Nabiki Tendo awoke to the sound of her daily alarm clock tuned to the morning business station, letting out a long low yawn as she stretched her arms and legs. Seven o'clock just like she liked it, the warmth coming from the sun's rays warming her through the window.
Ah, such is my perfect life, she mused with a smile. It was true; nothing could be going more right than the almost fairy-tale existence she led. No worries, no reason to really, not with the several leads and outside income available to her. Nothing could threaten her at all; the queen of Nerima, ruling over her erstwhile domain ever planning, ever growing finances piling up in the many accounts she had.
Nabiki allowed herself a short giggle, leaping up out the bed to twirl around in the middle of her room like a schoolgirl who'd just reached her sixteenth birthday. "Oh to just live forever!" she exclaimed, arms held high over her head.
A knock at the door stopped her euphoria. "Come in?" she said and her door opened. Kasumi Tendo-Tofu peeked timidly inside.
"Nabiki, thought I heard a noise or a scream," she said.
"Nope! It was just me making my greetings to this wonderful, wonderful world"
The cheer in her eyes made Kasumi smile at her middle sister. "That's good! Now since you're up you can help me fix breakfast for everyone"
Immediately, Nabiki's arms dropped down to her sides. She may have had Nerima in her hands, but when it came to the basic things around the Tendo Dojo, Nabiki found herself at the mercies of her elder sister and it was not wise to refuse any of her requests.
"Uh, sure, sis!" she answered with a broad grin. "Let me get cleaned up and go through a few things then I'll be right down"
"Thank you," said Kasumi, and she shut the door.
Nabiki's grin faded away into a frustrated frown. "No more morning hoorahs for me," she mumbled heading over to her desk. Already her desktop computer had called up a display of today's Nikkei stock options, her secret tap into the trading markets upper division reports, and all of her standing accounts. She reveled in the numbers on the screen literally smelling the scent of fresh money just waiting to be plucked and cashiered into her stores.
There was one window she had to look into first; the Kuno Industries market account. This was a project long in the making dating back well into her early days of high school. A click of an icon brought up the page and the image of Tatewaki Kuno to the screen.
"Ah, my man," she sighed gushing warmly over his picture. Now that his thing for Akane and Ranko had been fixed, things were starting to gel between them. As Tatewaki's unofficial accountant, Nabiki had access to all of the Kuno Industries assets as well as their development and research information. With her hook in place all that was needed now was a firm and final tug, but unfortunately the workings of his sister Kodachi kept that from happening.
"Hm… I see I need to adjust some of the investment options," said Nabiki. "If only that leech of a sister would stop interfering with my moves I could take your family business to greater heights"
She tapped in a few orders, called up several charts to adjust the odds, and then sat back admiring her work. Satisfied, Nabiki sent the commands off and closed the window. "Funny how love works these days," she said with a light giggle, "now let's see what's on my Nerima schedule for today." Nabiki stood up and gazed over the monthly schedule on the wall.
"Meet with Kuno-baby in the park at twelve… better get Kasumi to make me a picnic basket"
So saying, Nabiki headed for the bathroom to clean up, making a small twirl as she went. "Tatewaki Kuno, today I will get you firmly in my grasp and nothing your hateful little sister does will wrench you from it. Today I, Nabiki Tendo, will prevail! Nothing can stand in my way"
Chortling hardily down the hall Nabiki did not know it, but today would become a dark day in her life…
A few careful words and Nabiki convinced Kasumi to whip up one of her magnificent lunches designed to quell a man's heart and mind. Naturally, Kasumi was always ready to help Nabiki in her pursuit of a husband and ever since she and Ono, as well as Ranma and Akane tied the knot, it left her as the only unwedded Tendo female in the family.
"You should concentrate on landing a man, not accumulating vast piles of wealth," she could still hear Kasumi say. Really? Such an idea my sister has, thought Nabiki walking down the street towards the Nerima Central Park. Not accumulate wealth?
It went without saying that Nabiki indeed desired a husband, but there was no law saying she could not combine business with pleasure, and no doubt she wasn't exactly innocent. Something odd flowed through Nabiki then. She pondered what life would be like without marriage. Could she live like she was doing for the rest of her life? Tatewaki wasn't exactly the brightest man in the world… but he did have 'skills' she wanted to experience more, and the main thing he was rich.
