A week had passed since Aiya had disappeared, and the police had nothing to hold Emiko on for charges, so they had no choice but to release her, but they told her that she would be watched closely. The mother would be in the same boat until they could gather more evidence, and peices of the puzzle. During that week Emiko stayed with Night Owl, helping her around the house, and just hanging around while the other woman was at work. A few times Emiko would ask Night Owl what she did for a living, but all she gave her was that it was a simple but boring office job at some firm. There was nothing interesting or exciting about the job, but it paid enough to pay her bills so she wasn't complaining too much about it.
Night Owl and Emiko grew closer as friends, hanging out, going out to eat, and even picking out activities for each other. Emiko was given the spare bedroom in the apartment, even being given hand me down clothes that Night Owl had prowled through her old boxes from months to years beforehand. Emiko had promised to get a job, and help out around the apartment when she could finally get her feet underneath her. The police had told her that she wasn't allowed to go back to her hometown while the investigation was going on, as to keep a close leash on her. Although Night Owl completely understood her situation, and welcomed Emiko into her home.
At the same time, Juki had gotten on her feet, cleaned herself up, and figured out everything involving the money. She had managed to get a nice apartment with a rent of 54,000 yen(around $500 USD) a month. She had gone out to get an interview with multiple job offers, and a few days beforehand, she had managed to get a job at an office. At the same time she was searching for Lin's daughter, in order to give her the note that the man had left behind. She missed the man more than anything, but she could only go forward with the wishes he had for her. To start fresh, get clean, and be successful, happy with her remaining life. So far she had not been able to locate the daughter, but she had used the connections Lin left behind to search for her.
Though on Atsushi's end, things only got worse. Mysteryland kept sending him messages to different places showing off members of the agency, and port mafia both. Mysteryland kept toying with his emotions, even sending him drawings that seemed kiddy in nature, but were far more sinister on the paper. Pictures that depicted decapitations, mutilations, among the many that he had seen, that had turned his stomach. Each one would have some kind of riddle in it, or message in it. At first when this game had started, Atsushi thought that it wouldn't be a big deal, but as the week progressed, so did his mind slipping further and further. But he hid everything from both his work, and Aku. The little girl from before, Mysteryland never sent another video. That fear he had in his chest was at its highest for the prospect of the girl's condition, or if she was even still alive.
In the present time, it was one of his days off, but Akutagawa was called for a last minute mission with the Black Lizard that morning, and would be gone most of the day. Sighing into himself, Atsushi sits at a small cafe, where he and Aku frequent near daily. He had ordered a small iced mocha coffee, with a slice of pie. Looking down at his phone he checks his email, and other messages from the ADA or Aku. Everyone seemed busy for the day, therefore he didn't have anyone to really chat with or hang out with. In the hour that he was at the cafe he had finished his coffee, pie, before getting up, and paying the bill at the front.
On his way to the nearest park to feed the ducks like he would do on occasions for his days off, he sees a mother and her child excitedly talking amongst each other. The child was pointing at a stand across the street that was selling bundles of rainbow cotton candy. Yanking on her mother's arm excitedly, talking a million miles a second it seemed, as she hopped in place. He looks at the stand, before looking back at the mother and child, making up his mind. Despite the rollercoaster of emotions he had been feeling since he was put on this case, he wouldn't let that interrupt what little happiness had settled in his chest.
With his supernatural hearing he could hear the mother firmly tell the little girl that she couldn't afford to get the cotton candy, but maybe next time whenever she got paid next. With those words the little girl deflated, pouting, but nearly bursting into tears at her mother's words. Taking out his wallet he takes out a few bills of yen, and walks towards the duo. He raises a hand in greeting when the mother looks up, a suspicious glint found in her eyes.
"Hey. I couldn't help but overhear your little conversation." He holds out the yen, a wide but genuine smile on his face. "Here's some money to get some cotton candy if you want. I know about money troubles to well, so it feels good to help out other people."
The mother looks at him, getting less defensive. "Are you sure? It wouldn't be a problem for you?"
Atsushi shakes his head, "No. Not at all. I'm happy to help. Every child needs some joy in their life. Don't you think so?"
The child is tugging on her mother's sleeve, whispering towards her for the cotton candy until she relents, smiling down at the child. "Fine. You can have one, so pick wisely."
