Part 6

Move on and don't look back

In the room, Aoi breathed hard as he recalled that he was trying to follow Yoji among the human traffic of the underground station. He didn't know what was he doing. In fact, what was he thinking of? Yoji is so unpredictable. How did he know that he was bugged and followed? How did he know that they were being watched? And how could Natsumi and the rest do this to him? The whole thing was a huge mess. One moment, they were walking and then, next minute, running for their lives like convicts.

Miyuki stared down at the coffee table. She was feeling very uneasy with the atmosphere. The whole thing happened too fast. Too fast to catch her breath. She remembered running through the blinding rain and into the sheltered underground station. Many time she had to apologize when she accidentally bumped into people. The puzzling or irritated stares of them. Her legs were exhausted after running in her soak clothes and carrying all that precious equipment.

Natsumi, sitting next to Miyuki, glanced at Toukairin, who was staring hard at the window. His thoughts were concentrating on what just happened. She turned and looked at Miyuki. She was probably feeling the same thing as her. At the underground station, they were literally flying down the stairs and into the main deck. The human traffic was terrible. That Yoji guy is definitely working as a secret service man for the government or what every person would do. Hide among places where it is most crowded. The underground station is an excellent choice especially during peak hours. The trio intended to spit up to cover the place faster but Toukairin insisted that they stick together. He has this gut instinct that Yoji and Aoi would board the next coming train.

Aoi could feel the tightness of Yoji's grip on his wrist as he calmly slipped into the crowd. He was like a shadow, Aoi thought. A shadow. There was something that Yoji wanted to tell him badly. But it seems like the gods wouldn't allow him to say it. Punishment for his lack of faith? Or a fate destined?

Toukairin could see the dark clouds were becoming to clear and faint rays of light shined upon the tall buildings. Deep down, he felt unsure. Confused. He had second thoughts about Yoji now. At first, he thought of him as a murderer of Takahashi. But now… the feeling is different. He felt pity for him. That bleak look in Yoji's eyes. So weary, an incomprehensive yearning beneath the dark eyes. Eyes that have seen too much of something. Something that he will never know or understand. Yet, that was one thing very clear that he could understand - Yoji was in pain.

In another room, Yoji exhaled wisps of misty blue from his mouth, his hand held the burning cigarette. His jaw felt slightly sore after the punch that Boy Scout gave him. But he deserved it anyway. What answer could he give? He and the Boy Scout both knew. Yoji killed Takahashi. No matter how much Manx can justify his actions to that old detective. The truth still exists. He can get away no doubt about that, his sins will still follow him. Maybe, that was the 'sin' that the gods considered. Perhaps the gods knew what was it like to take another person's life? The feel of blood on their hands and the sudden chill feeling of their soul being taken away. Do gods have souls? What is a soul? Do human actually possess it? Many religions have claimed this even thought science have no theories to this. The 'soul' defined by men as the spiritual element that all living creatures possessed. The soul…

He glanced at Aya, the ever stone cold red haired, leaning against the wall. Aya must have informed Manx about this. He can't be blamed as much as he felt that giving him a knuckle sandwich for not minding his own business. The identity of Weib must remain unknown to the public. Ken and Omi had already warned him for letting himself be involved with Aoi. There was something about Aoi that Weib wouldn't understand. He sincerely wanted to be his friend. That was a long time that he had heard that word. Friend. He wished that he didn't say that. Much more, after what he said at the underground station.

Aoi could visualize them hurriedly entering through one of the train's compartments. He had no idea where they were heading. Somewhere, they have to find a place where they can talk their hearts freely. However, he had a foreboding feeling that that wouldn't happened.

Toukairin spotted them entering into the train, he chased after them, not bothering whether Natsumi and Miyuki can catch up with him or not. This was the last chance that he has. The only opportunity that mustn't pass by him. Once lost, he would never see Yoji again. He was sure that the blond guy deliberately let him spot them. Cramming through the sardine-packed compartment, he could see them slipping into another compartment.

The train reached the next station; Yoji and Aoi pushed their way into the car park. They were running very fast. At a corner, Yoji suddenly turned and faced Aoi. His face shown sighs of fatigue. Half-panting, he opened his mouth to speak.

