Kaye walked up towards the bar and saw Cye was in total concentration with taking inventory. She smiled, Cye was always into his work, Kaye used to tease him about missing out on what goes on in his club. It wasn't time for him to open yet. The doorman let her in any way He knew who Kaye was since she used to sing here a long time ago. Kaye cleared her throat, "Do you have something to drink for me to warm up my throat?"

"Sorry, we're not ready to serve. You'll have to wait. Hold on, how'd you..." Cye started to ask as he turned around with a slight frown and then smiled when he saw her. "Kaye! It's been too long. I'm guessing Hank let you in."

She nodded, "He remembered me, so yes he did. It's good you still keep him around."

"He's good at keeping out the trouble makers. So, speaking of trouble makers, you're still with Kento?" Cye asked as he leaned on the counter.

Kaye chuckled a bit when she saw the mischievous glint in his eyes, "We're still partners."

Cye raised a brow, "Anything more than partners?"

Kaye felt herself starting to blush a bit from Cye's suggestion. Kaye looked away until she could no longer feel her blush then she turned her attention back to him again. Kaye wasn't sure how to answer him, because well, she wasn't sure where we stood either. So Kaye decided to switch the subject, "Cye, do you still have a spot opened for me for tonight."

Cye could see she wasn't going to answer his question. "I do, are you on a case?"

Kaye leaned closer to him to make sure to only one could hear her. "I can't get into it, but yes, we are on one. Kento is going to come in soon and meet up with Rowen. I thought it would be a good idea to be one of your singers, so I can keep an eye on the floor as the two of them talk."

Cye looked at me in concern, "Kaye, you know I don't like it, you're working in a dangerous profession as a gumshoe."

"I know, but you don't have to worry. Kento watches out for me. He's very overprotective at times. Plus he's been teaching me a few things, and you know I can take care of myself."

"I know, but it doesn't mean I have to like it," Cye whispered back.

Kaye pulled back a bit, "So, is it fine, I still can sing here tonight?"

Cye could see she wasn't going to budge, he sighed, "Alright, yes, you can take the open spot. I still have your dressing room set up in case you decided to change your mind and come back to work with me again."

Kaye smiled at him, "I appreciate this Cye, thank you. When you see Kento and he comes to talk, please don't be too hard on him. When we became partners, he did offer for me to walk away. But I decided to stay."

Cye raised his hands. "Alright, I know better than to convince you otherwise. It would give me a headache because you're so stubborn. No wonder you two work well with one another. You're too similar. Now get going, it'll be close to opening and I'm sure you want to warm up a bit before you're on stage."

Kaye backed up from the bar and waved at him as she walked in the direction of her dressing room. It was in the back. Kaye still remembered her way around from being gone for so long. It felt a bit nostalgic being back here. 'I hope I won't be too rusty. It's been too long since I've done any kind of singing.' Kaye entered her old dressing room and shut the door. Kaye took in the sight and smiled. It was the same way as when she left it. Kaye hung up her garment bag and put the bag on the dresser. It didn't take long for Kaye to change into the form-fitting lounge gown she bought earlier. Kaye wasn't used to being in a gown like this she felt more comfortable in her gumshoe attire. But it was Kaye's idea so she was going to see it, though. Kaye glanced at the clock and it wouldn't be long before customers started to arrive.

Meanwhile back with Kento's stakeout...

I glanced at my watch and growled under my breath. I was still stuck in my car in the underground parking lot. Sekhmet and the one he's talking to are still at it. But then I saw things between them started to get heated. The mystery guy shoved Sekhmet, and then Sekhmet shoved him back. The fighter in me smirked it started to get interesting. Then the two stopped and stepped back from one another. They didn't stand down from staring at one another either. 'Damn. Nice, ruin my fun, why don't you?' Oh well. I'm sure I'll be able to come upon more tangles later. Who knows, I'll be more likely the one to start them.' I chuckled a bit but then readjusted when I saw the two entering their vehicle. Sekhmet pulled out first and took the turn going right. While the second mystery driver pulled out and went left. I frowned because I wasn't sure who to follow. But I figured Sekhmet would more likely go back to the Dynasty. So I decided to follow the stranger instead. I started my car and pulled out and turned left. The guy I decided to follow had a bit of a head start on me. But I didn't mind, there weren't many places he could turn off of so it wouldn't take long to track him down. About another five minutes passed and then I saw his car as it was going to enter traffic. Damn, now I was going to lose him in the steady traffic. I sighed, oh well there might be a possibility of running into him again. How was this stranger tied to the case? I had no idea but what I did know. I was going to be late getting to the Torrent and I knew better than to be late when it involves Kaye. The last time I was late, Kaye let me have it, and well I did deserve it.