The girl cheers, making grabby motions with her hands for the money. "Can I go get it by myself? You've been so clingy to me lately."
The mother shakes her head, not even taking a second to think the request over. "No. I'll go with you. You have got to understand that there are bad people on our streets right now, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you." She looks up towards Atsushi, a tired smile on her face. "Sorry about her. I've been so clingy because I'm worried about those people that are kidnapping kids in the news. We haven't got much of an update this past week, and everyone is furious in the school district. I can't believe that the police are hiding valuable information that we need to know about. And that Emiko woman, it's unbelievable that she gets to roam free after what she did! That monster should be in prison."
Atsushi holds out his hands, "I know it's frustrating, but the police are doing the best they can, I hope at least. They are working with the ADA to get the case solved, but they can only work with what they have. I hope you and your little girl make it home safe. Hopefully we'll have the people behind this put behind bars soon. It would be a huge sigh of relief."
The mother nods, taking her girl's hand. "I hope they do, or they'll have the public to worry about on top of this case. If I ever come across that Emiko, I'll teach her a lesson, and leave a lasting reminder on her. That woman shouldn't be allowed to breathe the same air as the rest of us. That poor little girl must have been terrified, or still terrified wherever, and however that monster took her! What person is cruel enough to do that to a child?" She waves a hand at him, "You be careful too. Have a nice day." She tried to sound happy but he could tell she was both worried, terrified, and angered over what was happening in Yokohama.
Atsushi watches the mother and child walk across the street, before he heaves out a sigh, turning to walk down the street. It was nice that people were more aware, but the problem that stuck to his mind with the last kidnapping a week ago was the Emiko woman. Many people were in front of the police stations with signs, protesting the woman's freedom. There were a lot of angry parents that felt like Emiko didn't deserve to be free. Though Dazai told him that, the police did know where Emiko was staying, but didn't disclose that information until they could gather more evidence for an arrest.
Things just kept getting deeper and deeper, until Atsushi fears that one day, it'll all blow over hurting or killing many people. Atsushi tried asking about where Emiko was staying from Dazai, all he got was an address, not a name. With a breath he walked to address, until he stopped in a nicer part of the city, even better than the one the port mafia owned. He may as well get some answers even on his day off, since he was bored anyways. Entering the building he goes to the front desk, showing the flat number that Dazai had scribbled down for him the day before.
"Mam, sorry to bother you, but do you know who lives in flat number 26?" Atsushi asked the woman at the front desk, who was gazing at him. She looked tired while she held up a finger, typing something into the computer for a few minutes before looking back up at him.
One Miss Sage lives in flat room 26. Why do you ask? Are you a friend of hers?" The woman asked in a professional tone.
"Um yeah I'm a friend of hers. Do you know if she has any guests that come here on a regular basis?" He asked once more.
The woman thinks for a minute before writing something on a piece of paper, and sliding it across to him. He picks it, opening it, to see the a note that says:
'Are you a police officer?'
Atsushi shakes his head, writing underneath the woman's writing, before sliding it back over to her. When she sees his response, she gets up, putting a sign at the front desk and standing up. She slides back over the paper that read:
'Ok. Come to the private bathrooms with me. There are no cameras there. We can talk in private with no interruptions. I'll tell you what you want to know, and then give you a spare key to Miss Sage's room.'
They both went to a private bathroom, the door was made of thick metal, and it was a single room bathroom for a child and mother, or only one person. The woman turns back to him, her arms crossed. "What is your name or title?"
"I work for the ADA. My name is Nakajima Atsushi. I came here today to see if Emiko is here as my superior said she would be. I know what's happening outside with the civilians, but her location hasn't been compromised. I promise you that, mam." Atsushi says holding up a hand. "If I may ask. What's your name?"
The woman bites her lips before answering, "My name is Verona Alinsky. I work at the front desk if you haven't got the drift yet. This building is private property. Only people that have money can live here in these flats. The job is boring but the tips make up for it. Though the police are monitoring the front desk, so we have to be careful."
Atsushi raises an eyebrow. "We have to be careful? What do you mean by that?"
