METRO PD: CLOSE TO YOU and HER LOVE IN THE FORCE
PARALLELS – OTHER REALMS
Chapter Nine – An Eye for an Eye
Warning regarding this chapter
This chapter mentions molestation and abuse committed against a child and a woman, violent crimes (including murder and human trafficking) committed against adults, and violent crimes in general such as drug trafficking and racketeering.
Disclaimer for Major / Main Appearances
Metro PD: Close to You and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. Ishihara Emira in this fic is the name I've given to the series' canon MC – the leading lady / reader / you. So expect Ishihara Emi's characterization being as close to canon if not canon.
Her Love in the Force and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc.
Alexandra Emrys, Michael Ishino, AJ Ishino, Troy Tsuuri, Representative Okada, Uncle Gavin / Gavin Anson, Dylan Emrys, Ariadne Anson / Ariadne Emrys, Derek Anson, Madeline Harvey, and other original characters are owned by PJ Zatken.
Disclaimer for Minor Mentions / Cameo Appearances
Masquerade Kiss and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. (Shido Kazuomi, Shiba Yuzuru, Soejima Kei, Arakawa Bridge)
My Sweet Bodyguard and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. (Ichiyanagi Subaru, Kiyosumi Eiji, Katsuragi Daichi)
Romance MD: Always on Call and its awesome characters that appear in the otome game Love 365 are the property of Voltage, Inc. (Seimei University Hospital)
Author's Notes
I have seen how many folks are avid fans of Voltage Inc. otome games / Love 365. I do not know as to how many of them are also avid authors and/or readers in fanfiction dot net.
Background for this Fanfiction
This crossover fic for Metro PD: Close to You / Her Love in the Force serves as a companion piece to the Junjou Romantica / Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi crossover fanfic Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive. The goal of this fic is to fill the little holes that would be there because the antagonist(s) and the problems he/she/they bring to our beloved JR / SH characters are complex.
Secondly, the people who are there to help our beloved JR / SH characters through this time have complex lives and equally complex connections.
I figured that the best way to show how intricate these relationships and connections are is through "companion piece" fanfics. First is so the focus for Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive would remain mostly with our JR / SH characters. Second, having "companion pieces" would give readers and "inside glimpse" of what was really happening behind the scenes so that there would not be any confusion when a character or characters from Metro PD: Close to You and / or Her Love in the Force are mentioned or would make a cameo in Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive.
As a result, my Disclaimer and Author's Notes on every chapter for Are Happy Endings Always THIS Elusive and each "companion piece" would properly mention and give credit to the fandoms and characters that appear in it.
These "companion piece" fanfics are experiments. I will do my best to do justice to the fandoms that I do, just as I have always done all these years. Come and enjoy this ride with me, and let me know what you think!
Best regards,
PJ Zatken
Timeline: August 6 (four days before Alexa's concert debut)
Setting: Prime Minister's Residence
Happening during the time that Nomura Tadanobu and Alexandra Emrys are talking inside SUV parked at Marukawa Shoten's underground parking lot
Kaga Hyogo's Point of View (POV)
Annoying Four-Eyes Ishigami Hideki and I have been at each other's throats since we've arrived here at the Prime Minister's residence. What makes it more annoying is the stuffy HazMat gear that we have to wear while we work.
PSD, MPD, and SP teams unite now scour the building. Katsuragi Daichi and Ichiyanagi Subaru lead efforts on SP's side while Chief Namba leads the effort with Four-Eyes and me mobilizing our respective teams. On MPD's end, Lieutenants Kirisawa Hiroshi and Minase Tomomi spearheaded the work while Sergeant Hanai Kazusa taking a load off their shared plate by joining one of the search teams.
Lieutenant Shinonome Ayumu, my subordinate and PSD's resident hacker, comes loud and clear through the communication earpiece. "Word from one of our teams – they found something in the Grand Ballroom. I've mobilized them to expand the search."
Ishigami, Katsuragi, Ichiyanagi, Kirisawa, Minase, and I exchange looks. This exchange prompts Ichiyanagi and me to brisk-walk towards the Grand Ballroom. Once the two of us get to our destination, what greets us is the "something" that the search teams – led by Hanai – has discovered.
Correction…. Make that somethings… Specifically, five somethings….
Before all of us are five identical canisters. Each one is two feet long, one foot in diameter, and armed with a digital timer along with its intricate-looking array of multi-colored wires.
While the search team continues, another team works on gathering evidence from each canister – including but not being limited to fingerprints.
Hanai explains to Ichiyanagi and me, "There are a total of six canisters. We're already sent one to HazMat for identification. They'll let us know the results ASAP."
I see Hanai pause for a minute, and his features turn grim.
At the same moment, a team of men come in the ballroom and remove the five canisters.
This time, it's Ichiyanagi's and my turn to become grim.
"They identified the canister's contents. There's difluoro, a mixture of isoprophyl alcohol and isoprophyl amine, and ricin," says Hanai after shaking his head, his words making us internally freeze…Ichiyanagi most especially.
Ichiyanagi then gets his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number, informing me in an apologetic tone once the muffled sound of ring tones become audible, "I'm conference-calling Em and Eiji…see what the two of them think."
I offer, "Ichiyanagi… Let's have Shinonome connect Em and Kiyosumi Eiji. Let's include everyone to make it an 12-way conference call since we're roping in Shinonome, too..."
Once Ichiyanagi gives his nod, I instruct Shinonome to contact Em, Eiji, Chief Namba, Ishigami, Kirisawa, Minase, Katsuragi, and Hanai. Eventually, all 12 of us are online via telephone conference, with Em apparently and conveniently being with Nomura.
After Hanai briefs everyone with the results of his team's search, I can hear Em sigh and say, "Kazusa… Do you have pictures to share with me on what this canister and the device look like?"
"Sure," replies Hanai and then I hear a ping on my phone as well as Ichiyanagi's moments later.
There's silence for a while and then Em comments in a serious tone, "difluoro or methylphosphonyl diflouride or DF when used together with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and isopropyl amine produces sarin. The ricin's there to complete the combo. Although the overall container is different, the delivery method applied in this one follows the same pattern as the previous incidents."
Eiji then adds, "There must be at least four separate chambers inside the canister. Once the signal is triggered, the chemicals are time-released."
Em clarifies, "But not all three chambers fire at once. The chambers containing the components to form sarin gets released first. Once sarin forms, that's when the chamber containing the ricin is released along with the pressurized chamber that serves as aerosol for quick release of the gas."
Hanai asks, "If there's sarin, why add ricin to the mix?"
Eiji sounds grim when he replies, "Because whatever the sarin can't finish in terms of killing its victim, the ricin will most likely finish the job. The bastards want to make sure that the mix will take as many lives as they can."
All are quiet for a while until Chief Namba says, "Got anything in mind, Em - something reminiscent with what you and I have done in past assignments?"
Em falls quiet for a minute before she declares, "Sure, Chief... I'll need all your help to keep it under wraps as well as to execute it."
We then listen to Em's proposal. I know I'm struck stunned from what I'm hearing.
I do notice how Chief Namba's listening close and smirking over the plan. That impish grin of his seems to be telling us, "Yep, it's that crazy. It's gonna be one wild ride."
Namba sums up his thoughts with the words, "Em… I'm looking forward on what you have in mind. It'll be a blast in so many ways."
I've been through this road a handful of times with Em. Every passing minute, the proposal's sounding crazier than I already thought it was. However, she has a proven track record. There's a method to her geeky madness and reckless productions. On top of that, her methods consistently deliver results.
And so I say to myself, thinking, "She's just as reckless as the rest of us, but hey….let's see where this takes us…"
Setting: Limousine leaving Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
Final Destination: Okada Family Estate
Happening exactly at the same time as Marukawa Shoten project kick-off meeting at 12:00 PM
General Point of View (POV)
After camping by the doorsteps of Tokyo MPD Headquarters since early this morning once they have caught wind of Okada Aoi's arrest, the press went crazy as they see him walk out of the station with his attorney and suited bodyguards.
