she's almost as
good as new..".
"Sir!", one of the forensic officers called. As the
Captain approached the officer held up a shell-casing, "At
least .44 calibre", he observed, "Looks like a professional
job". They found two more casings of the same calibre and one
that looked like it came from a 9mm pistol.
"You'll find the rounds from the sniper rifle at the base
of the cherry tree", Brett observed as he came around the
corner.
The Captain gave him a curious look, "How do you know it
was a sniper's rifle?", he asked.
"Well", Brett observed, looking around, "It's about
seventy five meters from here to the cherry tree where I was
sitting and since he was using a laser-targeter I'd say it was
a type of specialist rifle..".
"You seem to know a lot about firearms", Officer Nakajima
said dryly.
Brett shrugged, "It was just that I looked up and saw the
targeting dot, otherwise you'd be putting me in a body-bag
right now", he explained.
The Captain gave Brett a sceptical look, "Do people try
and kill you a lot?", he asked.
"No", Brett laughed, "Why?".
"Because you seem rather calm for someone who almost got
killed", he pointed out.
Brett gave him a long look, "I guess I'm just a calm type
of person", he said evenly.
The Captain nodded, "Very well", he said, "Do you have
any idea why someone would wish to kill you?".
"No", Brett replied bluntly, "I can't think of any
reason".
"Come on", Officer Nakajima said bluntly, "People don't
just shoot at someone with a sniper's rifle for fun!".
Brett shrugged, "I honestly have no idea why any person
would want me dead", he said, "That's the truth!".
Officer Nakajima looked like he wanted to argue but the
Captain held up a hand, "Mr Handy", he said, "I find it
difficult to believe your story, but I'm willing to offer you
police protection...".
Brett looked dubious, "No offence", he said, glancing at
Natsumi, "I'd rather not put anyone else in danger...".
"I'm afraid that I must insist", the Captain said,
smiling slightly, "Officer Natsumi, please escort our guest
inside and watch him pack some clothes, then take him to
Bokuto until we can work out what to do with him".
Brett gave the Captain a warning look, "I could insist
that you can't hold me in custody without charging me", he
pointed out.
"Yes you could", the Captain agreed, "If you protest
enough I'd be forced to let you remain here". He looked over
to where an officer was questioning Keiichi and Belldandy,
"But don't forget that your friends would be in danger too, he
added.
Brett thought for a few moments and nodded, "I'll pack
some things", he said, walking back to the temple.
******
"What do you mean you're going with them?!?!", Urd
demanded angrily as I stuffed some belongings into a bag.
"I mean the Captain hasn't given me much choice", I
replied quietly, "He insisted!".
"Well why don't you just refuse?", Syliana asked, from
the doorway, "If I understand mortal laws, he can't force you
to do anything, unless he's charging you with something..".
I shook my head, "I don't want to get into an argument
with the police", I disagreed, "They're already suspicious
about the amount of travelling I do, they probably think I'm
some kind of drug smuggler".
I zipped up the bag and grabbed a coat, "I'll be back as
soon as I can", I promised. Truth be known I was actually
pretty relieved about not having to face Syliana and Urd for a
few days.
Walking outside I found Miyuki being assisted towards an
unmarked police car by Officer Nakajima and Natsumi, "Be
careful for a few days", I warned her, "You lost a lot of
blood..".
Miyuki nodded, "Thank you", she said quietly.
I grinned, "No problem", I replied, "Any time". I threw
my bag into the car that Natsumi had indicated and turned back
to my friends. I was promptly glomped onto by Urd and she
gave me a kiss that turned my knees weak, "Be careful!", she
ordered.
Not to be outdone Syliana also gave me a 'goodbye' kiss.
Although not as passionate as Urd she also left me feeling
light-headed, "If you need me, just call", she whispered.
Keiichi, Belldandy and Skuld also said farewell, but in a more
conventional manner.
******
Natsumi glanced in the rear-view mirror, "Quite a send
off", she observed dryly.
Brett looked a bit uncomfortable, "Yeah", he murmured,
"Tell me about it".