"Aoi, there is something that I want you to know. I killed Takahashi."

"I know that, Yoji."

"What?"

Yoji lit up another cigarette; Aoi already knew that. And yet he still wanted to be his friend. How can anyone accept this harsh reality? He opened his eyes slightly. He was getting tired. Very tired. All he wants now is to close his eyes. And never open them again.

"I know that, Yoji."

"What?"

"I was bugged on the night I went undercover to bait Ishimaru. It recorded your quote."

"An enemy of women is an enemy of mine…" Yoji laughed bitterly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wasn't aware of it until 2 days ago. I tried to warn you but…"

Yoji leaned against the cold wall. "Don't bother to say anything. I understand. I wanted to tell you so much. In fact, I wanted to tell somebody about this for a very long time. I'm tired of this. Tired of hiding in the dark. So tired…"

Aoi caught hold of his falling friend, cuddling him in his arms. The real Yoji was exposed. Beneath the charmer and the cheekiness of his appearance, he was just like anyone else. A mortal yearning for somebody to understand him, to care for him and most of all, to love him. Maybe that's why human beings are created. To experience these feelings that makes life worth living for. Aoi can understand him and care for him and maybe, love him. But his love is the love of a friendship. Somebody else would have to provide him the kind of love that a man yearns for. A love that only a woman can provide. Not from him.

Toukairin runs after them. His cop feelings told his body to move into the car park. Takahashi told him that before. They always run to where they can find any source of transportation to use. Ahead of him, he could see Aoi helping Yoji to his feet. What had happened in his absence? Was he injured? A sudden state of illness? Why the heck should he care? He has Yoji.

Brushing past the unaware Aoi, Toukairin gave him a punch right into his face. He could hear Aoi screaming at him, yelling at him to stop. He didn't want to. Why should he? Naomi-san had found out something that could prove Takahashi's innocence. In his heart, he knew that Takahashi would never betray the police. Never in a million lifetimes. He grabbed hold of Yoji's collar and pulled him up. He intended to give another punch but stopped at the sight of his eyes. His eyes were not those of young youthful men but those of the elderly. So weary. The sickness in them. It's like he is living in hell.

Natsumi and Miyuki arrived at the scene. They panted heavily. Natsumi saw Toukairin bending over Yoji, his fist held high up. She was so certain that he would give a thrashing. But he didn't. He let go of him. He took a few steps back. Aoi knelt beside Yoji.

Bright light flashed at them, everyone squinted their eyes. A black car drove towards them. The engine hummed as the doors opened. A red-haired woman and Tokuno stepped out.

The ceiling fan spun its shadows upon Manx and Tokuno. Manx drummed her fingers on the table as she observed the old detective. She had heard much about the people of Bokuto station. Their determination was stronger than steel. The way they respond to the situations is far beyond an average traffic police officer. Given the right opportunity, they might prove to be a vital source in the police force.

"You were ordered to leave this case alone."

"How do I answer to Takahashi's family?"

"He died in the line of duty. Simple as that."

"He sure did that all right. He did that and we are all proud of him."

"What do you mean, Detective Tokuno?"

"We have found something that would interest you. Very much indeed." Tokuno handed her a pile of papers. "Those bank accounts that we had found some time back. Not less than 10 hours ago, somebody has used that accounts. Somebody has withdrawn all that money. Since Takahashi is now dead. Someone else must have done it."

"That bank accounts that your man, Kenji Senada had found. Where is he now? It seems like he has disappeared."

"Disappeared?"

"Try calling him. Ask your men to get him now. See if you could find him."

Toukairin stroke Natsumi's hair while she lay asleep on his lap. What is going on? What's taking so? He leaned back and closed his eyes. The whole thing really sucks. Tokuno told him about the bank accounts stuff. Hopefully, it would be the trump card but now… Doubts clouded his mind. If Takahashi was really the insider, then, why would his bank accounts be left untouched until now? Surely, after his death, the mastermind would have clear the accounts immediately. Could the signatures be forged? Could someone forged the 't' and the 'a' of Takahashi for the 'Taro' signature? Maybe, not sufficient enough for an evidence. Toukairin had this feeling that someone is playing with them. Why? What's the purpose of this toying around?