A multitude of flashbulbs lit along with the clamoring voices of reporters asking for Okada Aoi to make a comment, but all are disappointed as the now-bailed out man's limousine drives away from the police station.
Nearly drowned by the sound of outsiders tapping on the windows, Okada Sekai asks his son, "I've already mobilized your men. Those responsible for your arrest will regret dragging you and humiliating our family like this."
"I thought you have men on the inside, Dad," says Aoi to his father. "What are we paying them for?"
"They didn't know anything about the raid. Some who we've paid in our employ at the Prime Minister's residence made statements, but none of them link back to you or me," murmurs the elder Okada, his features looking more serious and disgusted. Referring to the drugs and the kidnapped people, he adds, "Our shipments have been confiscated. The delivery going to the Prime Minister's residence has been uncovered before tomorrow evening's gala. Every step of the way, we're getting thwarted!"
"So, what will the men do?" asks the younger Okada as he pores through a thick manila envelope filled with pictures. His brows furrow, and then he smirks while he decides to return to the top of the pile. This time, he segregates certain photographs in a separate pile.
The elder Okada replies with a sly grin, "You'll just find out. Better that you don't know anything in case you've been pressed to give answers."
Now done with his task, Okada Aoi hands his father the smaller pile of pictures. He inquires as he watches his father's reaction while reviewing the pictures, "Isn't that Ishino Michael's ward…also his son's girlfriend?"
"Ex-girlfriend," replies the elder Okada, his mind working as he reviews the pictures a second time…with him stopping here and there when something on the photograph piques his interest.
"Why is she in a lot of pictures with them?"
In the segregated pile that father and son have now been reviewing are pictures of Em. The top photo catches her ascending the steps leading to MPD's front lobby in the middle of the night. Another picture captures a moment with her and Nomura in the café. Another has her chatting casually with Nomura, Director General Kyobashi, and Commissioner General Namioka as they leave NPA Headquarters.
The elder Okada murmurs, "Alexandra Emrys… She has ties with them…."
"Ties…? What do you mean ties? Is she law enforcement, too?"
Shaking his head, the elder Okada responds as he holds a particular picture and points at Kyobashi and Namioka, "No, she's not… She's a British citizen. She's not a law enforcement professional in Japan or Britain. She might have indirect ties, but that's due to her position and influence. Remember the gala you've attended with Dan and me – the one held for Hiraizumi's return as Prime Minister? She comes from noble family just like Ambassador Soejima Kei. She's been an ambassador since she was young. She does have ties with the NPA because of her dissertation for her archaeology and biochemistry degrees. If she has ever been consulted by law enforcement, it was more likely for her academic knowledge as an archaeologist and a biochemist. Her parents and Ishino Michael are good friends with these two, so there's word that she had asked them a favor for her studies. These two have been father figures to her, just like Michael. She's close to Hiraizumi and Prime Minister Brown."
"And this guy?" the son asks as he points at Nomura in the picture.
"A suitor, maybe…? Although our inside sources have confirmed that she's like a little sister to those she knows at MPD and NPA, although those people are a few. I heard much about Deputy Chief Nomura Tadanobu. I can see why he'd pursue her. She a beautiful catch and she has solid connections through many networks. For someone who's ambitious, earning her good graces – no matter what form – can pay off handsomely." the elder Okada tells the son with a suggestive smirk escaping from his lips. "Michael's son was the only one that had a confirmed relationship with her. The others, like this one, might have the same predicament… But…."
The son tilts his head a bit. "But...?"
"She's been seen throughout the years with Soejima Kei, too. She has also been seen with Shido Kazuomi and Shiba Yuzuru. Mister Anson confirmed that," says the elder Okada as he relaxes against the limousine's leather seat while finishing off his drink. "I wouldn't be surprised if there's already a marriage arrangement between Emrys and Soejima. Makes sense since the two are nobility and serve as diplomats. They were also Oxford alumni. A lot of ties between them…"
"So the two of them are going out?"
The elder Okada thinks about the question for a moment, and then responds, "Trent says that they do a lot of diplomatic assignments, and at times work as a team…nothing more that he's aware of. The Queen relies on them a lot. Trent's not happy knowing that Alexandra Emrys had close ties with the now-departed Prime Minister Brown... He wants to eliminate any trace of Brown that remains close to the Queen. He still considers Brown as a threat even though he was the one behind having her poisoned. So he considers Emrys as a threat although she served him well without question, too."
"For short, no one serious in her radar…not even Soejima…" adds the son, matching his father's grin. "Looks like she loves to play around just like I do…"
"It seems that she managed to catch your eye, too."
"She's definitely a looker…" the younger Okada mumbles as his expressive brown eyes and his handsome features displaying the malevolence running inside his head.
"To Trent, though, she's bothersome. As young as she is, she carries a lot of clout. Trent considers Soejima as a threat. He thinks that she can easily encourage Soejima to aspire for higher office someday. He wants to nip it in the bud before that happens. He's very angry that our plans for the gala were foiled. It's important for plans to pull through, so that it'll be lucrative on both sides. Many more avenues will open up for your business, Aoi. Great Britain and Europe will be your oyster once everything falls in place. Trent will make sure of that," The elder Okada's eyes narrow as he thinks back to the party at the Okada Estate many years ago…specifically the part wherein she took AJ away from him.
"Is that why Shido Kazuomi and Shiba Yuzuru are targeted, too?"
"Those three are linked to the hip. Same as Alexandra Emrys… Each one's movements can have a global effect. Imagine if the four of them combine their efforts, which is always the case. Trent's not the only one who recognizes this. Derek Anson acknowledges this, too."
"Don't worry, Dad. There's still something in place. They didn't get rid of all the obstacles yet. They'll be in for a big surprise. Let them have their sense of confidence that they've caught everything just in time."
The elder Okada is pleased to hear from what his son has just said. "I've moved up the timeline, so I've toyed with them enough. I sent your men to press things further. I want Usami Akihito, Onodera Ritsu, and Ishino AJ. I also want those two children your men have failed to get."
"And I want her, Dad," the younger Okada says with such certainty as he keeps eyeing on Em's picture. "Once we do get her, leave her to me. I'll take good care of her."
"Then you'll see her at the gala tomorrow with Soejima. Keep in mind that Mister Anson has plans for her. We only get to keep her for a little while. He did say, however, that we have free reign. He warned Trent and me to make sure that we don't kill or hurt her or there'll be hell to pay. As long as she's not dead when our work's done, he's fine with whatever happens. So sure… If you want to play with her first before we deliver her to Mister Anson, by all means go ahead. If she ever gets killed, he wants the honor of snuffing her life to belong to him."
Okada's son tilts his head and expresses his surprise by asking, "So you've changed our plans? I thought we wanted to use those close to her as a bargaining chip for her to come to us. Fair exchange, as you say…"
"We strike while the iron's hot, my boy…" The elder Okada then quietly chuckles to himself and then adds, "Someone's been messing with our plans. I want things neatly wrapped up before any more plans get derailed. Trent's success relies heavily on our success here – starting with the joint venture's death and propping myself in time to become the next Prime Minister of Japan. Without our success in Japan, matters in Japan and Britain will fall flat. Almagest and Mister Anson don't accept failure. I'm also not going to let all of them go without paying their debt to me from long ago."
Little do father and son know that the unseen Miyamoto Hiroshi has been watching and listening all this time as the two talk and scheme. The boy's eyes burn with such hatred as he throws a piercing gaze towards the elder Okada…that gaze turning sharper and angrier as the two fill the limousine with their malevolent laughter.
The limousine eventually arrives at the Okada Family Estate. The household staff reverently greets father and son, with each one already conditioned to remain neutral or non-reactive to anything unusual or unscrupulous that happens around them…knowing that this is the best course of conduct should each one wishes to keep his or her job or life.
Okada Aoi covers his mouth and tries to stifle his yawn. He affectionately taps his father – Representative Okada Sekai – on the shoulder. "I'm beat, Dad. I'm going to my room and sleep."
