Fuyumi was surprised to see Yu, Aki, and Matsu waiting for them at the airport carrying large duffle bags. "What are you guys doing here?" she asked in confusion.

Setting his duffle down by their luggage, Yu gestured to the trio and explained, "We tendered our resignations at Hinansho because we plan to work full-time at YAM Collections. We also have a deal with Nishi Goro to help him out as needed."

"O-kay, it that's…what you want?" Fuyumi drawled, still trying to fit all the pieces together, as she felt like she was being abandoned by her old security team.

Aki interrupted, "It's not that we didn't like our positions at Hinansho or wanted to leave you. We just wanted a little more excitement."

Taking pity on her, Matsu explained, "Those are our future plans. Right now, we're accompanying you on your trip as security."

Fuyumi's expression was mutinous. "I am perfectly capable of protecting myself and my family." She looked Yu in the eye and growled, "You know that. Mitsukuni and Takashi trained me."

"What about the little matter of Masaya being outnumbered?" Matsu mentioned teasingly.

"Yes!" Masaya shouted, pumping his fist. "I was wondering how I would survive four weeks as the only male."

The expression on Fuyumi's face softened as she looked at her son. "You're right." Shrugging she added, "I guess the more the merrier it is. Just let me send the revised headcount to our accommodations in London, Florida, and California."

Matsu, Aki, and Yu collected the luggage and headed to the VIP lounge to wait until they were informed the charter flight was ready to board. Hikaru and Kaoru grabbed the bags for themselves and their significant others and followed the trio.

OHSHC

Haruhi insisted on driving Kyoya to the airport for his flight to Hong Kong. "As I said before, you are not interfering with my studying or packing. I want to drive you to the airport so I can tell you to have a safe trip."

Kyoya replied evenly, "You could have let Atsuhiro drive or just told me that at Hinansho. You didn't…"

"Of course, I didn't have to," Haruhi interrupted. "I wanted to, so I did."

Shaking his head with a grin lighting up his face, Kyoya remarked, "You are a stubborn woman."

"And you wouldn't have it any other way," Haruhi teased as she pulled into the VIP parking lot. Turning off the ignition, she turned to him and continued, "I needed a break from studying and I'm already packed. I wanted to be here with you as you start your summer of business trips. Between studying and the bar exam, I won't always be available to drop you off or pick you up, but I wanted to be right here, right now." Her voice tapered off to a wistful whisper near the end.

Kyoya reached for her hand. "I understand. We lead busy lives. It's been that way since we met." Kissing her knuckles and winking, he said, "Let's head to the VIP lounge where we can have some privacy."

After opening the trunk, Haruhi grabbed Kyoya's briefcase and laptop, leaving him just his small suitcase. They entered the airport in companionable silence. As soon as they arrived in the lounge, the concierge took the luggage and arranged for it to be placed aboard Kyoya's charter flight.

"You have about half an hour before the plane is ready for boarding," she informed them before returning to her other duties.

Haruhi turned to Kyoya and placed her hands on his chest. For a moment she just stood there. Then she balled her hands into fists and leaned her forehead against his collarbone. "I wish Tachibana was going with you," she mumbled. "But I know he's needed at his in-laws right now since his father-in-law was hit by a drunk driver."

Wrapping his arms around her, Kyoya kissed the top of her head. "I'll be fine. Mr. Li Hui has arranged everything. His security will pick me up at the airport and take me directly to his family's compound. Everyone we'll be meeting with will come to the compound and be thoroughly vetted beforehand."

Sighing, Haruhi dropped her hands to wrap her arms around his waist. Leaning into his embrace, she murmured, "I understand. It's just…"

"You have every right to feel worried," Kyoya said gently. He caressed her cheek before tipping her chin up to look her in the eye. "Given the events of the past year, I would be more surprised if you weren't worried."

"I know," she huffed. "I don't want to live in fear of what 'might' happen and let it spoil what time we do have together."

The pair stood quietly wrapped in each other's arms until the concierge called, "Mr. Hinan, your charter is ready for boarding."

OHSHC

Fuyumi, Masaya, and Hibiki stood to one side of the memorial with Yu, Matsu, and Aki guarding them. Kyoya's security team surrounded the group as the memorial security team created a second layer of protection around Hikaru, Kaoru, Ageha, Estee, and Coco.