"He's gone, isn't he?" Manx tapped her fingers. "Seems like your subordinate has a second job."

Tokuno is steaming with anger inside but he knew that he had to stay composed. One wrong move and the red-hair wins.

"Tell me one thing, Manx-san."

"What?"

"Why are you shielding Yoji from us?"

"He's one of our men. His identity has to be kept under wraps."

"Or maybe the answer that we need."

"For some time, we have been suspected some detectives that are corrupted. Yoji, which is not his real name, was assigned to this. We planted some information to draw a suspect's attention, Takahashi. It worked and while Yoji works along with Aoi, he gains information about Takahashi. He did and we were about to arrest him but he died. Much to our disappointment."

"Then, allow me the permission to talk to Yoji. That's all we want from the beginning."

"I'm afraid that I can't do that. Listen, Tokuno-san, don't you see that I'm having a tedious tracking them and to think that there is one right under your nose all the time. This Kenji Senada person could be responsible for Takahashi's death."

"Maybe but I'm not giving up until I found the one responsible for Takahashi's death. Takahashi is innocent of whatever accusations that you have on him. Yoji is the key to it and somehow, you people are involved in this."

"Your accusation is also based on insufficient evidence as well."

"True. Why was Takahashi at Ishimaru's party at that time? Was he undercover? You might ask why wasn't it reported. Maybe he forgotten or someone could have erased that out. I know that 'Yoji' was planted in as part of his job to sniff out corruptive cops. I can understand. He is just one of your lackeys. Of course, Takahashi is the prime suspect for the meddling with the evidences. The detective, Hikaru Don Vien died a day after the 10th of March. The date that the evidences were removed. What a coincidence! The last victim, Suzuki-san called me to tell me that she had remembered something. Koiwai had a call. He said something like, 'I thought you took care of the detective.' "

"She was suffering from severe trauma, Tokuno. Chances of her remembering such things are less than 10%. Perhaps that your words that you used for the petition moved her to help her saviour."

"Another point well-taken. It's doesn't matter to me who took out Ishimaru or Koiwai. The thing is that Takahashi is innocent. And you and your superiors know that very well."

"Kazumi Takahashi was honored at his funeral based on his past achievements. My superiors did it out of consideration for his children and the people of Bokuto station. At least, his dark secret is kept hidden from the public."

"Then, why did your superiors agreed to the petition?"

"Isn't the answer obvious? To prove to you and your team who Kazumi Takahashi really is." Manx stood up. "This whole issue never happened." Her hand reached out for the doorknob.

"Do you know who the real victim is? Manx-san."

"No, I don't."

"Yoji. If that's what his name is. He is the real victim of your politics. He does your dirty work. And I prayed that he would get out before he ends up dead. To you, guys like him are easily replaceable."

Tokuno firmly placed an envelope in her hands and watched the stony red-haired woman slowly opened the door. Her hand quivered. The door shut closed. Tokuno dug a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.

"We have found the key and yet it led us to a death end."

Yoji sat onto a bench, taking in the cool shades of the Sakura tree. Things seemed to go back to normal. Manx didn't mention anything to him. He didn't mind. Beside, he didn't want to. What was done was done. Nothing could be done to reverse it. He felt a gentle hand upon his shoulder. He looked up into the smiling face of Aoi.

"I didn't expect that you would come."

"What makes you think that?"

"Well, you know the truth about me…"

"That you are as a secret government agent?"

"Government agent?"

"Yup, Tokuno told us all about it. That really explained why your identity is considered as classified. And why you were working so mysteriously."

"Sou desu ka…"

Yokatta, Aoi doesn't know about Weib. Just as well…

"Yoji, do you played basketball?"

Toukairin placed a bouquet of flowers onto Takahashi's grave. Takahashi, although your case is officially closed and we weren't able to find the answers. I just want to let you know that I believe that you are innocent. I believe in you and trust you. Maybe, some day, we will know the truth. Someday… Till then, peace be with you.

