Morning's sunshine cheerfully greeted me, illuminating a body that recently experienced insomnia. My bed sheets crumpled and untidy revealed that I tossed and turned all night. The infidelity I encouraged haunted me mercilessly. Yet it was still not a suitable enough punishment to relinquish the heartbreak I will soon cause from my selfish betrayal.
The awkward encounter with Kouran at the hospital yesterday still remained fresh in thought. I replayed different instances in my mind. Like an actor rehearsing for a script I practiced in front the mirror, the best way to express an earnest apology.
My temporary apprehension encouraged forgetfulness. Room for error was now permitted. Time chimed trying to serve me distractions to no avail as it flew out the window.
The clock glared 8:00 AM. Tardiness once again crept up on me. With no attempts made to promptly get myself ready, I moved at my own pace, before exiting my apartment. I left my abode in shambles, an appearance that lingered for the past few days.
I wasn't looking forward to work today. Hikou's absence discouraged my presence. But, today was imperative. Any disinclination was unacceptable. Chief Sumisawa requested my attendance, as if it was a formal obligation.
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"Hey, Iwata! What's up?"
I heard the voice of Tomo, the first person that welcomed my entrance through the door. The most recent rookie with a juvenility that made him appear to be clueless, always had to gossip about the latest score.
"So is it true? I heard you're getting a new partner," he continued, his tittle-tattle finally catching my ear. "I heard the Cap'n speaking about it, sayin' Hikou wasn't doing any better, how he has to get you back working, have you on the scene you know."
"And when was this?" I questioned.
"That was a few days ago. Heard him mumbling about some transfer from Heiwa Police Department."
Upon hearing that statement, I filled in the blanks immediately. Fury sent me racing to demand an explanation.
"Chief, what is the meaning of this!"
He acknowledged my aggravation, closing his door quickly behind me.
"Iwata, please take a seat," he suggested. "No need to be hasty. I had instructed this meeting in order to brief you of the situation."
"But…"
"Your work performance is lacking," he continued. "Not to mention your frequent absences and your unpunctuality is becoming intolerable. We all suffered a great loss. Hikou was a much-valued officer. And as a team you two were truly exceptional. But with his current progression, with complete recovery not expected in six weeks, having you here doing nothing would just be a waste of time. This department can't afford to lose you. Cases are piling up. I have paper work to span a mile. I needed to take action. A transfer was offered and though I was hesitant to accept it, overall it seemed beneficial. The guy has reputable stats, his work being very impressive. Your personalities may not be compatible but I think you should give him a chance."
"And when am I gonna meet this guy?" I asked sarcastically.
"He'll be here in a few minutes. His transfer was scheduled already some time last week."
"And if I refuse to meet him?"
Sumisawa's silence gave me the resolution I needed as he stared at me before gazing towards the floor.
"But this doesn't feel right," I mumbled. I stood up loosening my tie's grip on me. Frustration leaked from the creases on my forehead as I began pacing back and forth.
"It won't be the same!" I lamented.
"And I don't expect it to be. An attempt to adjust to this temporary alteration is all that I need."
"Chief Sumisawa Mitsukake." A soft knock on the door interrupted our debate. "There's someone here to see you Sir." Tomo's face came peering through the door, ajar.
"Who is it?" the Chief asked.
"The new transfer Sir."
"Send him in. His timing couldn't be better."
Nervousness suddenly began to surge through me. My fear for change was adamant. Chastise gnawed at me like a rat chewing through steel. The escape I was now trying to conjure was impossible. I detested the commitment I now had to make.
The chief sensed my hesitance. "There's no turning back now," he urged. He ceased any objections as our guest made it towards the door.
"Officer Mizuta Tasuki reporting for duty Sir."
"Welcome aboard Officer Mizuta. I'm Chief Sumisawa. I'm gonna be your new boss as of today."
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Author's comments: I'm not really completely satisfied with how I brought this chapter together. But I'll let you guys also be the judge. Now that Chichiri has a new partner things are bound to become a little more interesting. And don't forget about his little secret still hanging in the balance. And would Hikou ever regain consciousness and recover? Don't forget to review
