Hi everyone! This chapter is really long but a lot happens in it. So, I apologize for the length but I really hope you like it :) Also, once this story is done whoever has questions can inbox me and I will answer all of them in an appendix to this story. Anyway back to this chapter... please R & R. Enjoy :D
Kaiba soon arrived back at Anika's penthouse. He entered the kitchen to leave the pizza on the counter top only to see Alex making a peanut butter sandwich. He placed the knife down and picked up the plate.
"Comfort food. This with a hot mug of cocoa always makes her feel better." Alex said to Kaiba as he placed the plate on a tray and covered it with a cloche. "Kaiba I know you didn't leave so abruptly just to get pizza and I don't want to know what you had done. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. Just hang around for a bit before you plan your vengeance though. They need you here just for a while."
"Alex." Kaiba called after him as he stepped out of the kitchen.
"She's about to have a bath." Alex smiled.
"And Mokuba?"
"He's asleep." Alex replied and disappeared from view.
Upon entering Anika's room, Kaiba could hear the sound of gushing water. He quietly stepped into the bathroom, the herbal scent of thyme lingering in the air. Anika shut off the faucet and he immediately noticed her wince as she lifted her shirt.
"Anika." Kaiba said. Anika jumped at the sound of his voice quickly pulling her shirt down and turning around.
"Seto." She breathed, relief flooding her face. "Sorry I'm a bit jumpy." Kaiba said nothing as he moved up behind her gently lifting her shirt up and taking it off her. His fury bubbled to the surface as he took a look at Anika's body. He delicately unhooked her bra, careful not to hurt her and slid it off her body. A pattern of bruises had formed on her skin. He lightly trailed his fingers along the bluish marks, each one telling a story. A long horizontal one on her back from when she was slammed down against the chair, on her sides and shoulders from being banged up against the cars. He moved around her holding her hands, taking a look at the round bracelets the bruises formed on her wrists from being cuffed and the marks on her neck from being choked. Kaiba's breathing was ragged; he struggled to keep his rage in check. He looked at the stitches running along the side of her face and thought to himself, "Erizawa will be soon taken care of. That's one down, four to go."
Anika pulled her hands away from his and stepped into the shower. She had to get rid of the remaining blood and sweat off her body before she stepped into the waiting bath. She turned on the water using the telephone shower head to ensure she did not get her sutures wet.
Kaiba stripped off his clothes and joined her, pulling her body against his. He wrapped her in his protective arms. The warmth and safety of his embrace proved too much for her and the wave of emotion she had managed to hold back overwhelmed her. Her legs grew weak, her chest heaved and she shook uncontrollably. She could no longer stand up and Kaiba sank to the floor with her, holding her as she sobbed. He said nothing as her tears continued to flow. Anika grasped tightly onto him. It was the weakest she ever felt in her life but she could not stem the flow of tears. Kaiba wished he could do more as sobs wracked her body but he knew this was something she just needed to get out of her system. All the fear she experienced, the pain, the uncertainty came pouring out. Kaiba just held her until her sobs died down and he placed a kiss on her head.
"I'm sorry Seto. I... I don't kn-" She tried to explain.
"Let me do that." He said cutting her off.
He lathered then rinsed her body down. He hated seeing Anika look so defeated but he knew from experience that it would take a little time for her to get back to herself. The first time he rescued Mokuba was much the same and he had managed to calm him down. He would do the same for Anika now.
He helped her out of the shower and into the hot soothing bath. Kaiba climbed into the tub behind Anika, pulling her back against his chest.
"Alex says there's a mug of cocoa waiting for you." Kaiba said softly.
"Alex..." Anika smiled weakly. They lay together in the warm bath for while.
"I'm going to get out now. You can enjoy the hot water a little longer." Kaiba held the sides of the tub to get out but Anika stopped him.
"Please don't go yet." Anika pleaded. He looked at her for a moment before leaning back once more.
"Okay."
"Seto the media is going to know everything soon. Someone has to speak to them."
"Anika-"
"-I'm in no mood to do it but maybe you could speak to Roland and have him be our family spokesperson."
"I could do that." Kaiba agreed. "Anika." Kaiba broke the silence that had fallen upon them. "Talk to me. Hanari was a big blow."
"I honestly don't know what to say Seto. I trusted him. Maybe I'm just a terrible judge of character." She said quietly as she picked at her nail.
"You aren't. Thinking that won't help you trust your judgement either."