The elder Okada nods his head with a kind smile towards his eldest son. "Everything will take care of itself. Rest, and then you can focus on recovering what we've lost."
When Aoi is about to climb the stairs, he hears his father say, "And Aoi…"
Aoi stops.
"You are still going to attend the gala tomorrow night, right?"
His expression turning serious, Aoi has no hesitation when he replies, "Of course I'm attending, Dad. I've nothing to be ashamed of. I'll be with you and Dan tomorrow night, just as we've planned."
Okada Sekai nods in approval, pleased with his eldest son's answer. He then says to the other, "And please call your brother when you get a chance. He may have been on his own all this time and wants to make a mark in this world through his own efforts, but his concern and care has always been with us. He's been trying to call you and had been calling me a lot since word broke out about your arrest."
Aoi's grim features lighten up, fragments of a small and gentle smile escaping from his lips. He lets out a sigh, reassuring his father in a gentle tone, "I'll call him, Dad. Knowing Dan, he's worried about me to say the least. I can take care of my companies. I'll hold a press conference and placate my employees' concerns. I just don't want my arrest to affect Dan's businesses."
"Very well… Let me make the arrangements. You get some rest," says the father with a nod to his son. He then watches Aoi as the latter ascends the stairs.
The elder Okada's gentle visage reverts to its usual mode – stoic, condescending, scrutinizing, and shrewd. As his mind wanders back to Aoi's arrest and the foiling of many well-laid plans, he thinks, "Whoever you are that caused all of this, all of you will pay. No one could stop me before. What makes you think that anyone can stop me now?"
Okada Sekai's eyebrows knit, his eyes narrowing as he feels compelled to look behind him. He has been feeling edgy over the past months, at times having this nagging thought that someone's been watching him…although the concern did not make sense since he is at home where there is heavy security.
Little does the elder Okada know, not that he has the sixth sense to pick up on it, that Miyamoto Hiroshi continues to watch him in the shadows whether it be day or night…the specter laying in wait for matters to fall in place.
Representative Okada goes to his home office, unlocks the door and locks the door behind him, and then sits behind his mahogany desk. He opens a special compartment at the topmost drawer in the right-hand side of his desk. He pulls out the fake bottom of the top drawer and takes out a black leather folder, pulling out the set of pictures from the front pocket.
There are now several pictures in the politician's hand, all of them dating at least from 30 years ago…most of them are pictures of him along with a much-younger Onodera Akifumi, and some are group pictures which include him and Onodera Akifumi along with Usami Fuyuhiko, Isaka Sana, and Ishino Michael. The images captured on photo were of happier times between the men, especially the ones with Onodera Akifumi.
Okada then picks a particular photo – one of him with his long-deceased wife and the mother of his two children, Junko. His eyes stare at the photo with melancholy and longing.
Glancing at the other photos that have Onodera, Usami, Isaka, and Ishino Michael, Representative Okada's features darken back into the hatred that perpetually boiled inside him – all while he repeatedly swears in his mind that he will not stop until the men in the photo have paid the blood debts that he feels are owed to him.
Timeline: August 6 (four days before Alexa's concert debut)
Setting: 2nd Unit, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
Kirisawa Hiroshi's Point of View (POV)
"Knock, knock!"
Minase Tomomi, Ishihara Emi, and I look towards the door after getting startled from our collective train of thought.
Seeing Nomura, I nod my head with a small smile and ask my boss and best friend, "Did you just come back from dropping off Em?"
Nomura nods back and replies, "Yeah…" He then turns as he sees a cup of coffee being presented before him and smiles at Ishihara. "Thanks, Emi. So thoughtful of you as always…"
"I was grabbing some for me," Ishihara responds as she raises her cup of coffee to show Nomura.
Nomura takes in a deep, cleansing breath and then sips from his cup of coffee. I can tell that he's taking comfort from the jolt of caffeine. I know this because I had my own up less than 15 minutes ago.
"Where are Yachigusa and Kyobashi?" asks Nomura as he shows me a file folder. Then it looks as if he snaps out of his own stupor as he murmurs, "I forgot… Yachigusa and Kyobashi had the night shift, so they're off now."
I give Nomura a rueful smile, empathizing the fact that he must be bone-tired. "Yeah… They won't be back until the day after tomorrow."
"Tennoji and Hanai…?"
"Tennoji's at Seimei University Hospital, on guard duty for Mino Kanade. Hanai's at the sports complex crime scene, probably with Kimura on site." I then turn to Ishihara and tell her, "I'll drop you off at Seimei, Ishihara. My home's on the way there, anyway."
Nomura lets out a sigh. He tells me, "You're supposed to be sleeping on your day off. Why are you still here?"
I chuckle a bit. Nomura knows the answer, but either his brain's not registering it because he's tired or he just wants to hear it from me. And so I explain, "Same reason as you. I was about to go home, but something happened."
Nomura raises an eyebrow as he glances to me, and then to Tomomi. "What happened?"
This time, it's Tomomi's turn to sigh. She's still pissed off, that much I know. "Okada Aoi… He's lawyered up and out of jail."
Nomura's features reflect how he's bothered by this latest development. He shakes his head and mumbles, "Not good at all."
Tomomi and I nod. We already informed Kaga from Public Safety Division, and that's Tomomi's next stop.
Nomura announces, "I'll drop off Ishihara, Hiroshi. Just go home right now. Orders from your boss…"
Normally, I'd fuss and fret over whatever Nomura has to say. Call it a song-and-dance routine that kept us and those around us entertained. This time, I didn't put up a fight. I feel a sense of urgency as soon as he walked in the door, and the last time that I felt this from him was during the days that he had broken up with Shiori.
What makes me wonder, though, is that this "air" about my best friend seemed to have begun at dawn today – starting with that rooftop conversation that he and I had about Em. This time around, the "air" seems to be heavier.
Nomura and I exchange glances, and I get the true message behind his gesture and words. From his eyes, I can tell that he's telling me, "I'll drop her off, and I'll pass by your place. Can we talk?"
Based on the way that Nomura looks like, he not only wants to talk but he needs to talk to someone…and MPD isn't the place conducive for sharing what he needs to unload from his head and chest.
And so I reply to Nomura, "If it's okay with you…."
"Of course it's fine with me," Nomura tells me in front of everyone with a winning smile. He can manage to fool everyone but me. He's troubled to say the least. First of all, I can tell that from the way that his smile doesn't reach his eyes.
Nomura looks at Ishihara and smiles. "Let's go, Emi." Afterwards, he glances my way once more and says, "And Hiroshi – straight home right now… I need to recharged and in fighting form."
I nod at Nomura…
Nomura then informs Tomomi, "I'll be out for a few hours, and then I'll come see you. Let's talk about what's next now that Okada's out of jail. You speak with Kaga. I'll get more details from PSD upper brass."
I interject, asking Nomura, "Don't you have the time off today, too?"
"I do. I was planning to go home, too. But with Okada out like this…" Nomura lets out a burdened sigh and then adds, "We'll see…"
Tomomi and I nod and quietly bid goodbye to Nomura and Ishihara as the two leave 2nd Unit.
I grab my keys so that I can head home, with plans of prepping a late lunch and mid-afternoon snack for Nomura and me.
"Kirisawa…"
"Yeah…?"
With a frown, Tomomi inquires, "What's up with Nomura and Em?"
I throw Tomomi a glance. "Why do you ask?"
"You do notice that Nomura and Ishihara are pretty close, don't you?"
"Ishihara's friendly and positive. She's close to everyone – not just Nomura," I tell Tomomi with a confident smile.
Tomomi smiles too, and I do know that she and Ishihara became close since the latter transferred to Tokyo MPD from Nishiarai Police Station. In spite of the smile, though, there's a hint of foreboding and concern. "I like Ishihara. She's good people. But Em's like a younger sister to me…to us…"
I freeze for a moment, realizing what Tomomi says. I've been admittedly stumped. We both stop and think.
Tomomi thinks out loud, "I don't think Nomura's doing anything wrong. There's this vibe between him and Em that goes from way back when. I see that what they had before is still there. But there's this vibe between him and Ishihara, too."
