By the time they pulled up to the Marquis' estate it was already beginning to get dark.  Sean welcomed the night as it would provide cover for them to escape. 

This rescue attempt was going to prove tricky as it wouldn't be like one of his covert assignments.  He usually worked alone and he liked it that way.  Working with others, especially those he cared about was extremely dangerous.  Anything could happen.  One mistep by him or one of the others could get all of them killed.  This was an issue he was finding very difficult not to think about.  He shook his head as if to clear it and scrubbed his hands over his face.  He had to trust in his companions.  If he gave it anymore thought he would end up pulling them out and attempting the mission on his own, which to his mind may have been a better course of action.

If he had been alone for this, he at least would have stealth on his side.  Not only could he move faster, he could also sneak past the guards without being detected.  Something that was next to impossible with a group. 

That being said however, he wasn't one to let his ego get in his way.  He knew in his heart that this mission required more than just one person. If they were going to save Mei they would all need to do their part.  There was no room for heroic endeavors.   Besides, he was a practical man, and although he was good at his job he never expected to receive accolades.  He was man enough to admit that he was over his head and needed help. 

Thankfully, however, there would be assistance as he was surrounded by the best.  The skills that each of his friends  possessed were that of a small army.  He just prayed that the Marquis didn't have one of his own. 

The guards instructed Aung to drive the carraige around to the side of the house.  They were to enter through the servants entrance. From there the girls would be escorted down a flight of stairs and in to the cellars.  Most people held wine and cheese down there.  Not the Marquis, however.  No, his cellars held much more than then Brie and chablis.  The sick bastard had turned the space into something more nefarious. This was the place that the Marquis held his more intimate gatherings.  Sight unseen, Sean had concluded from his inquiries that the Marquis had turned his cellar into a lavash den of ill repute.  His own private Sodom and Gomorrah. 

The carriage rolled to a stop and Sean jumped off the boot to pull down the carriage steps.  The ladies emerged looking composed and unconcerned.  This was indeed not surprising as they were accustomed to uncomfortable situations in their line of work.  As they proceeded to walk towards the entrance a rather detestable looking creature stopped them from continuing forward.  He approached Marioselle and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her away from the other women. It took every fiber of his being to remain calm and in place.  Had he stiffened or taken the slightest step they would have been exposed.  In his line of work body language was a key tell of one's deception, and he was quite certain the Marquis' henchman would be trained to take note of this as well.  They weren't dealing with a fool, as he well knew from his past experiences with the Black Cobra.  Afterall, the man had trained her and she was quite versed in her skills.

"Who are you? Where is Nanette?"

Marioselle didn't even bat an eye.  Well not at being stopped anyway.  Instead she placed her hand upon the man's chest, fluttered her lashes, and purred. The little temptress was brilliant.  She certainly had his loins tied stirring at this point.  He had to look away or things could get quite embarrassing for him. 

"Nannette wasn't feeling well." She said,  looking up into the man's only remaining eye.  "Besides, I am much prettier, oui?  Nanette is old and tired."  Sean knew she didn't really mean what she was saying.  Marioselle would never speak cruel words of anyone, but it was necessary. 

The man looked her in weighty silence then looked over to gauge the reactions of the other girls.  He followed the mans gaze.  The dark haired girl and the redhead simply looked bored, and the buxom blonde feigned offense.  They were good, he was rather impressed. The henchman looked back down at Marioselle, whispered something in her ear and shoved her towards the other girls.  "Get back in line, the Marquis will teach you submission you hauty bitch." Sean took a silent breath as not to clench his fist at the insult.  It wouldn't do to blow their cover now.  She had passed the first test. 

The ladies started back towards the entrance and he climbed back up onto the carriage.  They would take the carriage to the stables and from there they would make their way inside the house.  They each had a part to play. He would make his way to the back of the house and take out the henchman.  Aung would look for Mei, and Chen Li would be responsible for taking out the guards around the perimeter.  Meanwhile, the ladies were to keep the Marquis guest's occupied while Marioselle slipped Chen li's sleeping potion into their drinks.  The only one they were concerned about was the Marquis.  He was a wild card.  They had no idea when he would leave his illustrious guests upstairs to venture down to the cellars.  The man was smart, he would be on his guard with Chen Li on the loose.  He would be watching for her, hence the extra security on the perimeter.

He walked around the corner of the estate and stopped dead in his tracks.  Their standing before him were the Marquis and several of his guards. 

"Well, well, well.  If it isn't the Blue Knight, or should I say Mr. O'Brien? We've been expecting you.