"I don't feel like I can right now. I mean he planned this for years. I always took him to be caring and dependable and here I am now. I escaped death today only because of you." She crouched forward, clutching at her heart as the feeling of despair returned. "I can't rid myself of that feeling, knowing the end was so close. I had to accept that I wasn't going to see anyone I loved again... that I wouldn't see you again." She finished softly. Her eyes brimmed with shining tears. "I said my goodbye to you when I was forced to make that call and I don't know how I move forward right now." The combination of despair and anger was almost paralyzing.
"Anika it only happened a few hours ago. Nothing would be fixed the instant you came home, it will take time."
Anika clenched her fists. "I'm trying to tell myself that. It's just, how could Hanari do that?! After everything!" She said, eyes blazing.
Kaiba gently held her shoulders and spun her around to face him in the bath. "Anika my associates were responsible for twice endangering my family as Hanari has done. The first time their plan was to kill me and take Mokuba, when that didn't work they tried again. I couldn't wallow in it, I had to fix the situation and move on for Mokuba's sake and for Kaiba Corp. You don't have that added responsibility of being a parent and sibling rolled into one; you just have an impressive company that you still need to lead. I'm not saying snap your fingers and get better, what I am saying is that you can make miscalculations, but you have enough of us to help you." Kaiba tried to reason with her but she just couldn't bring herself to look at him.
"I guess that's true. Still..."
Kaiba curled a finger under her chin and tenderly lifted her face so her gaze met his. "I promise you I won't let anything happen to you ever again." He climbed out of the bath wrapping a fluffy white towel around his waist. He then held up another for Anika.
They both dried themselves off, Kaiba changing into a clean set of clothes that he always left in Anika's closet - it was a simple pair of black pants and black turtle neck shirt - then went to check in on Mokuba.
Anika pulled on a comfy pair of sweatpants and a warm t-shirt, then clambered into her warm bed. Alex soon appeared carrying a tray with a peanut butter sandwich and a steaming mug of cocoa into the room and carefully placed it on the bed.
"Eat." He ordered.
"Thank you Lex."
Alex sat down on the bed next to her. He took in her appearance, puffy red rimmed eyes and a slight runny nose. It angered him but he knew that was a reaction she did not need right now.
"Red," he started as she took a bite of her sandwich. "I know everything just happened and we're all here for you and Mokuba... but I think you should talk to someone."
"What? Like a shrink?" Anika asked.
"Yeah."
"I don't know. I think let's just give me a couple days and see how I do and if I need it I will go."
"Okay."
"If I do need it, can I count on you to help me find one?" She asked sincerely.
"Of course. I'm just so grateful to have you in one piece."
Kaiba entered the guest room to check on his brother. The blinds were closed and the room was pleasantly warm. Mokuba was stirring from his sleep, slowly returning to the land of wakefulness. Mokuba's lids fluttered open, his grey eyes landing on his big brother leaning against the wall.
"Hey Seto." Mokuba greeted sleepily as he sat up.
"How are you feeling?" Kaiba asked. He sat on the bed facing Mokuba as he had so often done when Mokuba was younger.
"Much better now."
"There's pizza."
"You're the best bro."
"I know." Kaiba smiled.
"How's An?"
Kaiba's smile faded instantly. "Not good."
"Well, that's why we're here."
"Hmm."
"It will be fine Seto." Mokuba tried to convince Kaiba.
"It will be soon." There was a dark, threatening edge to Kaiba's voice.
"Just be careful big brother."
"I always am."
Mokuba lifted off the covers and sat next to his brother.
"I'm famished. What topping's on the pizza?"
"Celery." Kaiba said smirking.
"Oh ha ha. Very funny Seto." Mokuba said clearly unimpressed. Out of everything in the food world, it was the one thing he hated most.
"I bought pepperoni." Kaiba said to Mokuba's great relief.
"Awesome. Shall I get you a slice too?"
"Yeah. Why not? I need to make a call first."
"Okay. I'll just take the box to Anika's room."
Before Kaiba could protest and tell him that Anika needed her rest, Mokuba was out the room and heading to the kitchen.
Kaiba sighed pulling out his phone and dialling Roland. He answered quickly knowing his boss hated to be kept waiting.
"Yes Mr Kaiba?"
"Roland I want to know who is doing the mental health assessment on Fumiko. I want to know where she and the others are being held and when the assessment will be conducted. Then I want you to make sure Eddie Hill is being watched. You know what I'm looking for. Have the pictures developed ASAP."
"Yes sir."
Kaiba ended the call, fire blazing in his eyes. He would break down their world, one by one.
Alex was setting up Anika's laptop on the glass tea trolley when Kaiba walked in.
"What do you want to watch Red?"
"Anything. I'm not really bothered. It would just be nice to have a bit more noise." She replied to Alex. Just then Mokuba walked in finishing off a slice of pizza and handing the box to Kaiba.
