I woke up suddenly from my restless dream, woken up by the alarm of my phone I forgot to set off. I snorted and shifted to the other side. Not even five minutes passed before the alarm went off again. Ugh, this stupid phone! I should have shut it down when I had the chance now it'll keep on ringing till I turn the alarm function off.
Wearily I sat on the edge of bed, rubbing my eyes and when I gave up on sleeping and looked at it. It wasn't the alarm at all. I've received two messages from Mino -san. What's this about?
Curious, I opened the first one. It read:
You could have cleaned up after you, Onodera. Blood is everywhere at Marukawa, the third floor.
I blinked in sheer confusion. Blood? I am sure An was taken care of without any blood. And in her apartment, not at my workplace. I am more subtle than to leave blood visible all over walls or tiles or... you get the idea. The other message was even more strange than the first.
Did you kill him?
Him? Who? What's this about? I've had no idea what Mino -san meant at all. Nevertheless, I'll see it firsthand what happened at Marukawa when I went for An's place. So I got ready for work and headed out earlier than I planned, worried about the messages and their possible meaning.
When I came off the train and walked to my workplace, I felt uneasy all of sudden, like the premonition one gets about bad stuff happening before it happens. My premonition became reality when every employee in Marukawa I knew from manga editing to front desk were standing outside, the yellow tape barring them from entering. There were so many... I found Ishiyama -san mixed in the crowd and approached him warily. "Good morning... what happened? , " I asked of the chief editor who shook his head. "I don't know. Neither do all the people here. I myself arrived here only ten or so minutes prior and the main entrance was already sealed off like this. Apparently, something happened on the third floor as a criminalist said to the medics that arrived in an ambulance. Only the upper -ups in charge are inside with the criminal police, I presume."
Oh, that left a bitter taste in my mouth. Mino -san thought it was me and yet, some imposter is ruining my smooth work so far. Leaving behind evidence... what a lousy amateur. I snorted loudly caught in the moment. Ishiyama -san gave me quite the look. "My, you're awfully perky today, Onodera. Don't worry, they'll have to let us in eventually... but I dislike standing around doing nothing like this and I hate crowds. Come, let us separate and wait a bit further until we're permitted entry." I nodded and we made it out of the fifty plus people crowd and headed towards the northeast side of building, where another entrance was located. As we expected, it was sealed off, too. Truth to be told, this is surprising for me.
Also, I knew what everybody thinks – someone is out to get editors, no matter what company (but they go after Marukawa editors most of time) and eliminates them without leaving any traces. But why now has the perpetrator left so much blood smeared everywhere? And only god knows what else if it's so bad they had to seal the place off until they've conducted their investigation.
At any rate, it doesn't concern me. The copycat is stupid, that's all I am going to say. And I'll have to inform Mino -san later that it wasn't me this time.
I'd never make elementary mistakes like he or she did. They're morons or what? Or maybe... this was just all for showing off their prowess to...
Me?
It could be someone who somehow figured out I killed Haitani, Hasegawa and Yanase? And the police still has to find An's drowned body, floating in the water. If the latter is the case, then I have a serious problem. Who is the killer? And who was killed? I must have drifted off, because Ishiyama – san's voice sounded so far away. "-era, Onodera do you hear me? I'm calling a meeting for Crimson at a café. It seems we won't get in so soon. I called Nakamura and Mizutani to head there right away. We'll go, too."
I nodded, frantically thinking of the possible candidates for bloodthirsty killers. It must be someone from Marukawa... several names came to mind, but I quickly dismissed them as absurd. Isaka -san... no, out of question. Why would he kill his employees? Then how about some high – profile editors like chief editors? Another absurd thought crossed my mind. What if Takano killed someone in rage? No, he doesn't seem like that type. Even if, he's smart enough to steer clear of trouble or avoid conflict altogether. The possibilities were endless, so I opted to give up for now. I won't achieve anything with brainstorming alone. Maybe this is why Ishiyama called the sudden meeting. He wants to discuss it. Or maybe just chill out until we can go inside. Who knows? I'll find out soon.
