Chiharu stretched languidly before cuddling back into the arms of her husband. "I like that…my husband," she thought, admiring the sharp planes of his sleeping face in the pre-dawn light. His arms tightened slightly in his sleep as he felt her move.

She contemplated their honeymoon as she lay nestled in Takashi's arms. "I never would have considered a retreat with no electricity, phones, computers, or sight-seeing to be very interesting, but this week has been amazing. The geothermal taps to heat the rooms, natural hot springs for bathing and relaxing, locally grown food, and Shinto acolytes caring for guests as training for their temple service have been the perfect way to begin our life together."

Takashi rolled over and kissed her forehead. "Mornin'," he murmured sleepily. "How are you feeling, Mrs. Hinan?"

"Loved," she answered before kissing him passionately and proceeding to show him how much.

An hour later, after the couple finished bathing leisurely in the hot springs, they donned matching soft grey yukata for the walk to the dining room. On the way, Takashi asked, "Have you been disappointed with our honeymoon? I mean, it's nothing like the trip Mitsukuni and Reiko took."

Chiharu stepped in front of him and placed a finger in the middle of his chest. "Their trip was perfect for THEM. This honeymoon is perfect for US." She grabbed the lapels of his yukata to pull him down for a kiss. "And don't you forget it," she added with a smirk when she finally released him.

Picking her up, he nuzzled her neck. "I'm glad you think so. Most women would prefer something fancier."

She wrapped her arms around his neck so she could whisper in his ear, "I am not 'most women' and here I don't have to worry about other women eying my husband hungrily. I get him ALL to myself."

Chuckling, he placed her back on her feet so they could continue their walk to the dining room.

An acolyte met them at the door and escorted them to their place. As soon as they were seated, two more acolytes brought their shared breakfast on a platter and placed it in the middle of the table. As soon as their task was complete, they disappeared behind a screen to await their next assignment and give the couple some privacy.

Takashi and Chiharu spent a pleasant hour feeding one another bites of breakfast and talking about their hopes and dreams for their life together.

On the last day of their honeymoon, Takashi lifted their suitcases from the bed and set them by the door. Chiharu was checking the bathroom, closet, and drawers to be sure they hadn't forgotten anything. "I'm sorry our honeymoon had to be so short," he said as he walked back to the bed to smooth the duvet.

Chiharu looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Stop apologizing for everything. We are both working professionals. This is as much time as we could arrange."

When he started to apologize again, she stepped up in front of him, hooked his ankle with her foot to throw him off-balance, and pushed him onto the bed. Crawling on top of him, she murmured, "We just need to make the best use of the opportunities we have."

Grinning, he flipped her over and kissed her sensuously. "That's why I booked a yacht with K-12 Charters instead of a plane," he purred as he proceeded to take advantage of the half hour left before their departure.

"Be sure to tell the captain to take his time on the trip home," Chiharu whispered before succumbing to the passion of their lovemaking.

OHSHC

The second day after Takashi returned to work following his honeymoon, he received a message to report to Mr. Kondo's office. He immediately locked his computer and headed to the elevator to go up two floors.

Takashi tapped on the door and heard a muffled, "Come in." He opened the door, bowed respectfully, and said, "You wished to see me, sir?"

Gesturing to a chair, his supervisor responded distractedly, "Please close the door and have a seat." He continued looking through a sheaf of papers.

Having no idea why his supervisor summoned him, Takashi settled alertly in the chair and waited patiently for Mr. Kondo to reveal the reason for this meeting.

Laying the papers on the desk, Mr. Kondo folded his hands on top of them. "I just received a registered letter from the International Court of Justice subpoenaing you to appear to testify. You are to report to The Hague, Netherlands by Friday. Do you have any questions?"

Takashi paused, then asked, "What about my workload? Will this affect my position here? How long will I be needed?"

Nodding in approval at Takashi's work ethic, Mr. Kondo responded, "I have assigned two of the new recruits to handle your assignments while you are on-call to the World Court for three weeks. You will spend today and tomorrow training them so you can arrange to fly out on Thursday. Your time in Europe will be considered part of your employment here since the experience will broaden your knowledge."

"Thank you, sir." Takashi waited a moment. "Will there be anything else?"