"Watching a movie in here seems like a pretty good idea to me." Mokuba said. He eyed Anika's bed with its comfy duvet.
"C'mon under Mokie." Anika smiled as she lifted up the duvet inviting him in.
"Don't have to ask me twice." Mokuba climbed in nestling himself close to Anika and laying his head on her shoulder. Anika wrapped an arm around him and cuddled him. It reminded her of Eli when he was young and how he would always want Anika to cuddle him whenever he had the cold.
Kaiba handed Alex the box of pizza, pulling the chair close to the bed. He sat comfortably on the chair with his left hand holding onto Anika's. Worried that it may be uncomfortable he tried to pull it away but she wouldn't let him. Alex seated himself on the bed next to Mokuba and the four of them just ate pizza and watched the movie playing quietly in the background.
A long while later the room was quiet. Kaiba felt Anika's grip slacken, both she and Mokuba had fallen asleep. Her cheek rested on Mokuba's head. They looked so peaceful laying together it brought a genuine smile to his face.
He quietly stood up indicating to Alex that they should leave the room, he nodded back in agreement and the two unlikely partners in this ordeal silently walked out.
Kaiba spent the rest of the afternoon on his laptop, digging up information on the three women and Hanari and setting his plans into motion. He barely heard when Alex entered the lounge. He waved a mug of coffee just above Kaiba's screen.
"Fuel." Alex said.
"Thanks." Kaiba growled taking the mug from him. Alex studied him for a moment before speaking up.
"I know you're planning something Kaiba, just be careful. Those two wouldn't be able to handle anything happening to you."
"I know that Alex. No one has anything to worry about. I'll handle this." Kaiba said firmly.
"I don't doubt that." Alex replied.
Kaiba's phone suddenly rang and he quickly answered it. It was Roland.
"Hello? Mr Kaiba. Sir." Roland fumbled as he always did when he spoke to Kaiba.
"What do you have for me, Roland?" Kaiba asked as he stood at the closed glass sliding door, watching the sunset.
"We have the pictures sir. Also, all three of the women are being kept overnight at Domino City Hospital. They have guards stationed outside their rooms."
"Good. Where are the pictures now?"
"I have them sir. I just got to Miss Facet's building."
Kaiba turned to Alex. "Alex buzz Roland in."
"Sure thing."
"Come up Roland." Kaiba hung up.
Alex reappeared with Roland following close behind. Kaiba turned around and stretched out his hand, silently instructing Roland to hand the folder over. Inside the folder there was a large manila envelope. He slid the pictures out of the envelope, flipping through them. He was pleased with them. Then he paged through the contents of the folder.
"When is Fumiko being moved?"
"Probably tomorrow, but there is a possibility that she will be moved the next day sir." Roland replied as he placed Kaiba's silver attaché on the coffee table.
"I'm not surprised. Anika has some power behind those fists." Alex interjected.
"The other two women will definitely be transported tomorrow. I have the location in that file Mr Kaiba."
"Looks like I have a doctor to visit." Kaiba said looking at the psychiatrist who was to evaluate Fumiko. "Roland, make sure I am updated if anything changes." Kaiba instructed taking a stack of money out of his attaché.
"Yes sir." Roland bowed and left the apartment.
"I'll see you later Alex. Keep an eye on them." Kaiba said and turned to leave.
"Kaiba, wait!" Alex called. Kaiba turned around and Alex could see the anger he had contained so well during the course of the day threatening to erupt. He tossed his keys at Kaiba who effortlessly caught them. "Take my car. No one has seen you in it before and it isn't flashy enough to get noticed."
Kaiba looked at the four rings on the key and tightly curled his fingers around it, unable to properly show his gratitude. He quietly left the apartment, his mind clear. Kaiba hated his childhood, Gozaburo having made it hell but he was grateful he went through it at times such as now. The ability to think clearly and carefully through the red fog of rage was only possible because of his experiences in the past. He was also eternally grateful that Mokuba did not have his vengeful nature.
Kaiba climbed into the silver Audi and raced across town to Domino City Hospital. He parked the car on a particularly quiet level. He noticed Alex's hoodie on the back seat as he got out. He swiftly grabbed it off the seat and pulled it on. Kaiba looked at the time on his watch; he had five minutes before the guards at Fumiko's hospital room changed shifts. He brushed his hair back with his hand and pulled the hood on. Kaiba looked at his reflection in the tinted window of the car. It was a small change in appearance but he was satisfied with the result. At quick glance no one would realize that it was Kaiba, just as long they did not catch his eye that is.
He entered the fifth floor and easily located the room he wanted to get into. He watched without being seen, waiting for the guard to swop over to another. There would be no one outside the door for only a few seconds as the police officers briefed each other. Kaiba noticed the guard speak into his radio and step away from the door.