The café wasn't far, but it wasn't near either. It took us approximately twelve minutes before we arrived (I checked my phone and time we departed) and went inside. Our colleagues were already there, talking excitedly. We approached them and we were greeted by them. "Hiya guys! We've been waiting for you. What took you so long?!" Mizutani spoke up, her overly excited hight pitched voice was annoying me. And it wasn't just me by the look on chief's and Nakamura's faces. The boss ignored her and we sat down ordering coffee in the meantime we settled down. As obnoxious as Mizutani was, she didn't wait until we would bring it up. She's just that way. Can't be helped.
"Hey, what's this crazy talk about a murder in the office again? And the place is currently being investigated by criminal police? Is it true, chief?!"
He nodded, intertwining his fingers, possibly deep in thought. "Yes, apparently it's so bad they're cleaning up the mess. I don' know the details, but someone is killing fellow editors and people related to our work for unknown reason. But I wonder... if this isn't a doing of ... I don't know, maybe an imposter?"
Ha, I knew it. He thought the same thing. This guy is impressive. Our orders arrived and Nakamura sipped her coffee, calmly putting her cup down. "What's this? You mean there are two killers on the loose?" Ishiyama -san shrugged. "It's just a theory and baseless speculation so far, but I think there are two... one is very careful. I think the person killed that editor from Shuudansha and Hasegawa... and that suicide of the mangaka assistant... I don't think it was a suicide at all. And this current situation indicates this is a different person. He or she left behind many traces of their crime. I think as crime manga editors, we should be especially wary of any suspicious behavior we see and... be careful and observe. I overheard yesterday a pretty funny and dangerous rumor in the lounge. Some employees from other departments think WE did it. That we're killing top -notch editors because we want to be on mountain top."
Really? As if I would kill for such a crappy reason... I chose to stay quiet and a worried expression settled on my face. I hope it's persuasive enough. Mizutani and Nakamura became extremely vocal in our collective defense. "What the?! They think WE ARE RESPONSIBLE?!" Mizutani squealed and my ear buds hurt from her screeching. Nakamura distinctively shook her head. "That's not possible! I know none of us are capable of such a sordid act! But still, we do edit crime manga, their presumption isn't completely off the chart with this one. I can't however phantom why would someone presume we're the serial killers or one of us."
Ishiyama let out a long sigh. "When you think of it, we're the only rational option. I have a feeling we won't be very much liked from now on in the office. At least until we can clear our names. I just wanted to let you all know that we won't probably receive friendly treatment in the coming days... or months."
So, he intends to clear our names? It's a noble cause, but it won't happen. I am not planning on being caught. Ever. I'll have to be more careful around my team... especially Ishiyama -san who's smart and can easily figure out if I behave shadily. I'll have to forge my plans more responsibly in the future and stay out of suspicion. Anyway, time to put this plain talk to end. I am sure the crime site is cleaned up. "At any rate, we can't do anything anything about it. Just waiting until we hear the official hearing from company. We'll clear our names eventually. We just have to catch the criminal or criminals off guard, right?"
"No. Don't try anything. Or we might found ourselves "blacklisted" for sticking our noses too much into the matter. I don't want to lose any of you. If you want to help clear our names, then do it discreetly and only observe, do nothing more. If you see anyone doing anything suspicious, call the police immediately. Don't approach them, stay away. Got it?" He scanned each of us and we all agreed.
Hmph. So I guess, I'll have to keep my guard up around them 24/7 a week? This will be challenging to say the least, but I will preserve until I can safely identify the imposter and kill him. I won't stand for this atrocity.
We headed out back to Marukawa.
The main gate was free of the sealing tape and the crowd was gone as well. So, things taken care of? I didn't see any police cars around either. They must have left already. I looked at chief of Crimson and he nodded abrasively and I followed after my female colleagues. The dread atmosphere swallowed the place inside out. The women at front desk stared at us with fear visible in their eyes. I was intent on asking what happened, but all I made was one step and the women screamed and ran away towards the elevator. We exchanged perplexed looks until someone came running down from the stairs. I recognized Isaka who puffed and huffed like he ran a marathon or something. When he regained his composure, his expression was dead serious. "You're here. And in full numbers. Come with me. There is someone who would like to speak with you."