She giggled, thinking about that last part. This brought her back to her current rendezvous here in the next few minutes. The streets of Nerima were alive with activity today noticed Nabiki. A good sign that profits would be good in next few weeks. Without the threat of outside influences, people around here worked and shopped unafraid of the hassles found in the rest of the cities and townships around Tokyo. Much of this was due to her planning and support from friends and siblings who helped to keep Nerima streets free of such activity.
Nabiki rounded a turn and as she walked passed the pane windows of a shop, her keen eyes picked out a well-dressed man across the street pacing her route. His eyes were averted but she could see he was keeping right along with her and that brought caution to mind. Immediately, her paced picked up and the stranger mimicked her steps.
"Uh-oh. Looks like I'll have to call out the guard here," she muttered, taking a sharp right at the next corner.
The stranger waited before following, talking into a phone mic as he rushed to catch up with his intended target. Sensing that Tendo was on to him, he alerted his companion's positions carefully along the way, ordering them to move in. In the meantime, Nabiki had diverted away from the park and was heading straight for the closest friendly face when a black limousine suddenly pulled up ahead. Out the back stepped another well-dressed man accompanied by another dwarfing him in size. She slowed her pace as they moved to block her path.
And I hate screaming, she thought, and slid a hand into her jacket pocket for the mace inside. It was obvious these two had business with her and she stopped.
A standoff ensued, and then Nabiki asked, "Can I help you"
The first man reached up and removed the dark shades he wore before answering. "Nabiki Tendo?" he said in a humble voice.
She made a face, eyeing the man. "You wouldn't have stopped me if you did not know who I was," replied Nabiki, glancing at her watch. A few minutes and help would appear… at least she hoped. Time to stall girl.
The man smiled. "Yes, you are correct"
"So what do you want? I am trying to get to a picnic," continued Nabiki, pointing down at her basket.
"Uh… yes. Miss Tendo, my name is Sachi Hamada, and I have been sent by my employer to bring you to a meeting with him"
"A meeting?" Nabiki stopped to gaze at all of the suits suddenly arrayed around the street. "So your 'employer' is willing to kidnap me in broad daylight on a busy street without concern, hmm"
Hamada laughed. "No, Miss Tendo. My bo— employer has no intention of taking you forcibly"
"From all of the help around me, you'd think otherwise"
Sachi rubbed the back of his head nervously. "We didn't think you would stop if I alone approached you like this"
"This means I'm free to go," answered Nabiki. She tried to move around him, but Sachi blocked her path.
"Please, Miss Tendo. My employer is really anxious to meet with you"
Okay, Ranma. Where are you when I need you, Nabiki thought? "But since I am currently late for another meeting, he'll just have to meet with me another time"
"That would not be to your benefit, Miss Tendo"
For something not to be considered kidnapping, this sure felt like it. Nabiki cut her eyes around realizing that there was no way she could run from all of these goons, and fighting them was out of the question. Taking a hard swallow, she prepared to let out a desperate cry for help, when up the street salvation appeared.
It was a police car making its rounds as usual through the Nerima district. About damn time, mused Nabiki as it approached. The car glided over to the curb and from the driver's side stepped out Officer Ranma Saotome; brother-in-law and local constable of the township. From the front passenger's side appeared Officer Ryoga Hibiki; partner and best friend. Both men gazed around at the suddenly nervous group of men and headed over towards her.
"Well, you better be ready to explain yourself, Mister Hamada," commented Nabiki with a smug look.
Sachi grit his teeth trying hard not to just knock this arrogant woman out and stuff her in the trunk of the limo. But Okura's orders strictly forbade any harm to come to her and he drew in a breath while thinking of a way out of the growing situation.
"Miss Tendo, what my employer wants will benefit you immensely," he lied.
Nabiki arched a brow at the comment, her business senses perked by the proposition. Ranma came up beside her then, eyeing Sachi.
"Everything okay here, Nabiki?" he asked, cracking his knuckles expectantly.