Kaiba seized the moment quickly slipping into the room and silently closed the door behind him. He took off the hoodie and ruffled his hair looking like himself once more. Fumiko was asleep. Her chart was hooked onto the end of the bed. Kaiba took a quick glance. She had a damaged windpipe and from the examinations that had been conducted, her breathing would be painful and it would be difficult to speak. "Perfect." He thought callously. Seeing Fumiko lying comfortably and well taken care of made his ire grow. She would be in physical pain for a while but Anika would have to deal with the mental and emotional scars for a lot longer. He knew instantly that he had to see his plan through to the end. It was simple but would be effective. The simplest plans usually were.
Kaiba took a peek out the tiny window on the door; the guard was pouring himself a cup of coffee at the nurse's station.
He walked round to the foot of the bed and dropped the chart unnecessarily harshly onto the rail. Fumiko woke with a start, confusion apparent on her face, but confusion soon turned to glee.
"I wouldn't get too excited if I were you." Kaiba growled pitilessly.
"I...I knew you would..." Fumiko winced as she tried to speak. Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Shut up and listen."
Fumiko immediately stopped trying to speak but frowned like a sulking child.
"I find that sulk repulsive. Much like I find you. So you think that there was some sort of future for us that Anika destroyed?" Kaiba started and Fumiko nodded her head vigorously. "Well you are just a silly, delusional little girl aren't you?" Kaiba taunted, radiating hatred. Fumiko looked like she had been stabbed in the heart. "I don't remember you; frankly you are not very special. So why would I?" Kaiba could see the tears welling up in her eyes. "Those tears won't work on me. You nauseate me. Since you think you are talented with a knife I have no problem saying to you that if you ever see daylight again and if you come within a hundred miles of my family, I will show you pain so immense that you would beg me to end you with your own. Little. Knife." Kaiba's face was inches from Fumiko's. He could see the disbelief and fear in her eyes.
He stepped away from the bed and she turned away from him. He could hear her quiet sobs. Kaiba put the hoodie back on, took a look outside and saw the officer was chatting to the nurse. He quickly and quietly slipped out of the room and headed for the car.
Kaiba opened the boot, pulled off the hoodie and stowed it away. He then climbed back into the car, made sure his hair was back in place and pulled out the wad of money from the glove compartment. He picked up the manila envelope, locked the car and went up to the twelfth floor to pay a visit to the good doctor.
It was now almost six o' clock and her receptionist had left for the day. Obviously she was a person who liked to get a bit of extra work done when it was quieter which suited Kaiba perfectly.
He knocked once on the door before opening it himself and stepping in. He caught her unawares and she looked up slightly startled.
"M...Mr Kaiba. Um. How can I help you?"
"Dr Asuka Suzuki?" Kaiba asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Yes. I am." She replied.
"We need to talk." He closed the door and took a seat at her table.
"Sure." She said pleasantly.
"I understand that you are doing the mental health assessment of one of the kidnappers."
"Mr Kaiba. I can't really-"
"We both know you are. I'm not telling anyone and you can't either. I'm sure you can understand my reservations about any of them getting a clear assessment."
"Yes I can. Especially with Fumiko Iwahara."
"Exactly. To this end, I have a request. I want her involuntarily committed. I want her to spend the rest of her adult life in an institution."
"Mr Kaiba! Do you realize what you are asking me to do?" Dr Suzuki exclaimed.
"I do."
"You would ruin her life."
"She has already done that." Kaiba could see that the doctor was not keen on the idea but he knew everyone had their price, plus they both knew that she could not win against the sheer power of Seto Kaiba. He rested back in his chair, making himself comfortable and casually draping his arms on the armrests. "What would it take to convince you?" He could see that the only thing she could want was the same thing everyone wanted. Money.
"Nothing Mr Kaiba. That woman needs help, yes, but to destroy her..."
"Do you think she should get a light sentence or be excused of her actions? She was prepared to commit murder." Kaiba was outwardly calm but inside he was a raging torrent of anger. It was taking longer than he would have liked for Dr Suzuki to bite and it was irritating him.
"Of course not. We need to stop all this senseless crime."
"I agree with you. That is also why I have something for you." Kaiba pulled out the stack of money and placed it on the table between the two of them. He immediately noticed the glint in her eye when she saw the tower of notes. "That is yours doctor. Put Fumiko away and it's yours."
Her eyes never left the currency but her lips were pressed together in a thin line. With an exaggerated sigh Kaiba reached for it. "It is clear that you are not willing. So I'll take this away and we'll pretend that this meeting never happened." He picked up the money and stood.