"Miss Sage, and Emiko. I'm fully aware of what trouble Miss Emiko is in, but things don't add up, so I'm not with the public's opinion on her. The police in this city have done corrupt shit behind the scenes, and I'm not a fan of them. Miss Sage is going to prove her innocence, and I'm helping conceal where Emiko is staying at, from the public. What right do they have to accuse her like they have with no proof against her? She has proof that she wasn't in the city, the deal with her car, and her phone are all proving her innocence. I won't stand for putting an innocent woman in prison." Verona told him, crossing her arms, with a peeved look across her face. "Don't tell me your with the public opinion?"
Atsushi puts his hands up. "I don't believe anyone is guilty until they are proved to be guilty by way of evidence. I like to believe everyone is innocent until they are proved to be guilty. I'm here to get her side of the story. Trust me, I want to help her anyway I can. What she tells me, won't be in the news. It'll help prove her innocence." The truth was he had suspicions about Emiko, but if told the truth he would never be allowed to get up to that flat, so he had to improvise.
Verona studies him with her ruby red eyes, before letting out a puff of air. "Fine." She pulls out a set of keys from her pants pocket. "Don't lose those, and when you're done, slip them into a special envelope and put it on my desk." She hands him a small envelope. "Miss Sage is out right now. She's at her workplace. Her and Emiko go out a lot when she's not working."
The tiger nods, slipping both into his pockets out of sight. "How does she get past the doors? How is she not recognized by the public?"
Verona turns back to him. "She disguises herself. Miss Sage gave her a brand new look. No one would be able to tell she's the same woman from the media picture."
He had to ask one more question. "Thanks. If you don't mind. What is Sage's work schedule?"
Verona huffs, "If you do meet her, call her Night Owl. She hates that other name, she can't stand it when it comes from anyone else's lips, but mine. Night Owl is her kid nickname."
"Wait. How do you know that?" He asked in a bit of shock.
"Me and her are childhood friends. We look out for each other, and were practically sisters even if the two of us were only children." Verona puts her hands on her hips, "As for her work schedule, she works from 8 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. Works Sunday through Thursday. Her days off are Friday and Saturday. If you wanted to meet her you could have just asked, she'll be happy to know she's got someone else on her side, but don't count on having any dates with her."
Atsushi blushes slightly, "No. I don't swing that way. Sorry if it disappoints her."
The other bursts out in laughter, "So you're into guys." She pats him on the shoulder, "You've got nothing to worry about, Miss Sage isn't into men if you catch my drift. You two will be best friends before you know it."
He laughs out, "I'm sure we will. Now I'm going to talk to Emiko." Verona pats him on the back again before they both leave the bathroom, she heads to her desk, as he heads up to the floor where flat 26 lay. Taking the elevator to the right floor, he walks to the door to flat 26, knocking on the door.
It took a few minutes of waiting until the door opened to a woman only slightly taller than himself, with a short bob haircut, and gold eyes. Her hair was a light blonde color with highlights of blue threaded through it. Her skin was pale, but she was dolled up with make-up, a short skirt, and a lovely blouse. She wasn't wearing any high heels, instead she wore flat shoes. She wore glasses on her face, as she gazed up to Atsushi, a bit confused. "Um hi." She said in a quiet voice. "Do you need something?"
Atsushi held up his hand. "Verona told me you were up here."
"Well if you're here for Night Owl, she's not here right now. Maybe come back later." The woman goes to close the door, but he stops her.
"Ah no I'm not here for Night Owl. I'm actually here to talk with Miss Emiko, and help her if possible. Are you her?"
The woman stops looking at him, motioning for him to come into the living space. Once inside, she closes and locks the door, turning back to him, a nervous look on her face. "Did anyone follow you here? Are you the only one that knows I'm here? Well civilian wise?"
Atsushi looks back at her, "Yeah, I'm alone. I work with the ADA, and we're working with the police to figure out this case. Though the evidence we gather isn't given to the police unless it's 100% factual. No one knows you're here but the police, Verona, Night Owl, and me. Don't worry, you're safe." He gives her a light smile. "Verona wasn't kidding when she said you don't look like the same woman, whose picture is all over the news."
Emiko smiles back lightly, "Yeah. Night Owl knew if I left the building the way I was that people would attack and even kill me. So she changed my look, and people don't even know I'm the woman in the news. It feels like a breath of fresh air. I'm so happy that she's helping me out." She looked around, motioning to the couch, "Come sit. Do you want a refreshment?"