"You don't sound too thrilled", Miyuki observed quietly,
"Most men I know would be overjoyed to have two beautiful
women falling all over them".
Brett grimaced, "I agree", he said shortly. When Miyuki
turned around and gave him a curious look he sighed, "Most
guys I know would envy me as well", he clarified, "but then
they've never had to choose between two people they care about
either".
"Choose?", Natsumi asked.
"Urd and Syliana have left it up to me to choose between
them", he explained with a sigh, "And I don't want to hurt
either of them..".
"Sounds like you're the one that's trying to avoid
getting hurt", Natsumi observed dryly.
"I beg your pardon?", Brett asked, "How so?".
"You're worried that when you do make a choice, the woman
not chosen will hate you", Natsumi explained, "And therefore
hurt *your* feelings, that's what's stopping you making a
decision".
Brett thought for a moment and shrugged, "Perhaps that is
part of it", he admitted, looking out the car window. Miyuki
fell asleep at that point, her soft snoring ending the
conversation. A few minutes later they arrived at an
apartment block, "I thought we were going to your police
station?", Brett whispered.
"Change of plans", Natsumi whispered back, "The Captain
said that to throw anyone off who might have been
listening..".
Natsumi and Brett got out of the car and both looked at
Miyuki, "How are we going to move her without waking her?",
Natsumi wondered.
Brett smiled slightly, "I'll lift her", he said, tossing
Natsumi his bag. Brett carefully whispered a spell, wrapping
a forcefield around Miyuki, he willed it up into his arms.
Natsumi watched in amazement as he lifted her partner with
little effort and she didn't even stir.
"You've got a lot of explaining to do", she warned
quietly. Brett just grinned at her and motioned her to lead
the way.
******
The safehouse we'd arrived at was actually quite a
spacious apartment in the inner city. I carried Miyuki into
one of the bedrooms, with practised ease I flipped back the
sheets and settled her down gently, "Looks like you've done
that a lot", Natsumi observed dryly.
I grimaced, "I have a friend who tends to drink a lot", I
replied, "Putting her to bed has given me lots of practice".
Natsumi raised one eyebrow at that comment and I
grimaced, "It's nothing like that!", I snapped, blushing
slightly.
"Sure it isn't", Natsumi agreed sarcastically. We closed
the door quietly and I made my way to the kitchen, "You want
anything?", I asked.
She shook her head, "Only an explanation", she said,
sitting down with a thump.
I whipped up a cup of tea and grabbed a packet of
biscuits that was sitting on a shelf. I sat down opposite
Natsumi and took a sip of the tea, "How to explain", I mused,
"I suppose I should explain my job..".
"I thought you said you were a student?", Natsumi asked
suspiciously.
"I am", I admitted, "In fact that's why I came to Japan
in the first place, I had to learn my trade..". I offered her
a biscuit and she munched on it thoughtfully, "You sound like
you've already finished your studies", she observed.
I grinned, "Not really", I admitted, "I know enough to
get by, but I'll be learning for the rest of my life".
Natsumi leaned back in her chair, "Let's stop beating
around the bush and get to the point", she suggested, "What
*is* your job?".
"I grant wishes to people", I replied blandly.
"You mean like those places that do things for sick
children..", she began.
I shook my head, "No", I said, "I grant *actual* wishes
to people".
She looked at me sceptically, "You don't look much like a
Genie", she observed.
"Dinjin", I corrected her, "They don't like being called
Genies, they consider it an insult, at least the ones I've
met".
Natsumi blinked, "The ones you've met..", she mused.
I smiled at her expression, "I'm not quite crazy", I
assured her, "Although sometimes it'd be easier".
"So you grant wishes to who?", Natsumi asked.
"I guess the easiest explanation is 'good hearted
people'", I explained, "I don't choose them, the office I work
for does".
"The office?", she asked.
"Oh", I said, grimacing, "The Relief Goddess Office".
"Goddess?", she laughed, "You don't look like a Goddess
to me!".
I shook my head, "I keep trying to get them to change the
name since I'm working for 'em.. but there's been
resistance..", I explained.
"So you're a God?", Natsumi asked calmly.