"Wait Mr Kaiba!"
A small smirk played on his lips. "Yes."
"I'm sure we can come to an arrangement. I will make sure that she is committed. I will insist that she was aware of her actions but is delusional, dangerous and unstable."
"Perfect. You just make sure she stays in there."
"I will."
"Then this is yours." Kaiba handed her the stack of money. Dr Suzuki realized that he made a once off payment but her service would be continual as she would have to make sure that Fumiko never got out. "This never happened. Understood." He said clearly.
"Understood."
With that Kaiba left her office and headed to Kuro's room. "That's two down." He thought to himself.
Dealing with Kuro was much more straight forward so he called Mike.
"Kaiba. Is Anika okay?"
"You're joking right?" Kaiba growled. "No she isn't but that's not why I called. I want to speak to Kuro tonight."
"She is still in hospital under guard."
"As I understand it the hospital has evening visiting hours."
"Why do you want to see her?"
"Because I need answers Mike. If you're worried you can have your watch dog sit in there with me."
Mike sighed heavily. "Fine you can talk to her. The guard stays at the door. You haven't done anything for me to be suspicious."
"Make sure they know."
"Will do."
Kaiba hung up and stepped into the lift.
He stepped out a few floors down. This floor appeared to be a little more maze-like than the others but he did find Kuro's room without too much trouble. Kaiba walked up to the door but was blocked by the police officer.
"Out of my way." Kaiba snarled.
"I have orders. Medical staff only."
"I don't have time for this. Talk to Mike."
"I haven't received any word Mr Kaiba."
Kaiba was getting highly annoyed. He was just about to call Mike back when his stressed voice crackled through on the officer's uniform informing him thusly. He grudgingly stepped aside and Kaiba entered the room.
"What do you want?" Came the harsh greeting.
"To talk." Kaiba said. Kuro snorted derisively but he ignored her and pulled a chair. "You are very lucky." Kaiba said. His voice was cold and menacing.
"Lucky?" Kuro retorted.
"Yes, lucky. That Anika was freed when she was. Otherwise this would be a lot different."
"Am I supposed to be afraid of you?" She asked sardonically.
"That's your choice. Frankly, I don't care. I'm here to share information."
"What information?"
"That you are an idiot." Kaiba said plainly. "You did all of this to Anika because you think you love some dull fool, in the end you were the foolish one. Here, look at these." He dropped the envelope onto her bed. She carefully opened it, sliding out the contents. It was pictures. Six of them to be exact. Kuro took a look at the first one and started to shake. She covered her mouth and her eyes filled with tears.
"No." She did not want to believe what she saw. "No. This is a trick."
"No it's not. These were taken earlier."
"He wouldn't do this. He loves me."
"And you are gullible."
She looked at all six pictures but they were too much for her and she tossed them to the foot of the bed. The pictures were of Eddie and a blonde. He was kissing her at the door of Kuro's home. Making out on the deck. Some were a lot more lewd as they were photographed naked, caught in intimate moments on the floor of Kuro's lounge. The pictures were taken through the open door using a telephoto lens.
"Don't you feel smart? Going through all of that, ready to commit murder for a person like this. It's plainly obvious that you were just his next target after Anika. Wealthy and lonely. Maybe you should have listened to her when you had the chance."
"Shut up! Just shut. Up!"
"Is it finally dawning on you?"
"Why?" She whispered in despair picking up the first picture of him.
"I suppose your world has no meaning anymore. No job, no love and prison around the corner."
"You're evil Seto Kaiba!" She cried.
"I think you are mistaken. You are evil. You tried to kill someone. You are worthless, you couldn't do anything right. Eddie knew that. He even went looking elsewhere." Kaiba taunted.
"Stop! Just stop!"
"Why? Is it because you know it's true? Your life has no meaning. You are nothing!" Kaiba said venomously. Kuro looked like she was on the verge of a meltdown.
"I thought he loved me." She wept.
"Apparently when he was made aware of your arrest, his response was that he needed to find a new "broad". You see, no one loves you. No one."
"I have nothing without him." Kuro whispered hugging the picture to her chest.
"You are a fool." Kaiba spun around, exiting the room and leaving her a rambling, teary mess.
Kaiba was now ready to head home and be with his family but first he stopped at the mansion, packing a bag for himself and Mokuba for a week long stay at Anika's penthouse. He left instructions with the servants not to prepare any meals for him or Mokuba and informed them of the date that they would be returning. He then climbed back into Alex's car and headed straight for the penthouse.
He gripped the steering tightly as he navigated the roads. He was pleased with the results of his visits but he would not be satisfied until Hanari was destroyed.