"It's complicated. Em and Nomura have feelings for each other. That has been the case for a long time. But you heard her when she first arrived around midnight. After four years and a handful of heartbreaks, she's finally trying to move on but taking it slow."
"With MPD's Number One Playboy? Nomura can easily be Em's Heartbreak Number Five." Tomomi frowns a bit, really not wanting to say that about Nomura but it needs to be said because it's the truth. "Why is she asking for her heart to be broken? And I don't know if he's aware, but there are sparks between him and Ishihara, too."
"Em and he agreed not to date exclusively and to figure things out while seeing each other. He doesn't want to hurt her. That, I know. Then he knows that you, Himuro, and I will be kicking his ass if he ever messes with her…and that doesn't include Commissioner General Namioka and Director General Kyobashi." I then shake my head and add, "And if he chooses to go with Ishihara, he knows that everyone at 2nd Unit will be kicking his ass if he ever makes her cry."
Tomomi smiles sadly and jokes, "I think you and the boys will be kicking Nomura's butt if he ever makes Em cry, too. After all, everyone in a way has his eye on her."
"I have faith that Nomura will do his best, no matter what happens. He's struggling. He doesn't want to hurt anyone. That's the last thing he wants to do."
"It's a train wreck waiting to happen, Kirisawa. No matter where I look, at least one person will get hurt – and I'm not just talking about either Em or Ishihara."
I give Tomomi a long look. I know that she sees herself as a big sister figure not just for Ishihara but also most especially Em. We've known Em since she was a kid, and have been her colleagues with her all these years, too. "Well, Em's in town. So while we have the chance, let's hang out with her. You do your girls' day out. I'll organize something at my place. Then let's go from there…"
"I guess we'll just see what happens next…" murmurs Tomomi after she sadly shakes her head.
I had to blink a couple of times because I thought that I've just seen Minase Koichi – Tomomi's husband and one of my best friends who has been dead for six months and counting – standing about 15 feet from us and watching Tomomi and I talk.
That glimpse of him…
I can't remove that sight from my mind's eye. It just looks as if Koichi's trying to say something to Tomomi but is feeling powerless…helpless…and so there he remains standing without saying a word. Sadness, emptiness, and longing are so evident and have now marred his usually genial and light-hearted disposition when he was still alive and interacting with us. His eyes speak the magnitude of his emotions, and it made my heart ache.
But when I look once more, Koichi's gone.
I blink once more in hopes to see Koichi again, but I didn't see him again.
Maybe I'm just too damn tired that I'm already beginning to see things.
But Koichi…. If that's really you, then please tell me what you're trying to say. If I'm going to have this curse, then I'll start treating it more as a gift if I can be the bridge for you to express your wishes from the other side.
Timeline: August 6 (four days before Alexa's concert debut)
Setting: Nomura Tadanobu's SUV (stuck in traffic)
Final Destination: Seimei University Hospital
Nomura Tadanobu's Point of View (POV)
"Where's your loyal sidekick today?"
When I talk about sidekick, I talk about Ishibashi – a young elite greenhorn in the force and son of one of the higher-ranking top brass at Tokyo MPD. He's an eager-beaver who takes our work seriously, and if I'm not mistaken has his eye on his senpai – 2nd Unit's judo killer, zoo tamer, and resident gourmand.
I should find the fact that the younger Ishibashi has the hots for 2nd Unit's newest and one-and-only woman detective as cute, but there's something inexplicably unsettling and infuriating about it.
Ishihara Emira…Emi…stares at me with this perpetual kindness that's customary for her. "Ah, he and I won't be seeing each other for two days. He's off today. I'm off tomorrow.'
This time, it's my turn to smile. "No fair. I'm going to miss seeing you."
"I'm entitled to get a day off every now and then, Nomura. You're entitled, too, you know…"
Emi and I then fall quiet and as I wait for traffic to clear, my thoughts drift elsewhere…
I did mean what I just said to Emi…and I don't normally say that to anyone. In my lifetime, there have been three women who hold that honor…
Shiori, my ex-fiancée who I've known and was engaged to for a long time… She was the love of my life as long as I could remember, and I've built my dreams of a happy life and home with her in the picture. Tragedy, however, struck her life and I wasn't there as much as I wanted or thought I should've been. She was the reason why I joined law enforcement. She was also the reason that I rushed my studies. She was also the reason that I had this perpetual hunger to rise to the top of the force. But when she ended our engagement and broke things off between us, I carried on with what I've started…aiming to finish it once and for all. Nothing will stop me in doing that – even a broken engagement and a broken heart. I'll cry later once it's over, that is if I feel that there'll be tears to shed after all this time of just living on my own with my mask perpetually on.
There's Ishihara Emira…Emi for short – coincidence indeed that she almost has the same nickname as Em. She's been a member of 2nd Unit – a division that I've organized when I became Captain and had entrusted to Kirisawa's for his unique brand of leadership and unwavering sense of ethics – for the past six months now and counting. Actually, I've known her for seven months if I count the chance encounter at the park where she told off those punks who were bullying and shaking down this high school kid. I couldn't forget how she handled that situation – the word "impressive" doesn't even cover it. That incident led to me requesting for her transfer from Nishiarai Police Station to Tokyo MPD.
Emi's petite, dainty look can fool everyone. She has a big appetite that'll put any man to shame. Her threshold for alcohol makes my head shake, although I have seen her drunk before. She can hang out with the boys and keep them in line, thus earning her the title the "beast tamer" of 2nd Unit Misfits. She can judo-throw a man much taller and stockier than she with no problem. Yet that tough interior of hers is complemented with such a kind heart, a cute and shy demeanor, and a positive outlook. I can't explain it, but I feel lighter whenever I'm with her. So I find myself passing by 2nd Unit far more frequently than I should, bugging Hiroshi. Well, I love hanging out with my best friend and trusted colleague, but admittedly I wanted to have another glimpse of her. Chatting with her energizes me and makes the unbearable day filled with bullshit bureaucracy far more bearable…fun, even.
And then there's Alexandra Emrys…Em for short. She has been my colleague and younger sibling figure since she was 10 years old, and I've been seeing her in a romantic light for four years and counting. We're somewhat two of the same creatures. We hide behind a mask for the world to see, and are purposefully and un-purposefully misunderstood. In spite of having this larger-than-life, goddess-like presence that is captivating, she doesn't put on airs. In fact, she despises it even though she's second-nature in circulating in an arena where everyone blows hot air, kisses asses to move ahead, or both. I've seen her out-drink anyone but I've never seen her drunk. To call her skilled in martial arts and self-defense – armed or unarmed – is an understatement since she's strong and quick. She's like Himuro Masashi when it comes to her versatility in adapting from one martial arts discipline to another…the two of them both being more than skilled in aikido, judo, and kendo to say the least. She's comfortable in her own skin, and has this gift of being able to gauge and empathize with others just through observation. She naturally knows how to leverage and highlight her gifts and talents. She's down-to-earth, thoughtful, hard-working, and passionate.
So that one evening four years ago – my first date with Em – has always been unforgettable for me. Now, four years later, fate has been kind to give her and me another chance. It makes me smile knowing and recently confirming that our time together has been unforgettable for her, too. Being with her serves as a balm in my heart, and I can't picture a life without her in it. But if that's the case, then what's stopping me from allowing myself to make her finally mine?
I stir from my reverie when I hear Emi open one of the two cans of cold black coffee which are now resting in my car's beverage holder.
Emi asks me, "Would you like me to open one for you, Nomura?"
"Sure…" My eyes scan the street which is busy with police officers manning the flow of traffic, steering motorists away from a pile-up in the middle of the busy intersection. From the looks of it, Emi and I will be sitting in this car for a while.
Normally, I wouldn't mind sitting in the car with Emi. I don't know, though, how thrilled she is of Hiroshi giving her his own brand of "talking-to" so that she'll stay as far away from the Moriguchi case as possible. But somehow, I feel that she's not holding a grudge against me for holding her back from helping just a few weeks ago. In fact, she's helping me in other ways – such as plowing through my paperwork and filing and keeping me company. Admittedly, we've grown much closer these past couple of weeks. I feel calmer being around her.