I nodded, "That's right", I agreed, "I'm the God of
Destiny..".
Natsumi sighed and walked over to the phone, "What are
you doing?", I asked her curiously.
"I'm letting the Captain know that you're a total loon",
she replied, picking up the receiver.
"Right", I sighed, realising that she'd need more
convincing, "How about a demonstration?".
She paused in the act of dialling and looked up. Taking
the opportunity to put thought into practice, I snapped my
fingers, changing my clothing to my uniform. Then I levitated
up from the seat several feet.
Natsumi calmly replaced the phone on the hook and resumed
her seat, I floated back down to the seat and returned my
clothes to normal. "Who's a loon?", I asked with a grin.
"I think I am", Natsumi admitted. Over the next hour I
explained what had happened to me. I detailed the Demons that
I'd run into, but skimmed over most of the details of my
personal life. Natsumi was quick to ask questions and once
she'd accepted the basic premise (ie: I wasn't nuts) she
seemed to be all ears.
The sun was beginning to come up and I stopped in mid-
description of one particular Demon as there was a knock on
the door. Natsumi quickly walked over and looked through the
keyhole, "It's ok", she said, opening the door.
Two unfamiliar men walked inside, wearing suits, "We'll
take over now", one said with a smile. They seemed quite
competent as one walked over to the balcony, looking around
for anything suspicious. Natsumi grimaced as she looked at
her watch, "I'd better get home", she observed, "I start work
in two hours..".
"The Captain said you and Miyuki had permission to come
in late", one of the men announced, "You should get some
rest".
Natsumi woke Miyuki and the two of them left me with the
two new detectives. They seemed like nice enough fellows,
however they were cool and aloof, not making any kind of
conversation. I decided to get caught up on the sleep I'd
missed last night.
******
Brett stood and watched as the bullets slammed into
Natsumi and Miyuki, leaving them bloodied and quite dead.
Brett shuddered at the sight and glanced around the room,
three figures walked out of the darkness, one nudged the
bodies with a toe.
"Damn", he observed, checking Natsumi's ID, "They were
cops!".
"So what?", another asked "Dump 'em in the river with
heavy weights, they'll never miss 'em".
The three laughed and Brett gritted his teeth. He
followed the men as they walked from the room and saw that he
was in a large shed near a run-down airport. On the runway
was a medium-sized passenger plane and people were unloading
something from it.
"What'd the boss say when you told him about the
'competition'?", one of the three asked the tallest thug.
"Watch our backs", he replied, "And not to underestimate
our enemy, pity he died so easily..".
"Killed in his sleep", another agreed, "How pathetic!".
A car pulled up and two familiar figures stepped out and
walked over. One of the thugs threw them a wad of cash,
"Thanks so much detective", the head thug said, "You earned a
little bonus for telling us about those broads..". Standing
near the plane were two dark figures, wearing dusters, one was
about my size and the other slightly shorter and more lean.
Both figures seemed to radiate malice and as one of them moved
I noticed the markings of a Demon on his forehead.
Brett shivered as he looked at the two figures. He
walked away from the group and leaned up against a wall, "I'm
dreaming", he observed, "I know that... explaining about it to
Natsumi must have started it up my precog again".
He looked out at the sky and thought for a few moments,
"So how do I wake up?", he mused.
******
Natsumi and Miyuki knocked on the door of the 'safe-
house' that they'd left Brett at the previous night, only to
have the door swing open on it's own. Miyuki pulled out her
gun and gestured for Natsumi to do the same. The two officers
carefully made their way inside, to find the two detectives
lying unconscious on the living room floor. Natsumi quickly
moved to check on Brett.
Miyuki looked up in concern as her partner suddenly
stumbled back into the room, her face pale. "Natsumi!",
Miyuki said sharply, "What's wrong?".
Natsumi looked up with eyes that were filling with tears,
"He's dead", she said flatly.
Miyuki quickly looked into the room and wished she
hadn't, inside was Brett's body, lying prone on the bed, three
bullet wounds visible. She walked over and tried to feel for
a pulse, but found nothing, "Call for backup!", she insisted.