Atsushi sat on the couch, while Emiko headed towards the kitchen only a few steps away. "Yeah just some green tea if you don't mind. Nice place you got here."
"Oh it's not my place. It's Night Owl's place. She not only is helping me fight this injustice towards me, but she let me stay here. I do the chores around the house while she's at work, and help her out whenever she needs it. She's such a sweet woman, she's like an angel." Emiko told him, going into the kitchen, and setting a kettle on the stove to boil.
"She sounds like an amazing woman. Can't wait to meet her, well that's if I'm still around by that time." He laughed out, rubbing the back of his head, while Emiko came back to sit opposite from him.
"Oh she is." She smiled up at him. "So you said you were here to help me. How are you going to help me?"
"First we need to talk so I can get a better understanding of how to start. To start off tell me about how you know Hana and Aiya."
"Oh me and Hana met in college, she had just got over an abusive relationship so I helped her through it. As the years passed she graduated with a masters in business, while I graduated with a bachelors in cosmetology. Though hair wasn't the sort of thing I wanted, so I moved from job to job after college. We stayed close, until she met someone else, got pregnant with Aiya, then a month before she gave birth the bastard ran out on her. She used to live in Tokyo with me, and we were best friends. I practically helped her raise Aiya since birth. But back 4 years ago she moved here to Yokohama. I would visit when I could, which would be around once a year, maybe more depending on the situation. That's about it, history wise." Emiko told him, her hands folded in her lap.
"That sounds like a good relationship you two had, are you still friends?"
She shook her head, a sad expression coming over her face. "No. When I went to call her after I had come back that day, she told me she hated me, and wished I was dead. She is one of those people that believe that I would hurt the little girl that I was there for before and after her birth." She wipes a few tears from her face, "I swear on my life that I didn't hurt or harm her! I was never in Yokohama, I haven't seen Aiya in a year now! It's driving me crazy having to deal with this."
Atsushi holds up a hand, "Hey. It's ok. You'll get through this. I already know the basics of this case. Like your car being reported stolen, and your phone records. Could you tell me how your car was stolen? Did you see who did it?"
"Well I never saw who stole my car. I had a security camera outside my apartment back in Tokyo, when I checked the next morning to find my car gone, I checked the camera's. It showed a slim figure in all black, breaking the window on my car, before what I assumed was starting it by hot wiring my car, and driving off with it. It all happened in the middle of the night. That morning I showed the police the video, and filled out a report on the car."
"How come the car alarm didn't wake you up?" He asked her suspiciously, though hid and kept it on the downgrade.
"Oh I have to take sleeping pills every night." She takes out a bottle of pills from her pocket, and shows it to him. "I have a severe case of insomnia, and sleep apnea. Those are Zolpidem, they make me sleep hard, and sleep longer. A bomb can go off in my ear, and it wouldn't wake me. The neighbors on the other hand, some heard it. Others like the drunks didn't hear it. I never heard anything about my car again until I learned about it being used in this case."
"How would you explain the woman that was taken in the video, looking exactly like you?"
She throws her arms out, taking back the pills from him. "I don't know where to begin with that one. I don't know how it's possible. I was in Tokyo until a week ago. I was never in Yokohama when that took place, I was on my way here to Yokohama on a bus, but I was never in my car that was stolen." She lets out a tired sigh, "I'm just so tired of all of this, I want my life back. Why are those kids being taken?"
"For sure we know that reason. It's because they are all ability users. They aren't taking kids that are non-ability users. We know there is a goal to take ability user kids only, but we don't know what the reason behind that is, or who is behind it. Until we have further information, then we'll never know those answers. Do you have any more information that would help us?" He holds up his hands, "Don't worry you don't have to tell me all of it now, it can be another day. Your secret will stay safe with me."
Emiko nods, just as the kettle goes off, and she goes to pour the tea. "Of course. Anything to help with my case. I'll tell you anything else that I can't remember now. The tea is ready." About a minute later she walks out the kitchen setting a cup in front of him, while she sits down with her own. "Tell me how you like it. It's an expensive brand of green tea. Night Owl has introduced me to all kinds of teas, and coffee blends. There is more in the kettle if you would like another cup."