We couldn't disobey him. He's our boss... or will be. We had no choice but to follow him into the elevator. He pressed the top floor button and the feeling of something bad happening intensified in my chest. Why does this feel like we're being taken to some... interrogation or something? Ishiyama -san was right. We're prime suspects. So that someone must be a criminalist. This was a development of events I didn't anticipate. Despite the situation, neither me or other Crimson editors did it. They have nothing on us. This will be another waste of time. Mine and theirs, but oh well. Let them interrogate us.
Isaka led us to a meeting room. Ishiyama -san entered as first, Nakamura after him, then Mizutani and finally I traipsed in calmly, putting on my best poker face. The detective (as I suspected) was seated on the far end of the big table. His hardened looks spoke for him, along with a scar along his left eye. He's seen some shit and lived through it. This one won't stop till he found the murderer.
His gaze traveled from Ishiyama to Nakamura, Mizutani and finally me. His right eye fixated on me as he said, "Sit down."
We complied and sat down in a moderate distance from him. I didn't like him. I knew he could endanger my goal if he found out. He was a dangerous man. Better stay away.
We all waited for the detective to speak up. He sought something in his pockets and then showed it, more like threw the object. It landed near Mizutani who screamed and almost fell from her chair. The object was enveloped in a sack. It was a... single severed finger with the bone sticking out and blood still dripping from it. The sack was getting bloody...
"This was the biggest part we could salvage for proof, aside from head, of course. This is what we found. The whole third floor was one big bloody pool with body parts. Even the walls were tainted. However, we identified the corpse. He was a chief editor of Japun, Kirishima Zen. He was widely liked by many as I've been informed. So tell me, why would someone murder him so brutally?"
That name didn't sound familiar to me. But still... why did the murderer choose another chief editor? It's like he's... copying me? Or maybe he or she's... helping me in a way? But I didn't even know that Kirishima fellow. Maybe the copycat killed him because of personal vengeance and it so just happened Kirishima was a chief editor. That's a possibility that cannot be dismissed...
None of us spoke up. The detective stood up and approached us. "Just so you know, even editors from all the floors think Crimson had something to do with it. So tell us why you're innocent. Give us a valid argument against the false accusations."
And this is it. We don't have any... do we?
"We cannot prove our innocence right away. The murderer or the group of murderers will probably lay low for a while. If you arrest us here, we won't be able to clear our names. Either way, we didn't do it. I personally was friends with Zen. I could never do that to his family, his family being a daughter... poor thing. She doesn't have anyone left..., " Ishiyama said solemnly.
"So you were aware of his family. Hm... How about you?" He asked me next. "I transfered here two months ago. I don't know everyone as of yet. The only employees I know are manga editors. I don't tend to socialize." I spoke the truth for once. Mizutani nodded. "That's true. Onodera doesn't like to socialize AT ALL. He didn't know Kirishima, I don't think he ever met him..."
The detective raised his brow, amused. "Well, little lady, did you know him then?"
"We met at New Years Parties from all the previous years working here, but I never approached him directly outside of that yearly event. He always had a huge fangirl club in his office and I didn't want to get too close. They can be a crazy bunch. They must be furious or deeply depressed right now. What I mean is, I didn't know him much. And I didn't care to. I have a boyfriend."
I rolled eyes at her logic. She has a boyfriend and she's out of question?
Your reasoning sucks, Mizutani. Big time. The detective moved on, for now.
"So did you know him?, " he asked of Nakamura who shrugged. "What if I said yes? Would you arrest me on the spot? Yes, I knew him. He was a friend of mine. He and my husband went to the same highschool and they were friends since then. Why, he was at my house just two days ago together with his daughter, Hiyori... I feel sorry for her..." Nakamura broke into tears and didn't stop until Ishiyama moved in to comfort her, offering her a handkerchief. "Shh, it's gonna be alright..., " he said to her, but to me it seemed like he tried to convince himself of the fact, not her.
The detective retrieved the finger from the table and went for the door. "You should be more careful, Crimson editors. I will believe you for now. All I ask is you keep your eyes peeled for trouble. When something happens, call police." With his back turned, he waved on his way out and left.