Lately, though, is a different story especially since the Moriguchi case and the caseloads coming from Em have arrived at MPD doorsteps. I can't blame Em for bringing those cases to the NPA since each one connects with the others. Together, they affect national security and the safety of many key players in Japanese and global politics and economy – this threat reaching up to the Prime Minister himself.
The Moriguchi case happens to be one of many that I've been working on for these past years since Shiori's abduction while she and I were still together. I'm hoping that this case will be the integral thread that unravels the entire fabric of corruption within the police and justice systems – the summary death of ex-felons disguised and dismissed as suicides, and the casual "burying" of such cases from further investigation from the upper brasses of both departments.
But right now isn't the time for unresolved romantic issues…. And I'm not going to lie. I know that I notice Ishihara Emi more than I should.
Right now is the most crucial part of the Moriguchi case. There's a national and international crisis on the MPD's lap. Both of these demand my attention. Both of them are dangerous. Both of the people involved in these cases will use anything or anyone close to me.
The other day, in the height of our argument as I insist for Emi not to butt in on the Moriguchi case, she tells me, "Have I not earned the right to demonstrate my strength, and protect who I feel needs my protection? Because if that's what you're saying…When the strong among us have moments of weakness… Then who can protect them?"
I still vividly remember on how much and how deeply my chest hurt that day, which made breathing such a chore. Right now, those feelings along with others that I have yet to define fill my heart.
I have to sort things through…
God forbid, I don't want to see Emi hurt. That's why I told Hiroshi to keep her out of the case.
And then another realization dawns on me – I have unresolved issues to settle aside from these cases.
What about Alexandra Emrys…Em…and the four years that we've put on hold all this time?
Em had offered me God knows how many times for her help, but I refused. She's too close to Commissioner General Namioka and Director General Kyobashi – the two people who have my loyalty and I want to continue protecting. In turn, she did some quiet poking around over the years...pretending to be oblivious while keeping her ears to the ground and her eyes open. She indirectly helped by pointing out that the justice department is also involved in this complicated web of corruption.
In turn, I cast a wider net through my singles' mixers and bedding those who I sensed have some valuable answers to the puzzle. To everyone, I'm the power-playing metrosexual playboy who knows how to finagle my way up the ranks. The only people who know what's really up with me are Namioka, Kyobashi, Hiroshi, Masashi, Tomomi, and Em.
Well, Himuro Masashi at least knows that I'm serious…although he firmly believes that I do most of my thinking with my little brain down there… That's another story as I laugh along telling it….
Emi says, "Am I being helpful to you the way that I am now, Nomura?"
I know where this is heading. I maintain my casual, affable stance as I reply, "Kirisawa's a good man. He'll never steer you wrong. He gave you good advice – stay clear from the case. Just do what he says."
"Even if it means turning a blind eye on what's right..?"
I glance towards Emi, my eyes narrowing a bit. "I didn't like the way that came out, Emi. He's your boss."
With a tone denoting that she didn't mean to challenge authority, but not backing down either, Emi tells me, "And you're my boss' boss. That makes a difference."
There's another pocket of uncomfortable silence between Emi and me for a while before she inquires, "Why are you and Boss keeping me away from this?
My cell phone rings – I'm saved….
I respond to the conference phone call from Captain Kaga Hyogo at Public Safety Division along with Captain Ichiyanagi Subaru from Security Police regarding the rundown for the security at tomorrow's dinner gala at the Prime Minister's residence.
Em will be attending the evening gala primarily as a diplomat along with fellow ambassador, brother figure, and date Soejima Kei… As I think about that, the thought depresses and pisses me off at the same time... As I see vivid images of her walking down a red carpet as she's escorted by another man, I can't help but feel infuriated.
But do I have a right to feel this way when I'm the one who set these terms between Em and me? I wonder what she's doing right now as she's on a date with another man – a different one from tomorrow's date…
Ughh… Yeah, right… Em has a date right now with another brother figure – Shido Kazuomi. I can't complain about that. I'm the one who doesn't want do exclusively date. I can't even make up my mind about where to go next when it comes to her and me, and the petulant brat in me that refuses to grow up is ranting and running amuck.
I let out a subtle sigh, followed with a question to Subaru, "How's Makabe doing?"
"Kenta's doing much better. The doctors call it a miracle that he survived. Even more so that he's recovering this quickly," says Subaru in a calm tone laced with such gratitude and relief. "That antidote from Doctor Himuro and Em worked wonders. Doctor Himuro asked for samples of Kenta's blood. Kenta's more than happy to give consent."
"Masashi and Em make a good forensics and medical examining team, don't they?" I comment with a smile.
I notice how Emi momentarily flinches….
As I dismiss Emi's reaction, Subaru says to me, "They sure do. And because of that, Kenta's alive. Thank you and Lieutenant Kirisawa for visiting him. It cheered him up a lot."
"Anytime, Ichiyanagi… Your man did good work out there. Otherwise, we could've had a bigger disaster in our hands if it weren't for him."
Kaga interjects, "So we'll meet two more times before Em's concert date. That doesn't count tomorrow morning's check for security detail at the gala."
"All right… See you both tomorrow, then…."
After I exchange farewells with Kaga and Subaru…well, Subaru if you don't count Kaga's grunts as a form of farewell…I focus back on the road and the traffic which remain on a standstill.
"Kyobashi and the others mentioned about a woman named Em. How true is it that she's younger than Eiki?"
Thinking that the inquiry's harmless, I respond, "Her nickname's Em. Her name's Alexandra Emrys. She lives in England, but frequently comes to Japan for business. She also has most of her friends and family figures here. I'd say she's very much as Japanese as you and I are, maybe more since she's familiar with the traditional ways."
"She's a consultant – someone who works alongside you, Boss, and the others?'
"She is, and she does. Maybe someday very soon, you'll get to work with her. She's good people. You'll get along with her."
Emi and I then fall into this silence…until she asks…
"Nomura…do you have a girlfriend?"
I blink from Emi's curveball of a question. It takes a while before I can reply, "I date, but no one exclusive. No girlfriend of any form."
"I see…." Emi murmurs and then lets out a small sigh.
However, I'm still puzzled regarding the motivation of that question of hers. I gaze at Emi. "And why do you ask?"
Ah, Emi blushes… I inwardly smirk, finding it irresistibly cute. Will that make me bad if I want to tease her more?
I turn towards Emi, facing her. I notice a stray her over her cheek. Without removing my gaze from her, I lift my hand and carefully guide that stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Sure enough, Emi blushes even more and murmurs, "Stop it…."
"Stop what? I'm just taking that hair out of your face…" I then finish my task and add with my innocent smile, "See? Completely harmless deed…"
Oh, now Emi's flustered. Our eyes continue to stay with each other….
"How about you, Emi…? Do you have a boyfriend?"
Emi's speechless. By this time, she's beet red but still has her eyes on me. "N-no…"
"I see…" My smile becomes more generous. For some reason, hearing Emi's answer comforts me. "I'll make note of that, then…"
"I'm not that type of woman…."
I look at Emi, and I lift my hand to touch her cheek this time. I tell her in the gentlest voice that I can muster. "I know that. I've always known that…"
Emi and I are in that position for a while. It's as if time now stands still and the world leaves just the two of us in this one moment. It's comforting. I feel at peace. I didn't want it to end.
Those lips of Emi's…and those eyes that express such sincerity and kindness… I'm so drawn to them right now. I lean closer to her, and when I hear no opposition coming from her it made me feel bolder.
Emi leans closer as well…the two of us dangerously inches away from each other…
And for some reason, something that I've been asking myself all this time has just dawned upon me. That realization, however, renders me humbled and happy.
Being with Emi makes me happy…as in really happy and at peace….
And being with Emi makes me feel whole again….