Instead of the turn to my office, I took the one towards home. Once I arrived, I went inside, did a quick shower, and then changed. When I finished, I got back into my car and headed towards the Torrent. It's been a while since I went to the waterside nightclub. I kind of feel bad for a while for not stopping in to visit Cye more often. But when being a gumshoe, cases take precedence over personal life. I'd have to make sure to visit him more often after we finish this case. As I was making my approach, I could see a lot of people starting to show. This place is still the hottest spot in the city for anybody who's anybody to make an appearance. I found a place to park before all the good spots were taken. For some reason, I felt my hands starting to sweat a little. I frowned, what was going on? I don't usually get nervous. So what's the deal? All I was doing was meeting up with Rowen to talk. Then it hit me, I was going to see Kaye in the outfit she had in the garment bag when we went shopping earlier. I didn't understand why I was so nervous about it. I've seen her dressed up before, not like she was this afternoon but in an actual lounge dress. The last time I saw her in one was when we met. Man, she was a looker then. I can only imagine she's even more of a looker now. 'Come on Kento, get a grip.' I thought to myself as I cleared my thoughts and dried my hands. Then I got out of my car and went inside the Torrent.

I nodded towards Hank. He nodded back at me as he let me pass. Luckily, he remembered who I was and let me in with no problem. It was good to see Cye was keeping Hank around for a bouncer. One never knows when one would come in handy or if there might be trouble. I was hoping for both, an easy meet with Rowen, and a little fun with a tangle. I guess I'll find out after a while. I hope Rowen is still punctual like he always has been in the past. I walked up to the bar, "Cye, hey, long time."

He turned around, "What would you like?"

"Come on Cye, are you going to give me the cold shoulder and be all business?"

Cye's expression didn't change in the least. I guess he's still hanging onto his grudge for what happened back then.

"Come on man, look, I lost count how many times I apologized."

Cye raised a brow, and then smirked as he chuckled, "I got you good!"

I grumbled but then nodded, "Yeah, you did. How have you been?"

"Busy, as usual. It's good to see you finally." Cye replied as he dropped his bar rag on the counter and leaned a bit forward. "Kaye informed me on what's going on tonight."

I sat down at the bar and then searched around and set my sights on the stage. The piano player was warming up, I didn't see Kaye there she must be getting ready. I leaned back, "Sorry to get you involved."

"It's fine. I'm not involved, it's only my place you're conducting business. I'm impressed you're using your head for once instead of your fist," Cye replied as he was wiping the bar.

"Ha, ha Mr. funny man. Can I have my usual or do I need to order something else?"

"No, I can make your usual." Cye pushed off the counter and turned around as he was making my drink. It didn't take him long as he set it down.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out some cash and laid it on the counter. "Thanks." I took a drink and then turned around and faced Cye. "Have you or Hank seen Rowen yet?"

"Not yet, but knowing Rowen, he should be here soon. " Cye answered as he went to tend to more customers at the other end of the bar.

I turned, back around and almost dropped my drink when I saw Kaye make her appearance on stage. I felt my hands starting to sweat again. My breath hitched in my throat and my adrenaline was racing through me like it was on fire. I couldn't take my eyes off of her, she is most definitely without question an extreme looker. My imagination started to go a bit wild. Then snapped back to the present when I heard other men throwing out catcalls and whistles. My eyes narrowed as my hand smashed the glass I was holding. Shards rained down to the floor along with blood and my drink started to run down from my hand to my wrist.

Cye hurried over when a customer told him what happened. "Kento, get over here."

I got up and moved behind the bar towards the sink as I kept my sight on Kaye. She didn't seem phased by the pigs who were reacting that way towards her. She was putting on a pretty good front. I could see for a split second the uneasiness she felt from their reactions. But then I saw her looking at the piano player as he started playing. I could see her starting to relax once she was in sync with the music.

"Kento, are you all right?" Cye asked as he tended to my hand. He cleaned the glass shards from my hand and then the blood as he dried it off. "Hold this for a moment. I need to get a first aid kit and then I'll wrap your hand."

I nodded as I saw him take off towards his office. Then, I turned my attention to my hand and seethed in slight annoyance. 'Damn,' I thought to myself and then saw Cye return with the kit. He had me move my hand over the sink and then the two of us worked on wrapping my hand. Once finished he made sure I was fine and then had directed me to a table. I sat down and then after a short time he brought over another drink.

"Try not to break this one alright," Cye said with a slight smirk as he went back to the bar.

I nodded as I kept my eyes on Kaye. When I heard her, sing, I started to feel myself relax. It's been a long time since I've heard her. I almost forgot what it was like. I was so entranced by her voice. I didn't hear a voice speaking to me.

"Is this seat taken?"