"Depends," replied Nabiki, "This gent here was just about to tell me who he's working for and the fantastic offer from him"
Ranma gave Sachi a quick once over. His head turned to one side as something sparked in the back of his mind. "Don't I know you from somewhere?" he said.
"Uh, no," Sachi quickly replied. "Miss Tendo"
"Your boss is who?" said Nabiki.
Sachi reined in his frustration. "—uh, Mister Okura Maeda of Benki Freight Lines"
Ooo, another potential source of wealth, Nabiki's ultra-sharp business mind automatically began developing several scenarios to take advantage of the opportunity.
"Maeda," commented Ranma. He was gazing up at the sky, his mind now heavy in thought. "I know that name"
"So do I," said Nabiki, her greed satisfactorily whetted.
Ryoga, standing strategically between Ranma and the suits position behind him, also recognized the name. "Yeah," he said, "he's a big shot around the central part of the city, and if I'm not mistaken controls a good portion of the shipping traffic in and out of Japan"
Thank you, Ryoga, Nabiki thought. "And it appears that he's taken notice of little o'me"
Keep thinking that way, bitch, Sachi grumbled silently. "Yes! And he is very interested in talking with you"
"I don't know, Nabiki," said Ranma. "Something is not right here, and I'm sure I've seen your face before, pal"
Nabiki gave Ranma a light swat on the arm. "Oh stop with the detective stuff. Mister Hamada is just conveying the message from Mister Maeda, that's all"
Sachi could see that Nabiki's entire tone had changed in his favor. "So you will come with me"
"And miss this opportunity? Not a chance"
So saying, Sachi stepped aside opening the door of the limo for Nabiki. She started to climb in when Ranma called again.
"Nabiki, are you sure you want to do this?" he asked her.
"Ranma, this is something that only comes once in a lifetime"
Accepting her decision, Ranma pulled out his notepad, jotting down Sachi's last name. He asked where they would be going, wrote down the address and then went to Nabiki again.
"Okay, but if you aren't home this evening, I'll have an APB out on you faster than you know what," he told her.
"Oh that's sweet, Ranma," Nabiki said, "but I don't think anything's going to happen to me"
"It better not," replied Ranma shooting threatening glances at Sachi. His eyes cut down to the picnic basket. "Lunch"
Drawing in a gasp, Nabiki started staring down at the basket. Tatewaki, she thought, remembering that she was supposed to be meeting with him. She handed it over to Ranma.
"Be a darling and give this to Tatewaki for me"
"Kuno? And where is he supposed to be"
"In the park, and tell him something came up, I'm sorry and I'll see him later"
Ranma eyed her. It wasn't like Nabiki to pass up a meeting with Tatewaki, but shrugged stepping away from the limousine. Sachi got in, pausing to give him a brief sneer then the limo sped off. As the rest of Hamada's people went their way, Ryoga came up beside him.
"You think that was a wise thing for her to do?" he asked Ranma.
Ranma shrugged. "Don't know. Nabiki seems to know what she is doing most of the time"
"But for a big-wig like Maeda to snatch her up off the street"
"I know. Doesn't sit well with me either"
The name in his notepad burned in Ranma's mind. He stared at it for a long moment then handed it to Ryoga. "Run that by Central. I know I've seen that guy before"
Ryoga took the notepad then glanced down at the basket. "Mmm, smells like one of Kasumi's lunches"
"Probably is"
"And we're going to give it to Tatewaki"
A skeptical look appeared on Ranma's face.
"You've got to be kidding me…"
After a short drive into the heart of Tokyo, Maeda's limousine rolled into one of the towering skyscrapers that rose up over the sprawling expanse of the city. Like a raven's claws reaching out for its prey, they cast eerie shadows down along the buildings and streets, intimidating structures lording over the throngs of people traversing the walkways below. Nabiki found an odd thrill in this. She could taste the power, literally smell and feel the flow of commerce coursing along the hidden lines of communication networks making up the infrastructure of Japan's economic society.
Greed is good; she thought fondly of the famous phrase now the watchword amongst young entrepreneurs such as herself. To enter the inner sanctum of these sacred and holy walls was a privilege and honor few could obtain. Now here she was about to meet with one of the elite of society, and without her PDA handy!
