She nodded as she listened and as soon as the man hit the button she was off. The knife was held steadily in one hand and in moments she had taken to what shadows were provided by the buildings. Once she found a way up she would take to the roof tops, to get an idea of what the layout was like. Her eyes missed nothing. The forte of the Shadowdancers was stealth, efficiency, and precision. It's why she made such a good assassin when she left the Elven military.

One the rooftop she laid flat and took in the buildings and alleyways, being careful to remain silent. When she saw an opportunity she slipped back down and found herself behind one of a pair of troopers that were searching a building for her. A smile spread across her lips as she threw her arm around him and touched the knife hilt to his neck where one of the arteries would be. When he dropped she slipped into the building, clamped her hand over the second mans mouth and touched the hilt to his back.

She moved through the course this way, repeating stealth attacks. There were a few close calls where she had been spotted. The men were good and knew what to look for, but her attacks were so quick that the shots they made with their paint ball guns missed her, some by only a few inches. Alexandria was through it quickly and to the other side of the course in what might have been record time, though she was not sure how long she had actually be there. She only went as fast as the patiently set up attacks would allow her to.

((I understand completely. I try to post at least once a day, though that does not always happen.))

[{I feel bad having to say this but my replies may slow down in the next couple of days. Getting really busy.}]

The troop were patient never rushing any attacks or panicking when they watched their companions fall. All that did was cause them to amp up the difficulty. They new every finding spot, crevice and other. For beginners though they avoided going on the roofs to give them an advantage. Just how they were yelled at to do it and it seemed Alex went right from them. Didn't surprise them much either. It received a mere eye roll.

Watching from the balcony James tapped his finger in slight irritation. No matter the feelings he had for Alex his duty as commander came first, and it always would for him. That never changed about him, putting his work before her. Paperwork was a whole different story. Hated that and tried to avoid it, was too time consuming and dull. Unlike now as he watched his men get taken out by an elf traveling through the whole course grabbing his men and stabbing them. James found it rather disrespectful she did it that way. The smile she had one time really got on his nerves.

Next time he was going to let his men go all out and show no mercy upon her. Even Lawrence who was standing next to James didn't seem that pleased with her show and he barely was able to stop James as he stormed down the stairs and too the door Alex would soon be entering. His face didn't look anything to pleasant or pleased.

((It's alright. I understand how things go.))

When Alex came through the door she was only marginally surprised by the expression on her face. She'd taken out her opponents. The problem is the way that she went about things, and she had been pretty sure that from the start it would cause a problem. She was an assassin. Even when she was a Shadowdancer she was little more then an assassin. The woman was adept at sneaking, taking her time, and dealing with the targets she had been given in a deadly manner.

She stood before him and saluted, as she should her Commanding officer, prepared for whatever he was going to throw at her. The Elf knew that he would not go easy on her, and she would not want him to. If there was something she could do to better serve the unit, then she would. It may require retraining though...if she could be retrained.

The thought entered her mind. A fear really. If she could not be, then what would she do? She was not any good to most military units. She was a covert operator, and not every unit needed that. Perhaps she was to specialized, there was always a danger when one focused to much on one way of doing things. Whatever happened, though, she would deal with it as she always had.

"Do you feel proud of yourself?" James asked with an undertone growl to his words. "Did you not think you should of at least show those men some respect? The men who would be watching your back while on a campaign?" He would not allow himself to show any mercy towards Alex even with the premonition she wasn't to happy with herself. If he went soft on her, nothing would improve. This would happen again, something he didn't want.

With an annoyed sigh he rubbed his hand through his white locks before looking at her with a slight glare. "From this day forward I want you to show every troop of my unit the respect and gratitude they deserve. If I hear one complaint out of them, expect the worse. I will show no mercy towards you if you keep up your ways of an assassin. We don't work alone...." Every word that escaped his pale lips were cold and lacking any warm emotions at all. The most prominent one was disappointment. Seemed he had too much hope for her.

"Go run the training course outside till you get it through your head that people will be putting her lives in your hands to protect. Mine for instant. But don't think it doesn't go both ways, you need to be willing to let someone else protect you. Also if you don't find a partner soon to train with... I'll have to let you go." All the recruits had found someone to work with in less than a day really. It amazed James and amused him. So now that he was finished he left to go back to his room and work.