I was left speechless for a moment. I didn't know what to think anymore. Was someone copying me? Helping me or getting in my way? Either way... the person will be found out soon. As they say, the murderer always returns to the scene of the crime. Someone came in. We all expected the detective was back, but it was just Isaka. "Sorry about that, people. I don't think you did it, but the situation is dire and people are desperate for someone to lay the blame on. If someone bullies you, come to my office and I'll set them straight."
Ishiyama -san stood up. "If we do that, we'd only justify their fear and suspicions. We'll take care of ourselves. We know we're innocent. That's all that matters for now. "
I had to agree and admire him. Spoken like a true chief editor. Isaka saw our resolve and let out a short sigh. "Fine. But if it goes too far, you have to report to me. I won't have anyone ganging up on you guys, just because you edit crime manga."
"As you wish, executive manager Isaka -san," the chief said.
"Also, there is another matter... do you want to take day off? I'll understand..."
Strangely, it was Nakamura who spoke up. "No, the magazine won't finish itself, will it? Also, it might be a good thing to take our minds off..." her voice trailed off and she supressed her tears and she went for the door. "If you'd excuse us, Isaka -san..." She bowed and exited, not looking back. Mizutani reluctantly followed after her, bowing her head when she passed by Isaka. Ishiyama figuratively facepalmed. "What a mess we've gotten mixed in. I appreciate the support, executive manager, but we have to go back to work." He left as well and it was just me and Isaka. He's staring at me strangely... I never know what goes on in that head of his. The man grinned. "You just have to love this office, right? Care to transfer back to Onodera Publishing? I could arrange it for you easily..., " he offered.
As appealing as it sounded, I had no intention of going back there. I still have a goal. "I must respectfully decline the offer, Isaka – san. I am getting the hang of editing manga and I want to give a chance. I knew there would be problems along the way, that's how every business is. I didn't expect to be accused of murder and then somewhat cleared right away, but that's one of the perks of this job, I guess? The unpredictability. Crimson Monthly will make it through like the team we are. We don't need another departments to believe in our innocence in this unfortunate murder. We will clear our names, one day, hopefully the day will come sooner that later. Now, I must go to my team, I hope you understand..." I bowed as well and went out.
I looked around. It was a ghost corridor. Not a single person passed, which was strange. The top floor was rumored to be the busiest with paperwork. At any rate, I have to go to fourth floor and eventually get some work done. I walked behind the corner when someone bumped into me and was falling. I saved the person before looking properly. It was... my dad! What's he doing here?! It got rapidly from bad to worse. If he's here then...!
"Dad, what's the meaning of this? I told you to not come here, did I not?"
He stood up properly after I let go and he seemed relieved. "Oh, thank goodness I got a hold of you. You didn't pick up your phone at all and when I asked the the front desk, they behaved strangely. But that's beside the point! An was found in her apartment, drowned. I thought you should know. She was your fianceé after all. It's so sudden. Her parents are over at our house. The funeral will be held on Saturday. It's advised you should come. To pay your respects for her. Poor An..."
This wasn't impressing me in the least. Even after her death, she still finds a way to annoy me. I have to attend her funeral? Fine. This will be the last time I will ever see her. If agreeing makes him go away before he makes a scene or something worse, then so be it. "I will come, father. Send me the time and place beforehand in email and I will attend. It's the least I can for her. She was always trying her best, so full of life." My voice cracked and I stopped before I exposed myself. I wasn't going to laugh in front of my father, was I?
"Somehow, you're too composed about it. I thought you would crack down, cry or burst into rage. You've changed, Ritsu. I don't think it was good for you, coming here into Marukawa after all. You should come back." Again with this crap? He just wants to control me, like some puppet. I am not going back to play his lapdog, father or not, he's not the one shaping my future anymore. I am. My future is with Takano. I shook my head. "This is where you are wrong, father. Coming here was the best thing that could have happened to me. I've matured more than I could have if I stayed in Onodera Publishing, and it all happened under two months since I came here. This is where I need to be. No, where I want to be."
"Are you sure, Ritsu? Your mom is worried about you, as am I... don't do anything stupid, boy."