The limo rolled to a stop and Sachi stepped out holding the door as Nabiki followed. He led her over to a private elevator ushering her inside. As the glass and steel car began its silent glide up, Nabiki peered out across the city and its sprawling expanse.
"Your boss really has a good view of things," she said to Sachi.
Hamada let out a low grunt. "He has his eyes on everything, Miss Tendo," he answered.
"Really?" remarked Nabiki, not sure what he meant by this.
Finally, the elevator stopped. The two walked down a long well lit corridor towards a set of large double doors. Sachi opened one gesturing Nabiki to go inside. She smiled and went in. There at a large mahogany desk sat Victoria. The blonde was taking on the phone, but she gave the young woman a short glance and held up a finger signaling her to wait a moment. Nabiki nodded, taking a seat in one of the waiting room chairs.
By this time Sachi had disappeared into the next room; Nabiki feeling a sudden twinge of anxiety course through her. She wanted to check her appearance and fix anything out of place when suddenly Vicky hung up the phone and turned to her.
"Nabiki Tendo. Hi, I'm Victoria Saffron, Mister Maeda's secretary," she introduced herself as she stood up. "Mister Maeda is expecting you"
A click from the doors and they opened up. "Please," continued Vicky, gesturing politely.
Nabiki stood up and smoothed the creases out of her slacks before going into the office. It was a plush room; large with dark marble siding on the walls designed to cast an aurora of power and control to any who visited. There at the far right was a meeting table and chairs, and to the left sat Okura Maeda's desk, his chair turned away from her, another large and foreboding icon against the backdrop of the large pane window behind it. Sachi Hamada stood to the right along with another man, both staring silently at her faces cast in emotionless expressions. Another stocky man stood to the left with the same expression, and then from the chair a firm voice spoke.
"Ah, Miss Nabiki Tendo. I've been waiting a long time for this meeting. A very long time"
Slowly did the chair turn around, Okura Maeda features coming into view. He sat with a calm smile; fingers pressed together tapping his bottom lip in a slow steady rhythm. Nabiki's anxiety suddenly turned into a feeling of dread. She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced a smile.
"Mister Maeda! I'm so glad to make your acquaintance," Nabiki said brightly.
Okura eyed her in an uncomfortable silence for a moment. "No, no, Miss Tendo. The pleasure is all mine I assure you." He gestured to the chair and Nabiki sat down.
"So, uhm, what is it that I can do for you, Mister Maeda?" asked Nabiki.
"Plenty," answered Okura, "but let's not delve into that as of yet. Tea"
"Diet Coke if you would, thank you"
Smirking slightly, Okura hit the intercom button on his desk asking Vicky to bring in some drinks and snacks. She quickly responded rolling in a cart full of refreshments and food. Nabiki's hunger reminded her that she had skipped lunch and she started to rise but Maeda made a light wave stopping her. The hulking man to his left came over and pulled out a tray of finger sandwiches holding it out to her. She took one, thanking the man and sat back nibbling on her food.
A cup of hot tea was poured and placed before Okura. "So, Nabiki, if I may," he began, stirring in a small dash of sugar, "I am under the impression that you are a very successful businesswoman in the Nerima Township. Am I correct in this"
A long pause followed, Nabiki staring out into open space for a second. "That could be true," she answered with a laugh.
Maeda flashed a grin. "Yes, I knew I wasn't mistaken." Another long and unsettling pause, and then he asked, "Is it good"
"What, the sandwich?" replied Nabiki. "Yes, yes it is. I could still use that drink though"
The office door opened again, Vicky entering with a Diet Coke in one hand.
"Sorry, had to go around the corner for that," she said setting it down before Nabiki.
This time Vicky did not leave, sitting down in one of the chairs. Silence prevailed as Nabiki ate, but her eyes roved around at the faces staring back at her like wolves before a kill. Could Ranma have been right, she thought continuing to eat her snack. She finished the sandwich and picked up her soda and leaned back opening it. The unending silence started to grate upon her, Nabiki finally clearing her throat.
"Mister Maeda, not to be rude but I get this impeccable feeling that I've just eaten my last meal and am about to be executed"
Okura started then began laughing, looking around at the others around him. Nabiki glanced around and slowly joined in still wondering what she said that was so funny. Abruptly, Okura stopped and the office was cast into silence once more.
