All the way back to Nerima, Nabiki fussed and whined indiscriminately as her cab made its way through the township streets, furious that she had been corralled so easily. The cabbie winced, taking occasional glances in the rearview mirror at the raging woman kicking and gnashing her teeth like a madman, wondering if he should be taking a trip over to the insane asylum.
"He has foxed me!" she cried, drawing another flinch from the cabbie. "ME! Nabiki Tendo… forced into regular work (augh!) like, like, everyday people"
Nabiki cried out to the skies, clawing the air, pulling on her hair ready to jump off the highest building she could find. Her legs bumped against the envelope lying in on the seat beside her and she stared at it for a long moment. Slowly, she picked it up hugging it tight to her chest. A quiver of her bottom lip preceded the torrent of tears that followed.
"Uh, maam. Are you okay?" asked the cabbie.
"No," Nabiki whined. "Today has been a very bad day"
"Can I do anything to help you"
Sadly, Nabiki peered out the cab windows at the streets that were once hers to control. Nerima, the unseen jewel of Tokyo now about to be placed in public auction, and all because of that Okura Maeda! How she could let such a security breech happen, it just, it just.
"(sniff, sniff) No, there's nothing anyone can do for me"
The cab pulled up in front of the Tendo Dojo gates and Nabiki stepped out. She paid the cabbie more than her normal fare, thanked him and walked up the walkway to her home. Inside, she closed the door gently behind her and leaned back feeling at least remotely safe from the horrors of the day. Her tears still remained, Nabiki quickly wiping them away before someone saw.
"This is embarrassing," she said to herself. "I've got to regroup and think things through. Okura Maeda you will rue the day you"
"Nabiki," somebody called from the adjoining hall. She looked to find Kasumi watching her from the living room.
Forcing a smile, Nabiki tried to appear normal. "Kasumi! Great to see you"
"It's only been a few hours, Nabiki," she answered.
"Ah, so it has! Well it has been nice talking to you, Kasumi, but I've got to be going upstairs and check on a few things. See you at dinner"
Kasumi watched her sister make for the steps, senses telling her that there had been a major change in Nabiki. "Hold on," she called out.
Nabiki stopped and Kasumi walked over. Arching a brow, the elder Tendo gave her a quick once over then stepped back placing a hand to her chin in thought.
"So what is it?" she finally asked.
Damn your motherly instincts, thought Nabiki. "Uh…. What do you mean, K-Kasumi"
"As long as I have been your sister, I've never felt such a change in you, Nabiki, and you have changed"
"What, me?" It was a feeble attempt to hide the building anguish inside. Her emotions fought to come forth, demanding release out into the world. "Kasumi, when have I ever had a-a-a-problem I could not handle"
Kasumi only eyed her with that knowing glare only a mother could give to their children. It worked; Nabiki breaking down into fits of tears and sobs.
"BWAHHHHHH!" she cried rushing into Kasumi's open arms. Kasumi led her into the living room and sat her down at the table. "There, there, Nabiki," she said. "Let it out then tell me all about it"
"Kasumi, it's horribllllllle"
From the hallway steps came and then Ono Tofu entered looking around in some confusion. "Kasumi?" he called.
"Over here, dear"
Ono paused spying his wife and sister at the family table. "Oh, so it's not Akane this time," he said as he sat down across from them.
"Amazing as it seems, no. Something's bothering Nabiki today"
"Nabiki?" Ono rubbed the back of his head more confused than before. "Wow. We should record this"
"BBWWWAAAAHHHHHH"
Kasumi pulled Nabiki's closer to muffle her cries. "Please, dear. I'm already going to have to change my dress as it is"
"Oh, sorry"
Nabiki pulled away from her sister huffing and blubbering incoherently.
"So, is it boy trouble?" asked Kasumi.
"(huff), (huff), (huff), (huff), Nnnoooooo"
"Hmm… well then, can it be money problems by chance"
"(whaah), (whaah), (whaah), (whaah), Kind'ave"
"Money problems?" said Ono. "Kasumi, I really need to get the camcorder"
Kasumi cast a stern gaze upon her husband.