Hikaru chuckled mirthlessly. "It's been three years since we were here last. At least the crowds are a little smaller and not as rowdy." He wrapped his right arm around Estee's waist and held Ageha's right hand with his left.

Kaoru and Coco were on the other side of Ageha. Coco commented, "It's hard to believe that just three years ago we met here." She leaned her head on Kaoru's shoulder. "It seems like I've known and loved you forever."

He kissed the top of her head before he whispered, "I know what you mean."

Ageha was silent as she looked at the memorial and then studied the surrounding area. Finally, she commented, "You wouldn't know it to see this place now, but this was a crowded, bustling venue surrounded by towering hotels." She squeezed her brother's hands as she declared, "I like the memorial back at Hinansho much better."

Their attention was drawn by a commotion off to one side caused by a man arguing with the memorial security team. "I just want to have a moment to pay my respects to my late brother and his wife. I am only in town for the day. This is my only opportunity," he shouted as he tried to push past the guards.

Estee and Coco's heads snapped around at the sound of the man's voice. "Uncle Adam!" they exclaimed in unison. The sisters slipped from the twins' embrace and hurried in the direction of the commotion.

Adam Beringar's eyes widened at the sight of his nieces. "Estee! Coco!" he called in disbelief.

Realizing the man was recognized by members of the Hinan party, the security lines shifted to bring the man into the circles. Estee and Coco ran up to their uncle and wrapped their arms around him.

"You're alive?!" Adam cried as he gathered his nieces in his arms. Tears streamed down his face. "When I came back from my assignment three years ago, I couldn't find you two anywhere. When I went to talk to your Aunt Yvette, her apartment was empty and the neighbors informed me that she was in jail," he choked out through his tears.

Taking a deep breath, he continued, "No one knew what happened to you two after Yvette was arrested. I worried that maybe some of her 'friends' had taken you in payment for Yvette's debts or she sold you to a brothel."

Estee shuddered as she remembered the men who showed up during their shopping trip three years ago. "Two tried to do just that," she admitted. She looked over her shoulder to find Hikaru standing behind her and Kaoru standing behind Coco.

"If it weren't for Hikaru and Kaoru, that's probably exactly what would have happened," Coco added.

Looking over his nieces' shoulders, he examined the young men who were hovering protectively. Releasing Estee and Coco, Adam offered a hand first to Hikaru and then to Kaoru. "I cannot thank you enough for taking care of my brother's daughters."

Hikaru shook the offered hand. "It has been an honor. You should join us for lunch."

"That will give you time to catch up with Estee and Coco," Kaoru added, shaking Adam's hand.

"Please," Estee and Coco pleaded in unison.

Chuckling, Adam replied, "Of course. That's very generous of you."

While they were talking, Fuyumi and the kids joined them. "If you need a place to stay, we have plenty of room," Fuyumi offered.

"As much as I would like that," Adam said with a look of regret, "I have to catch a flight at midnight to get to my next assignment." Looking between Estee and Coco, he conceded, "I can stay until nine. Then I have to stop by my apartment to pick up some things before I head to the airport."

Estee and Coco clapped their hands and squealed with glee. "We've missed you so much," Estee admitted.

"And we have so much to tell you," Coco continued.

Looking around at the group, Fuyumi asked, "If you're all done here…"

"Yeah, we're done here," Ageha declared. "Let's go get some lunch. I can't wait to tell some embarrassing stories about HE and KC."

OHSHC

As Takashi signed in with security at the current audit client worksite, he noted that the project lead, Miss Takamiya, had not arrived yet. "Well, we've been at this site for a week, and I did arrive first on the second day." He headed into the conference room reserved for their use. Pulling out his laptop, he started reviewing the list of tasks he had been assigned for the week.

Later, he heard the door open and looked up, expecting to see Miss Takamiya. Instead, Ryoko and Soju walked in talking about their plans for the weekend. Checking the time, Takashi realized they should be starting work.

Looking around the conference room with a puzzled expression, Ryoko asked, "Where's Miss Takamiya?"

"She hasn't arrived yet. She may have been called into the office. I will send her a text requesting her estimated time of arrival." Takashi pulled out his phone and sent the message.

Kota and Reo, the other two members of the audit team, arrived ten minutes later.

"You're late," Takashi stated.

Reo shrugged. "Miss Takamiya isn't here yet, so how late can we be?" he said casually.

Taking a breath to keep a note of annoyance out of his voice, Takashi responded, "We should have started ten minutes ago."