"Allow me to introduce my associates, Nabiki," said Maeda. "You've met Sachi, this is Tanyun Kinjo, and the big man I'm sure you noticed is Genjo Chino"
Nabiki looked up at the shaggy haired Chino, and a toothy grin appeared amidst his bearded chin. "Uh, no doubt your personal bodyguard," she commented.
"Something like that"
"Something like that," said Nabiki nervously. She took a sip from her drink. "So Mister Maeda, why did you ask me to come here"
"Why"
Nabiki took another sip. "I am under the impression that you are about to offer me a lucrative position in your vast firm"
"I'm about to do wha—?" Immediately, Okura looked confused at Sachi; who gave him an innocent shrug. He shot his man a narrow look and then sat back eyeing Nabiki again.
"Miss Tendo," he began, "I am thinking about offering you a position, but it is not what you think"
"So your man lied to me," answered Nabiki. Tanyun and Chino noticed the rise in her tone and started moving casually around anticipating Nabiki's possible attempt to leave. She did not miss their moves and slipped a hand down to the cell phone resting in her pants pocket. One wrong twitch, you bastards, she thought feeling the button that would connect her instantly to the police.
"It was not exactly a lie, Nabiki," Victoria suddenly said to her.
"It's not"
"Oh no, Nabiki Tendo," continued Maeda, "I have every intention of offering you a position in my establishment"
Nabiki's demeanor immediately settled back into its usual aloofness. That was until Okura next comment.
"As one of my employees"
The office grew deathly silent, a deadpan look covering Nabiki's face. She sat perfectly still trying to process the unspeakable intentions that Okura Maeda dared to address. Several times she blinked; Maeda calmly observing her reaction, allowing his words to sink in.
An Employee?
…
…
…
Me… an… an… an employee?
Concern came to Victoria and she leaned forwards. "Miss Tendo? Nabiki, are you all right"
She did not answer, Vicky glancing worriedly over at Okura. He just gave her a slight gesture with one hand signaling for her to be patient. Tanyun eyed Nabiki turning to Sachi with a shrug.
"Maybe she's just thinking it over," said Sachi.
"Overwhelmed," replied Tanyun.
"Gentlemen," said Okura, silencing them.
They all continued to watch Nabiki, waiting for her to do anything. Finally, she blinked slowly at first, then rapidly as if waking from a long sleep. Nabiki's head panned around at them, and she let out a light giggle. Maeda arched a brow as Nabiki's giggles picked up until she was laughing uncontrollably in her chair. It became infectious and they all broke out joining her.
"Oh, oh Mister Maeda," said Nabiki, wiping the tears from her eyes, "you, you have such a sense of humor"
Still laughing, Maeda looked up at his colleagues now laughing hardily at her comment. "Nabiki… Nabiki I was not making a joke"
The laughing subsided. Nabiki stared at Maeda then set her soda down on his desk. "Ah, well I guess this meeting is over," she said rising up out of her chair.
"And why is this?" he asked.
She paused a moment. "You have the wrong impressions about Nabiki Tendo, Mister Maeda. I do not work as an 'employee', sir. Nabiki Tendo's talents are much too superior for such a role"
"I agree, Nabiki. Wholehearted, trust me on this"
"So then you understand why I must go"
She turned and at the same time both Chino and Tanyun moved to block her way. Her eyes narrowed as she made ready to press the button on her cell phone that would bring the police running. "Mister Okura, I trust you have no intentions of keeping me here against my will?" she said in a threatening tone.
"No, I do not, Nabiki," he replied. The two men parted and Nabiki relaxed.
"Wise move," she said and started towards the door. Just before she reached them, Maeda called to her.
"Miss Tendo, you may go, but before you do, I would suggest you look over something I have that might interest you"
Nabiki's hands gripped the door handles ready to turn them, but she felt a tingle of dread and turned back around. Okura sat calmly thumbing his way through the pages of paper in a bright manila folder. His smile indicated that this was starting to become serious, and then gave her a shrewd look tossing it down on the desk.