"Really, honey! This is almost unheard of"
"Hush!" she snapped at him. "Now Nabiki, money problems are things we can handle. It's not that important"
"BWAHHHHH"
Nabiki buried her face back into Kasumi's chest at the harsh remark. The couple traded lost looks and waited for her to settle a bit down before continuing.
"Nabiki," said Kasumi, setting her sister upright again, listen to me. You have been through money problems before, and always have you weather them without difficulties. Now if you need help"
"I don't need help!" exclaimed Nabiki. "I-I need a miracle"
"This really must be bad," said Ono. "What kind of trouble has befallen you to bring on so much grief"
Nabiki moved away from Kasumi, turning away trying to work up the words to explain her grief. This was going to hurt badly, and to think she would never have thought this day could ever come. Taking several breaths, Nabiki turned around.
"I… I… I GOT A JOB"
The force of the words alone was enough to knock both Ono and Kasumi over. As they lay stunned trying to comprehend what they had just heard, Nabiki shot to her feet fearing that she had harmed them.
"Kasumi? Doctor Tofu? Are you two alright"
They did not answer at first, and then slow Ono looked over to his wife. "Kasumi, did you hear what I just heard"
She blinked a few times and nodded. They both stared back up at the ceiling for a second then leaped to their feet.
"Nabiki, that's great," cried Kasumi. She embraced her sister cheered by this new turn of events. "A job, you finally found a job"
"Oh rub it in why don't you," said Nabiki.
"About time you found something to keep you occupied," Ono said. "I really do not know how you have managed to get by this long without one"
Kasumi arms tightened as her joy grew. "My middle-sister has finally found employment! Ono, now get the camcorder"
"Right!" exclaimed Ono.
What? Oh no you don't, Nabiki mused. She struggled, finally working her way free from Kasumi's embrace. "Doctor Tofu, wait"
"Why, Nabiki? We should record this for posterity"
"My posterity is bruised enough already"
"Daddy," Kasumi suddenly said. "We should tell Daddy and Mister Saotome"
"Ah, good idea, honey"
"No, please," Nabiki started to say, but it was too late as Doctor Tofu called for Soun and Genma. They lumbered out from the kitchen answering the call.
"Ono, my boy," said Soun, "what is it? Genma and I were in an intense game of darts out back"
"We have some good news to tell you," said Ono.
Soun's bottom lip began to quiver. He burst into tears and dropped to his knees before Ono. "An heir at last," he sobbed. "Ono, my boy, you've made this old man so happy"
"It's about time one of you girls produced," added Genma.
Ono shook his head. "No, no, no, no! Kasumi is not pregnant… at least not that I know of"
"Ono!" said Kasumi.
"Then who—." Soun looked back at Nabiki with surprise. "Nabiki," he said, "you and Tatewaki haven't"
"It's not like that either, daddy," Kasumi told him.
"Then I don't understand," said Genma. "What is the good news"
"Well, Nabiki"
"It's nothing, daddy!" Nabiki cut in. "Just a little something I don't think everyone should be all excited about"
"Don't be silly, Nabiki," Kasumi said. "Daddy… Nabiki has found a job"
THUMP!
Genma knelt, patting Soun's cheek. "Soun, Soun man, wake up"
He stirred, waking as if it were a new day. "Genma, what are you doing in my room at this time of the morning"
"It's not morning, and you passed out"
What? No, no, I was having a shocking dream that Nabiki found herself a job"
"It's not a dream, daddy," Kasumi said.
"Whoa, whoa, there he goes again!" exclaimed Ono as Soun's eyes started to close once more.