Question is….does Emi feel the same way as I do? If I base it on how she's looking at me right now, I should say yes she does.
Emi's compassion and understanding knows no bounds. I do hope that when the right time does come, she's still have some compassion and understanding to hear what I have to say about her – about us.
The cars behind us then honk loudly, and so did the police officers in front of us. Traffic has finally cleared up a bit for us to maneuver out of this stagnant position.
I place my hands down, but not before touching Emi's hair. I then take the car out of its parked position, and then drive us out of there and now onward to our destination.
For some reason, though, I still can't get that guilty feeling off my system…
And then my thoughts drift towards Em…
What about Em? Four years ago, we both agreed that we'd be hurting each other if we explore having a relationship at that time…that entering into a relationship while hurting deep inside wouldn't bode well for either party. Four years later, we agree to take things slow and she's now waiting for me now to make the next move, but I denied her. Moreover, I made her cry because of my indecision – this thing of mine about wanting to see her but not wanting anything beyond that. It's as if I want to claim her as mine, only for me to place her on a trophy case only to turn my back and then walk away from her.
What the hell's wrong with me?
For some reason, I feel unsettled…as if my hand has just been caught delving into the cookie jar. I feel confused all of a sudden…guilty…
What the hell am I supposed to do…?
Setting: Okada Family Estate – Aoi's Master Bedroom
Happening exactly at the same time as Nomura Tadanobu is giving Ishihara Emira a lift to Seimei University Hospital
General Point of View (POV
Meanwhile, Okada Aoi reaches his room and locks the door. He speed-dials a familiar number and says once the other line picks up, "Dan… I'm home."
"Are you all right, Nii-sama? I've been so worried about you!" asks Okada Danuja – who family and close friends call Dan for short. He leans against the back of his comfortable chair at a café he normally frequents, drinking his usual espresso. This time, though, he chooses to pair up his favorite caffeinated beverage with crème brulee and a complementary serving of assorted fresh berries.
"Our attorneys in our retainer work hard. I didn't stay there that long." The gentle feelings that Aoi has towards his little brother are evident in the tone of his voice. He sits on his large king-sized bed, taking his preferred cross-legged position. "Now don't let this affect you, all right? Focus on your businesses. Focus on your campaign. You're running for office. You'll soon join Dad at the Diet. You need all the good vibes that you can get. Keep your eyes on the prize."
"You never ask for my help," Dan complains, although his voice does not show any hint of blame or regret. "You and Dad can rely on me more, you know. That's what siblings and family are for."
Aoi chuckles and then smiles, his heart feeling lighter as he reassures and encourages Dan at the same time, "I'm the one who's supposed to be protecting you. I'm your big brother. I should know how to clean up any misunderstanding that comes my way. Have you ever lost faith in me?"
This time, it is Dan's turn to let out a comforting small laugh. He is now allowing a sense of relief to descend upon his being now that he knows his brother's out of jail. "Of course not…"
"That's good, then. Best of brothers and best of friends – right…?"
"You're right. Best of brothers and best of friends – always…."
"Are you going to come and join us for dinner tonight?"
"I can do that today. And even if I can't, I'll make it a point to come join you and Dad tonight. And you're joining Dad and me at the gala tomorrow night at the Prime Minister's residence. You better because you didn't do anything wrong… Just as you said…it's all a misunderstanding."
"Of course I'll be there," replies Aoi, although his face clouds momentarily as he provides that answer to his younger brother. "I told you that the trading business has a lot of baggage like this. It's inconvenient at a time like this, but I love what I do."
"I know you do. Just be careful, Aoi. You said so yourself…our family has many enemies so we better watch our backs. Some are out there to ruin our good name."
Aoi smiles more generously. "You take care, too. I'll get some rest and we'll see you tonight."
After the brothers bid farewell over the phone and the call ends, Aoi lets out a sigh. His features become more serious as the anger and desire for revenge find their way back in his heart. He then walks into his huge bathroom, taking an invigorating shower in hopes of calming down his frayed nerves.
But every now and then, Aoi ponders about his younger brother at the hot water lands on his body and gives him a feeling of being washed clean, "You're like Mom, Dan. I wish that Mom can see you now. You have such a kind soul. Please stay that way."
Soon, the man leading the dual life as the ruthless international crime boss and the kindly young President of a handful of diversified and highly-lucrative companies now lay on his bed. He allows his body and mind to sleep, yet his anger and thirst for retribution continue to burn strongly in his dreams.
Timeline: August 6 (four days before Alexa's concert debut- immediately after phone call between Okada Brothers)
Setting: La Crème Café
Happening exactly at the same time as Nomura Tadanobu is giving Ishihara Emira a lift to Seimei University Hospital
General Point of View (POV)
Meanwhile, Okada Dan focuses on his drink and dessert although he pauses here and there as he warmly returns the greetings of people who say "hi" or "good afternoon" to him. Dan, just like his brother and father, has a dignified and commanding presence…yet the biggest difference with him is that he radiates such authentic warmth and kindness. It doesn't matter how private his spot or how crowded the setting is, he manages to grab people's attention.
Inconspicuously sitting at another table is the Public Safety Department's very own Kurosawa Toru, thinking while hiding his sheer boredom while tailing the 26-year-old Okada Dan, "This guy's as clean as virgin snow – definitely not like his brother or Dad. The guy's busy with his own companies. His employees love and respect him. He's a babe magnet but doesn't play around. He volunteers in two orphanages. His guilty pleasure is coffee and dessert everyday at a café such as this – saying hi to people who greet him while he scribbles stuff in that brown leather journal of his. Does he even know what his other family members have done in the past or are doing? And I still have how many days of surveillance to go until I pass the baton to the next person?"
The café's quaint bell rings, heralding the arrival of new customers.
Kurosawa notices Em and Shido Kazuomi walk in the café, with Em giving Kurosawa a subtle hello in a customary way – the exchange of pleasantries done only through eyes and known between just them. Those who are familiar with law enforcement and NPA know better that the first greeting should come from PSD personnel in case that the detective is in the middle of surveillance.
Kazuomi and Em line up, the two already knowing what to order per his recommendation and her beverage preference and spending the wait chatting animatedly about mundane matters...
Kurosawa quietly observes while continuing his cover of reading reports coming from one of the many folders in his leather briefcase. This time he not only resumes his surveillance on Okada Dan but also takes note on how Kazuomi and Em are with each other. He wonders as to how close the two really are since he saw her with Nomura earlier this morning.
A barista comes to Kurosawa's table, carrying a bag with a handle. She smiles and tells him, "This is for you from the house. Please enjoy."
Kurosawa blinks, definitely caught off-guard for a split second. He returns the barista's kind gesture and says, "Thank you so much! I'm so lucky!"
The barista blushes, finding Kurosawa's friendliness and upbeat demeanor cute. She bows and then returns to her station behind the counter.
Taking a peek in the bag, Kurosawa cheers up even more as he finds two boxes of honey castella bread along with a note that says:
A small treat for everyone back home…
Enjoy!
AE
"Em… So sweet as usual…" Kurosawa says to himself as his heart warms up over the kind and thoughtful gesture. He glances towards Em and Kazuomi, with her carrying on without glancing his way. He does not expect for her to return his gaze, for he knows better that she is as much of a Public Safety professional as he is. However, he is intrigued as he gauges the rapport between her and Kazuomi.
The sight of Kazuomi and Em also catches Okada Dan's eye, with the latter's eyes going wide and a small yet heartfelt smile veiling his handsome face.
After Kazuomi and Em completed their purchase, the two sit at an empty table to wait for the barista to deliver their to-go hot cups of café mocha. They continue their conversation as they share a few laughs from their usual bantered exchanged laced with teasing…the exchange between the two not escaping from Kurosawa or Dan although the two men are not privy to the couple's conversation.
Kurosawa pretends not to notice anything as Dan stands up from his table and waves goodbye to the café's baristas, then inwardly wonder as he sees Dan walk towards Kazuomi and Em's shared table.
