Preys
Chapter 9: Behind the smiles
Tokio had a hangover. Yet she didn't regret her drinking so much yesterday. At least, she had fallen asleep just after Meg and Aoshi had gone, with no dreams, no nightmares and no worries. She parked her car and finished her little bottle of tea. It was the fourth since she woke up. She was still thirsty as hell, but her headache was fading. She spotted him near the main entrance, the familiar tall figure leaning against the wall. She walked to him, gathering her strength.
"Detective."
"Takagi-san." He looked at her, scornfully, from head to toes. "So you are really going to see him. You're just entering his game."
"Didn't we discuss that enough yesterday? We have to give it a try. We still have no clue where Komagata is, Sanjo's car hasn't been found, so far the autopsies or investigations revealed nothing new, and if he goes with his schedule he'll kill again in five days. Why are you so reluctant about it?"
He darted his amber eyes into hers, before glancing away. He shrugged. "Because it's only a loss of time."
Aoshi appeared at the front door, nodding to them, and they followed him inside. A guard was leading them, opening the two first doors with a code, three others with a key. There was not a noise except their footsteps on the floor. Tokio knew that the cells were built so nothing could be heard. She remembered the few times she had to visit the old facility, and the terrifying screams of the insane prisoners echoing endlessly in the corridors. Oddly, she didn't find the silence more supportive. She breathed deeply. If she got too sensitive to the atmosphere, she wouldn't be able to face Seta and keep control of the conversation. She had to destabilize him, like she had before.
In the parlor, she took the middle seat, Aoshi on her left, Saitoh on her right. Seta entered, handcuffed, one guard preceding him, another following.
"You can leave us," she told them.
"Tokio-san! I'm so glad that you were able to come! I couldn't watch the press conference, but I saw you on the news. You looked good. Oh, I thought you would be wearing black today," exclaimed boyishly the young man once they complied.
She had dressed casually on purpose, bringing her clothes for the funeral with her, to change later at the office. It would have made her feel vulnerable. Seta's physical appearance had always reminded her of Okita, for some reason. Maybe it was the bright smile and the boyish face..She was uncomfortable with it enough already, knowing that one was good and the other evil, that one was dead and the other alive.
So, ignoring his last remark, she sent him back his smile. "Thank you. It's been a long time, Seta-san."
His expression shifted to bemused regret. "I was hoping that you would come for me. How sad that it's because of Shishio-san. I'm not that important to you, I guess."
"Since you aren't a danger for the population anymore, indeed you are not," she countered, her tone still urban.
"This isn't very nice, Tokio-san. I'd like to help you, but you shouldn't be so rude to me."
"I'm not sure that you can be of any help. I doubt strongly that you want to. After all, there is no way for you to be involved into the last events. We're here for a routine interrogation."
He muffled a laugh. "You're assuming a lot, Tokio-san. You've been always preaching lies to get the truth."
"As far as I recall, it worked pretty well with you," she stated calmly.
Anger flicked briefly in his eyes, although the smile on his lips didn't fade. "You think you're very clever, don't you? But Shishio-san and I are more intelligent than what you grant us for."
She shrugged. "For the moment, we can't decide in Shishio's case. But as you're here, we know what to think about your abilities."
He didn't answer, bowing his head, this hair falling in front of his eyes. She could feel his tension.
"So, I understood that you pretend you have something to tell me. Let's stop the small talks here. I have no time to waste, you know."
He lifted his face again, and she needed all her will power to stay even. He had that expression again, the one that appeared on his face at the trial, the one that got him convicted. Madness was filling his widened pupils, a malicious, wicked smile twisting his lips. His voice was so soft, childish, and yet malignity was emanating from it too.
"It's too late for Yumi-san. I liked her; it's a pity. She was nice to me. You weren't nice, you know. I don't like it here. And Shishio-san doesn't like me to be here either. Maybe he'll decide.." He laughed again, a clear, happy laugh, recovering his previous, harmless appearance. "But how could I know anything?"
"I told you it was a waste of time," said sternly Saitoh, standing up. "He's just playing."
Aoshi imitated him.
She didn't turn her gaze away from Seta, and smiled to him again. "We're going to catch Shishio. Sayonara, Seta-san. Enjoy your stay."
Saitoh called the guards as she followed Aoshi outside. Seta gave him another bemused smile. Pissed of at the idea that they gave him satisfaction, the cop answered by a dirty look before leaving too.
Tokio resisted her crave for a cigarette. She remembered Aoshi's words on how revealing her habit was, and didn't want him, less Saitoh, to know how shattered she had been by the face off.
"I'm going to ask for a heavier security here. In case Shishio tries to set up an escape," she started as they got out of the facility. "You were right, Saitoh. But we had to try."
He glared at her. "Was I? I'm not so sure, now."
"You should ask for some protection," added Aoshi.
"You ARE going to ask for some protection."
She couldn't believe they were leaguing against her. "Please, don't talk nonsense. What did he tell us? That Shishio was after Komagata. Serial killers tend to take care first of their unfinished business, it's textbook."