Alex did not say anything, she knew that there was no point. She was not quite certain that she saw how it disrespected the men, seeing as she had completed her goal as was necessary. She had not been provided with a partner, or told that one was required for that training exercise, so she had put her skills to use. The Elf would do it again if put in the same situation. What would be expected of her in the field if she were separated, and her partner was no where to be found? Her training would revert to that of an assassin until she reached her unit again.

Though these thoughts went through her mind, though, she did not share them. It would not have done any good, and he was her Commanding officer. There was little that bringing these thoughts to his attention would do, other then cause problems in the career she would be taking up. Perhaps later, when there was time, she could bring to his and his assistants attention what her capabilities are and how she should primarily be used. The unit may have scouts, but most of them were not likely to match her skills. No doubt they were good at what they did, but she felt confident that she would be better. That did not, however, cover the problem of a partner.

When he left she turned, removing the Kevlar vest and placing it, as well as the bladless knife, on a counter that had been sat in the room. Afterwards she left the room, pulling her hair only a little tighter so that she could run more easily and would not have to worry about it getting in her eyes so much. As she ran the course she thought back to the men she had fought. One had made a promise to her. Perhaps, if he did not distrust her for beating him and his friends thoroughly, then he could be her partner. All she could do was ask, but for now the running would help to clear her mind.

((Edit: Again I am sorry that took so long.))

Samuel walked over to Lawrence with the keys to the gym seeing as it was closed off till tonight. "What has gotten the commander in such a rotten mood?" he asked with a little curiosity. Which got shattered when Lawrence let out a weary sigh. "Newest recruit. Still has the mentality of an assassin. We don't need an assassin. Need a troop that can work in a unit. James can just feel she would be the type to run off from her unit if she knew she could do it herself..." he explained rubbing his hand through his blond hair that surprisingly didn't have any gray hairs in it yet.

"Oh... That makes sense to him. Can't we just put her in some other job?" Samuel asked wondering if there was anywhere else to put her even though he knew the answer even before he asked it. "We can't trust her with it..." Was what Lawrence said walking away himself tired of discussing this. Their commander didn't seem to realize it but all his men new she was the assassin that had the job to kill him. They didn't exactly trust her. Would keep a watchful eye on here. Why they had no dirty thoughts when the two were alone, only worry over the worst possible outcome.

Lawrence was glad he left James with all that paperwork. Meant he wouldn't be leaving that room till morning. Alexandria wouldn't be able to spend much time with the Commander. She also had work to do anyway, a partner was the only way James could think of breaking the assassin ways in her. Hopefully when she could trust someone, things might change. It was only a hope though and not a cure.

She had see Samuel and Lawrence speaking briefly as she ran. After what she thought would be a sufficient amount of time she left the track and went in search of the men she had gotten into a brawl with. Perhaps one of them would willing to work with her. The ring leader had, after all, made a promise to her. Of course, she knew that what she was looking for had not been what the man had in mind, but that did not mean that she would not hold him to it. There had been, after all, no stipulations made on the bet.

After consulting her map a few times, and asking a couple of the other recruits that did not want to cross her, she found her way to the man. She knocked on the door that was his room and he answered a bit gruffly. His voice was growl of annoyance, but that quickly left his face when he saw who had come knocking. It was the assassin, the woman that preferred clothing that left little to the imagination. Oh, he knew who she was.

"I have come to collect on the bet that you made with me." He grinned and stepped aside, allowing her in. Alexandria did not, however, take that step into his quarters. "I find myself in need of a partner for my training. Will you hold to your end of the bet?" He had said she could do whatever she wanted with him, by the look in his eyes he was disappointed and trying to figure out a way he could weasel out of it.

James on the other hand got locked into his room by none other then Lawrence. Wouldn't be let out till his work was done or anyone let in. That was with the exception for his dinner. The troops planned it all out. A nervous recruit would get that job and they would laugh mercilessly at the outcome. Lawrence wanted it to be one of the guys that harassed Alexandria. What she did to the them would be merciful compared to James, a cold and heartless man, with a bad sense of humor. They had yet to accept the romance as a good thing. Seemed to be no change in their superior. Couldn't tell if he was having some fun with her or actually had feelings.

Either way she was closely watched and it didn't take long for everyone to figure out who she chose as a partner. Most laughed in great amusement, karma, a beautiful thing. So much for him getting the girl. Then the most surprising to the assassins partner would be the fact, that is he laid a hand on her in any suggestive way he would have to deal with the highest authority in the camp. The troops couldn't wait for the show to begin.

