'It is the only way,' Manex insisted. 'You know it is.'
Obi-Wan's gaze went from Manex to Mace. Of course he knew that Mace had to agree to protect Manex. It had been a foolish move on Manex's part, but no one wanted Obi-Wan's opinion. Now they would have to baby-sit Manex in the hope that Balog would show up. Was that what Manex wanted? Did he want to tie up the Jedi's time until he could consolidate power? Perhaps he was in league with Balog.
Obi-Wan reminded himself that Qui-Gon had trusted Manex. He had gently pointed out that just because a man enjoyed his wealth did not make him a man of bad character. Qui-Gon had seen something likeable in Manex's happy pursuit of his own pleasures.
'All right, we'll protect you,' Mace said. 'But we will form the plan.'
The lights were still powered down in the house, as a house of mourning. Manex sat at a table in his garden, nervously fiddling with a cup of 'the finest juice on New Apsolon — can I fetch the Jedi some glasses?'
The Jedi had long ago refused, and Manex had hardly been able to eat or drink himself.
'Look relaxed,' Mace told him in a low tone.
'I'm trying,' Manex said between his teeth.
Mace stood behind a screen of bushes. Obi-Wan was a few yards away.
Bant was on the opposite side of the small clearing where Manex had laid stone over the grass for an outdoor seating area.
If there was to be an ambush, Mace wanted plenty of room to maneuver.
He had decided that Manex would eat his evening meal outside and then linger as the suns set. Manex had picked at his food and now was making a weak attempt to sip his juice in a serene fashion. He only succeeded in spilling it down his tunic.
The suns set, and the darkness grew. Only a small light on the table illuminated the area. Obi-Wan kept himself attuned for the sound of probe droids approaching. He was determined not to let Balog slip through their fingers. Once he was in their hands, they would have justice for Tahl. And Qui-Gon would return. Obi-Wan would never admit it to anyone, but he would feel better if they were the ones to catch Balog, not Qui-Gon.
Mace had linked the house's security system to his comlink. It must have vibrated an alert, for he turned to Obi-Wan. 'Security has been breached on the east wall,' he said.
'What?' Manex asked.
'Move closer to us as though you are looking at the stars,' Mace ordered quietly.
Manex pushed his chair back. He rose, still clutching his cup, and pretended to look at the sky. Obi-Wan knew that Mace wanted Manex close to cover if anything happened. There was a low stone wall that they could push him behind in just a few seconds.
Obi-Wan felt a surge in the Force and saw a shadow flit across the lawn. It could have been a night bird or a shadow across the moon. But it wasn't.
He and Mace sprang forward together. Bant came around the other side in a flanking motion. Obi-Wan pushed Manex behind the wall as he darted closer. Three lightsabers were activated as the Jedi advanced.
'Good to see you, too,' Qui-Gon said, stepping into the light.
'Master!' Obi-Wan exclaimed.
He looked at Manex peeking over the wall at the three Jedi. 'So I see it's a trap. Looks like I fell for it, not Balog.'
'Qui-Gon,' Mace began sternly, 'what are you — '
He stopped abruptly. He and Qui-Gon looked toward the front of the dwelling. It took another beat or two, but Obi-Wan heard it, too. Angry pounding at the front door. A few seconds later Obi-Wan saw security forces pounding down the hall while Manex's protocol droid waved his arms in protest.
Mace hurried forward, saying over his shoulder to Qui-Gon, 'I suggest you find another exit.'
Drawing his robes around him, Mace quickly entered the house. They heard the angry voice of a security officer.
'I know he is here. We have our proof! He bought the probe droid that killed Legislator Pleni!'
Qui-Gon was screened by the elaborate bushes of the grounds. He hesitated, listening to the officer.
'Qui-Gon, you must go,' Obi-Wan urged. 'I'll come with you.'
Qui-Gon hesitated. He met Obi-Wan's gaze. 'No. I'm sorry I've caused you worry, Padawan,' he said. 'I must do this my way.'
'But — ' Obi-Wan began. Before he could finish, he felt his words snatched away by the wind, even before he had a chance to form them.
Qui-Gon had become a shadow again, moving across the soft green grass. Then he disappeared.
Chapter 12
Qui-Gon ran through the darkness, grateful for the new moons that made the night so dark. He moved from shadow to shadow noiselessly. When he had put a good deal of distance between himself and Manex's residence, he finally slowed down.
He was tired, but he wanted to run again. Pushing his body was the only time his mind had a chance to empty out. Facing Mace had been difficult. Facing Obi-Wan had been worse. He knew he belonged with the Jedi. Yet he could not seem to stop himself from going on alone. His emotions were too large right now, too raw.