A wonderful aroma greeted him as walked through the door. Kaiba peered into the kitchen and saw Alex slaving away at the stove.
"How did it go?" Alex asked without turning around.
"Well enough. What are you doing?" Kaiba asked.
"Chicken casserole and vegetables. I think we need to get some proper nutrition into those two."
"How are they?"
"Still asleep."
Kaiba decided to check on Anika and Mokuba, quietly entering the room. Anika was awake but Mokuba was fast asleep and clutching onto her.
"Hey Seto." She whispered.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better than earlier."
Mokuba stirred in his sleep, evidently disturbed by the whispers.
"Shall I wake him?" Kaiba asked.
"No. Let him sleep." She replied. He moved a little and she was able to pull her hand free. She carefully slid out of bed and both Anika and Kaiba left the room. "I'm just going to freshen up."
They soon joined Alex in the kitchen. Supper was ready and he was tidying up.
"Smells good, Lex." Anika said. She was ravenous, having not had a proper meal in a day. Just as she spoke, Kaiba's phone sprang to life. He looked at the screen seeing that it was Mike.
"Kaiba." He answered curtly.
"What did you do?!" Came Mike's angry voice.
"I have no idea what you are talking about and I don't care much for your tone." Kaiba responded.
"Erizawa. He's dead."
"Isn't that a pity." Kaiba said dryly.
"I know you had something to do with this."
"It's obvious you know nothing. The last time I saw Erizawa was this morning at the warehouse."
"You were at the hospital."
"Yes I was. If you remember I called you about that."
"I do. That places you at the hospital-"
"-at six thirty. What time was Erizawa killed?" Kaiba asked.
"Between seven and seven fifteen."
"I was at the mansion then." He growled.
"Can anyone verify that?"
"The staff and the footage from the mansion CCTV surveillance."
"So what did you want at the hospital?" Mike questioned.
"To speak to Kuro. She was the only one who could give me their reasoning behind everything. How did Erizawa die?"
"We're not sure yet. We'll know by tomorrow. You better hope I don't find out what your involvement was in this."
"There is nothing to find out Mike, but keep looking if you've run out of hobbies. Maybe if you showed this level of interest when Erizawa was taken in initially, Anika and Mokuba would have never had to go through all this." Kaiba hung up. He expected Mike to suspect him but at the end of the day all he had done was to let a few people know that Erizawa was no longer free. Also, no one would ever trace that call back to him.
"How did it happen?" Anika asked quietly but there was an edge to her voice.
"Mike doesn't know yet."
"Are you okay Red?" Alex asked Anika.
"Fine. Better than fine actually. I know it's wrong but I'm glad." Her voice was steely and her gaze, hard.
"It's perfectly fine to feel that way." Kaiba said tenderly.
"Is it Seto? This was a man's life!" Anika shot back.
"Yes it is. It is perfectly fine to hate him and be glad that he's dead." He replied.
Anika sighed. "I don't know... Death was too easy an out for him." Anika felt like the anger she felt came from an infinite well that would not dry up and she knew being snippy at Kaiba did not help anything but she could not stop herself.
"Kaiba, why don't you get Mokuba for dinner?" Alex said lightly. He knew advice from Kaiba would probably not be the healthiest sort, or what Anika needed to hear; he also knew that Anika would be even more miserable if she snapped at Kaiba.
"Fine." Kaiba left the kitchen.
"Red, do you want to bring those veggies through to the table for me?"
"Sure Lex."
They placed the dishes side by side on the table.
"We are going to have to tell the family." Anika realized.
"Already taken care of. I spoke to Eli, my folks and Mieko while you were asleep."
"Is he okay?"
"He was a bit horrified. I told him the whole truth. I thought it was best he get the proper story first."
"Yeah..." She replied.
"He will call you later."
Meanwhile, Kaiba carefully sat at the edge of the bed, gently shaking Mokuba's shoulder as he had done so many times in the past.
"Mokuba, wake up." Kaiba said lovingly, rather as lovingly as he could do.
"Just five minutes more." Mokuba mumbled.
"That hasn't worked in years." Kaiba rolled his eyes.
"Oh fine." He stretched and sleepily rubbed his eyes. "What time is it?"
"Almost eight."
"What?" Mokuba sat bolt upright.
"It's fine. Alex prepared dinner." Kaiba smiled. Mokuba let out a great big yawn and studied his brother's face.
"What's wrong Seto?"
"Nothing Mokuba." Kaiba lied.
"Really big brother?! I'm not a child anymore. Tell me what's wrong."
"Erizawa is dead."
"Ah. Well I can't say I'm sad about that. Wait. Tell me." Mokuba said narrowing his eyes.