Samuel's hearty laugh could be heard from behind Alexandria to where the mans large hand was placed upon the slender shoulder of the only female in the camp. "Interesting choice my dear, don't regret it." he said in a suggestive voice and gave her a knowing wink. "It'll be interesting for all of us, truly and purely entertaining. I would wait to tell you know who, if you know what I mean. Don't think this will go over well." He laughed looking over at the male recruit.

She jumped at the sound of Samuels laughter and looked back at him as he rested a hand on her shoulder. Alexandria barely contained the blush that had started to rise on her cheeks as he quoted what James had said. Had he heard? It was impossibly. Or...maybe not.

Still, she looked back at the man and shrugged, "I don't think that I will have any problems with him. If need be I can always put him back in the infirmary." Yes, she was James girl again, but she would do whatever she could to ensure that nothing had to raise to him. She did not want the rest of the troop to think she could not handle herself, and that she would have to run to the commander every time something went wrong.

Vincent was obviously confused by the exchange. There had been rumors, already, about the Elf. He wasn't sure he could believe half of them. His attention moved between her and Samuel but finally he nodded, "Yes, I have to." He seemed less then thrilled with the idea, though. The woman had beaten him after all.

"Good. What is your name? It doesn't do for me not to know who you are." She paused and did not give him much chance to answer before she said, "My name is Alexandria Isidor..call me Alex though. Much easier."

When she was finished he answered her, "I'm Vincent Corrin." He shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "What are we doing first then?" Thoughts, of course, flashed through his mind. Perhaps working closely with her would get him to his ultimate goal after all. Women tended to become attached to their partners. Then again...she was unusual.

Samuel couldn't contain his laughter as he gave Alex's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "The infirmary would be heaven for him my dear if he got to him. Not that you can't handle yourself. He gets, jealous easily and over protective. You should know that though." The only reason Samuel knew most of this was for the fact he was the sober man when they went drinking. Which left a drunk James in his care. The commander was the most honest man when he was drunk, could ask him anything and he would give you the straight up truth in an angry voice. All the troops knew of the girl he liked, didn't know her name. Only Samuel and the other, elderly troops connected the dots.

Being close to James, allowed Samuel to feel perfectly fine assisting Vincent in getting closer to Alex. Made things more interesting for the dullness of the encampment. "Well, lets see how you two work together. To the gym we go." Samuel's voice boomed in joy as he grabbed Vincent dragging him along while holding his arm out to Alex. If this bothered James he would insist it on going out in a big bang. "You two will be busy all night!" he laughed.

Once at the gym doors he unlocked the doors and led them in. Would of left only he feared Alex would beat Vincent up again which would ruin the plan. So he pulled Vincent over to where Alex couldn't hear. "I suggest you take things slowly so you don't end up in the infirmary and get the girl." With that he patted the recruit on the shoulder before taking his seat on his bench.

For now he would merely observe the interaction and help the relationship to grow. Been around enough years to know how to win over a women. Pulling her from James would be interesting. Any girl who could win him over had a major plus in his book. That wasn't an easy task at all.

"It's been years, but yes. He was like that then to." She grinned at him. She thought she knew what he was doing. Perhaps the more they talked about this mysterious man, the less likely Victor would be to try something with her. Unless he tried to call them on a bluff. She did not want to think about the sort of wrath that would bring from James though.

She followed along, amused by how Victor had to be dragged. He really did not like the idea of being made to work with her. The hints the larger man was making did not help anything, she was sure. Her new partner had no way of knowing who they were referring to, but the idea of a man being protective of Alex did not give him confidence.

When she heard the comment he made, though, upon them entering the gym she became more wary. She had a feeling that Samuel was setting the man up for 'failure', but she was not certain what part he intended for her to play. So she looked between them before she glanced around.

"If has been a long time since I have worked with someone else, Victor. So I will need a refresher. I know the basics, and I was able to make it through the obstacle course with Lawrence, but that was a bit different." The Elf shifted from one foot to the other, "I think one thing that we need to do, though, is build some sort of trust."

The man had seemed as taken back by Samuels comment as Alexandria had. He barely listened to anything the woman said as he watched the big man sit down before he let the hint of a smile touch his lips. Perhaps his partner were not so unattainable as she seemed.