Natsumi began dialling the phone and Miyuki carefully pulled
the blanket up over Brett's dead eyes.
Within a few minutes that Captain had arrived, one of the
detectives had woken up and he was sitting on a couch, being
attended to by an paramedic. The Captain walked into the room
and shook his head, "This was suppose to be a safe house!", he
snapped, "What happened?".
The detective sighed, "Sir", he said, "My partner noticed
that someone appeared to be hanging around outside and opened
the door to go outside and investiage..".
"And of course someone forced their way in?", the Captain
guessed.
The detective nodded, "I drew my weapon, but couldn't
shoot because they had Sukuza up and were using him as a
shield", he explained, "The next thing I knew I was hit over
the back of the head and everything went black..".
The Captain nodded, "Get yourself checked out", he said,
indicating the paramedic, "I don't want you in the office
until you're cleared by the doctors..".
"But sir!", the detective protested, "This is my case! I
want to find the scum who did this!". The Captain nodded and
the detective was led away by the paramedics. He walked back
into the bedroom and shook his head, a police camera man was
taking photos of everything, "At least it looks like they got
him while he was sleeping", he mused, "He probably didn't feel
a thing..".
Miyuki and Natsumi were sitting at the table, both of
them had dejected looks on their faces and the Captain sighed,
he'd assigned them to this cased on a whim, and it had
backfired. "Miyuki, Natsumi", he said, "Take the rest of the
day off.. I want both of you back in traffic when you come in
tomorrow".
Natsumi looked up defiantly, "Sir!", she protested, "You
can't kick us off this case now!".
Miyuki nodded, "We want to find the person who did
this!", she agreed.
The Captain shook his head, "This is homicide's case
now", he said, "A murder is a very serious crime and we have
to have professionals on it!".
Natsumi sighed, "Sir, who's going to tell his friends?",
she asked quietly.
The Captain shook his head, "I will", he said quietly, "I
was responsible for his safety... it was my decision to take
him into protective custody..".
Natsumi stood up quickly, "Sir", she said, "Let me do
it!". The Captain looked at her for a long moment, "Very
well", he said quietly, "You're dismissed..".
Miyuki followed her partner outside, wondering why
Natsumi would insist on performing the sad duty of informing a
person's family that they had been killed. She was silent for
a few minutes as they drove towards the temple in Nekomi, "Why
are you doing this?", Miyuki asked bluntly.
Natsumi looked over at her partner, "This guy saved both
our lives", she said, "Me when our car was destroyed and you
when you were shot, I think we owe him".
Miyuki nodded, "How are we going to tell them?", she
asked, "This isn't the kind of thing you blurt out..".
"I'll think of something", Natsumi assured her.
******
Urd was sitting in her lab, stirring in a new compound
into her latest potion. The potion was actually suppose to be
a new massage lotion, with a scent of lavender. Of course you
could buy lavender massage lotions from most chemists, however
this one was a little different in that it also acted as a
moisturiser, sunscreen and aphrodisiac. She grinned at the
though of testing it out, making Brett rub it all over her...
she was interrupted in the middle of her daydream by a knock
on her door. "What?", she snapped angry at being interrupted.
"Urd", Skuld said, seeming very subdued, "Those two
police officers are here again..".
Urd sighed and placed the lotion to one side, she noticed
that Skuld seemed on the verge of tears, "What's wrong?", she
asked. Skuld suddenly broke down and ran from the room,
slamming the door as she went. Urd frowned and walked out to
the dining room, what she found disturbed her, Belldandy was
crying into Keiichi's shoulder and Keiichi looked like the
only thing holding back his own tears was the fact that
Belldandy needed him.
She looked at the two police women, "What's happened?",
she asked bluntly.
Natsumi bowed slightly to her, "I'm very sorry to tell
you that Mr Handy is no longer with us", she said formally.
Urd blinked, "Where'd he go then?", she asked, not
understanding.
Natsumi lowered her gaze, "I'm sorry", she said.
Urd shook her head, "What are you talking about?", she
asked, "What sort of trouble has Brett got himself into this
time?". Then she noticed the expressions on everyone's faces,
"You can't possibly mean that!", she began angrily, "What is
this, some kind of sick joke?", she asked in disbelief.