Genma shook him back to continuousness. "Soun, Soun, did you hear your daughter? Nabiki is employed"
Nabiki cried out, backing away from them tears flowing freely down her cheeks. "Mister Saotome, I didn't know you could be so rude"
"Rude?" said Soun, sitting up to look at her. "Nabiki, Genma is not being rude. In fact we should be planning a party to tell our friends the good news"
"BWAHHHH"
Nabiki drew back to the doorway, chest heaving in fits and starts, staring through clouded eyes at her siblings. The pain she felt, the looming disgrace at having all of Nerima finding out that she had been reduced down to a common worker-bee to much to bear.
"oOoOoOo," she whined, "How could you all be so cruel. I-I-I thought you were all my family… BWAHHHHHHHHHH"
Before anyone could speak, Nabiki ran out off down the hall, stomping loudly up the stairs and into her bedroom slamming the door shut. Everyone stood or sat speechless for a long moment as Nabiki's cries echo above them.
"Wow," said Ono. "Guess that means a party is out of the question"
Genma scratched his bald head. "Maybe we should be holding a funeral instead"
It took a second, but his words finally drew a reaction from the others and they turned giving him a dark stare.
"What?" he said with an innocent shrug.
Monday morning and it was bright sunny day, perfect for Vicky as she sat typing up the daily memos for Okura. Her fingers never stopped as she cut her eyes up at the clock noting the time. Seven Fifty-five, Nabiki was pushing her luck, she thought. I hope that girl is not trying to call Maeda's bluff by failing to show. She does not know how merciless he can be at times, and he certainly was not bluffing about exposing her and ruining the reputation she has.
"Well I hope Nabiki can live it down," she said, turning to one of the wall cabinets by the desk. She pulled out a few envelopes and was just about to gather up the memos when Vicky caught sight of a figure standing quietly in front of the desk, startling her.
It was Nabiki Tendo, dressed in a well fitting, dark charcoal-grey office suit, a grey scarf tied around her head to conceal her identity. Dark shades hid the fury burning hot in her eyes staring down at Victoria waiting to begin her humiliation.
"Oh, Nabiki you made it, and not a minute too soon"
Nabiki remained impassive. "I'm here as instructed, Victoria Saffron, to start… (cough, cough)… 'work'. So if you would please, show me to my cell so I can begin my sentence"
Vicky laughed and stood up. "This way," she said heading down the hallway to the right. Nabiki followed her dreading every step as they walked along. Vicky kind of understood the young woman's plight, having been in Maeda's employ for close to five years now. My how time flies, she thought, and here I am leading another poor soul into slavery.
"You should really try and cheer up, Nabiki," she said back over one shoulder.
"Why? I'm being forced to work against my will for a man who is cramping my style. Cheerful is not on my list of things to be today, Miss Saffron"
Vicky laughed. "Please, call me Vicky"
They finally reached the end standing before a closed door. Nabiki grew suspicious, turning her head curiously wondering what she would find in the room beyond as Vicky fished through a series of keys.
"I thought I was going to be in some cubicle?" she asked.
"No, Nabiki. Mister Maeda likes to keep his accountants away from the other employees. Helps with their concentration"
"Heh, if it's accounting then I do not need isolation to balance money. If you remember, monetary funds are my life's blood"
Vicky paused a second, thinking about what she said then found the right key. She unlocked the door and stepped to one side. "After you," she said with a bright grin.
Nabiki went inside and stopped abruptly in her tracks. The room was large with no windows, one regular sized desk in the middle of the room, and row upon row of bookshelves and file cabinets lining every wall or placed in neat rows like the library. Her jaw sagged open staring at the pile of papers stacked almost eye level on or near her new desk.
"What, what, (huh, huh, huh, huh), what is this!" she exclaimed.