"I want to introduce you to the people who will be filling in for you. They should be here momentarily," Mr. Kondo replied. With a grin, he asked, "While we're waiting, may I ask how married life is treating you?"

Blushing lightly Takashi said simply, "It's great. We have some adjustments to make, but that's normal." He chuckled and added, "Chiharu is adjusting to my brothers' sense of humor, for one. When we returned from our honeymoon, we found that they had moved all of her things into my apartment."

Mr. Kondo looked puzzled. "I don't see any humor in that. It sounds like they were trying to help."

"It would have been if they hadn't tucked every piece of her clothing into articles of mine before hiding them in places like the sofa, the rice cooker, and the vacuum cleaner," Takashi explained with a bemused smile. "It almost made me late for work on Monday because, for all our searching, I couldn't find a dress shirt. We finally found one under the kotatsu that my brother Rene insisted on setting up in the middle of the living room after giving it to us as a wedding present."

Before Mr. Kondo could ask anything more, there was a knock at the door. Takashi stood up and opened it, welcoming in the two new employees.

"Please have a seat," Mr. Kondo said, waving to the small conference table in the corner as he rose from his desk to join the others there. "Let me explain your assignments."

OHSHC

Mr. Kanagawa was waiting at a table in the restaurant near his office when Fuyumi, Yu, Aki and Matsu walked through the door. The maître d' immediately led them to his table.

"It's so good to see you, Mr. Kanagawa," Fuyumi said as Yu held her chair so she could be seated. "How was your Christmas?"

While the other three seated themselves, he rubbed his hands together gleefully, responding, "You might say I got an early Christmas present with the direction the Mikoshiba board meeting took."

Yu and Fuyumi sat forward in interest. Aki and Matsu perused the menu as they listened to Mr. Kanagawa's story.

"I had wondered how we were able to buy up seventy-nine percent of the Mikoshiba Conglomerate. I figured it out from Hayato's rant at the meeting." Mr. Kanagawa paused to take a sip of water. "When he took over as head of the company, he insisted that he have all of the stock to distribute as he saw fit. He sold five shares each to fifteen of his friends and kept twenty-five shares for himself, so he had controlling interest."

"But couldn't they band together to have the majority over him—even just six working together could do that," Matsu reasoned.

"Hayato always likes to be the smartest person in the room, so that never occurred to any of his friends," Mr. Kanagawa explained before continuing the story. "Apparently, Hayato has expensive tastes and, to fund his lifestyle, he sold nineteen shares. He figured that since he had six shares, he was still majority stockholder."

Fuyumi started to laugh quietly. "I can see where this is going. Each friend sold off four of their five shares because they 'knew' they couldn't get a majority, but they still wanted a share in the company."

Aki, Yu, and Matsu were still laughing when the waiter arrived to take their order. After their drinks were delivered, Mr. Kanagawa said conspiratorially, "I have a late Christmas present for all of you."

Resting her elbow on the table, Fuyumi leaned her chin on her hand and inquired, "What might that be?"

"All three teams of forensic accountants have uncovered more than enough evidence to have Yoshio, Shizue, and Hayato charged with embezzlement, corporate espionage, bribes, blackmail, and conspiracy to commit fraud. There may be more. The prosecutor's office has requested that they go back seven years on each of them." He paused before adding, "There is one down-side."

"What's that?" Fuyumi asked, sitting up straight and pulling her elbow off the table.

"As majority stockholders, you will be subpoenaed to testify at their trials since you requested the forensic audit." Mr. Kanagawa looked apologetic.

Matsu looked at the others before he said, "I don't see that as a down-side. It's more like being in on the punchline when they finally get the joke—though it won't be funny to them."

"Hear, hear," the others agreed.

Fuyumi grinned. "I actually see that as an upside because then they will all know that I was the cause of their well-deserved downfall after what they tried to do to me at Seiji's funeral."

OHSHC

As soon as Takashi entered the lobby at Hinansho, the desk clerk called to him. Gesturing over his shoulder with his thumb, he said, "Your brother would like to talk to you before you go to your apartment."

"Thanks," Takashi said tiredly as he headed to the door of Kyoya's office. "Who knew training someone to take over for a few weeks would be so draining. I can't wait to cuddle up in bed with Chiharu." That thought brought a small smile to his face as he tapped on Kyoya's office door.