"But Miss Takamiya isn't here to give us our assignments," Kota complained.

Tapping the pile of folders with Kota's name on a sticky note, Takashi said, "You know what you need to do. Get to work."

Scowling at him, Kota stated flatly, "You're not in charge. I don't have to listen to you."

Before Takashi could respond, there was a chime from his phone announcing a text message. He was surprised when the message was not from Miss Takamiya, but Mr. Kondo.

***Call my office and put the phone on speaker.***

An uncomfortable feeling of dread settled in the pit of Takashi stomach as he dialed Mr. Kondo's office number.

"Thank you for calling, Mr. Hinan," Mr. Kondo said as he answered the phone. "I'm sure you are all wondering why Miss Takamiya has not arrived for work yet." There was a brief pause. "She was in a car accident this morning. She sustained broken bones and will be out for at least six weeks."

The work group was stunned. Reo asked tentatively, "What are we supposed to do during that time? Do we get to take the time off as well?" The was a note of hopefulness in his voice.

Mr. Kondo's reply was stern. "This firm is far too busy to lose a six-member team because one member is injured. A new lead will be designated and you will continue as originally assigned."

"So do we get the rest of today off?" Kota asked hopefully. "Since we don't have a lead."

"Oh, but you do," Mr. Kondo interrupted. "I know it's a lot to ask and you haven't been with the firm for a full year yet, but would you be willing Mr. Hinan?"

Takashi's eyebrows raise in mild surprise. "I will do my best, Mr. Kondo," he responded.

"Good man. Please report to my office after you wrap up your workday on site to complete the paperwork." Without waiting for a reply, Mr. Kondo ended the call.

Hiding a smile, Takashi allowed his co-workers a minute to assimilate the news they had just been given. Checking the time, he said, "We've already lost twenty minutes. You know what you have to do so let's get busy. We still have a client who needs their audit completed."

He was met with stunned silence as the four members of the team—HIS team—reached for their stacks of files and settle down to work. Takashi watched them for a moment before returning to his own list of tasks. "When I sign the papers after work today, I'll have to remember to ask when I can get access to Miss Takamiya's files for this week. That option is better than re-inventing the wheel and putting us behind on this job."

OHSHC

Kyoya settled into the armchair facing his host as they sipped milk tea after a satisfying day of business meetings and a delicious dinner. "Thank you again for your hospitality, Mr. Li Hiu. This has been a much more productive week than I usually have in Hong Kong."

Li Hiu nodded in acknowledgement of Kyoya's compliment. "It has been my pleasure to have you here. You are a very astute businessman and negotiator." He took a sip of his milk tea before continuing. "It has been enlightening to watch you handle your meetings."

The men sat in silence, contemplating their own thoughts as they finished their tea. When a servant came to remove the tea service, Li Hiu remarked, "It is getting late. We should turn in for the night. We have another busy day ahead of us tomorrow."

Kyoya stood and bowed to his host. "Until tomorrow," he said before heading to the bedroom he was using. He looked at his phone. "It's too late to call Haruhi tonight. I'll call before breakfast in the morning." Satisfied with his decision, he prepared for bed, slipping on a pair of silk pajamas with the Hinan kanji that Haruhi had given him as a Christmas present.

It seemed as though he had barely closed his eyes when Kyoya was unceremoniously dragged out of bed and thrown over a very muscular shoulder. Unsure whether the disorientation of being awoken abruptly or the absence of his glasses was to blame, Kyoya thought his attacker was heading for the closet rather than the door to the hallway.

Bemused, Kyoya thought, "No mistake. This is the closet. Why would he…" A hidden door in the back of the closet opened to reveal a secret passage. "Wasn't expecting that…though given Li Hiu's background, maybe I should have."

Ducking to slip through the access without hitting his head or that of his burden, the muscular man grunted quietly in exertion. Once inside the passageway, he set a brisk pace, jarring Kyoya only slightly.

Kyoya was relieved when he was gently set on his feet about five minutes later. He squinted around the space in confusion, noticing several fuzzy figures. He recognized the voice of his host, Li Hiu, as he started speaking.

"Mr. Hinan, I apologize profusely for the assault upon your person, however time was of the essence. A situation developed quickly and there was no time…" He was interrupted by a nearby explosion that rocked the room, causing dust and pebbles to filter down from the ceiling.