"That, Nabiki, is about six months worth of backlog Mister Maeda would like you to clean up"
"CLEAN UP!" Nabiki staggered back. "It will take me weeks… months to go through all of this alone"
"Well, I guess I better leave you alone so you can get started then"
Nabiki spun around, her face lit with shock and frustration. "Vicky, I'm going to need help to sort through all of this"
"Sorry, but the budget only allows one new accountant, and you are it"
"But, but—." Nabiki gazed at the mountain of work again. "—how could anyone let this happen"
"Our last accountant decided he wanted a bit more than he was getting, so he, uh… 'helped' himself to a few extra dividends thinking it would not be missed"
"And he was fired"
Vicky covered her mouth to suppress the giggles she made. "Uh… he kind of made himself a quick career change. With some 'suggestive' assistance of course"
"What career did he pick up"
"Deep Sea Diving. I hear it's a very profitable job… as long as you can make it back to the surface"
"Ooo," sounded Nabiki with a smirk.
Vicky glanced at her watch noting the time. "Oops, I must go and finish my morning reports. You'll find a schedule on your desk. Our first meeting is at nine-thirty sharp so that means we arrive fifteen minutes early to set up placements and prepare coffee"
"Ahhh! Now I'm a hostess! Maeda didn't say anything about that"
"Comes with the job"
"Vicky, I-I can't do this"
"Well you better get used to it"
"But I don't know how to cook coffee"
"For starters you don't cook— never mind. Just meet me in the main conference room at nine and I'll show you everything you need to know"
Vicky headed out the door leaving Nabiki standing lost in her new surroundings. She paused and then turned. "Oh and Nabiki—." Nabiki's glazed eyes panned over to her. "—please try to put a smile on your face. Mister Maeda really likes it when everyone is happy"
The corners of Nabiki's lips twitched as she attempted to draw them up in feigned humor, but they refused to move.
"We'll work on that too," continued Vicky.
The door shut behind her and Nabiki stood immobile for a long moment. Finally, she broke from her stupor and slowly gazed around at the mountain of papers. She sighed and shuffled around to her chair flopping down into the seat.
Her eyes roved across the stacks of paper again coming to rest on one in the only open spot on the desk. It was titled 'Daily Schedule' in bold lettering down the right side, Nabiki sneering as she picked it up.
"Humph, me catering to that monster," she grumbled as she read. "I am not a servant to anyone"
Flinging the paper aside, Nabiki leaned forward resting her head in her hands.
"But what to do? What am I going to do? This is such a mess; I've really put my foot in it this time"
Hearing her own words made Nabiki start sharply. She sat back fighting the depression that threatened to engulf her. "No, I will not break that easily, Mister Okura Maeda," she said. Her eyes narrowed as the scheming side of her mind began formulating ideas.
"Patience, Nabiki Tendo," she said to herself, "The Monster will slip-up, and when he does that's when I'll strike"
Nabiki chuckled lightly to herself, enjoying the vengeance that would come.
"And such a day it will be too…"
It was mid-morning and the meeting of Maeda's associate directors dragged on, Nabiki barely able to tolerate the incessant dialogue going on between the men and women seated around the large table. Okura sat at the head, listening intently to the reports and figures being presented to him. From her position standing off on the far side of the room next to the kitchenette, Nabiki could only glare at her new boss, wishing that somehow she could escape his grip right then and there.
The masses of money being wasted, she thought, taking in the latest figures another of the directors read off to the others.
"—and in summary, our overseas assets in California, Nevada, and Washington State have continued to increase in value. We have projected outsourcing of jobs to those respective sites will save Benki Lines two to three billion dollars in the coming fiscal years"
Outsourcing! What a crock of malarkey. Outsourcing will only cost us more in foreign insurance fees and taxes. Ooo, just to be in charge of that arm of the company for a month! Why I'd"
"Nabiki," called Maeda breaking her from her silent rumblings. He held up his coffee cup signaling that he wanted another refill. Quietly, she walked around to get his cup, but as she was departing, Okura placed an arm around her waist.
"Oh, before we continue," he announced to the others, "I'd like you all to meet my new accountant; Nabiki Tendo"
Several slight nods greeted her and Nabiki swallowed her pride giving them a tenuous grin. "I-I-I am h-honored to meet all of… you," she managed to say.
"Likewise, Miss Tendo," said one of the directors. "Hopefully you will not experience any fishing accidents like your predecessor"
The chuckles coming from around the table did nothing to set Nabiki's nerves at ease.