At the muffled "Come in," he opened the door. The first thing he saw was a very upset Chiharu sitting next to Shima at her desk. "I hope nothing has happened." Wrenching his gaze away from his distraught wife, he addressed his brother, "The front desk clerk said you wanted to talk to me."

Kyoya stood and picked up a registered envelope from his desk. Handing it to Takashi, he said, "This was delivered today. The clerk mistakenly thought it was for me, so I came in from my office near the university."

Setting down his briefcase, he took the offered envelope. Takashi looked at the sender's name and relaxed slightly. "A copy was also sent to Deloitte. My supervisor called me into his office about it today. It's a subpoena from the International Court of Justice to testify about that matter from last summer."

Chiharu stood up and turned her back on Takashi as she choked back tears and murmured, "When do you leave and how long will you be gone?"

Takashi reached toward Chiharu's shoulder but paused before he touched her. "I have to report to The Hague by Friday, so we'll need to fly out Thursday." He turned to Shima and smiled nervously. "Shima, would you be willing to cover for Chiharu for about three weeks? I just can't imagine being without my wife for that long so soon after getting married."

Shima patted Chiharu's hand. "See, he has no intention of going off and leaving you alone." To Takashi, she said, "Of course I will cover for Chiharu. You two deserve to have more than a short week for your honeymoon. It will be no trouble since I'm usually right here in Kyoya's office doing research projects for him."

"I will have to be in court everyday just in case I'm called to testify," Takashi clarified. "But we will still be able to spend the time together." He ran a finger gently down her arm to her hand. She finally turned around and flung herself at his chest. He rubbed her back and kissed her on the head. "And we'll have the evenings all to ourselves."

Her voice was muffled as she tangled her fists in his shirt and cried softly, "Please forgive me for doubting you."

Caressing her cheek with a fingertip, he slipped it under her chin and lifted gently. "There's nothing to forgive. You just didn't have all the facts yet." After a gentle kiss, he added, "Why don't you go talk to Kairi about sending something up for dinner while I make travel arrangements with Kyoya."

"Okay. I'll take your briefcase, so you don't have to worry about it." She looked over her shoulder just before she left the office. "Don't be too long."

"I won't," Takashi assured her. He watched until she was out of sight before he turned his attention back to Kyoya.

"So, travel plans?" Kyoya said with a smirk.

Takashi's expression darkened. "It's no joke. Those are dangerous people I will be testifying against. I need to be sure Chiharu is safe while she's there with me."

Kyoya inclined his head in apology. "You are correct. This is no laughing matter." He typed rapidly on his computer for a moment before he continued. "I have the charter flight arranged for Thursday morning. My Brussels security chief will meet you at the airport with a security detail."

"Good. I remember him and know he's trustworthy," Takashi replied. He was startled by a small hand on his arm.

"You are a good man, Takashi. I know you will take good care of Chiharu on this trip," Shima said with a soft smile. "I'm more than happy to fill in so she doesn't have to worry while she's away." She sighed. "I will bid you good evening. I am headed to my dinner."

Bowing respectfully, Takashi murmured, "Thank you. And have a good evening."

Kyoya stood and bowed as well. "I'll see you in the morning. Thank you for all your hard work today."

After they were alone again, the brothers sat down and finished discussing the details of the trip. Kyoya finally said, "You go have dinner with Chiharu. I'll finalize the arrangements tomorrow."

Takashi clapped him on the shoulder. "Thanks."

"That's what brothers are for," Kyoya replied with a grin. "Now go. I need to get back to my apartment before Rene thinks I've been abducted or something."

OHSHC

Mrs. Watanabe sat with Takashi and Chiharu during the court proceedings. The three executives were being tried as a group because the charges were the same against all of them—industrial espionage, conspiracy to commit murder, fraud, and embezzlement. Mrs. Watanabe whispered to Takashi, "I see they're only being charged with the worst of the crimes we discovered. Of course, the trial could drag on for months, if not years, otherwise."