"He said that it was too late. And she HAS disappeared," corrected Saitoh.
"He threatened you."
"Yes, he threatened me in court 10 years ago, too. Don't you think Shishio would have killed me instead of Tsubame if this were serious? We still don't have a proof that Seta communicates with him. He knows nothing. Now, we can talk again about that at the headquarters. See you there," she finished, still calm.
Both men stared at her as she was walking to her car. They shared a look and got on Aoshi's vehicle.
"Convince her," snapped Saitoh, after few minutes of a heavy silence.
"She has a point. It's likely that Seta just wanted to retaliate for her tricking him years ago. Did you see how fast he reacted to her? I wasn't expecting him to show that face after only a few minutes. Seta killed out of frustration. He obviously reported his frustration to be locked on her, and trying to frighten her is the only way he found to release it. There's probably nothing else there."
"And you will let her bet her life on a possibility?"
"I'd rather not to, but I understand why, as long as we're not sure, she doesn't want to ask for protection. Do you imagine the reaction of the media if they learn? Although every woman in town is a potential victim, and we have no way to protect them, the chief of section in charge requests for bodyguards? Moreover, she has a gun, too, and knows how to use it."
"So you're both morons. It didn't help Yukishiro Tomoe to have a weapon. I'll talk to her again."
"Very bad idea," said coldly Aoshi.
Saitoh narrowed his eyes, but his "partner" stayed silent.
The section's room was effervescent when they came back. They were all dressed in black, as soon would be the time for Okita's funeral. Everybody shut up as they entered.
"Nothing," announced Tokio, ignoring Saitoh's disapproving snort. "He just wanted me to know he still holds a grudge on me."
Enishi had frowned. "Maybe we should use other ways to make him talk.."he proposed, his eyes glittering dangerously.
"Yukishiro.."she warned. "And you?"
"No car, no Komagata. We traced her until two months ago. She moved a lot," sighed Misao.
"No clue on how he got his hands on Sanjo. And still no witnesses for the other crime. Nada," added Sano. "The Fox called about the autopsy, she won't have the body until tomorrow morning. She was pissed off. More than usual, I mean."
"The team Kondo delegated to check on Seta's contacts with the exterior works hard but it takes time, as we don't know when to start. He sent or received nothing officially, that's for sure. He reads lots of newspapers. They're trying to find a message in the "personals". And so far, nothing suspect concerning the detention center employees."
"Thank you, Tsunan. I'll be in my office."
Aoshi sat in front of his desk, Saitoh had already started to work. The others looked at each other as they heard Tokio locking her door.
Then Sano had a naughty smile.
"Yes, she's probably changing clothes for the funeral," sighed Misao again. "You know, sometimes I think Saitoh is right to call you a moron."
Tokio collapsed on her chair, dropping the folding pack with her clothes on the floor. She lit a cigarette with a trembling hand. It's over, she told herself. She stretched her arms, her back; the pressure was slowly exiting her body.
Of course, she wasn't so sure as she pretended to be. Maybe he knew something. Maybe destabilization had not been the good tactic. Maybe she had been too direct. But she knew from the trial that threatening or discussing sensibly would have led nowhere.
She had faced him. She had kept her composure. She had been in control, for the first time since this all mess had begun. This was positive. She had been haunted by Seta's expression for years. Her boss at the time had been right: she was not prepared be face to face with evil then. She knew he was, what he was capable of; but she was not able to witness it without damage. At least she had grown stronger. She had seriously doubted about that lately. She sighed bitterly. She was lying to herself. She had been too direct, too aggressive. She had been afraid to engage in subtle games with Seta. Well, she didn't show it, did she? It was an improvement. She made a mental note to avoid the subject with Aoshi for a while. If he wanted to talk about it, she wouldn't be able to avoid it, though. No time. They had no time for games, that was a good..reason. She could use, no, say that if he cornered her. Oh, the hell with it.
Was Shishio after her? She couldn't be sure, either. But she couldn't ask for protection now, it would be acknowledging her own fear and showing a lack of trust in her team. If he tried, it would be in two weeks. Shishio had never changed his schedule. They would arrest him before.
After drinking several glasses of water, she took her clothes and changed into the black, simple dress, and the short-sleeves jacket.
It was time for another confrontation.
It was a sunny afternoon. A remembrance of Okita's smile, thought Tokio, as they were gathered in front of the grave, where his ashes had just been deposed.
They could hear the rumor of the journalists outside the temple. They had been literally assaulted when they arrived. Since the press conference, the return of the Slayer was on the front page of every single newspaper and numerous special TV programs had been aired. The fact that the Mayor's niece was one of the victims had stirred even more interest.
The official ceremony had been very moving. Hiko was good at speeches, and his eulogy, though made in his usual flowered style, had not aimed at jerking tears from the audience, but had created a deep emotion. Kondo had been sober in words, and that had made the loss more tangible. There was no need to stress Okita's qualities for hours: all the people gathered knew. All the cops who had worked directly with him came, like Harada and Nagakura from his time at the criminal department, and the old Inoue, his first partner after the academy. Hijikata and the other heads of sections, along with most of the DA bureau, were attending too.