"Excuse me," says Okada Dan to Kazuomi and Em as he politely bows, "Mister Shido, Miss Emrys… I didn't want to leave without personally saying hi and welcome back to Japan, Miss Emrys…."
Em smiles warmly and returns the bow. Kazuomi gives Dan a kind and acknowledging nod. She looks up and meets Dan's gaze, with her returning the friendly gesture. "Okada…? Okada Danuja, am I correct?"
"Please, Ambassador Emrys… Call me Dan… Do you still remember where we've met? It was at a political function a couple of years ago to celebrate Prime Minister Hiraizumi's return to office. I also met Ambassador Soejima that day, too."
"Yes, of course I remember. Let's skip formalities. Call me Emrys, please…" Em then fondly looks at Kazuomi, formally introducing the latter to Dan and watching the two men shake hands.
"So will you and Ambassador Soejima be attending tomorrow's gala?"
Em nods, replying to Dan, "Yes. Kei and I will be there. Kazuomi and Shiba Yuzuru will be there, too."
A rueful smile escapes from Dan's lips. "Oh… Ambassador Soejima's your date for the evening this time around, too." One can tell that he accepts this newfound knowledge since his grin warms up. "I'll make sure that the three of us will chat tomorrow night. I'll ask the ambassador if it'll be all right to dance with you just like last time."
Kazuomi gives Dan a smile. "We'll all be waiting to dance with Miss Emrys."
Dan's grin is authentically friendly and gracious. "I agree. It'll be worth the wait."
The barista comes with Em and Kazuomi's coffee orders, prompting the two to rise from their seats after thanking the server.
"Well, Dan…let's not forget to say hi to each other tomorrow…" says Kazuomi, once again offering the other a warm handshake.
"I definitely won't forget, Mister Shido. I'm about to go out. If you and Miss Emrys won't mind, may I join you two since we're all heading out?"
"Call me by my first name, Dan…" Kazuomi nods and grins. "I don't mind if you join us for a short walk. How about you, Em…?"
"Not at all," replies Em, glancing at Kazuomi and then at Dan.
Being the gentleman that he always is, Kazuomi offers his free hand for Em to take. The two exchange beaming smiles once she interlaces her fingers with his.
Although feigning ignorance, Dan does notice the gesture of affection between the Em and Kazuomi. The three walk out of the café – all while Kurosawa continues tailing Dan from a distance.
Moments later, Em and Kazuomi wave farewell to Dan…with Kurosawa and Kazuomi noting that Dan's smile although authentically friendly and warm makes them feel edgy as they see signs that the gesture has mainly to do with his interests on Em.
Dan walks away from the chance meeting with Em and Kazuomi feeling happy…as if the encounter just made his day a bit brighter, considering that he has been worried sick about his older brother Aoi. He slips his right hand inside his pocket, walking back to his car with an extra pep in his steps.
"That's another fan for you. It's obvious that you've caught his eye. But he made it sound that he's been in that state a while back when you two first met," murmurs Kazuomi with a quiet smile as his chauffeur continues the drive towards their destination. "Rather ironic that one of Okada's sons has taken a fancy on you."
"He seems to be a friendly guy. Very light-hearted aura… Kei took note of that, too," Em comments after she takes a sip from her café mocha. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think that he, Aoi, and Representative Okada are not related."
"You've got a good memory remembering most of the people you meet."
"It helps to have a photographic memory," Em replies, her eyes locking on Kazuomi. "You three are pretty much the same as me."
"Well, it might serve handy that he knows you…just in case you'll need more information on the ongoing cases."
Em says thoughtfully, "If you're suggesting a honey trap, sorry… I've never resorted in that method so far. I want to keep it that way."
Without removing his gaze from Em, Kazuomi responds, "Not that, specifically…. Being acquaintances can be used as leverage for access. We're now both acquainted with him. So you and I need to make the most of it."
Em nods her agreement, feeling a small semblance of peace descend upon her after the confrontation that she had with AJ and her perceived "falling out" with Ishino Michael – all thanks to Kazuomi.
Little does Em know that the small semblance of peace that Kazuomi has given her will be easily disrupted as traffic slows down to a halt and delays their first "date" stop. Her eyes which are used to quietly and constantly scan her surroundings spot something that she is not ready to see or accept.
Nomura's black SUV is at the left-hand side of Kazuomi's limousine.
Em can see as plain as day two people inside Nomura's SUV – Nomura himself and a pretty woman who Em thinks is a small handful of years older than she. The sight of him with another woman is not what made Em's chest constrict but the way that the two are with each other gives Em a pause.
Kazuomi quietly notices Em, his eyes quietly following where her gaze now rests. In his mind's eye, he growls his displeasure stemming from various reasons including but not limited to protecting Em but also resenting Nomura for causing her pain – whether it be intentional or not.
Kazuomi closes his eyes for a moment and then gives Em a small smile. "I'll get some shut-eye while I can. Join me?"
Em looks at Kazuomi, and then gives him a heartfelt grin. "Sure…"
The two settle in comfortably in their seats, putting up the foot rests and reclining their seats at a comfortable angle. Em settles in Kazuomi's arms, the two resting their heads against each other as they sit side by side…eventually falling asleep as the chauffeur waits for the traffic to clear up.
Timeline: After Sunset, August 6 (four days before Alexa's concert debut)
Setting: Tokyo MPD Headquarters
Happening BEFORE Nomura Tadanobu breaks up with Alexandra Emrys via telephone
Minase Tomomi's Point of View (POV)
Unbelievably unlucky…. Why the hell did I have to end up in the same elevator as the misogynistic Doctor Himuro Masashi? It had been non-stop for me since dawn this morning starting with the arrest of Okada Aoi, and then the day ends with a scumbag like him being out on bail.
Where's the fairness in all of that?
"Stop sighing. You're contaminating the air," Himuro snaps at me.
I give the wise-ass medical examiner my death glare. I spit out the words, "Look, I'm in no mood to argue with you so choose another day to be your usual obnoxious self. Just do both of us a favor and don't talk."
Himuro throws me a sharp glare of his own. "You have no right to give me orders. You should apply your words to yourself."
Don't get me wrong – Himuro Masashi is handsome to say the least. He has everything that a woman would usually look for in a man – good looks, eloquence, breeding, intellect, a strong work ethic – but all those good looks are wasted because of his obnoxious attitude towards most women.
I stop for a moment because my mind stumbles on one thought: Kirisawa said at one time in the past when he first met Himuro that he was the exact opposite of Koichi when it comes to being amicable.
And when I start thinking about Koichi, I can't help but think that he's now gone…that he'll never come back to me no matter how much he and I have loved each other when he was still alive.
But I'd never change a thing, even if it means that I'll be spared from the pain of living and having to move on without Koichi. If I do, then he and I would never meet, fall in love, and get married…nor would he and I have the blissful years that we had together as husband and wife.
God, Koichi…. I miss you so much… I wish that I could see you again, even for only a moment.
"A truce…"
The words snap me back to reality. Did I go deaf? Have pigs started flying, because if they have then I'll look at the sky and see that for myself.
And so I ask Himuro, "I beg your pardon?"
"I said that I want a truce. You and Kirisawa see more than I can since you're both here at MPD. About Em and Nomura…" I see Himuro resting his gaze on me, and he adds when I let out a quiet sigh, "Have you both noticed, too?"
"Of course I did. I don't want to jinx it, but I'm hoping that no one gets hurt." I explain to Himuro, "Nomura and Em agreed to date non-exclusively. Some of Em's brother figures have asked her out on a date. She's on a date right now with Shido Kazuomi."
I see Himuro's attention get piqued. "The resort magnate…? The third richest man in the world…?"
"The one and only… There are tabloid and magazine articles right now with leaked photos of the two of them hanging out this afternoon. The rumor mill has been viciously out to get Em lately. This is with no one yet knowing that she's Alexa the songwriter and singer who's making a debut at Tokyo Arena a few days from now. Could you just imagine how rabid these people will get once the secret's out? All she's doing is dating. What's the harm in that?"