I kept my eyes toward Kaye, "Sorry, I'm waiting for someone."

Rowen raised a brow and then looked over towards the stage and smirked as he saw why I'm distracted. "Hey, Kento, hello." He got in front of me and then I snapped out of my thoughts.

"Rowen, heh, sorry man," I answered as I rubbed the back of my head.

He waved it off as he sat down and then waved at Cye after he received his drink. "I don't blame you for someone stealing your attention. But we need to talk."

"Right," I turned my attention towards Rowen but still being mindful of the stage at the same time. "So, what's a g-man like yourself doing undercover in the Dynasty?"

Rowen shook his head, "Right to the point. Alright, the office thought I was the best shot of getting into the Dynasty since I came from here like the rest of you. Kayura and her fighters would know more about you, Ryo, and Sage since you're all in some form of law enforcement. Plus, Cye isn't into fighting, unless that's changed since the last time I've been here."

I shook my head, "No, you're not wrong. Find out anything about what's going on in the Dynasty?"

Rowen took a drink, "As far as I can tell everything is speculation. It's possible Kayura had her fixer bump off her grandfather. Then she could have full ownership, lock stock, and barrel. He was going to sell it instead of giving it to Kayura. He didn't. The reason, she was the right fit to run a prominent fighting club."

I gave Rowen my full attention, "What do you think about the death of Dais? I'm starting to believe the attack on him was set up by either Anubis or the other fighters. Because I suspect all of them are in on it. Especially when you told me Kayura is behind the Ancient's death."

Rowen nodded, "you're close to being right. We need solid proof to put them all away. Which we don't have. I already went over it with Ryo and Sage. They told me about the cutters who took Dais' body from the hospital. The vehicle found on the side of the road with the back door wide open and his body gone. The paint was still fresh from the back."

"Then whoever painted the vehicle was in a hurry to get his body. But my question is why?"

Rowen frowned deep in thought. "My guess is his death was faked. In order to cover up something else going on at the Dynasty."

I frowned, "What is so important about the death of one of her fighters? But then again before I came here. I noticed another car following me to an underground parking garage. I thought at first it was Anubis. But it was Sekhmet. Turned out he wasn't following me but meeting up with someone else. Not sure who was because I didn't get a good look at him. But from what I could see they didn't get along because they shoved one another."

"Did they see you?"

"Luckily, no otherwise I would have been late meeting you here. I wouldn't dare miss Kaye's debut tonight," I smirked as I noticed Kaye coming in our direction.

Rowen smirked, "what happened to your hand anyway?"

"I don't want to get into it." I stood and pulled out a chair for her, "You were great!"

Kaye smiled at me as she took her seat and then I sat down. "Thank you." She looked over at Rowen, "So good to see you join us."

Rowen smiled with a nod, "My pleasure. Kento's right, you were great."

"Thank you, Rowen, I'm a little rusty but once we were in sync things clicked as they did back when I used to sing here." She looked at me, and noticed my wrapped hand, "What did you do? Are you alright?"

I waved it off, "I'm fine, a little sore but nothing I can't handle. Rowen and I figured some things out and I'll fill you in later."

Kaye studied me. I could tell she knew there was something more behind the wound on my hand. She figured it wasn't from a fight because she has seen me come back with wounds before but not like this one. But I was grateful she didn't push it any further. She turned her attention towards Rowen, "How long were you going to stay in town?"

"Until I get done what I need to. Then once I'm finished, I'll be heading back. Though it was good to see everyone again. But I'd better be going. I have to be at the Dynasty early in the morning for training. I'll see you two around?" Rowen answered as he stood.

"Sure man, I'll see you later. Stay in touch." I waved to Rowen as he turned from the table and left. "So..."

Kaye raised her brow at me, "Yes?"

I cleared my throat, "That was the outfit you were hiding from me earlier today that was in the garment bag?"

Kaye nodded, "Yes it was."

Ouch, she's being short in her answers. Kaye didn't seem to be too thrilled with me at the moment. "You...You look beautiful." I blushed a bit as I caught myself saying those words. I did mean what I said, I didn't know I was going to say them out of the blue. I looked over at Kaye and saw her blushing more than me.

She averted her eyes for a moment, but then looked back at me as she smiled and reached over and laid her hand upon mine. "Thank you. I appreciate you saying so."

"Kaye, they're wanting an encore. Would you mind?" Cye asked as he came over to our table.

Kaye looked up towards Cye as she moved her hand from mine. "Sure Cye, I'll be right there." She stood and then looked at me before she turned and walked to the stage.

I watched Kaye as she made it back to stage, and started her encore. I have no idea what came over me, but fantasies started to play out in my head. Damn, I'm going to need to take a cold shower as soon as I get home, a very long cold shower.