Slowly, and with some trepidation, she returned to her chair and sat down. Nabiki reached out, stopping with hands poised over the folder looking at Maeda. "Go ahead," he said, gesturing towards it. Nabiki opened the folder and picked up the first piece of paper. Silently she read it as Maeda waited for the contents of the document to hit home. It did, very fast and very, very hard.
Nabiki drew in a loud long gasp of shock, extending her arm out before her as if trying to distance herself from the paper. Her chest felt tight, heart skipping beats in rapid succession fighting to draw in air between pants.
"Hey boss," said Sachi, "Should we get her some oxygen"
"Oxygen, hell," answered Vicky, "we'd better think about calling an ambulance! I think she's having a heart attack"
"Settle down everyone," said Okura. "Miss Tendo is just having a small bit of reality hit her"
"Yeah, right in her kisser," added Tanyun.
Meanwhile, Nabiki was stammering uncontrollably, fleecing though the rest of the papers. Every sheet brought more and more shock, and finally stopped clutching two fists full of papers up before her. "Whe—Whe—Where did you get this information?" she cried out.
"Here and there… this and that," answered Maeda with an innocent but mocking shrug.
"You shouldn't have any of this! This… this is my personal financial portfolio! No one's ever seen this"
"Until now, Nabiki"
She let the papers in her hands drop, sitting back in total shock. Maeda clasped his hands together and leaned forwards. "You see, Nabiki," he continued, "I have been watching you for some time now. I have observed how you single-handedly conquered the entire township of Nerima. You've used everything from cunning to mild forms of extortion to further you aims, and that is what I admire about you"
Nabiki sank lower into the chair refusing to believe this could be happening to her. Good, thought Maeda, she's vulnerable now, mine to manipulate as I see fit. Abruptly, she sat back upright and gave him a dark stare.
"I'll cut you off," she said. "I'll sever every tie, every connection I have financially. You won't be able to prove anything, Maeda"
Maybe not so vulnerable.
"You can do that if you want, Nabiki. I still have these documents though and I'm sure that certain financial institutions as well as law enforcement would be quite interested to see how you've so easily avoided major tax charges just for example"
Nabiki's expression dropped. "You wouldn't dare," she gasped.
"Oh wouldn't I?" answered Okura with a devious laugh.
His men too laughed evilly around her and she sank fearfully back down in the chair.
"Stop it," said Vicky to her surprise. "Okura, you're scaring the child"
"Yes I am, aren't I," he said. "Sorry, Miss Tendo lost myself for a moment. Now, let's return to your future employment with my company"
"No," muttered Nabiki, "I won't do it. I don't care how much you have on me"
"Boy you are a stubborn one," said Tanyun.
"One of her many good traits," noted Maeda.
He let out a light hum, reaching down to one of the desk drawers and pulled out a white packet, tossing it over to Nabiki. She eyed it, fearing what terrors it contained inside.
"You really should open it, Nabiki," suggested Maeda.
She snatched it up and tore open the top. Inside was a thick packet of what appeared to be photographs much like the ones she used to sell Tatewaki. She swallowed the lump swelling in her throat and pulled one out.
Nabiki's scream echoed through the halls of the upper floors.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH…. Wait a minute?" She paused peering close at the photograph and its lewd contents. "I remember this night." A warm feeling flushed her cheeks, Nabiki giggling uncontrollably. "Boy do I remember this night"
"You don't say?" said Vicky, looking over one of the many pictures strew about the floor. "Well I know there are a few positions you're just going to have to teach me"
"And they're worth every moment of—DEEEYAAAHHHH"
Springing from her chair, Nabiki staggered back violently shaking her head around. "Where did you get those pictures?" she cried, pointing at the stack on the desk. "There were no cameras in that room"
"None that you knew about," Sachi said.
A short breath, Nabiki pressing her fist to her chin in horror. Casually, Okura examined one of the pictures, letting out several hums of interest.
"Talented you are, Nabiki Tendo," he said. "I too might want some instructions on these eh, 'positions"
"Me first, boss," added Tanyun, "I've already broken several girls trying to get just the basics right"
"Oh my heart," gasped Nabiki, sinking to her knees.
"Now should we call an ambulance?" asked Vicky.