((Hey, feel free to take up parts of Victor if you have an idea. I think he could be like a communal character.))

Yes, Samuel was merely setting Victor up for only to meet complete failure. They troops just merely wanted to see more sides of their superior. What better way then to add some conflict? A love quarrel maybe or something ultimately worse. So he was more then happy to add fuel to this plan. "How about some trust exercises?" He mused with a laugh. A few couple trust exercises could get things rolling and may Victor believe Alexandria was even easier to obtain and harder for James to keep a hold of her. Trust was a big part of any relationship.

"Now Alexandria you go first!" Samuel chimed pulling out a blindfold. "No kicking, punching, or violence my dear." He chuckled covering her eyes with the blindfold before turning to Victor. "I can't say she won't beat on you if you don't catch her. Have fun!" He laughed moving Victor behind Alexandria positioning him to be able to catch her when she fell back. With that Samuel went back to sit on his bench to watch.

Victor once again seemed taken back till he figured out what was going on. "I guess you are supposed to fall back into my arms. Can you handle it elf girl?" He mused like when they first met. Only this time it wasn't suggestive, just mocking. Not like he could make a move on her now. That would end with him in the infirmary. All he could do was stand there with his arms out. Would keep the beating to a minimum. If only she was wearing that skimpy outfit, would make it all more enjoyable.

[{Alright, you can do the same with Lawrence and Samuel. Feel bad taking him away or using him}]

((I will if I find something that I would like to do without spilling everything to you from the start. XD Don't feel bad though. I just didn't know exactly what you had in mind, so I felt this was a better way of going about it.))

She raised an eyebrow at Samuel. This was not a normal military exercise and she knew it. Still, she played along. They would need to trust each other, after all, and this may be the only way that the man would trust her after she beat him. So she waited until Victor was positioned behind her and spoke.

Alex sneered at his comment but fell backwards easily, falling right into his arms. He pushed her slowly back to her feet, not wanting to do anything that she might take the wrong way, and looked at Samuel. Alex did not take the blindfold completely off, but she did push it up a little so that she could look at the large man and then to Victor as he spoke. "What now?"

"Probably need to do that opposite. I'm assuming that's what he intends at least." Finally she pulled it off and tied it around his eyes before standing back enough that she could catch the man without being almost on top of him. She waited patiently and gave him the go ahead to fall back. The Elf was tempted on not catching him because of his comment, but decided that would not be a good idea for building up any sort of trust.

[{I'm so sorry it took me so long to reply. A lot happened.}]

Samuel watched in amusement knowing Alex would do perfectly fine but it was Victor that got his attention. Such a nervous man. It took a little while and some hesitation before he watched Victor fall back into Alex's arms. This time she wouldn't cause any physical pain. Once they were done he was onto the new phase of his plan. Needed to get the man of honor involved in this. "Alright, now that their is a little trust between you I have a quest for you to accomplish."

With a grin he walked over to Victor. "You know Lawrence right? I want you to get that ring of keys from him. You may use Alexandria's assistance if you desire or you can go on your own." he mused. The only way to get James was to get him out of his prison. Lawrence's was the only one with the key, James gave it too him for his own protection. Ha, now that Alex was around all the troops would be messing that up.

Unknown to them they had a bet going on who could set James free the fastest via the key. Could use their problems to accomplish his. It was a brilliant plan in his eyes. Would be giving the key to Alex anyway, but he hoped he planted a large enough seed in Victor to get him to question Alex. In other words follower her and meet the mysterious other.

Alex spared a side long glance for Samuel, one of her eyebrows raised slightly in question. How did he expect them to get the key? Of course, the Elf was fairly certain that she could do it given her specialties. That would not be a good example for the exercise though. So her icy eyes met the darker ones that Victor had, and she managed to suppress the sigh. What was Samuel up to? There were to many questions.

Victor looked at Samuel first, and then Alexandria. A mischievous look came into his eyes and he quickly agreed, "I want Alex to come with me though." Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she had expected no less. The woman tapped a finger against her chin for a moment and Victor watched her perhaps a little to closely. With a sniff she looked back at Samuel, her voice flat, "So, do you know where he keeps these keys? It is on his person, in his quarters, perhaps in his office?"