The first week consisted of opening statements and establishing the capacity of the accused to use their positions of authority to commit the alleged crimes. Government clerks testified regarding articles of incorporation. Bank officials under subpoena produced signature cards and bank statements. Several times during the first week, Chiharu fell asleep on Takashi's shoulder as the foundational evidence was logged and witnesses questioned.

The beginning of the second week, Mrs. Watanabe was called to testify. After the prosecutor questioned her, the defense attorney refused to acknowledge her as a witness. He objected on the basis of her gender and age. He off-handedly dismissed her with a sneer, saying, "She'll just be emotional and unreliable. Any testimony from her would be suspect at best."

Takashi bristled at the sexist and ageist remarks. As she returned to her seat, Mrs. Watanabe laid a hand on his arm. "Don't worry about it," she whispered. "They always go for the personal attack when their case is flimsy…or non-existent."

When Takashi was called to the witness stand, the prosecutor asked him the same questions he had asked Mrs. Watanabe. Takashi's answers were similar, though not identical to hers because he had different experiences and perspectives. "We were brought in by the co-owners to conduct a forensic audit because the annual financial statements contained a number of questionable assertions and glaring omissions."

Focusing strictly on the companies' records and omitting the attacks on the compound while they were working, Takashi answered all the prosecutor's questions as fully and plainly as possible.

The defense attorney sneered as he asked, "So, you are a wet-behind-the-ears accounting student with little-to-no experience, and you expect the court to believe that you and…Mrs. Watanabe…uncovered a conspiracy by looking through company records?"

Takashi sat and watched the defense attorney stoically.

"Well, answer the question," the attorney demanded.

Raising an eyebrow, Takashi replied, "You expressed assumptions and opinions rather than asking a question."

The defense attorney sputtered and huffed indignantly. "How did you supposedly 'discover' these crimes?" he scoffed as he made air quotes.

Unphased, Takashi began describing the boxes of documents from the three companies that he and Mrs. Watanabe had sorted and read through, including referencing the day of the prior week that certain documents had been introduced into evidence.

As Takashi listed each discovery among the documents, the defense attorney grew paler and paler. Some of the crimes mentioned were not even on the indictment. The defendants were glaring at their attorney in anger, whispering, "Object or something!"

Once his recital was complete, Takashi merely looked at the attorney awaiting the next question.

With an audible gulp, the attorney said, "No more questions." As Takashi left the witness stand to return to his seat, the attorney thought frantically, "I don't dare ask him anything else. Who knows what he might mention?"

Next security personnel were called to testify. They explained the intelligence reports that had resulted in contacting the co-owners, the Shidos and the Hinans, for directions on how to proceed. The rest of the week included testimony about the meeting revealed in the Board minutes to be a set up for an assassination plot against the three scientists so the executives could steal their patents.

Takashi was surprised to hear during the testimony that the three patents were supposed to be compensation to backers who were helping the executives gain their positions in the companies. "That explains the corporate espionage charges rather than just conspiracy to commit it," he thought.

Testimony also linked the executives to the attempted sabotage at the Brussels airport and the bombing of the airplane in Beijing.

Chiharu felt Takashi stiffen next to her as one of the security officers detailed the evidence linked to the Beijing bombing. Taking his hand, she started to stroke it gently. "He's thinking of Seiji, I'm sure," she thought as she tried to silently coax him to relax. "I just realized how hard this must be for him. Seiji was so much a part of the reason he was involved in this case."

When court ended for the day, Chiharu suggested, "Let's get room service and stay in tonight, rather than going to a restaurant."

"That's sounds good," he replied, smiling, though a little sadly.

When they were not in court, Takashi and Chiharu spent most of their time sequestered in their hotel room after eating at one of the nearby restaurants. Their second night an encounter with a drunk tourist making aggressive, lewd advances to both Takashi and Chiharu left them shaken, so they decided they weren't interested in sightseeing. Even though the security detail had not let the man get within ten feet of them, it was still unnerving.

Mrs. Watanabe spent her time coordinating with Yuzuru and Fuyumi about the Ouran forensic audit and the potential criminal and civil charges that were likely to emerge from it. Using the detailed information from the bank, she was able to identify Yoshio and Hayato as Shizue's co-conspirators in the money laundering scheme.

