"What upset you last night?" Hwoarang asked Fay. He had left her alone last night, and found her up early today. She told him that she took the day off and she was busying herself in the kitchen.
Fay was busy washing dishes when he had come into the kitchen. "It's not important."
"I know you, Fay. You don't cry for no reason."
"It's…"
[Ding] [Dong]
"Expecting anyone?" Hwoarang asked.
"No, but please get the door." She said, putting the plates in the drying rack.
Hwoarang went to the door and opened it.
"You're out?" Mika asked in surprise.
"Hi to you too," he said, extending his hand for a shake.
Mika shook it.
"All good?" Hwoarang asked.
Mika rubbed his head embarrassingly. "I am investigating a lead, and honestly came to make sure that she is fine first." He admitted.
Hwoarang looked at Mika, then leaned back. "Hey, Fay. It's just Mika."
"Ok." She shouted back.
Hwoarang walked out and closed the door. "Care to tell me what happened?"
Mika quickly explained.
"Shit! That must have shaken her up." Hwoarang muttered. No wonder she was crying.
"Lee told her something, Red." Mika said seriously. "I just hope that she doesn't do something stupid."
Hwoarang frowned. I hope so too. "Anyway, I doubt she will do anything stupid today. She is busy cleaning the whole apartment." He said, "Need a hand with that lead?"
"Sure," Mika said.
"Come in then and say hi to her. She's busy in the kitchen. I'll jut go and grab my stuff." Hwoarang told him.
Mika nodded and walked in. He went to the kitchen and found her furiously scrubbing the floor. "Hey…"
Fay looked up at him. "Yo."
Mika had his hands in his pockets and looked around. "I came to see how you were feeling."
"Dandy," she muttered sarcastically.
Mika sighed. "Come on… I hate it when you're gloomy." He admitted.
"I'm not gloomy." She said honestly, standing up. "I'm just pissed that I didn't react faster." She threw the cloth on the counter and shrugged her shoulders. "Anyway… What's up?"
"I honestly came to check on you first. I am going to go and check out Kazumi Mishima." He said.
Fay nodded. "Why don't you take Red with you?"
"I'm already going." Hwoarang said, wearing his jacket.
"Then good luck." She said, as they left.
Later
Jin observed the huge building in front of him and typed the name of it into his google search engine. I wonder who owns this building? He thought. As he looked, no search result came online so he looked around. Normally buildings have some form of landmark of ownership.
How can I get in without seeming suspicious? He thought. I need to do more thinking. He admitted to himself. He looked around the surroundings, so there are two bars by the lab and a convenient store. It might come in handy to pass by that bar tonight.
I can't risk just popping in, he thought withdrawing. I'll go back to the office.
"Any luck?" Aya asked when he walked in.
He shook his head. "I couldn't risk it, but there is a bar nearby and I'll go to it tonight."
"Good thinking." Jordan said, sitting on the chair.
"What about you two? Found anything?" Jin asked.
Jordan looked at them both. "Actually, it's a hunch but it could work." Jordan began. "When I looked at the clues, all the red roses had no thorns. Its very rare to find such roses." He said, thinking. "I remember when I was younger, my dad took me for a visit to an exclusive garden outside the city. They were known to be producing such roses."
"Interesting," Jin said. "So, let's check it out."
"It's outside the city." Jordan stated. "It's a five - hour drive so that means we need to stay there for a couple of days."
Aya and Jin went quiet.
"It's so nice of you both to offer to come with me," he said dryly.
"I'll go."
Aya and Jin turned to see Fay standing by the door. She looked fresh today. In shorts and a tank top with a pair of sneakers.
"I thought you were taking the day off." Aya said, looking at her. Play it cool, Aya. I know she's mad but maybe it's better that we don't talk about it.
"I got bored." She admitted.
Jordan stood up. "We can head out tomorrow morning," he told her.
Aya looked at Jin who nodded then she looked back at Fay. "Ill join too." Over my dead body I'm leaving Jordan alone with Fay.
"Spoilsport." Jordan teased, making Aya glare at him. "Anyway, I need to see Lei then I'll go pack for a couple of days. I'll text you girls pickup place and time." He said, leaving.
Once he was gone, Jin looked at Fay. "I'm surprised you said yes."
Fay raised her arms. "I'm seriously bored. Maybe this will help get my mind off things. Plus, he can be fun when he's not being annoying."
"And I'm going to make sure that he behaves." Aya said. "I might as well pack too." She said. "I'll see you guys later."
Jin looked at Fay. "Are you alright?"
"Yes and no," she admitted. "But step by step, right?"
He patted her head lightly. "Of course." Then he looked around the place, then back at her. "You know… As much as I feel responsible. I need a break too. Let's go and get coffee."
"By all means lead the way."
"By appointment only." The haughty woman said at the counter.
Mika and Hwoarang looked at each other. "By appointment? Why? What kind of establishment is this?"
The woman fanned her face and glared at him. "Madame Mishima is a very busy woman. Plus, you're both so horribly dressed." She said, eyeing them. "She only sees her guests in kimonos."
What the fuck? Hwoarang thought, looking at Mika who looked as confused.
"Tell the Madame," Mika said. "This is the Police who want to speak to her."
"Then by all means get a warrant." She said, showing them out and closing the door.