"I have plenty of faith in my new little accountant here," said Okura, smacking her hard on the rear. Nabiki tensed, stifling her squeal while keeping the forced grin on her face.
"Is that all, Mister Maeda?" she squeaked.
Okura laughed, glancing around stopping briefly when his gaze came across Vicky's. Her hot, narrow look made him gulp and he removed his arm from around Nabiki's waist.
"Uh, yes, Nabiki. Oh and just a tad bit less sugar if you would, please"
"Sure thing, Mister Maeda," she replied through grit teeth.
The meeting continued as Nabiki went to refill Okura's cup. She was furious, the sting from his blow still smarting her butt cheeks. Placing the cup down on the counter, Nabiki clenched her fist fighting back her urge to throw it at him. That would only get her in deeper trouble, and she did not want that.
"Only two men have ever had the privilege of spanking me in my life," she muttered angrily under her breath. "A little less sugar he says. Alright, I'll give him a little less sugar"
Reaching into the cupboard, Nabiki found a shaker of salt. She unscrewed the top and turning her back to the meeting, poured several teaspoons into the cup, added a few dashes of sugar, hot coffee and stirred them briskly together. This time the grin on her face was genuine as she returned to the table.
"Your coffee, sir," she said cheerfully handing it to him.
He thanked her, setting it down on the table. Nabiki slowly backed away waiting for the fun to begin any moment now. The change in her did not go unnoticed; Vicky watched the woman wondering what mischief she had in mind then Okura picked up his cup.
"—so I propose to the board that we entreat a new business venture to be implemented here in the next few months," he paused from his reading and took a swallow. "The merger will—(gleep"
Okura looked straight ahead with eyes wide, throat muscles tight cords as he fought to maintain his normal cool demeanor. For a moment everyone stared at him wondering what could be the matter then Nabiki let out a feigned gasp of surprise.
"Oh I'm sorry, Mister Maeda. Still too much sugar? I'll get you another cup"
"No!" gasped Okura. He paused, taking a hard swallow and set his cup down. "No, that is enough coffee for today, Nabiki," he finished calmly.
"But it is my first day, sir, and I really want to get it right"
"Uh, maybe next time, Nabiki. That will be all, thank you"
"Are you sure sir?" asked Nabiki, her face a mask of sadness but eyes full of glee.
"Yes," replied Okura. He shot a glance back over at Vicky and no words were needed to convey his displeasure.
Nabiki bowed and left the meeting with Vicky's hot gaze locked on her all the way.
Her head deep into another pile of papers; Nabiki did not bother too break from her work as Vicky burst angrily into the office. She glared at the defiant Tendo and then slammed the door shut behind her.
"THAT was a very stupid thing you did in there, young lady!" snapped Vicky, slamming her palms down on the desk.
Nabiki continued to work, casually finishing the computations she was doing. She placed the papers aside and looked up.
"So fire me," she told her.
Vicky slowly drew back, lips twisted to one side. "Oh, you bitch," she said, "you really do want to him to expose you"
Nabiki just stared at her then took another pile of papers from the stack. "No, I don't," she finally said.
"Then why are you provoking him like this"
In a flash, Nabiki shot to her feet fury furrowing her face. "Because there are only two men in my life who have the right to spank me. One is my father and that's only on my birthday, and the other is CERTAINLY NOT HIM"
Vicky was not impressed going eye to eye with her. "Trying to poison your boss is not a smart thing to do either!" she shouted back.
"He's blackmailing me, Vicky, or have you forgotten"
"All the more reason not to do STUPID THINGS LIKE THAT"
Nabiki shook her head and flopped back down into the chair. "I am not going to be so easy to subdue and you can tell Maeda that. Nabiki Tendo does not buckle in to anyone, period"
Throwing up her arms with frustration, Vicky began pacing back and forth trying to figure out some way to make this poor girl see reason. After a few minutes, Nabiki spoke again.
