Chapter 3

Kabukicho district, Tokyo:

Police tape was stretched thick around the area; a few officers patrolled the outer skirts of the crime scene as forensics were hard at work. A chalked outline of a figure was drawn across the floor, symbolising as to where there was once a body that had been taken away. An officer dressed in a sky blue uniform with a navy blue vest and pants approached her ranking officer, an uneasy look in her eyes as they wondered around the room.

"Yukino, what have you found so far?" the blond woman turned to her attention away from shouting orders towards the mousy brunette standing beside her carrying some evidence in her hands.

"The only clue we've had at this moment is this card," Yukino raised a transparent plastic bag which contain a silver coloured card. "There is no fingerprint, no foot print; the blood splutter is consistent with the killing method. The victim was strangled by long, thin thread, most likely to be wire from the size of it." Giving back the evident to her assistant, Yukino continue "Haruka... I'm afraid this case is somewhat related to them"

Haruka look at Yukino worriedly. "Which case?"

At that question, Yukino walk to her laptop "The Interpol case involving the Triad. The silver card and the killing method are consistent with the killing method that was being used so far for all their past victims. Haruka, we are confronting with the Triad's Assassin. I think we should contact the Interpol police."

Haruka read the details shown on the screen about the Triad "How about the victim? Is it possible this is just a copycat killer? This time the victim is not the same as before. The record shows that they had killed the presidents of big companies in Europe, the consulates, ministers, politic figures. But this man is just a manager who managed a small logistic company. That is very different from their modus operandi"

Another few clicks from Yukino and the screen showed a picture of a card. "From past cases, there are two type of silver card left by the assassins. Both card show a dragon figure, but type A, the dragon holding a green sphere and type B, the dragon holding a blue sphere. The lab still couldn't decipher relation behind the card and victims. But according to rumours, the cards represent the assassins." Typing in a few words onto her laptop, Yukino began to search the database for records. "The Triad is said to be based in China; with rumours to have two very professional assassins. It was 7 years ago, that their assassins began to move. The first victim was said to have struggled and was slowly killed. More like the assassin is killing them by strangling them slowly with the wire, before it manage to cut through or maybe the force was not too strong at that time. But, from the fifth victims onward, all the victims showed constant evidences. The wire was pulled swiftly and quickly and it cut through the neck cleanly. The assassins left their card behind starting from the fourth victim with the first card is type A. From 38 victims so far, 21 of them were by Type A card, and 17 was by Type B card."

Yukino looked at Haruka waiting for her response before she typing on her laptop "About the victim, his name is Kenichi Gin, age 43, has been working under John Smith for Smith & Co Logistic before opening his own logistic company 4 years ago. The company is also subsidised by Smith & Co."

Yukino heard her captain sigh before she spoke "Yukino, looks like we have to warn the Jo Ando Sumitto about this."

"It's John Smith, Haruka" her assistant corrected.

"I know Yukino. I'm a Japanese tongue, so, it's hard for me to pronounce Engrish words. I'm afraid he will be the next victim, we must inform him immediately"

"Haruka, that's why I asked you to attend 'English' lessons," Yukino smiled at Haruka.

"Ah… call the Interpol Police too. Tell them about this case and ask them to send their officers to help with investigation. I don't want to deal with them because I cannot speak fluent eigo as you"

Fujino Corporation

Shizuru sighed as she rested a magazine on her working desk. Glancing back at the magazine, she stared at the bold letter of "Business Times" written in red. Red and fierce, just like her eyes. Just like her feelings right now. Under the magazine's name, the topic of the magazine "Successful Company of the month, Rising to the top" decorating the front page with a picture of a person she just met lately; Natsuki Kruger. Natsuki, adorning her usual black suit with red necktie, her white pearl teeth shining behind her lopsided smile. Shining just like the chinese character that's smartly pinned on her necktie. Shizuru could feel her head thumping as she raised her hand to massage them gently.

Truth to her words, in just one month, she defeated Fujino Corporation in profit gain. Shizuru noted. Now Shizuru dreaded for what she should tell her father about this. It's not like she's being reckless or ignorant in marketing strategy. Their profits are still raising steadily, but miraculously, the Zhang Group raise the profit above them by 1.5% margin.

A ringing from her phone alerted her. Shizuru knew this would come eventually. Answering the call from her assistant, Shizuru was then connected to the caller.

"Ohayou, Otou-sama" Shizuru greeted first.

"Ohayou, Shizuru." came a deep male voice from the other end. "Shizuru, I would like you to come to my office now. There is something I would like to ask you about, particularly involving the Zhang Group."

"Yes, Otou-sama. I will be right there in a moment" following her father's order, Shizuru rose to her feet, smoothing her dress before she left her office and proceeded to the 30th floor of the building.

Inhaling deeply, closing her eyes and putting up a formal smile on her face, Shizuru push open the double doors into her father's office. A Cool atmosphere embraced her from the air conditioned room greeted her immediately. Her father as always liked to set his room temperature colder then average building temperature for unknown reasons. Shizuru found that she cannot tolerate being in the office for a long hours in that temperature.

"Have a seat, Shizuru" her father issued her a seat.

"Otou-sama..." pulling a chair, Shizuru noticed the same Business Times magazine already on her father's desk, as well as another magazine hidden under it.

"I hope you have already read today's Business Times." her father began. Shizuru knew the simple statement from her father indicated her to explain the situation regarding their defeat in profit gaining this month. Her father wouldn't ask her many questions as he is a man of a few words, so it depended on Shizuru on how she can explain all of it.