"I let some people know that he was re-arrested. He was involved in some very dark stuff, Mokuba."
"So they obviously found out and, well..."
"Yes."
"It would have happened sooner or later." Mokuba supposed. "But that isn't the only thing."
"I don't know what to say to Anika to make this better."
"Seto you don't have to say anything. I think she just needs some patience from us."
"Maybe."
"Not maybe. I know. Remember when you saved me from Pegasus when I was a kid." The look on Kaiba's face indicated that he remembered very well. "I still remember that fear and how I reacted to seeing you, but after that you kept me so close, tried to protect me from everything. Yeah you exposed me to various things as well but only what you thought to be safe. It took time for me to feel like me again."
"I remember." Kaiba reflected.
Mokuba slapped Kaiba's shoulder. "This time though you have me to help you."
"Mokuba." Kaiba smiled weakly and ruffled his hair.
They both joined Anika and Alex at the dining table. He had already plated the meal for all four of them. Kaiba seated himself next to Anika, holding her hand under the table. She gave him a weak smile and placed her head on his shoulder.
The next morning began with Kaiba firing off two very damaging emails. The four of them sat down to down to a simple breakfast. News of Anika's ordeal had broken and the phone rang with annoying frequency.
"Alex." Kaiba said, setting his fork and knife down. "I want you to handle the phone calls if any get through. I'm going to divert most of them to Roland."
"Sure thing."
Kaiba pulled out his phone and called Roland.
"Mr Kaiba." He answered.
"Roland you will be the family spokesperson should the media call."
"Yes sir. What should I tell them?"
"The truth." Kaiba responded.
"Yes sir."
Kaiba was about to end the call but Anika asked to speak to Roland herself. Kaiba handed the phone over with a frown.
"Roland. It's Anika."
"Yes Ms Facet?"
"They are not going to be satisfied with just a phone call or email. News stations are going to want to interview you. The easiest thing would be for you to answer all their questions at once since it will be on TV and the internet as well. Hold a press conference at Facet. If you need help ask Mieko."
"Yes ma'am."
She ended the call and handed Kaiba's phone back to him.
"A press conference would thin out some of the campers here." She explained.
"Good thinking Anika." Mokuba exclaimed.
"Stay in as much as you can today. Please." Kaiba said more to Anika than anyone else. "I'm off." He kissed Anika on her forehead and stepped out the door.
His first stop was Mike's office. He sat in the visitor's chair at Mike's desk waiting for him to come through. Mike had a shoebox for an office with files scattered all over his desk. Finally he entered.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." Mike apologized as he entered.
"I have something for you." Kaiba declared.
"First I must apologize. We found very large amounts of pancuronium bromide in Erizawa's results. It was injected. Also the surveillance footage from the hospital corridors only placed you at Kuro's room like you said. So what do you have for me?"
"This." Kaiba handed over a file with information on Hanari he had collected from Roland, through his own search and surprisingly from Alex. Hanari's companies had both been clients of Alex's company. Mike opened up the folder, rifling through the pages. "As you can see Mike, Hanari's partners are going to buy out his share below its value, but it is still a substantial amount of money. The company on the other hand... he would be forced to resign and his shares would be sequestered. Any money paid to Hanari is going to go into this account. He still has the means to exact his vengeance."
"Mr Kaiba, do you really think he would?"
"Have you not being paying attention? This man planned this all out for years. Being in prison is not going to faze him and once he gets out, he will have enough to buy anyone he wants to help him come after Anika. From the year we've just had. Do you doubt that he would kill her?" Kaiba glared at Mike who looked away.
"You have a point. I could argue that these funds need to be frozen, and having access to such an exorbitant amount of money would make him a flight risk. It would be enough to get bail denied."
"That suits me."
"Good. I will keep this safe Mr Kaiba."
"You better." With a swish of his coat, Kaiba left Mike's office.
He then drove over to the Domino City Prison located on the outskirts of the city. He picked up a copy of the morning's tabloids on his way and headed over to the visiting cells. It was a small room with four grey stone walls, bright white artificial lighting and a steel door. There was a loop on the floor with a chain that was obviously shackled to the prisoner's leg allowing them movement but no chance of escape.
He heard a shuffle behind him and an officer was escorting Andrea in. He shackled her ankle and left the room. Andrea's arm was in a sling, she looked awful and it pleased Kaiba greatly. Throughout his life, no matter how much a woman irritated him, he always showed them respect but these three were the exception.
"So why did you want to see me Kaiba?" Andrea asked coldly.