Atsushi takes a sip of the hot tea, almost jumping in surprise at how good it was. Beaming with joy he tells her, "It's really good! I've never tasted anything like it before. Thanks for the tea, it's my favorite brew."
Emiko waves a hand. "It's no biggie. I like to experiment with different blends of tea and coffee. Personally I much prefer coffee over tea. So do you like working at the detective agency? Is there anyone that you like?"
"Yeah they are like my family. I enjoy every second with them, even if some moments and people are annoying, but they are all special to me. I have a man in my life, he's really special. He may not admit it out in the open, but he's a sweet guy with a sweet heart." Atsushi feels good talking about his new found family for the past few years. "So do you have anyone in your life?"
Emiko shook her head, "No. Personally at first I thought I was interested in men, but after spending only a week with Night Owl, I think I've fallen in love with her. She is so sweet, and loving, it's unlike any other person I've known in my life. She's going leaps and bounds to help me out of this terrible situation, even though a week before we were just strangers. It's so touching, and loving, my head spins and my stomach is filled with butterflies when she's in my presence."
Atsushi knew the woman had fallen for the other, for he felt the same way when he got to know Aku more and more, while out on missions years ago. They were taking their relationship slow, they didn't want to rush anything, or be too quick about it. He liked the pace they were going, as did Akutagawa for the two of them had a lot of communication in their relationship. Chuckling to himself he and Emiko continue to speak amongst each other for another couple of hours.
Until the front door opens, making the two of them pause, and he turns to see a redheaded woman with jaded eyes staring at him. She had some bags in her hands, with her hair in a bun. She flicks her gaze back towards Emiko, "Who is this Emi? Why is he here in my apartment?"
Emiko stands up, rushing over to her, explaining everything to her in a simple detailed explanation. Eventually Night Owl walks over to the couch Emiko was sitting on, laying down the bags. Her gaze moved over to Atsushi. "So you're with those agents? What, you think you can work some magic, sprinkle a little pizazz in her face, and you have her in the palm of her hand?" She puts her hands on her hip, "Are you going to parade her out to the streets, tell everyone who she is, so they can tear her apart?"
Atsushi holds up his hand. "No! I genuinely want to help her! I think she's innocent. I'm trying to prove her innocence."
For a minute Night Owl just looked at him before she walked over, putting on a sickenly sweet smile, with a hand on his shoulder. "Good. Cause if I found out you were here for those exact reasons." She leaned in closer. "I would have to kill you. I have connections in this city that would make you disappear overnight." She leaned back, looking him in the eye. "Otherwise you're welcome in my abode, and I would like to be your friend. You mess with Emi, you mess with me. Trust me, you don't want to be my enemy. I love this woman with all my heart, and I would kill for her."
Emiko blushes while Night Owl turns to her, tickling her under the armpit. The women were laughing, smiling in joy. Though he felt a chill run down his spine when the Night Owl had threatened him. She really loved Emiko, and would literally kill for the woman. It was then a ding rung from his phone, when he opened it, it was a picture of the agency, with a message from Mysteryland.
From:Mysterland
To:Tiger Boy
[This building is a fine place, I'm thinking about visiting them. I heard that sweet Kyouka is going to the fair. Maybe she'll play with me….In the meantime, I have a wonderful picture for you! Hope you like it.]
-Inserts a picture of a stick figure with it's guts all over the floor. X's for its eyes, and it's tongue stuck out-
From:Tiger Boy
To:Mysteryland
[I like it. I'll play, please just don't include them.]
From:Mysterland
To:Tiger Boy
[So I should just play with you, Emiko, and Night Owl? Sounds fun, I'll create an entrail of christmas lights with your guts. Doesn't that sound fun?]
From:Tiger Boy
To:Mysteryland
[No. I'll play with you solo. Don't include anyone else. This is between you and me.]
From:Mysteryland
To:Tiger Boy
[I'll think about it. It would be so much fun to drag Emiko out into the streets, and watch the crowd tear her apart like the trash she is. Btw I know where you are. They seem like a nice couple.]
[Just kidding! That photo was hours ago! They look so much fun to play with. I'll think about it. Also your bf looked totally cute, makes me want to go to first base with him! Well bye-bye!]