Stupid? We heard approaching steps and turned to face our intruder on a private family debate. I shouldn't be surprised. It was Isaka – san. He is the boss and we were near his location where I left him. "Oh, fancy seeing you here, director Onodera! And you're with your son. Did you come to lure him back? I must say that it won't work. Even after taking recent events into mind, he still refused to leave and go back. He'd rather stay with his team. I must say, that's team spirit this office lacked for some time now. If only more employees were like Onodera, we'd have no problems."
My father narrowed his eyebrows. "What recent events? What's happening here?" Now it was Isaka who was left in awe. He stared at me. "You didn't tell him yet?"
"What shoud my only son tell me? Ritsu, what's going on?" That Isaka, he did it on purpose! He's still obnoxious, as ever, sticking his nose where he shouldn't. Why the hell did he need to alert my already suspicious father of the strange occurrences around Marukawa? I was slightly nervous. I didn't plan to let my overprotective parents know of the murders in Marukawa at all and now, he's bound to find out. Oh, brother. I have to change the subject or deny it completely. I approached the executive manager Isaka and laughed, putting my arm around his shoulder. "Hahaha, don't take him seriously, father. You know Isaka, he's a always in good spirits and prone to making jokes. Right, Isaka -san?" I said nervously, prompting him to stop his shenanigans at once. I hoped my one second glare sufficed. It did. He immediately changed to the goofy idiot persona he maintained around my family. "The event is called "the cycle" around here. It's pretty brutal, compared to Onodera Publishing this is like going through all seven stages of hell. Your son is handling the pressure well, director Onodera. You should be proud of him."
"I am proud of him, but I don't want to pamper him like he's a little boy. His mother is the opposite opinion, though. Nevertheless, if what you're saying is true, then it's a good thing he came here. Ritsu, when you're become a great manga editor and polished all your skills, come back and succeed the company. I am counting on you." W-what? Not again, that talk about succession! And in front of Isaka! This is embarrassing. I couldn't think of anything I could retort back with and my father was smiling. He turned on his heel. "I know you'll become a great editor one day and even more brilliant director. I'll send you the details later, as you requested."
… And he left. I let go of Isaka and bowed. "Please forget this display ever happened, executive manager."
He shrugged. "That's fine with me, but are you sure about keeping your family in the dark about the murders and that you were one among the suspects?"
I blinked furiously. If my dad found out about them! No, he must not find out. Then he'd have me transfer back if I wanted to or not. "I want to clear my name. Also, Crimson is a fine magazine and I have grown accustomed to my colleagues and the whole manga editorial department. I still have a lot to prove. I can't have my father interfering. I hope you understand, Isaka -san."
He sighed before he patted my head and was about to leave. "Alright. I will do as you ask, but just because you seem determined to make Crimson more than a mediocre magazine. We'll see where it goes from here. Take care, Onodera." He walked off, probably back to his office.
I waited for two minutes, collecting my thoughts because they were in total disarray. My mind was overflowed with incoherent buzzing, as if numberless insects fluttered with their wings, fogging my rational thinking. I still couldn't shake off the fact that someone else was out there, murdering people, never mind my father came here to check on me personally and deliver the news of An's death. All I knew is that the person was a cold blooded killer who wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. It still bothered me a bit. But this person... he was on a completely different level to begin with. He or she had no moral barriers. I have killed people, but I felt like I did it with a more vigilant approach. And that person was possibly my greatest threat in my goal. It could be he's out to kill me and this was a warning of the things to come if I won't leave. I will take up the challenge that was laid out. When the time comes, I will face the person. Hopefully, before he or she kills again. There was the matter of clearing Crimson's collective name. I will need to find the murderer and make him confess his crimes. Well, it won't happen today. The murderer will put a hold to the killing. Heck, maybe this was the only murder he or she had planned and no more will be committed. What do we do then?
… No use thinking over the uncertain aspects of future I don't know. I sighed and walked to the elevator on the left side of the long corridor. I got in and pressed the number four on the panel. When the door closed, I finally relaxed for a bit, leaning on the metallic wall. Someone stopped the elevator on the fifth floor. I quickly put on my stoic mask and looked briefly at the woman who entered. "Good day." She said politely and I nodded, retorting: "Good day."