"I wanted to show this to you." Kaiba dropped the tabloid on the table. Andrea picked it up scanning the front page. The headline read "Facet Kidnap Drama" but below that article was another. "Kidnapper's Torrid Affair". Andrea's eyes widened as she read the article outlining her relationship with Erizawa and how she was more than willing to use her body to climb the corporate ladder. It was an awful article that made her look worse than she already did. She also knew if she saw it in one tabloid, it was bound to appear in several more.
"Riveting reading, isn't it?" Kaiba smirked.
"Is that why you're here? To show me how badly my career has been ruined?"
"Not just your career, your life. See, ambition can be deadly to a person's world... especially when they try to take on the wrong people." Kaiba said smoothly.
"Whatever." Andrea crossed her arms and looked away.
"You think you're sitting pretty because you are an American citizen; you are more foolish than the others."
"What do you mean?" Andrea asked. She knew Seto Kaiba was a powerful man but surely he did not have this sort of reach.
"Let me show you." Kaiba pulled out his smart phone from his pocket and entered the URL for the university Andrea attended. He did a search for her under the past alumni section but there was no result.
"How is that possible?" Andrea shrieked.
"It's possible. I emailed them requesting a record of your attending the university. This is the response I got." He showed her the email which stated "...unfortunately we have no record of an Andrea Wilson graduating from our institution..."
"But how?"
"I think you know the answer." Kaiba smirked.
"You!" Andrea exclaimed outraged. "That's years of my life! My degree!"
"What degree?" Kaiba taunted. Kaiba had incredible hacking skills that were honed soon after he was adopted. He had spent much of the previous day putting his plan into motion.
"Do you know what you've done? You've destroyed me, my career?! I worked so hard..." Andrea was furious; she could not complete her sentence.
"It's easy to break down an ambitious person." Kaiba said silkily. "You have no record of any sort of an advanced education, now have a damaging criminal history and a wrecked reputation. I can tell you as an owner of a company, this will follow you for the rest of your life. No one will want you."
"How am I to live?"
"How indeed." Kaiba rose from his seat, taking in her horror-struck expression and left the room.
He did not have to go far as his next visit was to Hanari himself. He was lucky that Domino was one of the few places where men and women were both held in the same place, even if it was in different wings.
Kaiba walked into an identical room to the one he had seen Andrea in. Hanari was already shackled with a livid expression on his face. Kaiba walked closely past the guard, discreetly exchanging a wad of cash. The guard stepped out of the room and closed the door. That was definitely not the norm.
"Got some bad news." Kaiba mocked.
"Hello Kaiba." Hanari greeted.
"Let's skip the pleasantries." He said curtly.
"My my, aren't you in a bad mood? You shouldn't be, it was nothing personal."
Just the sight of Hanari made Kaiba's blood boil. "Well, this is." Kaiba retorted. "From the look on your face when I entered, I take it you just got some bad news. Could it be the sequestration of your shares or your partners have bought you out? Maybe both?"
"How did you... I should have known."
"It was easy enough. So now you have no access to money and no hold on business." Kaiba crossed his arms and stared Hanari down.
"You think that will stop me?"
"It should, considering you have nothing to play with and your power player is now dead."
Hanari looked up at Kaiba, clearly surprised by the news. "I should have done it while I had the chance." Hanari said through clenched teeth.
"Maybe you should have tried working hard." Kaiba fired back.
"I did work hard and I deserved that company." Hanari replied heatedly. Kaiba could barely control his temper any longer.
"You deserved nothing!" Kaiba raged. "You tried to take something you risked nothing for."
"You think there was no risk for me?! What do you think this is? My only regret is I didn't get to finish the job!"
Kaiba had heard enough. He leapt of his seat, seized Hanari by the throat and slammed him – with his chair – against the wall. Hanari was struggling to breathe in Kaiba's vice-like grip. "You are a greedy, pathetic man. I've ripped away what little you had and exposed you for the snivelling rat you are." Kaiba seethed. "The only stroke of misfortune was that you were not in that warehouse because I swear to you, I would have separated your soul from your body my own way." Kaiba let go of his throat and his chair fell back onto all four of its legs. Hanari coughed and spluttered trying to catch his breath. "It will be a very long time before you see sunlight again but if you ever do, you had better not breathe in the direction of my family." Kaiba knocked twice on the door and the guard let him out.
He climbed into the car and sped off towards the penthouse, reflecting on his deeds. He had attacked the biggest aspect of each of their lives and it would take a lot more than they had to rebuild it. He was satisfied with what he had done. He knew his family would be safe.
He parked the car in the basement parking as usual and rode the lift up to Anika's apartment. He quickly walked through to the patio. He knew she would be sitting in her egg chair.
"Seto." She breathed. Kaiba pulled her to him, wrapping her tightly in his protective embrace.