Natsumi shook her head, "No", she said seriously, "He was
shot.. and was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner..".
Urd shook her head, "No", she said, "You can't be right,
I would have known if something had happened to him!".
Belldandy looked up, "Sister", she said brokenly, "Try
and sense him", she suggested, blinking back her tears.
Urd nodded and concentrated, looking for that familiar
feeling she knew so well. There was nothing. She
concentrated harder, putting all her will into it, searching
for his aura. After a moment she slumped forward, "I can't
feel him anymore", she said, "Nothing..".
She shook her head firmly, "That could mean anything!",
she argued, "He could be off on another plane! that's it!
Syliana, she could be hiding him again!". Urd began to walk
to the TV, but Keiichi interposed himself between it and her,
"Wait Urd", he said seriously, "Skuld is checking her
computer, it will know for sure..".
Urd almost flicked him out of her way with a spell, but
then nodded, "Very well", she said, "Let's see what it says".
It took a minute or two, but Skuld came back into the
room, looking even more downcast than when Urd had last seen
her. She wordlessly handed Urd and printout and then
collapsed crying in Belldandy's arms. Urd looked at the
printout, one word screamed out at her from the page,
"Deceased", she read out loud. Then in a fit of anger she
tore the printout in two and threw the pieces across the room,
"NO!", she insisted, "I would know if he was dead, I didn't
feel anything, so that means he's alive somewhere!".
Urd stormed over to the TV and placed a hand on it, "If I
find out Syliana is up to her usual tricks I'll skin her
alive!", she pronounced, before she disappeared in a flash of
light. Miyuki's eye's widened and Natsumi nudged her with her
elbow, "I'll explain later", she whispered.
Belldandy was continuing to sooth Skuld so Keiichi spoke
up, "Thank you for telling us", Keiichi said, bowing slightly
to Miyuki and Natsumi.
Natsumi nodded, "I'm very sorry", she apologised again,
"We would like you to keep this information to yourselves for
the moment, we will see to the arrangements of having Mr
Handy's body return to his country and inform his family
ourselves". Keiichi nodded and the two police officers left
quietly.
******
Syliana looked up in surprise as someone pounded on her
front door. She quickly made her way downstairs and opened
the door. The next moment she found herself lifted up by the
collar of her robes, "Where is he?", Urd hissed at her
angrily.
More than a little disturbed by Urd's angry expression,
Syliana blinked in surprise, "Where is who?", she asked,
trying to keep her composure.
"Brett!", Urd snapped.
Syliana slapped Urd's hands away and straightened her
robes, "I don't know what you mean!", she replied. She was
amazed a moment later when Urd suddenly let out a sob and
began crying on her shoulder. Not knowing what to do Syliana
helped Urd over to a couch and sat her down. After a few more
minutes of her crying, Syliana finally got the whole story out
of her.
"He is *not* dead", Syliana said firmly, "No matter what
those mortal police officers say!".
Urd looked up in surprise, and Syliana smiled, "He's my
brother after all", she said, "I would have certinally felt
him die, and I didn't!".
Urd nodded, "So where is he?", she asked, wiping the
tears away from her eyes, "If he's not dead, what's
happened?".
Syliana smiled slightly, "If there's one thing I love",
she announced, "It's a good Mystery". Urd groaned at her pun
and the two Goddesses walked outside.
******
The Goddesses first stop was the morgue, much to Urd's
discomfort. Syliana picked out the right locker and pulled
out the body inside. It rolled out easily and she pulled the
sheet back. Urd gasped at the face she saw, it was Brett's,
down to the finest detail. Syliana frowned as well, she
examined the body for a few minutes and nodded, "It's not
him", she said firmly.
Urd frowned, "How can you tell?", she asked.
Syliana stretched out her hands and muttered a spell, the
body's face began to glow, along with it's hands, arms and
torso, "It's been magically modified to look like Brett", she
said firmly, "Whoever did it was a master of deception..".
Urd watched as the body suddenly reverted to it's
original appearance, it was generally the same size as Brett,
but now it looked nothing like him, "Could Brett have done
that?", Urd asked curiously.