The elevator rings and opens its doors, and so Himuro and I step out. The two of us step to the side and choose to continue our conversation. This time, he chooses to lean against the marble wall as he and I talk.
"If you're talking about the same brother figures that we met at Kamakura four years ago when Em was hospitalized, I'd say that she's in good hands. The press will purposefully ignore that fact because it's not salacious enough to sell their trash." Himuro frowns thoughtfully. "I don't have much faith in someone whose lower extremities does more of the thinking for him, but I think Nomura would make that same exception with Em."
"Just as you gave Em an exception from your woman-hating ways?" I ask, hinting that I know where Himuro's sentiments lie at this time.
Himuro raises an eyebrow at me and falls silent.
I let out another sigh and then shake my head. "I don't think Nomura's going to pull a fast one on Em. It's just…" I pause and then sigh once more – this time, more heavily. "It's like every time that they try to make things work between them, the timing's not always right. Holding back four years ago might've made perfect sense for both of them. Now is a different story, though."
"As if one or both of them are not in the right headspace for a relationship…?"
I reply, "Yes…." Himuro can tell, though, that my response is half-hearted because honestly, I can't pin-point a specific reason. For all we know, maybe I'm worrying for nothing.
"There's a lot to consider. A lot can happen in four years. The two of them might be different people now. Only they can answer that question themselves."
I nod. I can't defy that Himuro's right.
"Nomura better have the best of intentions and not hurt Em. I see where you're concerned…namely Kirisawa's newest detective in his unit. Nomura does flirt with anything and anyone with a skirt, but he treats Ishihara differently."
"Ishihara's a sweet person, so I wouldn't be surprised. She's like a little sister to me, too."
"Ishihara's tolerable. But with Em, it's different."
I don't like what I hear from Himuro, but he's expressing his thoughts. Why should I snap at someone who's just being honest? And I inquire in order to stop the blood pounding heavily in my ears while keeping a calm voice, "What do you mean by that?"
Since the conversation steered about Em, Himuro's tone with me is unusually civil…calm, even. "We've known Em since she was nine years old. We have more history with her. We've seen her grow up over the years. And it's not just the length of time, but the quality of the bond that we each have with her."
Still not liking what I just heard from Himuro, I blurted out the question, "So you don't care if Ishihara or Nomura gets hurt?"
Himuro's eyes narrow as he stares back at me. There's a "bite" to his tone. "That's not what I meant."
The two of us fall silent for a moment.
After letting out a heavy sigh, Himuro explains, "You're forgetting that Nomura and Ishihara still have family to go home to when the going gets tough. To Em, we are her family. She trusts us. She would most probably go to us for this problem. But if she chooses to clam up because of our ties with Nomura and Ishihara, who will she turn to who knows not only her but Nomura well enough to impart objective advice that she can trust?"
I really can't say much in the matter. I keep forgetting that part about Em's history. Whenever I do forget, I can't help but ponder on how strong she is inside and out.
I lost my father when I was still young. Even though his untimely death still hurts and affects me to this very day, I still have my family and the home that I grew up in – especially a mother whose I can cry to and be vulnerable with. My fears almost held me back from allowing a small piece of happiness with Koichi.
Meanwhile, Em saw her parents die. She woke in the hospital orphaned. They died at a time when a child still needs her parents as well as the feeling of warmth of security that family could provide. Because of that incident, she lost her childhood. The home that she was born in became a large, empty manor filled with memories. The only solace that she had were people who she called and considered as father, brother, mother, and sister without having that bond sealed in blood.
People like Himuro, Kirisawa, Nomura, and me…. People who Em embraces and accepts as family… She goes as far as giving her all because of the bonds that tie her to each of us.
So who can blame Em if she falls in love with any one of the people she considers as her big brothers? Who can blame Nomura for giving room in his heart for her, and finding out years later that the room he gave her in his heart became much larger and more meaningful? Who can blame either one of them for having the ghosts of their past haunt and trap them from being happy – regardless on where or which special someone that happiness might lie?
Now that I think of it, maybe that's the reason why I'm edgy about Em and Nomura dating…because I don't want to see her get hurt and for that hurt to change her… And so after all these thoughts filter through my head, all I can manage to do is nod for my affirmative reply to Himuro.
"I'm walking outside with you. My car's parked out there," I inform Himuro, and then just sigh out my fatigue. "And you? You're going home – right?"
Himuro has his right hand resting at the back of his neck. "I need to sleep in my bed for a change…even if it's just a few hours. If I don't follow what I preach, I lose any credibility in chastising Em to prioritize her health."
The two of us now step out of MPD Headquarters and walk towards where our cars are parked.
"Thank goodness that she'll be taking it easy as much as she can starting today. She'll need it for her big day. We also have been working around the clock for weeks on end ="
Himuro and I stop as we notice a man approaching towards them. Putting themselves on extra alert, the two of us look at their surroundings.
I notice that six more join the first man – three from the left, and three coming from the right.
Himuro and I exchange glances and the first man asks Tomomi, "Are you Lieutenant Minase Tomomi?"
I don't answer. I reach in my pocket, having my fingers feel my cell phone's key pad, and then speed dial a number that's very familiar to me.
The first man smirks in a menacing fashion. He tells Himuro, "We just want to talk to her. You can leave."
Himuro's eyes narrow. He doesn't answer, either.
Hearing the sound of someone saying hello, I say in a volume loud enough so that the person at the other end of the line can hear me. "Regardless of whether I am Lieutenant Minase Tomomi or not is my business. My friend and I had a long day. We're just outside MPD headquarters ready to drive ourselves home. Who sent you? Why do seven menacing-looking goons such as you come and surround us?"
"You don't need to know that. We're inviting you to come with us."
Himuro replies, "You heard the woman. We're on our way home."
The first man snorts and deadpans, "You two aren't going home. You'll be lucky if you ever get to go home."
Timeline: After Sunset, August 6 (four days before Alexa's concert debut)
Setting: Tokyo MPD Headquarters
General Point of View (POV)
The person who Tomomi had just contacted – Kyobashi Katsuyuki – hears everything. Luckily, he has not left his desk to go to Records. He fishes for his cell phone as he grabs Hanai's desk phone. He calls police backup via Hanai's desk phone, requesting for additional police to immediately go to the front of the MPD building. At the same time, he dials Kirisawa's cell number on his cell phone.
Kirisawa immediately picks up, and braces himself as he activates hands-free speaker mode on his cell phone so that Nomura can hear. The two hear Kyobashi talk to police back-up and explain that Tomomi and Himuro are in immediate danger, and that there are seven men versus two of them.
Kirisawa speaks loudly so that Kyobashi can hear what he has to say. "Nomura and I are coming, Kyobashi! Don't hang up!"
With his call for back-up now finished, Kyobashi hangs up the phone. He loads his gun, places his cell phone in his pocket without ending his phone call with Kirisawa, and then runs downstairs and right towards the front of the building.
Kyobashi sees the situation, somewhat relieved to see other police officers join him to help Tomomi and Himuro. Following standard procedure, he fires a warning shot up in the air as he runs and then shoots two of the seven armed men. The other police officers subdue the rest of the men.
It then strikes Kyobashi that he does not notice seeing Tomomi or Himuro, but he stops in his tracks for a moment as he finds out the reason why.
Tomomi and Himuro both lie unconscious on the ground, with Himuro's white coat and black shirt now wet with his blood.
Kyobashi gets his phone and immediately calls for an ambulance, checking Tomomi and Himuro's respective pulses and examining both of them. Noting that Tomomi does not have any open wounds, he focuses his first aid efforts on Himuro to stop the bleeding.
Time seems to have been agonizingly slow for Kyobashi as he waits for the ambulance and tries to shake away fearing the worst for Himuro.
The ambulance along with Kirisawa and Nomura arrive almost at the same time, and the two best friends along with Kyobashi sadly and helplessly watch as paramedics rush-transport Himuro and Tomomi to Seimei University Hospital...with Kirisawa and Kyobashi eventually riding in Nomura's SUV as they follow the ambulance heading to the hospital.
End of Chapter Nine