Toward the end of the third week, the prosecutor wrapped up his case and the attorneys presented their closing arguments. The judge instructed the jurors before sending them into deliberation on the charges. After court was dismissed, the prosecutor informed Mrs. Watanabe and Takashi that their part in the trial was complete. "You can leave at any time. The next step in the over-arching plan is the trial of the extended clan, which is beyond your purview. Thank you for your help with the executives, which cuts off substantially all of the clan's funding."

"Glad to help. But I think we're ready to go back to Japan and our busy lives there," Takashi said as he accepted the handshake from the attorney. "I'll just contact K-12 Charter and make arrangements for us to leave as soon as possible."

OHSHC

Yuiichi and Akito were having lunch together in a fancy restaurant in downtown Tokyo, commiserating and trying to figure out what to do. They were caught completely off-guard by the proxy for the new majority stockholders that showed up for the board meetings.

"Father said the board meeting was a mere formality. He said all we had to do was show up, have the board tell us we were doing a good job, and then present the new projects we wanted to do for the year," Yuuichi whined.

"That's what Shizue said too," Akito huffed. "Instead, we have some proxy show up and inform us that he represents a block of shareholders who constitute a majority. How in the world did sixty-seven percent of the stock end of in the hands of people outside Shizue's control?"

Yuuichi took a large gulp of wine before he muttered, "And then they had the gall to call for a forensic audit of the company, as well as call all executive and board loans. Father assured me that, when the auditors insisted the loans be repaid, they were covered by the board declaring a bonus."

Akito replied in disgust, "I know what you mean. I took the loans because my salary doesn't cover enough. Shizue stopped giving me an allowance because she was just served with collection notices related to something at Ouran. On top of that, apparently the new housekeeper at the second Suoh mansion opened charge accounts and pocketed the funds that were supposed to pay for the household expenses."

Signaling the waiter for another bottle of wine, Yuuichi grumbled, "Then Father is arrested for assault against the proxy." After the waiter left, he added sarcastically, "And it just keeps getting better because now Father and Shizue are being charged with embezzling, corporate espionage, and who knows what else."

A grin lit Akito's face, and he tapped Yuuichi's arm insistently, nearly spilling his wine. "You will not believe who just walked in. We may be saved yet."

"Who? The money fairy?" Yuuichi responded morosely.

"Quite possibly," Akito said. "It's our little brother. You know how he ALWAYS has plenty of money. Remember how he bought the company to block the take-over bid by Tonnerre and then gave it back to Father. Maybe he can do the same for us."

Yuuichi clapped him on the shoulder. "That is a great idea. Let's go."

Kyoya had enjoyed a productive morning with Mr. Li Hui, who had flown in from Hong Kong to discuss Kyoya's business holdings there. With judicious additional investments, the three companies the judge had awarded Kyoya controlling ownership in, were now wholly owned by KO Investments.

"Please allow me to treat you to lunch at a nearby restaurant," Kyoya offered. "Any more talk of business can wait for this afternoon."

Mr. Li Hui smiled. "I would enjoy that immensely. I would also like the opportunity to hear more about the Hinan family's origin. You have hinted at its unusual nature several times."

Chuckling, Kyoya replied, "It's a deal. Just let me have Tachibana bring the car around."

After giving their orders to the waiter, Kyoya started to lay the foundation for the Hinan family origin by explaining the Ouran High School Host Club. He had just reached the point where the scruffy looking Haruhi stumbled into the Third Music Room looking for a quiet place to study when Yuuichi and Akito walked up and announced, "Kyoya, you have to help us."

"Do I now?" he replied in a frosty tone. "And what exactly am I supposed to help you with?" He turned to Mr. Li Hui and gave him an apologetic smile.

Yuuichi talked over Akito. "You have to save our companies. You've done it before. Just like four-and-a-half years ago when Tonnerre tried a hostile takeover of the Otori Group. You bought the company to stop them. Someone is attempting a hostile takeover of the Otori Group and the Suoh Empire."

"I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do for you," Kyoya stated with a bored expression. After a brief pause, he said, "Wait, there is one thing I can do for you." He pulled out his wallet and extracted a piece of paper. Unfolding it carefully, he handed it to Yuuichi.