[{Sorry, it took so long. Finally found a replacement computer till I get my new laptop.}]

Samuel grinned glad they accepted his offer. "They are on his person. Good luck! He is extremely paranoid." he laughed happily. Before ushering them out of the gym. Wanted them to get straight to the little mission he set up for him. Allowed Victor to get closer to her as well. If only James could of seen this, a jealous man he was and if he could have Alex as his own partner he would. Would not allow anyone to have her, not after he just got her back.

Lawrence was simply walking around the hallways with his clipboard checking things. In other words doing his job. Could at least do some of James work so it didn't become too much. Not matter how cruel he was to his captain he still tried to give the guy a break. It was chaos here ever since Alex came. Needed to keep all the men in check and make sure they didn't attempt anything stupid.

((That's okay, sorry for my late post.))

Alexandria nodded and started off in search of a good place to make plans and to watch Lawrence from unseen, fully expecting Victor to follow. She was not used to having companions any longer, but she would grow accustomed to it. That being said, she wanted to man to understand that she was the one calling the shots in this partnership. He had made a deal with her, and she was not going to let it go easily for him. Victor gave Samuel a last look before he followed the elf quietly.

"What are we going to do, Alex?" His question was low, trying to ensure that someone passing them would not hear. The two of them did draw some looks from soldiers that had already pieced together what her relationship to their Commander had been in the past, even if they didn't fully understand what it would be now. Surely a few had guessed, though.

Her eyes narrowed and she peered at him, "First we have to watch, and wait, for an opportunity. This is not the sort of military action that one would go into with guns blazing. You must be patient. Perhaps the best way to go about this would be to figure out where he leaves the keys when he showers, or when he sleeps. Surely he does not keep them on his person at those times. That is why we must watch him though."

After a time in silence they found a place that would not see so conspicuous to watch the James' second from. Or so they thought at least. A training ground he frequented that would serve, so he would thing, to teach them to work together better. Alexandria put on a good show of it to. Though she did not want a partner, at least not in Victor, she made it seem as though they were working in perfect harmony, as a team should.

[{It is fine. Mine are getting really late, lately too. Finals are coming up and my life is getting so busy! My wish came true and I hate it... >.<}]

The second James had run his errands around the camp, a task that would exhaust others but he was still brimming with loads of energy. What it was like to be so young. Being the second to the youngest in the whole camp, mainly looked down upon him and how he even got to the position he had. Lawrence was your classic nerd and every troop that first met him thought they could take advantage of him If they had only thought for a second they would realize the mistake in their assumptions. The commander didn't give him the position he had for no reason.

Managing many tasks at once was his specialty and an unearthly keen sense to danger or ill intentions. Why James kept him around so much and gave him the key to his room. A wanted man the commander was, people would pay a high price for his head. That is where Lawrence came in handy, he picked up on those things because James, he was dense to all that. Didn't want to think about and told himself it wasn't true, at all. No one wanted to harm him. He was just doing what his superiors told him to do.

So when Alex and her new, teammate came to practice, Lawrence merely smiled playing the ignorant fool. Oh, he knew her partner was the one she beat up, and it just wasn't right. At least his mind told him that as he went through all the possibilities as to why she chose that guy. With a shrug he merely watched them and all the others on the field. Not noticing anything at the moment most likely because Samuel wasn't around. That man new better.

If Samuel was present, Lawrence would of found out instantly. Than Alex and Victor would suffer the consequences and Lawrence was nowhere near as kind as James. They would be bad, and they would hurt. A fair price in his mind. Thought sever punishment was the best option to get others to learn of their mistakes.

She managed, with her Victor, to look like they were an actual team. They two of them had the look of people that had worked together for years. Even while she went through the course with her 'partner', she kept an eye on Lawrence. 'Where would he keep that key?' She wondered. This was only brief, though, before she turned her attention fully back to Victor. The Elf thought it best if the man did not think she had watched him for overlong, if he had noticed at all.

There were plans to make. Impossible plans it seemed. How would they get the key from that man? It would have to happen wither when he showered, or slept. Even then, the pair could not be certain that he left the keys somewhere they could be reached. Alex did not intend to be away from James for long. Not if she could avoid it.

((Ick, life is crazy and that post kinda sucked I think.))

[{It is fine, mine is crazy. Losing the joy of roleplaying lately. Your post was fine. Don't worry. Haven't been disappointed by you yet.}]

The keys hung from Lawrence's neck along with his tags, three master keys. One stolen from his commander and the other Samuel. They did a few things wrong and he confiscated them. Samuel still held a slight grudge, James couldn't complain too much work to do. So Lawrence took his notes on all the recruits before traveling to the mess hall. Five more to check on and he would be able to relax. A shower and some sleep would be nice.