Manx placed the photo onto the highly polished desk. Persia examines it. The moustache twitched.

"This photo was given by Tokuno-san. The report states that it's a fake digital image of Yoji. Kazumi Takahashi was the one with Ishimaru. However…"

"The question is who planted it?" Persia ended the sentence.

"Also, the reports also stated the bank accounts that Takahashi has. We are not able to locate such data in the beginning. The Bokuto station surely does not have the required computer software to do so."

"And yet, they have found it. Intriguing."

"The one who found it is Senada-san. He was the one who found the data."

Persia gave a heavy grunt as his thick eyebrows knitted together. "And an undercover spy. He could have planted this and sent it to Takahashi. There's a possibility that he could have tampered with the evidences that we have found."

"That would mean that Takahashi could be…"

"Maybe not…Maybe the real masterminds want us to think this way. Either way… " He sighed heavily. "Does Yoji know about this?"

"No."

"Then, let's keep it this way."

Yoji collapsed onto the hard concrete floor, panting. Aoi sat next to him, he was panting too as he takes out the towels from his bag. He tossed one to Yoji.

"Thanks," Yoji wipes the sweat off his face. "You played basketball like a pro."

"You played well too."

"But not as good as you." Yoji handed him back the towel. "Aoi, why do you want to be friends with someone like me?"

Aoi kept silent for a while.

"You know what kind of person I am."

"It doesn't matter."

"What?"

"You have a job to do. Besides, you saved my life many times."

"But…"

"Hush." Aoi placed his fingers on Yoji's lips. "Don't say anything. It's over." He smiled. "Get changed, I want to show you something."

In a high-class restaurant, Kenji Senada stirred his tea. He took a sip. A long orange-haired man dressed in white suit came along and took the seat opposite him. Senada, composed, placed the teacup onto the saucer that he was holding with his other hand.

"Seems like Bokuto Station didn't manage to expose Weib, Crawford," says the man, leaning backwards, his legs crossed.

"It doesn't matter, Schuidich. It was supposed to happen that way. Your job is to control the high school girl's thoughts. Nagi with the back accounts. Farfarello with the half Japanese detective and that nosy bar girl."

"It doesn't seem to do much damage," said Schuidich, dipping his finger into the sugar bowl. Crawford's finely trimmed eyebrows arched in disapproval.

"Damages to the mind of Weib," Crawford took another sip. "This is what we want. A weak mind will make the body fall apart."

Schuidich licked his sugarcoated finger. "It would be delicious to know their thoughts now."

At the far end of an old catholic-structure like building, there was a pond in the heart of a small field. The earth surrounding it was dark and rich. Tiny delicate flowers grew at the edge, the colour was like new snow. A lean and fragile tree sheltered the pond; holding out a shattering bunches of pink flowers laced with ruby. Its green leaves waved with the breeze. Under the tree, stood an old man. His wrinkled face shone with youthful energy. The steady arms held a plain clay pot. People are coming to him, kneeling before him. The old man dipped his fingers into the pot and pressed them onto their foreheads. The people whose foreheads were touched opened their eyes with joy. Their faces comforted.

"This old man is a pastor. He is doing what John the Baptist did. In the Bible, John Baptist baptized people with water to symbolize the washing away of their sins so they prepare for the coming of the Messiah," explained Aoi.

"So, the reason that we are here for…"

"Try it, Yoji. You need this."

Aoi took his hand and led him down to the crowd. Yoji allowed himself to move a few steps inside the building but paused. Aoi turned and looked at him, his hand loosened. He gave a faint smile as he walked up to the pastor and knelt before him. The pastor pressed his wet fingers on his forehead, making a cross symbol. Aoi opened his eyes and looked at Yoji once more.

Yoji, his face grim and lifeless, took a few steps back and turned, dumbfounding Aoi. The pastor placed his hand on Aoi's shoulder and gave an encouraging nod. Aoi gave chase until he reached the entrance. He could see Yoji walking towards the main gate. The sky was streaked with shades of massive grey clouds. Thunder rumbled.

With a futile hopeful wish, Aoi wished that Yoji would come back.

But he didn't.

Raindrops fell.

So did a tear.

OWARI