"No, no, she's alright. Just a bit excited about becoming my employee that's all"
"EEYYAAARRGGHHH!"
Nabiki gripped the sides of her head, shutting her eyes tight grimacing as if in pain. With a motion from Maeda, Tanyun and Chino each took an arm and hefted her up from the floor. They deposited the forlorn queen of Nerima in her chair and stepped back. She slowly looked up finding Maeda's staring brightly back at her. He chuckled and she closed her eyes again.
"No, no, this is not happening! Not to me!" she muttered.
Okura sat back victorious, knowing that he had Nabiki caught in a trap that she could never escape. "So, Nabiki… we'll start you off as my Reclamations Accountant"
Her head snapped up. "Reclamations Accountant"
"Yes. You will keep all my transactional account books, as well as our 'Collections' taken in"
That brought another of insidious laughter from Maeda's associates.
"You want me… ME... to be a mere office rat"
"Accountant" Okura corrected her. "And as one of my employees"
"Ah! Will you stop cursing at me"
Maeda frowned but continued on. "—I will demand strict and complete obedience as due your new boss"
Nabiki grimaced, clutching her stomach.
"In addition, I will require full access to your contacts in Nerima, a complete listing of assets, liquidity values, and other things of which we will discuss later"
Nabiki panted frantically barely able to stay upright in her chair. "No, no, not Nerima. Nerima belongs to me"
"Not any more," answered Maeda, "or would you like me to release your after hour activities to the newspaper and tabloids? I'm sure your beau; Tatewaki Kuno would enjoy the scandal that would follow"
"No"
"I didn't think so. With that said, you will start to work"
"There you go again! Stop cursing at me"
"I am not cursing at you!" snapped Okura. "Why do you keep saying that"
"Because you are! Words like 'work', and, and 'employee', they hurt my ears"
"Hah, hah, hah, hah," laughed Maeda. "Well you better get used to it, Nabiki, because you now work for me and I intend to use you too the fullest extent possible"
"You, evil person, you"
"Cries of a frustrated subling. I'm used to that too"
"Subling… DEYARRRGHHH"
Nabiki pitched over to one side, unable to stand anymore.
"And just to make it clear between us, Nabiki. In case you have thoughts about breaking away, or even go so far as to steal my evidence, let it be known now that I have several certified copies both hard and electronic sequestered at various locations around Tokyo. So don't try anything, hm"
"This is blackmail! What have I ever done to you"
"Absolutely nothing, Miss Tendo. Now then, you will start with a base salary of… oh shall we say, 200000 Yen a month"
"Two hundred thousand yen a month!" cried Nabiki, shooting back to her feet. "I make that much alone in one week"
"Of which you will begin to deposit into our accounts starting immediately"
"But, but"
"Tch, tch, tch! No buts," Okura said, waving a scolding finger at her.
Nabiki staggered confused away from the desk. She was trapped and she knew it, desperate eyes panning around at the people in the room hoping to find a sympathetic face amongst them. Not a chance, Maeda's grip firm amongst them.
"Nabiki," he called to her. "You start Monday. Check in with Victoria and she will show you to your cubicle"
"Uh! He said cubical!" she moaned, griping at her chest again. She stumbled towards the doors. "Uhm, Nabiki," Maeda called again, and she stopped looking back.
He stood while Sachi and Chino gathering up the scattered materials, placing them inside a large envelope. "You may take these with you, I have plenty more. Think of it as a reminder to what could befall you"
Chino held the envelope out and Nabiki snatched it angrily from his hand. She fumbled with the door, finally opening it and fled as fast as she could go for the nearest elevator.
"Say boss," said Tanyun. "You want me to keep an eye on her"
Okura shook his head. "No. Nabiki knows that she cannot wriggle out of this quite so easily. She will act accordingly"
"Humph," Vicky grunted a wry look on her face. "That girl will not rest until she's out of your clutches. Be careful of her, Okura"
"Oh I will be, Vicky. In fact I'm looking forward to see what she is going to do. Not that it will succeed"
But Vicky still held her doubts, cutting her eyes back in the direction of the doors. "Then your hands are going to be quite full," she said. "Quite full…"