Atsushi stands up, surprising the couple, "Um sorry to leave on short notice, but I was just messaged to come in for work just now. It's funny, this was supposed to be my day off." He turns to the door, "I'll come back when I have the time of day."
"Boo, and I was wanting to get to know you." Night Owl pouted out, holding Emiko close. "What someone bailed out at the last minute? Don't worry, I know the feeling, they did that to me all the time whenever I worked part-time."
Atsushi laughs out, the excuse would have to do. "Yeah. It's really annoying, it seems like I'm the only one there doing it too." He waves a hand, "We can exchange phone numbers, and make plans for later. What do you think?"
Night Owl nods, pulling out a pen and a slip of paper from her bra. She writes her phone number on it, before handing it to Emiko to write hers down. Emiko hands him the slip of paper, "Well what's your number? I'm not into giving guys my phone number on a normal basis, but now that Verona leaked that you swing the other way, I don't mind giving you my number." Night Owl told her, her arm around Emiko's shoulder, a small smirk on her face.
Atsushi writes down his number with the borrowed pen and another slip of paper, handing it to the other woman. "There ya go. See you around, I'd like to get to know you two better. Hope that we can be like best friends in the near future." He collected himself, his phone slipped into his pocket. "I gotta go cover my co-workers shift tonight. How about meeting up at a coffee shop?"
"That sounds lovely. I have one in mind that I frequent a lot. I'll send you the location and name of the place. We'll see when we can meet up again." Night Owl tells him, squeezing Emiko with a smirk. "See you again! Also remember Verona's instructions about the key. It's the only other key to this flat, but the envelope covers up the key from those prying policemen. If there is anyone by the desk when you get there, just say to Verona 'Here is the package you ordered'."
"Aw. I see. I will. Bye you two." Atsushi waves at them, opening the door, and leaving the flat. He went to a nearby bathroom, slipping the key into the envelope, before slipping the entire thing back into his pocket, and taking the elevator down to floor 1. When he gets to the desk he spots Verona, the girl looks at him, as he pulls out the envelope and does as instructed.
An older man looked at him for only a split second while Verona took the envelope. The man gave a little wave, while Verona handed him a set of keys, "Here is your new set of keys Mister Natsuko. Tell Miss Natusko that we have a nice bubble bath formula at her locker for her. You got a package an hour ago, it's in your locker. Have a nice day."
The man took the keys with a nod of his head, thanking the other, and walking to an adjacent door that read ' Locker Room ' on the glass. Verona turns back to him with a smile on her face. "Did you have a nice time visiting your friend?"
He shook his head. "Yeah. We're going to make plans to meet up again later in the week. Have a nice day Miss Alinsky."
"You too." She told her back with a chip in her tone that spoke customer service. He left the building, looking out into the city, where the sun was high in the sky. He checked his phone to see if Akutagawa sent him a message, but was bummed when he didn't find one. Though he did have a message from Dazai. He opens a message that was short but simple:
From:Dazai-San
To:Atsushi
[Atsushi meet me at that cafe you frequent in 30 minutes. It involves the case.]
Atsushi looked at the time sent, only to find out it was sent a few minutes ago. Maybe Dazai found something new about the case, or there was a new case. Anywho he wasn't one to beat around the bush without a little push, as he sends out his own text.
From:Atsushi
To:Dazai-San
[Ok. I'll be there in a few. What do you want to talk about? Did another kid go missing?]
From:Dazai-San
To:Atsushi
[Something to that effect. I'd prefer to talk face to face. Just come to the cafe.]
Atsushi nods to himself, slipping his phone back in his pocket, and using his speed from his ability to get to the cafe faster. In a span of continuous running for 10 minutes, he stops outside the cafe catching his breath, slightly winded. Inside he spots Dazai already inside, some folders on the table surface. Collecting himself, he reenters the cafe, walking to the back, and sitting down across from the bandaged man.
"I'm here. What's up with the case?"
Dazai slips a picture of a burnt up vehicle, one that he instantly recognizes, as he lets out a small gasp. "That's Emiko's car! When was it found? Where was it found?"