"You wouldn't know what I was going through anyway, would you, Vicky"
She stopped, staring hard at her.
"That, Miss Tendo, is far from the truth"
Nabiki frowned as Vicky pulled up a chair and sat down. She let out a brief sigh and then shook her head.
"Look, I do know what you are going through, and really I do sympathize. But let's face facts, Nabiki. This is a situation you cannot win"
Nabiki did not agree. "No, no, I'm going to find a way out of this, you'll see, Vicky"
"I once thought like you. Then after all of my resistance faded, I finally saw the wisdom of bowing in to the inevitable"
Nabiki leaned forwards eyeing her. "What are you saying, Vicky"
Realizing that she finally had her attention, Victoria sat back. She smiled reflecting for a moment before continuing on.
"I came to Japan with the hopes of making some quick money and maybe just a tad bit of fame. The brochure sounded good, I needed a break from the American life, spoke and read Japanese so I eagerly took up the opportunity." She paused, sadness overtaking her as the past relived itself in her mind.
"I began work for a Yakuza boss looking for an American Translator… at first"
"At first"
"Yes. Good looking American women are considered prized trophies to big shots here, and he certainly flaunted me around at every opportunity"
"You mean Maeda"
"No. Okura—." Vicky laughed a bit then continued, "He came along about a year after my arrival. We met at a party, things seemed to click between us, and before you know it I became his secretary"
"Just like that"
"There were protest, both from me and my previous boss, but after some well rounded convincing I was allowed to accompany Okura"
Nabiki smirked leaning back again. "I can only imagine what kind of 'convincing' he did," she said.
Vicky shrugged. "He paid my debts, I have a very lucrative job, and things are looking up"
"But now he's holding that debt against you"
"Naw!" replied Vicky, brushing off the accusation with a wave, "I've repaid him years ago"
"So you stay for the money"
"It's not a bad job, Nabiki"
A long silence followed between the two women.
"Well that, and the fact that he's also holding my passport," added Vicky.
Nabiki's mouth dropped. "You see? He's blackmailing you too. Vicky, damn it you should be helping me instead of him"
"No I shouldn't. This is not a bad job, Nabiki. Really, it's not. You just have to give it some time and try to cooperate"
"Never!" snapped Nabiki.
She let out a huff and crossed her arms turning her chair away. Vicky smiled. This girl must never have had to work in life at all. Spoiled, or maybe a self-made woman in her own right, just like me.
"Nabiki," she said, but Nabiki refused to answer pouting like a child after a scolding from her mother. "Listen to me, please? I'm not your enemy"
"No, but Maeda is, and I will get back at him"
"—but he really likes you. He admires your independence and wants to use it to help grow the company"
"You mean 'his' company, don't you"
"Yes, and there is nothing wrong with working to increase your wealth either"
"Then I should be a full partner, shouldn't I?" shouted Nabiki, whirling around.
"Heh, heh, no, Mister Maeda is not going to allow that to happen," answered Vicky. "Knowing you, you'd have finagled your way into the driver's seat and taken total control of everything"
Nabiki started to reply then thought about it for a second, realizing the truth in Vicky's words. Reluctantly, she shrugged nodding in agreement.
"So," continued Vicky, "do us and yourself a favor. Behave"
"I'm being blackmailed and you say 'behave'. Please"
A serious look came to Vicky. "Maeda will hurt you financially, personally, and if need be, physically. Do you want that"
Nabiki shook her head. "Then try to accept this. You are paid well, and there are bonuses for those who show loyalty to the cause"
The silent response told Vicky that she finally got through to Nabiki. She stood up giving the reluctant employee one last thoughtful gaze, and then went to the door. "I'll leave you to your work, Nabiki," she said. "Think about what I have told you, and make the right decision"
The door shut and Nabiki slowly looked up staring out into space. She reached over and grabbed another hand full of papers but her fingers shook both from her rage and sorrow. It became too much for Nabiki to bear and she let the papers fall to the floor, covered her face with her hands and began to cry…