Tokio had noticed Kamiya Kaoru next to Sanosuke. They had talked for a while after the ceremony. Enishi had noticed her too. He had stared intensely at her, but she had just nodded sadly to him before leaving.
And everybody left also, only the team, Kondo and Inoue were to stay until the end. Tokio was glad she wore her opaque sunglasses, as her eyes filled with tears when the monks closed the stall. She turned to Saitoh, handling him some incense. He finally took it and lit it, deposing it on the grave.
Saitoh was conscious that they were all waiting for him to say something. He had no intention to. He had already said goodbye at the hospital, and was there only as a cop, to honor the memory of his partner like he deserved it. Okita's death was not something that he wanted to share with them, or with anybody. He had accepted it and got over it already. He sent a look to Takagi. It cost him to admit it, but she was the only other real friend that Okita had, and the only person, with Kondo and Inoue, who had in his opinion the right to be there now. His partner had a pleasant temper, getting along with everybody, but most of his relations were shallow. Deep inside, he was like Saitoh, a loner. He felt Takagi's eyes on him through her sunglasses. She finally said softly:
"If everybody said their farewell, we can leave him now."
The others nodded slowly, and began to walk in the direction of the front yard. Saitoh read on Takagi's lips, more than he heard: "Sayonara, Soushi." She walked away, too, not glancing back.
Noticing that Makimachi was walking fast and disappeared behind a couple of trees, Aoshi followed her. His professional instinct told him that she had been abnormally tensed during the ceremony, though she had stayed even. She showed her back to him, but he could see that her shoulders were trembling.
"Makimachi-san?"
"I'm fine. Go away," answered a choking voice.
He went closer. "Makimachi-san."
Why did he follow her? She was hoping she could hide her tears, and control rapidly her emotion, without being noticed. She had felt bad enough crying on the phone when Takagi-san had told her about Okita. But now he was there, and the more she tried to stop the flow, the stronger it became.
She turned to him. He was so close, and seemed so solid..
Aoshi watched her in bewilderment, as she slowly leaned into him. He felt tears running down his shirt, her head resting on his stomach. She was so small.
He didn't move for a while, amazed at her reaction. Then he slowly folded his arms around her, and stroked her back soothingly, like he had seen Tokio doing with Meg at the time she used to break down. He felt awkward. He wasn't used to that. But she held him back.
After a few minutes, the sobs changed into long sighs, tears dried. She held him tighter. It was so strange. He was a shrink, people went to him for help and advice, but nobody had ever sought comfort from him in a physical way. As she calmed down, he felt..useful? No, that wasn't the word.
She lifted her face, gazed at him, widened her blue eyes and blushed. He didn't remember having ever seen somebody turning so red. She got out of his embrace, casting her eyes on the ground.
"I'm, I'm so sorry. It's so stupid of me, Aoshi-san."
"It's normal to cry at a funeral. It's a natural phase of the mourning process," he explained calmly.
She laughed nervously. "Aoshi-san, maybe you should tell that to these people there. NOBODY cried! I'm the only one..always the only one."
He didn't answer. He knew it was the best way to get people talking. It worked, as she wasn't twisted enough to realize it.
"I didn't think that Saitoh would, but the others! Oh, I know, they are too busy playing the big tough guys, a man doesn't cry and so..Even Takagi-san is playing this game. They were good friends, though! Am I the only human being here?"
She stopped suddenly in the middle of her outburst, her hands on her mouth. She calmed down within seconds.
"Please forget about that. I hate funerals. I apologize." She shrugged, recovering her habitual happy expression.
It was amazing how fast she could change of mood, so deeply, going to the extremes in a few seconds. How naturally, how.. purely.
"I guess that I earn everybody treating me like a kid with this kind of reaction," she tried to joke. She wished he weren't looking at her with that serious face. If only he just smiled to her, she'd know for sure that he really didn't mind her acting like a total fool. She had felt so comfortable when he held her, and now she was so self-conscious. The contrast was almost too much to stand.
As he still didn't talk, she added, her smile widening. "I'll be fine, thank you for caring."
She passed by him and got away, almost running. Aoshi turned and watched her joining the main group again, trying to find out if he was most puzzled by her, or his reaction.
They had all stopped near their cars. Kondo and Inoue were already gone. As Aoshi arrived, at the same time as Saitoh, Sagara announced:
"Jo-chan is closing the bar tonight. She proposes that we all come and have dinner there. Saitoh? Boss?"
"Whatever."
"I think it's a very good idea," answered Tokio, smiling.
To be continued..
Author's notes:
I had lots of problems with the Aoshi/Misao scene..it's still flirting with waff..I can't help with those two.(T-T). I tried and tried!
Next chapter: Gathering at Kamiya's and..well, the title of the chapter is "wicked games", I guess it explains the rest!
See you!
Kamorgana