It was the woman I bumped into on my... second day, was it? She worked on the fifth floor? "Um, which floor are you getting off?" I asked of her. "The fourth. " She replied. "Me too. I mean, I edit manga. I have seen you before. You bumped into me once, remember?"
She scanned my face and then her eyes lit up. "Oh, you're from the infamous Crimson weekly?"
"Infamous? My, my..."
She giggled. "Oh, please don't take the scaredy cats seriously. Not all of us believe you're heartless killers. By the way, my name is Aikawa Eri, pleased to make your acquaintance ." She extended her hand and I shook hers, smiling. She's interesting. What if I was the killer and she just said she believes in my innocence. "I am Onodera Ritsu. Nice to meet you."
We let go and she dropped her documents because of it. I knelt down and helped her gather them. I handed her some printouts and she thanked me. The elevator stopped on our stop and we stepped outside. Everything seemed to be fine so far. She walked in front of me, she was definitely headed for Emerald. Well, it's none of my business. She doesn't seem like the type to make passes at Takano. I couldn't help myself to not have a look at Takano who was sitting cross legged, an irritated expression on his face. When Aikawa approached him, his complexion changed slightly to less irritated. "Ah, there you are. We were afraid, since Crimson didn't have our manuscripts this time. We were worried who had them. Chief editor told me he'd send someone to deliver them. Thank you." She handed him the papers and I thought I should move on if I don't want to seem like I was spying on them. Which I was.
My legs carried me to the Crimson site, steering clear of other editors, more like they steered clear of me. We were feared, I knew that. But this was boarding with the precipice of foolishness. On what basis are they avoiding us like plague? It didn't hurt me as much as it probably did my colleagues. They were here longer, after all. They knew most of editorial department, unlike me.
When I reached my seat, Mizutani was crying, spilling tears... on the storyboard?! Is she crazy?! She could damage it and her sensei was of the laziest mangaka's ever. I pulled her seat away along with her. "Oi, are you out your mind, Mizutani?"
"M -my boyfriend broke up with me because we're suspected of a crime. He said he doesn't want to be involved with a criminal." She sobbed and her nose was dripping. Disgusting. I checked my bag for tissues. I found them and threw them at her. She caught the little packet, blinking. "Go to restroom, blow your nose and come back once you've calmed down. We need to stay strong here, not break down into tears, Mizutani. I am sure he's just upset and he'll come around."
Her eyes brightened. "You really think so? Thank you, Onodera -san! You're so kind!" She stood up and headed for the restroom. I sat down and gazed at my pile of work. Me, kind? No, I am not kind. I am thoroughly jaded.
Ishiyama -san saw our little interaction and he gave me thumbs up for handling Mizutani so well before he returned to answering his phone call. Nakamura didn't see nor hear it. She was so concentrated into her work that she didn't seem to take in the real world at all. She's trying to cope with the situation the best way she can and that means burrying herself in work. She must have really cared for that Kirishima person. As for me, I will do my workload and go back home. I have no interest in further group healing.
All went as normally would, but the atmosphere was filled with imminent fear as someone from other departments just passed by us. Only Emerald was staying at their side, engaged with their work. I thought Takano would come over, or even Kisa who was a friendly fellow, but none came. Maybe they're... scared of us? Is Takano scared? Of me?
My eyes widened in dread as I realized that must be the case. They are so terrified, they won't even come near. Or... they just have a ton of work and no time for chatting. I hoped for the latter. I can't stand the thought of my beloved Takano fearing me. He should smile when he sees me, not flee at mere sight. My day went by rather quickly. My eyes were getting tired and I almost dozed off. That's when I decided to call it a day. When you're about to fall asleep, it's no use. And I have progressed. I've done the meeting proposal for manga distribution and I corrected the storyboard and informed my mangaka in advance that it needed some minor changes, but overall, it was okayed by chief, too. She was happy she didn't have to redo many parts. As was I. That would mean more trouble for me. And headaches. I don't need more nuisance, I've had my fill for today. I tidied up my table and set aside the work for tomorrow and the okayed manuscript on another pile. I am done. Before I go... I should probably text Mino -san.
