Redheaded Stranger

Chapter 23
Plans

Within a half-hour of Odine's death, Squall got the news from his father. In all honestly, he wasn't surprised with the man's demise. Anyone working at the prison could have poisoned him, and there was sure to be an investigation. He had a feeling though, that nothing would come of it. The trial was ended before it even began, but they still had a huge problem. Mayor Travis.

All of Odine's files and computers had been looked over diligently with no trace of any dealing with Dollet's Mayor. The one man who could have given them something was now dead, leaving them with unanswered questions. It looked like the Mayor was going to get away free and clean, if he had really been involved in the first place. Odine may have blurted out the name, simply to be free of the vengeful redhead's abuse.

Reno came in his office, interrupting his thoughts for the time being. "Still not knocking, Reno," he muttered, rubbing his eyes. He needed sleep and was about to leave his office to do just that.

"You look beat, babe. Did I wear you out today?"

"Odine's dead. Poisoned in his cell," Squall said, ignoring his teasing manner.

"Can't say that I'm upset. Hope the fucker suffered," he said, sitting down on the couch with a sigh.

"From what I heard, he did." He looked at the redhead questioningly. "Did he say anything else to you in that room? Anything at all?"

"Besides a lot of screaming and begging? No. Why, what's wrong?"

"They've found no proof of Travis' involvement, and I don't think we'll be able to do anything with a forced confession from a man who's not with us anymore, do you?" he asked tiredly.

"Come on, there's got to be something on this guy."

"Nothing so far, and he's a high official. We can't very well throw out accusations on the word of a man who was tortured for the information. You were the only one with him, Reno, and you're a stranger here. Basically, for now, we're fucked!"

"Sounds like you got your work cut out for you."

"You could say that, but I've dealt with worse, believe me." He leaned his head back on his chair to rest his eyes, thinking if he didn't get out of there soon, he'd end up sleeping in the office all night. He tried to stifle a yawn, but failed. Reno's soft chuckle made him open his eyes and he saw the redhead looking at him with a smile. "There's no reason for you to stay here any longer, Reno. Why don't you go home. I'm sure your boss needs you back there," he said, rising from his chair.

"Is that your way of telling me to get the fuck out of the Garden?"

"Don't be a smart ass."

"Why not? I'm good at it," he smirked, staying seated on the couch. He patted the cushion in that familiar way, inviting his new lover to join him.

"Reno, I'm really tired..."

"I'll be good, just come here."

"I doubt that," Squall said, but walked over anyway and sat next to him with a tired groan. He allowed Reno to put his arm across his shoulders and pull him closer.

"Are we still on for tomorrow night, babe?"

"Is that what you're worried about?" he asked, turning toward Reno to give him a quizzical look.

"Well, you seem like you're going to be busy with this Mayor thing and I do have the way home now, so I just figured maybe that.." Squall cut him off with a kiss that obliterated any concern he had. He reached his hand up, pressing it to the back of Squall's head to hold him in place. The embrace was broken after what seemed like an eternity, both men panting for breath.

"We're still on," he said. "But right now, I'm exhausted," he added, peeling himself away from Reno's arms. "Plus, I've only had a few minutes to spend with Rinoa earlier and I want to see her before I crash for the night."

"No problem. I really should check in with Rufus." Reno got up with him and followed Squall to the door, giving him a playful smack on the ass.

"Pervert," Squall muttered as he turned the knob, suppressing a smile while the redhead followed him out the door.

XXXXX

Mayor Wade Travis sat in his office, watching the news report on Dr. Odine's capture and murder. He felt no sadness for his business partner's death. The only think he was feeling at the moment was nervous anxiety. He hadn't had any questions asked of him, not even when he was informed by the Esthar soldiers that they had found Odine's hidden lab in the abandoned tower. He'd been a nervous wreak since that day, but managed to stay cool and collected in the presence of others.

He had made sure that his secretary destroyed all traces of any involvement with the scientist, but he still had his fears. 'What if Odine had left anything behind?' He shuddered at the thought. If anyone were to find out what he and Odine had been planning, he'd be finished. The death of President Loire would have left room for him to come in and try to take over as Esthar's new President. It was his ultimate dream to have the city as his own, but now that dream was further out of his reach than before.

He sighed as he turned the news off and got up from his chair. It was time to head home to that whining wife of his and he wasn't looking forward to it. Having second thoughts, he looked at the phone and picked it up, dialing his house number to tell his wife he just had too much work to do and it would be very late before he got home. He knew she would bitch, but he really didn't care. He needed some stress relief and he wasn't about to go home to get it from her. Sex with his wife had become more like a chore since she had let herself go.

As he thought, she wasn't thrilled, but he promised to take her to dinner the next night to make up for it. That always seemed to make the cow happy. He made a more pleasant call after that, calling a service that was very discrete for his needs. His date for the night would be there within a half hour, ready to do whatever he wanted. He was feeling rather angry tonight, so the woman would probably leave with more than a few bruises, but she would be paid handsomely for her trouble.

He opened his door to look out at his shy secretary who was typing a report on her computer. The young woman would be attractive if not for the way she dressed and carried herself. "Brooke, you may go for the night. I've got some work to do and I'll be here late. No reason for you to stick around," he said to her.

"Are you sure, Sir?"

"Yes, go on now. Have a nice day off tomorrow."

"Thank you, Sir," she said softly and watched him close his office door. She frowned when it shut, feeling ill for having to treat the man with so much respect. She knew very well he had no intention of working on anything, except laying some whore. She felt badly for Mrs. Travis, but tomorrow she'd be free of the asshole forever. She shut her computer down and gathered her belongings quickly, locking the door on her way out.

She smiled a little as she got into her car, excited about her day off. She had some packing to do for her trip to Balamb Garden tomorrow. She had something that they might find very interesting about Dollet's Mayor. Too bad for Travis that he thought she was innocent and placid. She just hoped she would be able to be there to see the look on his face when they came to take him to prison.

XXXXX

Squall went quietly into the dark bedroom to see Rinoa was already asleep. He stripped down to his boxers and crawled in next to her, pressing against her back and kissing her cheek. Sensing him, she woke with a soft smile and turned to face him. Kissing her forehead, he pulled her closer against him, sighing with the soft feel of her body against his.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," he whispered, running his hand through her hair.

"I'm glad you did," she smiled, snuggling closer against him. "Did Reno come to see you again?" she giggled against his chest. He had told her about he and Reno's encounters, and it had only ignited her excitement for their party.

"Yeah. He went home, but he said he'd be here tomorrow night," he said, running his hand up and down her back.

"Good. I got some shopping to do tomorrow then."

"What exactly are you going to be shopping for?" he asked, tilting her head up so he could see her face.

"Some fun things for us to use....Got any suggestions on what I should get?" she asked with a shy smile.

"Actually, I could think of a few things. I have to pay him back for something he did, and I think I know just what to do." Rinoa's smile widened when he told her his plan. Tomorrow night was going to be fun indeed.