Yuuichi took it and stared at it in confusion. "A sales flyer for a 100-yen store? With a coupon? Is this some kind of joke?"

With a steely glare, Kyoya replied, "There is nothing anyone can do for you. You will both just have to take your medicine like men…for once."

Flushed with anger the pair stomped away.

Kyoya turned back to Mr. Li Hui, who was laughing quietly. "And just who were those two?" Mr. Li Hui asked after catching his breath.

Closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose, Kyoya shook his head and said, "Those two used to be my brothers when I was an Otori. Yuuichi is the oldest and Akito is a couple years younger. They come up later in the Hinan story."

"Then, by all means, let's get back to the story," Mr. Li Hiu remarked giddily as the waiter arrived with their meals. "I can't wait to hear what happens next."

"Very well." Kyoya paused for a moment before he asked, "Would you please remind me to pick up another flyer for the 100-yen store? Haruhi will be most put-out with me if I forget."

Grinning happily, Mr. Li Hui agreed, "Of course, now get on with the story."

OHSHC

Mid-March the trial of Yoshio Otori was convened. He was charged with assault, embezzlement, blackmail, extortion, conspiracy to commit fraud, corporate espionage, and money laundering. Fuyumi, Yu, Aki, and Matsu were there under subpoena as the majority shareholders of the Otori Group. Mr. Kanagawa was there as witness for the assault charge. Mrs. Watanabe and Takashi had been subpoenaed as well. They presumed it was because of the Ouran connection.

Chiharu, Haruhi, Kyoya, Rene, the twins, and the Beringar sisters were there to support both Fuyumi and Takashi. They sat in the row behind the subpoenaed group to be close by if anything was needed.

Shizue Suoh and Hayato Mikoshiba were seated in a designated area guarded by additional bailiffs so they would be available to testify as hostile witnesses, if needed. Shizue wore a haughty expression, like the whole proceedings were beneath her. Hayato scowled like someone stole his parking space and refused to move.

Yuuichi Otori, Akito Suoh, and any representative of the Mikoshiba family were conspicuously absent.

Fuyumi stiffened when Yoshio was escorted to the defendant's table in the courtroom. Yoshio looked at her with a smirk, but he scowled when he saw Kyoya and Haruhi lean forward to place calming hands on Fuyumi's shoulders. "I'll have to deal with Kyoya and that commoner as well as Fuyumi after this fiasco is behind me."

When the judge called the court to order, he instructed the attorneys to begin with their opening statements. Yoshio's attorney tried to verbally paint a picture of his client as a shrewd businessman who had was being attacked unfairly by novices jealous of his success.

Fuyumi gritted her teeth and balled her hands into fists. "He even chose a lawyer as pompous and condescending as he is," she thought bitterly.

Both Takashi and Yu reached for her hands to reassure her of their presence and support. She gave them each a soft smile before relaxing her hands and returning her attention to the proceedings.

The prosecuting attorney provided a very different picture of Yoshio, with the defendant as an entitled egotist who expected everyone to kowtow to his whims. A man who took whatever he wanted, no matter the cost to others. When his opening statement was complete, he called his first witness.

After lunch, Mrs. Watanabe was called to the stand to provide evidence about the money laundering utilizing the Ouran accounts that Yoshio, Shizue, and Hayato were involved in together. As the prosecuting attorney questioned her about tracing deposits and transfers, she detailed a recent transaction that included deposits from the three conspirators.

"After the funds were deposited to the Ouran account, money was transferred to three companies in Europe," Mrs. Watanabe explained. "There was a memo of understanding that outlined the funds as support for a corporate take-over that would be repaid with three new patents for equipment the companies were developing." Her eyes widened as she noticed the special prosecutor from the International Court of Justice enter quietly.

Takashi stiffened as he put the pieces together. "Yoshio, Shizue, and Hayato were the backers for the European mess."

The prosecuting attorney asked, "Was the deal completed?"

Mrs. Watanabe looked directly at Takashi as she answered. "No. The European companies were unsuccessful in their take-over attempt and theft of the patents." Receiving a nod from the special prosecutor, she continued, "Their attempts to kill the scientists who developed the equipment and steal the patents was thwarted…twice."

"Twice?" the prosecutor asked. "Why do you emphasize 'twice'?"