In the mess hall he got himself some coffee and got a dinner order set up for James. They could come find him when the food was ready and he would send someone to deliver it. Not like he wanted to be in a room with that man, not after he took Alex away from him. Wasn't that much of a fool. So he left to his room to take a shower, the keys still around his neck, like they always were.

((Yay, I'm glad to hear that. Not the part about losing the joy or role playing, but the not being disappointed part. I know how that can be though. Things get to stressful and stuff you like just isn't as fun for a while.))

Once Lawrence had left she took Victor and tried to follow him without being obvious. They stayed far back and chatted about the training they had to do. Before walking nonchalantly into the mess hall for some grub. She made a point of sitting with some of the other newer recruits. She figured she had to make some friends. Alex did not, however, pay attention to the fact that the table she chose was populated with the men she had beaten. Her eyes widened a moment, but after a few hushed words with Victor the men seemed to accept her. Something about the exchange that she couldn't make out unsettled her, but she let it pass.

From the corner of her eyes she wanted Lawrence in the mess hall and ate just as quickly as anyone in the military would. Time was usually short for meals so there was no time to enjoy the nearly inedible food that the cooks produced. Giving enough time for Lawrence to leave, the woman made her way towards the showers as well. She instructed Victor to remain out of sight. The Elf was given access to the showers, and so it would be possible for her to 'stumble in' on Lawrence, but not likely that her partner would. She timed it so that Lawrence would have been taking his shower at least for a few minutes before she entered the room.

[{Might be mostly because of my new classes. They take up all my time. So I'm really sorry if my replies slow down. Can barely get on during the week anymore.}]

After leaving the mess hall and getting into the shower, Lawrence enjoyed the warm water down his grim filled body. They weren't able to take showers everyday or often. Conserve water, save money. Getting his hair lathered in shampoo he heard the door open to see who it was. "Alex. Why have you been sneaking around me all day?" he simply asked speculating. It was too, odd, to have seen her in the training grounds when he was there, the mess hall, and no in the showers with him. Wasn't blind to the fact he jailed James up in his room after kicking her out.

Rinse the shampoo from his hair he slipped out of the shower with a towel around his waist. Always was fast, it amazed the other recruits how he could deprive himself of such pleasures. "If you wanted to see your lover so badly you could of asked. Or were you setup?" he asked questions he hoped to get answers too. Till than he stood there staring at her, keys around his neck against a fit body riddled with scars. Scars that looked like some James had, but that was because they were partners and both got themselves into some tight situations together.

((I understand. Well, if you need to put it on hold for a while, then I understand.))

She blinked and turned her head immediately. Alex did not want to chance him thinking she was 'checking him out'. So, he realized he was following him? How would she cover it up? She didn't want to get Samuel into trouble. While she was trying to think of what to say, she tapped her fingers against the counter top. Finally, she decided it would be best not to lie, but she would avoid giving the whole truth. "I was told to get the key." The Elf shifted slightly from one foot to the other while carefully making certain not to look at Lawrence.

[{If you are fine with it being slow paced we can keep it going. Sorry}]

"Nice save Elf. Next time just be honest. If you bring him his food the key is yours. Don't want to be entering that mans room." Lawrence chuckled wondering why everyone perceived him as the big bad guy. Either way he slid one of the keys of the necklace and tossed it too Alex. "Now get out of here before people start getting the wrong idea. I don't want you, at all." He said bluntly before walking over to the sink and finishing up his hygiene needs.

((That's find with me. ^^ I've been having some trouble posting quickly as well. At least sometimes.))

She nodded, "Of course." Alex caught the key when he tossed it to her and couldn't help but laugh. "I am glad I'm not the only one thinking that way." The Elf went to the door and paused, "Thank you, sir." With that she left the room and wandered over to where she had left her 'partner' waiting. She flashed the man a smile, "I have the key."

Without another look back at him she walked back to where Samuel would be waiting, assuming that her partner would follow, and he did. "How did you get it?" He had been certain that she would not succeed, but she just smiled, "I was not so hard as you might think. I more or less asked him for it. That is, he pretty much knew that we were up to something, so I was honest and told him that I was told to get the key." She held the key up, "And here it is. Sometimes, honesty pays."