My phone laid on the bottom of bag, abandoned for the whole day. I picked it up and searched through the missed calls and messages, all from mother and father. I typed a quick response to them that all is fine and I will come to pay my respects to An, mainly to ease my mother's mind. She was capable of making a fuss here if I didn't let her know personally or at least via messaging. Then, my next message was sent to Mino -san, telling him that it wasn't me this time and we'll have to keep an eye out for troublemakers. He or she is here and is watching us, waiting for our next move. I say we don't make a move for a week and how will the person react. I send it and waited for his reply. It was quick, came almost instantly.
I knew this wasn't your work this time. You would have consulted with me before processing with a plan to the end. Alright, it's for the best. A week and we'll see what happens. Keep safe.
I felt a bit guilty. I should have consulted with him about An... but I didn't. She wasn't worth consulting and she died without needing his assistance. I don't want to bother him unless I really have to... He's reliable but also he has his own life, I shouldn't pester him with minor bugs like An. Or so I thought. Seriously, next time we have a meeting, I'll tell him about An's demise. "Oh, what's this?" Mizutani moved closer and I scarcely got away, hiding my phone. It would be bad if she found out. I'll have to delete the messages from Mino -san as soon as I get back home. I am sure he does the same thing. "It's from a friend. I told him about the incidents happening around Marukawa. He's worried about me and advised me to be more careful." It was truth, partly.
Mizutani yawned loudly. "Oh crap! Look at the time! I have missed my favorite TV show twice in a row! I am not gonna miss it third time in one week! Oh, this sucks!" She stood up and energetically got dressed in her coat, picked her bag and sprinted to the elevators. "See you guys!" She said before she vanished around the corner. "Be careful!" Ishiyama said, but it fell on deaf ears. She was gone. He and Nakamura stood up at the same time and each went for their phones and called someone. Huh? What is this? Calling someone at this hour, it's late and they should be too tired. I know I am tired a bit.
Well, it's none of my business. I had no intention of asking them when they finished with their calls. It was their private right to do whatever they want. I bowed to them. "Good work, chief and Nakamura -san. I am heading home to get rest. I'll be careful." I didn't wait for them to say back anything as I got dressed in my coat, wrapped a green scarf around neck to keep me warm, got my bag and headed for elevators. Once inside, I relaxed. This was a long day. So many new questions have arisen and none have been answered. Only more unkowns were added.
The lobby was empty. The front desk people were gone. Of course, only editors stayed here after office hours normally. I let out a low sigh, walking to the front gate. A sudden deep voice from right startled me and I jumped. "I waited for you, Onodera." My eyes laid upon Takano who was finishing a cigarette and his gaze halted when his eyes met mine. He was waiting for me? I thought he avoided me... thank goodness he didn't avoid me. I don't know how I'd feel if he did. "Waiting for me?" I blurted out, embarrassed at my initial reaction. I almost jumped out of my skin. I half expected to be confronted by the killer, not Takano. This was so much better, though.
He threw the little remains into the ash tray, motioning towards the exit. "Come with me." It wasn't a command, but I obeyed as if it was. I'll do anything he asked of me. I'd follow him to the pits of hell if he commanded me to.
He moved and my body reacted on its own, following after him. My heartbeat increased as I was curious and excited. Takano is taking me somewhere. I didn't know where, but it didn't matter. He waited for me. For me.
Unbeknown to them, another stature hiding in shadows followed after the duo, keeping a distance between them, but the person was sneaky as not even the cautious Takano or enamored Ritsu caught wind of the person's presence, stalking them as they walked the busy night streets.
Author's Notes – Argh! Stupid cliffhanger! I should stop with the ass long chapters, shouldn't I? Heh, easier said than done. I hope it was worth your time and if you liked it, then drop a review. Because they make me smile and want to write another chapter sooner. n_n With that said, please forgive me for the delay. I had a writer's block and it took me some time to gather my thoughts about where I want this to go. Let me tell you, we're only at the beginning. Our little monster is far from his goal, yet.
See you soon, guys! I love all my readers.