Her tone hardened as she answered, "Because an additional payment was made to a bomber for a third attempt which was successful…and it killed a large number of civilians as well as the scientists."

Fuyumi's eyes widened in horror as the pieces fell into place. She lunged at Yoshio screaming, "YOU! You killed him! And then you had the unmitigated gall to show up at my husband's funeral and order me to marry another man…to YOUR advantage AGAIN!"

Takashi caught her and pulled her to his chest, but not before she was able to inflict three deep scratches from the corner of Yoshio's eye to the corner of his mouth. Fuyumi was still screaming like a wounded animal as the rest of the Hinan family surrounded her and Takashi carried her from the courtroom.

Haruhi touched Kyoya's arm and told him what she planned to do before sending him after the rest of his family. She watched until the courtroom door closed behind him.

Turning around, she approached the bar and signaled to get the judge's attention. He waved her forward and she approached the bench. Bowing respectfully, she stated succinctly, "Your Honor, I wish to apologize for the outburst of my future sister-in-law. If I may be allowed to explain to the court?" She waited for his permission.

"Are you sure you don't want to take this into my chambers, Miss Fujioka?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Perhaps it would be best for the explanation to be on-the-record?" Haruhi suggested.

The judge considered for a moment before he responded, "Given your reputation in the courthouse, I will follow your recommendation. Please explain."

Inclining her head in acceptance of the judge's ruling, Haruhi took a deep breath and began, "That young woman was Fuyumi Shido. She was born Fuyumi Otori, that man's daughter." She gestured to Yoshio at the defendant's table. "He arranged for her to marry Seiji Shido as part of a business deal between the Otori Group and the Shido Company."

She paused to collect her thoughts. "After a time, the Shido Company was no longer lucrative to the Otori Group and the Otoris cast it aside because they couldn't take it over. The Shido Company found a new partnership with the Hinan family. The European companies mentioned in Mrs. Watanabe's testimony are a jointly owned venture of the Shidos and Hinans."

"Excuse me," the judge interrupted. "I've heard of the Hinan Family, but I've never met any of them. Am I to understand that they were the group that escorted Mrs. Shido from the courtroom?"

"That is correct Your Honor. I think it will all become clear when I finish my explanation."

"Proceed." The judge leaned back and waved for her to continue.

"Seiji Shido was tasked by the Shido Company and Hinan Family to investigate discrepancies in the operations of the three European countries. After the plot to assassinate the scientists was discovered, it was thwarted twice as Mrs. Watanabe testified. First at a combined meeting of the three companies and then at the Brussels Airport." Haruhi paused and closed her eyes for a moment to reign in her fury so she could finish her recitation.

"The attempt at the Brussels airport was sabotage of the scientists' charter flights. It was decided to change existing tickets on a commercial flight from the forensic accountants and translator to the scientists and Seiji. The additional payment to a bomber resulted in the destruction of that commercial flight just after takeoff from a refueling stop in Beijing." The courtroom could hear Haruhi's labored breathing as she fought to maintain control for a few more minutes and finish the story.

"Do you need a moment?" the judge asked kindly.

Shaking her head, Haruhi replied through gritted teeth, "I just want to finish so I can go check on Fuyumi." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "At Seiji's funeral, Yoshio and Yuuichi Otori, Shizue and Akito Suoh, and Hayato Mikoshiba interrupted the end of the ceremony. Yoshio ordered Fuyumi to leave Seiji's ashes and her two children because she was to marry Hayato to further Otori business interests. With the assistance of the Haninozuka and Morinozuka families, the Hinan family was able to whisk Fuyumi away to the courthouse. There she removed herself from the Otori registry and was added to the Hinan registry. All that should explain why Fuyumi was so distraught and why she finds his actions so unforgiveable."

Growling, Yoshio lunged toward Haruhi but was intercepted by the bailiff.

The judge frowned. "Return him to his cell. On the way, have his injury looked to. The charges will be amended to include contempt of court and murder." Then he smiled at Haruhi. "Thank you for your explanation. You are dismissed to check on…your future sister-in-law, you say?"

"Yes, I am engaged to her brother, Kyoya Hinan." Bowing once more, Haruhi turned and left the courtroom.

14