Syliana looked over at her, "Unless you taught him spells
for shapeshifting", she said, "No".
******
Grish looked at the two detectives standing in front of
him, their hands outstretched. He laughed and handed them
each a brown envelope, "Good work", he said, "I didn't expect
you to succeed".
Detective Sukuza smiled, "Got him while he was sleeping
like a baby", he confirmed, "He never knew what hit him!".
Grish laughed, his voice raising chills from the two
detectives, who hastened to leave. Grish walked over to the
window and looked outside, he'd been running this branch of
the Yakusa for nearly a decade and nothing had been quite as
satisfying as ordering the hit on the God of Destiny. He lit
up a cigar (something he'd become accustomed to) and grinned.
"Boss?", a timid call came from the door, "There's someone to
see you..".
Grish looked over his shoulder, "I thought I told you I
didn't want to be disturbed?", he demanded angrily.
"But Boss!", his flunkey protested, "You don't want to be
disturbed for anyone but visitors like *these*".
Grish nodded, "Send 'em in", he ordered, "And then make
yourself scarce!". The two people led in were wearing long
dusters, one was obviously muscle, since he filled up most of
the doorway and walked in looking around, as if for trouble.
The smaller man walked up to the desk and Grish recognised him
immediately, "Nilthar!", he exclaimed, "What are you doing
here?".
Nilthar sat down in the chair and gestured to his
companion, "This is my associate, 2nd Class Demon Nai", he
said. Nai seemed to make a slight bowing motion and then
stood back against the wall. "As to why I am here", Nilthar
said, "I believe you know that the Great Lords are conducting
inspections on all surface work?".
Grish had heard rumours to that effect, "So it's true",
he mused, "Why would they be doing that?".
"It's not our place to question them!", Nilthar hissed,
"Get caught doing that and you'll rot in the deepest pits of
the seventh level!".
"Quite right, excuse my presumption", Grish said with a
nod.
Nilthar smiled slightly, "To tell you the truth", he
whispered, "I don't know why they're doing this, but Demons
like you and me never get told much anyway!". Grish threw his
head back and laughed, "That's the 'old Nilthar I remember!",
he said, "So how have your projects been going?".
"Not so good", Nilthar admitted, "Ever since Tupnixua,
curse his name, decided to disappear off the face of the
universe, I've been blamed, I'm sticking to the surface as
much as possible".
Grish nodded, all the Demons working the surface had
heard about Nilthar's misfortune, "Well you'll be happy to
know that *I* have eliminated your greatest thorn", Grish said
with a grin, "The God of Destiny is no more!".
Nilthar's face broke out into a huge grin, "You killed
him?", he asked eagerly, "How? when?".
Grish laughed, "I'll explain it all to you later", he
said, offering Nilthar a cigar. When he went to offer Nai a
cigar the big Demon refused with a grunt.
"You'll have to excuse my associate", Nilthar said, "He's
still rather new and believes that he should always be 'on
duty'".
Grish clapped Nai on the shoulder, "Good Demon!", he
said, "I wish I had someone as dedicated as you working for
me, but unfortunately all I have is mortal rubbish!".
"Funny you should mention that", Nilthar observed, "We
might be able to see our way clear to work with you for a few
days, since we have to be here for the report anyway..".
Grish looked at him suspiciously, "What'll it cost me?",
he asked bluntly.
Nilthar took another puff of his cigar, "Three boxes of
those cigars", he said, "And you owe me a favour".
Grish thought for a moment and nodded, "Very well", he
said, "I have a shipment coming in tomorrow and since the two
of you can provide better security than 100 men, I'll leave it
to you..".
******
Urd and Syliana both concentrated, filling Syliana's
location spell with as much power as they both had combined.
Syliana blinked, "I have him!", she said quickly. Urd nodded
and the two of them suddenly teleported.
They appeared on a beach, it was early afternoon. A
laugh came from the house sitting on the shore and the two
Goddesses walked towards the house. Syliana glanced inside
and quickly hid her head, "What is it?", Urd asked quickly.