OHSHC

Haruhi returned to her apartment after having dinner with Takashi, Chiharu, and Rene. "Too bad Yuzuru is spending the summer living at the apartment at Ouran so he can concentrate on revising curriculum, budgets, and other issues. It would have been nice for him to join us to celebrate Takashi's promotion." She went directly to her phone which she left on the charger.

"That's odd. No call from Kyoya," she pondered as she checked for messages. "Maybe his meetings ran long, and he didn't want to wake me." Figuring he might still be up, Haruhi called him. It went straight to voicemail. "That's even stranger. Kyoya never turns his phone off—just sets it to vibrate if he's in negotiations and doesn't want to be interrupted."

Changing into an oversized t-shirt and a pair of sleep shorts, Haruhi slipped into bed. "If I haven't heard from him by ten tomorrow, I'll try calling again." She tried hard to ignore the niggling worry in the back of her mind as she drifted off to sleep.

OHSHC

Fuyumi's group waved excitedly to the twins and the Beringar sisters as they boarded the Eurostar bound for Paris. "See you all in California in four weeks," Ageha called.

"Behave yourself," Hikaru and Kaoru called back in unison through the window as the trained pulled out.

Estee slapped Hikaru's backside and ordered, "Sit down and behave yourself."

Taking her order as a challenge, Hikaru crowded close to her and whispered seductively, "Are you going to make me?"

Coco and Kaoru laughed at their antics. She said, "This is a far cry from the last time we took this trip."

Kaoru nuzzled her ear. "Definitely. We're not traveling with a crowd this time so we can have some fun." He started to tickle her, but she turned the tables and pinned him down while she tickled his ribs mercilessly.

"We may not be traveling with a crowd," Estee said primly. "But there are other people around so you should keep your horsing around to a minimum."

Hikaru snapped his fingers. "I can't horse around. I forgot to bring them."

His companions groaned as his attempted humor. "Why don't we just talk about what we remember from our last trip?" Coco suggested.

"I like that idea," Estee agreed as Hikaru and Kaoru nodded after exchanging a glance.

The quartet settled into their seats and started to reminisce about their trip on this train three years prior. Time seemed to fly.

"So, where are we headed now?" Fuyumi asked, looking around at the group excitedly.

Yu pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. "I took notes at dinner last night after our ride on The Eye when everyone was talking about where they wanted to go and what they wanted to see. Here is a list of the places with stars to denote how many suggested or agreed with that activity."

After reading through the list, Fuyumi commented, "There is plenty here to fill our next week in London."

Matsu suggested, "Perhaps we should find a restaurant and have lunch. We can discuss the order we want to see them while we eat."

"Excellent idea," Masaya agreed. "There's no use running all over London when we can group things together. That way we won't waste time or energy." He was about to say more when he was betrayed by his growling stomach. He blushed with embarrassment.

Aki grinned. "You heard the growing boy, let's get lunch."

OHSHC

Takashi worked diligently through Miss Takamiya's notes and schedules for the audit they were performing. "It looks like we should be on schedule as long as Reo and Kota have finished the revenue and expense testing before noon today."

Half an hour later, the remaining four members of the team finally arrived, laughing and chatting noisily. When Takashi frowned, Kota rolled her eyes and whine, "So we're a few minutes late. Big deal."

"You are twenty minutes late. Have you completed the revenue testing?" Takashi worked hard to keep the distain out of his voice.

Shrugging carelessly, Reo replied, "Lay off her. We should both be finished by the end of the day. We have another week at this site, so it's no big deal."

"You forget that our team is down a person. I may need to shift tasks from my original assignment as I take on Miss Takamiya's work. For now, get to work on your tasks. I have a meeting with the Controller in ten minutes. Please have the testing analysis done by the time I get back." Takashi stood and exited the conference room.

OHSHC

While waiting for her breakfast to cook, Haruhi booted up her computer and pulled up her favorite news site to check the weather for her trip to the Hokkaido retreat to study. She gasped at the headline on the site:

"BREAKING NEWS: Late last night, Hong Kong's residential district was rocked by a massive explosion. Reports have been sketchy, but it emergency services have confirmed that the heaviest damage appears to be near the Li Hiu compound. There are numerous injuries and at least three casualties. No one from the prestigious and prominent Li Hiu family has been reached for comment at this time. We will continue to bring you updates as they become available."

Haruhi grabbed her phone and tried to call Kyoya. Once again it went directly to voicemail. "Where could he be and why isn't he answering?"

9