"It was found 30 miles outside of Yokohama, last night. A jogger found it while out on a hike, although according to police the vehicle was cold when he went to touch it. Meaning that the car was burnt up hours to days before it was found. An accelerant was found to have been used on the car, the fire got so hot it melted the glass from the windows. Due to how hot the car burned, the police couldn't collect any fingerprints or bodily fluids." He takes out another picture showing Atsushi, it looked to have been white mixed with ash.
"What's this?"
Dazai's tone was a bit grim as he answered. "Bone fragments were found in the trunk of the car. A skull consistent with a child's skull was found in the back, alongside a torso, but the arms and legs were missing from the body. The police believe that it's the body of Aiya. They've taken the bones that were found to a morgue for an autopsy. If the bones come back with a positive confirmation for Aiya, then they would have enough to file for an arrest warrant for Emiko." Dazai looks up at Atsushi, "Though if push comes to shove, we know that Night Owl or shall I say miss Sage would kill anyone that tries to take that woman from her."
Atsushi stills at the man's words. 'Wait. How did he know about that?' The tiger looks back up at the other man but before he could speak, Dazai does it for him, a crafty smile on his lips.
"You're wondering how I knew about that. Well you see my little mentee, why do you think I gave you that address in the first place?"
"Um, to check to see if Emiko was really in that building…." Atsushi is unsure about himself. Not sure if he should have gone or not. Knowing the bandaged man, he was always one step ahead of him in terms of plans. "Am I right?"
"Yep! That was one part of it. I also wanted to see how you would react in the face of the unknown. Night Owl sounds like my kind of woman, but she isn't into men now is she?" Dazai leaned forward, "I want you to keep seeing both of them, and see what you can get out of them."
Atsushi sweats nervously, "How do you know what we were talking about?"
Dazai holds up a small device that Atsushi recognizes instantly. It was the same device he had slipped into Higuchi's pocket, the day he first met Akutagawa. 'Oh so he had slipped that thing on me somehow, and listened into the whole thing. How did I have the feeling that he would do something like this?' Holding back a groan, he replies, "What if they find out this thing is on me?"
"Don't worry about that, let me take care of that for you. I want you to wear a hidden camera too. I want to see what this charming Night Owl looks like, and behind the scenes I'll be doing my research on the woman. I'll be checking out everyone in the building, especially Verona, who's supposed to be friends with Miss Sage."
"Not to be rude, but why are you so interested in those two?" Atsushi asked him, a bit confused.
"Don't you find it a bit suspicious that this Night Owl is going through so much effort for a practical stranger?" The bandaged man asked him, stopping him short on his thoughts. "A week ago she and Emiko were strangers towards each other, and next thing Emiko knows she meets this woman. There isn't anything right about this situation or this case. Why would Night Owl go through this much trouble for one woman she barely knows? All I need to know is her looks and her name, and everything will fall through the cracks for me. Though the name Sage will be a big piece of that puzzle." He collects the files, putting them all back in the folder. "She told you that she has a lot of connections in this city that would make you disappear overnight. I'll ask around with my own connections, and go from there."
Atsushi nods, "Ok. I'll continue visiting the women."
*Back in Flat 26*
Back in flat 26, Night Owl was looking through the fridge for something to eat, while Emiko was searching through the cupboards. It had been a few days since either of them had gone shopping for groceries. "Hey, do you think we should go shopping soon? I don't feel like cooking tonight." Emiko moaned out in a tired tone.
Night Owl looked over at her, looking just as tired. "That's funny, I don't feel like cooking either. I had a long, and annoying day at work. It's too late to go on a full shopping spree, but we may not have a choice." She looks over to Emiko, "Hey, who don't I order, make it a surprise? I'll go out and get it."
Emiko nods, she loved the others surprises, and knew going out this late would carry risks. "Yeah I would love that. I'll brew your favorite tea, and spice it up for your return."
They both hug each other, with Night Owl grabbing her purse. "Thanks so much Emi, I'll be back. See you sweety." She turns back to the door, going down to the first floor. She exchanged a few words with Verona, but just as she exited the building, a woman stopped in front of her. A woman with shoulder length black hair with pale skin.
"Oh I'm sorry about that. Do you happen to know if a Yutang Fumiko lives in this building?" The woman asked her, causing Night Owl's eyes to widen at the name. A fire lit up in her eyes at the mention of the name coming from the woman's lips.