"Two Demons", she whispered back, "They must be the ones
that have Brett!".
Urd nodded, "Let's get 'em!", she agreed. A moment later
Urd blasted the front door with a lightning bolt and Syliana
flew in through a window. The smaller Demon looked up and
jumped out of the way as a fireball smashed into the chair he
had been sitting in, he threw the long coat he was wearing
over Syliana, causing her to crash into the wall. He quickly
jumped on top of her, pinning her to the ground. Urd was
looking on in disbelief, "Nilthar?", she asked.
Nilthar looked up from where he was sitting on Syliana,
"Urd?", he frowned, "What are you doing here?".
Urd looked over at the other Demon, (whom she didn't
recognise), he'd had risen out of his seat, "Urd?", he asked,
"How did you find us?".
"Who are you?", Urd asked, raising her hands in
preparation for a spell. The Demon smiled and looked over at
Nilthar, "Looks like you did a good job mate", he observed,
"You said no one would recognise me".
Nilthar cast a quick spell and suddenly the Demon's
features melted into the familiar features of Brett. He
grinned at Urd, "Sorry about that", he apologised. Urd took
two steps forward and then swung her fist around, catching
Brett in the jaw, "You jerk!", she hissed.
Brett staggered back, "Hey!", he said, "It was Nilthar's
idea!".
Urd looked over at Nilthar who shrugged, "It had to be
believable!", he insisted. There was a muffled shout from
under him and he stood up quickly, "Oh yeah!", he said,
pulling the duster from Syliana, "I forgot!".
The Goddess of Mystery staggered to her feet, attempting
to regain some of her dignity, "What's going on?", she asked,
noticing that Brett was standing here, wearing the clothes
that she'd seen on the Demons.
"It's called staging a murder", Nilthar observed dryly.
Brett rubbed his jaw, wincing at the pain, "Obviously we
need more practice", he pointed out, "Since they found us".
Syliana blinked in surprise, "Actually you did very
well", she said, "It was only that Urd and I know Brett so
well that we were able to find him".
"See", Nilthar said, "I told you my plan was sound".
Syliana looked at him and smiled, "You are very good at
deception", she complimented him. Nilthar nodded pleasantly
to her, "Thank you", he said accepting the compliment.
"Oh!", Brett said, snapping his fingers, "Syliana, I
don't think you've met Nilthar before..". Syliana was about
to shake Nilthar's hand when she heard his name, she staggered
back a few steps, "You!", she hissed angrily, "you're the one
that killed Tlesta!".
Brett quickly interposed himself between the two of them,
"Nilthar was a different Demon then!", he assured Syliana
firmly.
Urd noticed how angry Syliana and stood in front of
Brett, placing a hand on her shoulder, "Calm down", she said,
"He's not evil like than anymore". Syliana controlled herself
with visible effort and nodded, "I won't do anything to him
this time", she said firmly.
Urd turned around and realised that she was standing
right up against Brett, she looked up and him and he gave her
a sceptical look, "You aren't going to hit me again are you?",
he asked apprehensively. In answer Urd threw her arms around
his neck and kissed him passionately. Brett was gasping for
air when she finally broke the kiss, "I'll take that as a
yes", he observed.
Urd clasped his arm possessively, "What ever gave you the
idea to fake your own death?", she demanded.
Brett sighed, "Well that's a long story...", he began.
Continued in Part 2
--------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Notes:
Gee.. Aren't I evil? sorry about that ending, but as they
say, such is life! some people ask me, 'why the cliffhanger
endings?' and I have to say its so that people read the next
part - I promise not to leave a cliffhanger and never finish
it (yes I am in the process of finishing off those old stories
I wrote) - I may leave it hanging, but I'll finish it
eventually.
Thanks to all my friendly (and no so friendly) pre-
readers for going over this story.. it's changed a bit since I
started - like for example I didn't plan to have Brett fake
his own death.. but then every story is fluid, and I guess it
just sort of went that way...
Ok - I hope you all enjoyed that part - I'll now get
started on the second part.. if anyone has any suggestions for
a name for the story.. I'd be grateful!
-----Brett (17/4/98)