"Hai, Otou-sama. As you can see, our company is still gaining high profits this month, just like before. The only difference is, the Zhang Group has overtaken us in profit gain by a 1.5% margin. I think it is mainly depending on their marketing strategies and the latest product they introduced into the market. The new manager, which was appointed, last month no doubt has been successful in promoting their new superbike model by organizing racing events and introducing their own racing academy." Shizuru explained calmly despite her inner nervous, despite her face showing a perfect facade of confidence.

"Indeed, good marketing strategy. The new manager is Natsuki Kruger, right?" this time, her father looked directly at her. There is an intimidating glint in his eyes.

Ara, where will father direct this conversation? Shizuru tried to figure out her father's question and found the best answer without revealing her recent association with the cobalt hair woman.

"From what I was informed, yes, her name is Natsuki Kruger." Shizuru answered with an indifferent tone, trying not to raise a suspicion from her father.

Much to Shizuru's dismay, her father chuckled making Shizuru cringe at the next words coming from her father.

"This Natsuki Kruger?" with her father's question, he handed Shizuru the magazine that was hidden under the Bussiness Times before her.

Truly, Shizuru was speechless upon looking at the front page. No word could escape her mouth as her eyes widen in shock. Her heart thumping hard inside her ribcage and she felt suffocated, gasping for air.

There, in front of her the headline for the Otome Magazine is 'Kruger & Fujino, more than just business on their plates' with a picture of the pair enjoying dinner together. Remembering to breathe again, Shizuru inhaled deeply as she turned another page. There was a picture of her and Natsuki walking in the park, their dinners and lunch together, and their pictures when Natsuki was opening the car door for her. Like a clear sky, obviously, the picture showed two people dating. The most revealing picture is when they were kissing under the tree in the park. Shizuru was sitting on a bench while Natsuki had her head resting on Shizuru's lap. The picture show Shizuru dipped her head to Natsuki for a kiss.

"O-otou-sama. I can explain this." Shizuru tried to reason.

"Then, explain" even though her father's tone was still as calm as always, there was an intimidation in the words he pressed.

"I... actually I..." Shizuru was at a lost with words. All the reason she mustered before, lost in that moment. Indeed, they were dating right now. It started as a simple dinner, then Natsuki frequently called her, sending her flowers with words of love and no doubt she was also attracted to Natsuki. She couldn't avoid falling for the cobalt hair beauty. But they never talked about business or their jobs. The only time they talked about business is on their first dinner together. The issue was never brought up after that. How can she tell that to her father? "Otou-sama, this.. I.."

"Shizuru, send an invitation to Natsuki Kruger for tonight dinner" her father cut her off before she could even answer properly.

Shizuru gritted her teeth "Hai, Otou-sama" Now she didn't have any choice but to involve Natsuki into her family's affair. She cannot refuse an order from her father, not that she had any courage to do so. That's what she hates most about herself.

Kannin na, Natsuki...

Upon reaching her office, Shizuru immediately drew out her cell phone and called a familiar number. Just after two rings, the other end answered the call.

"Hey ya, princess." a husky voice chimed in to greet her.

Just by hearing the smooth voice from the other end was enough to calm her inner turmoil right now.

"Natsuki..." Shizuru voiced slowly. She was still worried on how to tell Natsuki about the magazine headline today.

"Whats wrong, Shizuru?" Shizuru knew Natsuki. Natsuki knew the real self behind her perfect facade even by her voice. From all the people she met, Natsuki was the only person who could see through her facade. Who can read her heart and understand her.

"Natsuki, have you read today's issue of Otome Magazine?" Shizuru asked for the starter although she already knew the answer.

"No. Why would I read a tabloid magazine?" Natsuki laughed at the end of the answer.

"Well, you should because there is news about us."

There was a long silence at the other end before she heard Natsuki humming in a sing song tune with clicking sound at the background.

"Ah...!" came an exclaimed from Natsuki, signalling she had found the magazine "Yes. Haha... well it is true we are dating. What is wrong with it?"

"Ara, Natsuki. My father was just questioning me about it just a while ago. He… maybe he finds that your succession in this month's profit gain is related to our relationship" Shizuru explained the situation carefully without hurting Natsuki's feelings.

"Well, it is true. People always said behind one successful figure there's a woman supporting them. So, what is the problem?" Natsuki seemed clueless at her worry.

"The problem is my father suspected me giving to you any marketing strategy, or I'm not doing well because you asking me to." Shizuru was having trouble trying to hide her true intentions for calling Natsuki. It is impossible to explain things to a dense person without speaking the problem directly.

"Ah...hmmm...so, what can I do for you, my love?" Natsuki answered playfully. Shizuru knew from their one month relationship, behind those playful manners, Natsuki was serious in every word she said.

"My father has invited you to dinner tonight at my house."

"Okay. I'll be sure to come." Natsuki reassured her. After a short paused, Natsuki continue. "Shizuru..."

"Yes?" Shizuru raise her brow at the tone.

"You haven't congratulated me for my success." Natsuki reminded her, teasing the older woman.

"Hai, hai... Congratulations, Natsuki, for winning against my company" she heard Natsuki chuckle at the other end.

"That's good... I love you." the words were spoken with a gentle and loving voice from Natsuki. It never bored her no matter how often Natsuki told her that.

"I love you too, my Natsuki" she ended the call. Just a voice from Natsuki can calm her heart and give her strength for the day. It will be a gloomy day whenever Natsuki hasn't called her due to Natsuki sometimes traveling back to China. Nevertheless, Natsuki never failed to call her, even though its late at night just to tell her she loves her. How cute.