"What the hell just happened? Mika asked.
"Haughty little bitch." Hwoarang muttered. If she needs a warrant then we will get one. Speaking of warrants… "Hey Mika, I was checking out a weapon store earlier then shit happened. Want to go and check it out again?"
"Sure."
They walked for a while making light conversation when they reached the store. Mika was about to enter when Hwoarang stopped him. "Wait…" he said, "There's someone in there already."
"So?"
"Just observe casually from the outside." He said, it's a woman, and she looks very familiar.
Mika pulled a drink from the vending machine and leaned against the wall, while Hwoarang sat on the pavement and pulled a cigarette out. He lit it while they both waited patiently. It was a quiet neighbourhood with a small weapon store at the corner. "Mika…"
[BANG] [BANG] [BANG]
"Shit!" Mika whispered, pulling his gun out.
Hwoarang jumped up as well. They both ran towards the door when a figure ran out bumping into them. She pushed them roughly and escaped. It's the same figure that shot the dart at Dionne. Hwoarang thought. "Catch her!" he snapped at Mika as they both ran after her.
Later
"Fuck! Fuck!" Hwoarang swore, kicking the garbage bin. That's the second time she got away! Damnit!
Mika had his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. "That was fucked up." he said, in between breaths.
"Let's head back to the weapon store." Hwoarang said as he ran back there.
Mika followed.
When they entered, the store owner was on the floor dead.
"Hey, look." Mika said, leaning down next to the body. "There is a dart in his neck."
Hwoarang looked sceptical. "Why waste an exclusive dart on a weapon store owner?" he asked.
"Decoy?" Mika asked, standing up. He pulled out his cell phone and took a photo of the dart. Then he began dialling.
"Don't call backup yet, Mika. Let's look through the file and records first." Hwoarang said, putting on a pair of gloves and walking to the cashier. "If the force gets here then it would be impossible to get evidence."
Mika raised an eyebrow. "Breaking rules now, are we?"
"Like you haven't done it before."
It was late night when Jin walked around the lab's building. He was dressed lightly in pants and a t-shirt. He looked around the crowded street and was trying to decide which place to hit first.
If I was a young nervous lab intern, where would I go when I am bored? He thought. I doubt I'd hit a bar. He thought, walking around the place. I need to scout this place further. Maybe there is more than it seems. He looked around the streets, the alleys and kept looking around. He wanted to make sure that he was still within the radius of the area.
He kept walking when a neon sine caught his eye. "I believe this is it." He said, reading the sign that said 'Video Games Arena."
Ill come back tomorrow after I research the place.
Next Day
Everyone was recouped in the office and gathering data. Aya and Fay were dressed casually, waiting for Jordan to pick them up. Aya was dressed in normal jeans and a loose hooded t-shirt. While Fay was wearing white ankle pants with a pink summer blouse. Aya was in sneakers, whereas Fay was in high heels. The contrast was uncanny.
Aya stood in the office and saw Hwoarang seated. "Hey." She said quietly.
He nodded.
Aya hesitated, but looked at him. "Can we catch up when I'm back?"
He looked at her with a serious face. "Sure." He said, standing up. He rubbed her shoulder lightly, "Watch your back, ok?"
Its funny. You're so angry with me but can't stop worrying about me. Aya thought with a smile. I did mess up though.
Fay was holding her mobile and typing some stuff, and then she looked at Mika, "What are you guys going to do?"
Mika crossed his arms, "All leads lead to Kazumi Mishima. We just need to find a way and get inside that establishment."
"We'll come up with something." Hwoarang added.
"I think I found that intern." Jin told Fay. "I saw this last night," he said, pulling out his phone. He scrolled through and showed her a photo. "Is this the guy?"
Fay looked at the photo and nodded. "Yes, I'd remember those nervous cute eyes anywhere." She joked.
Jin rolled his eyes. "Apparently he is a video game king, and that's his kingdom. We are going to go in and participate in some tournaments."
"Do you guys game?" Fay asked.
Mika hit his chest. "I am the best." He said, "I kick ass."
Fay giggled.
Jordan walked in. He was wearing a pair of jeans with a black t-shirt and a cap. "Shall we, ladies?" he asked.
"How come you're dressed down?" Mika asked.
"I'll be driving for five hours, and where we are going is right at the borders. Its better not to attract eyes on us." Jordan explained.
Fay picked up her bag, "You all behave," she said, walking out.
"Does she think we're going on a vacation?" Jordan asked sarcastically.
"Nope, but she is excited to do something differently." Aya added, carrying a backpack. "Bye everyone." She said, walking out.
Jordan was about to leave when the other three men held him. "Behave yourself, DeMarco." Mika ordered.
"Jesus!" He muttered, walking out. He found both women waiting outside by his car.
"Seriously? You don't want to attract attention?" Aya asked trying to withhold her laugh.
"My ass." Fay muttered, looking at the white F-Type Jaguar convertible. The soft top was already open and there was only room for three.
"This is the only car I could think of!" he said, taking both of the girl's bags. He opened the boot, and placed them in. Then he opened the passenger door, "Who will slide back?"
"I'll go." Aya said, going back.
He closed the seat and told Fay to get in. He got into the passenger seat and roared the car to life. "All comfortable?"
"Yes." They both answered.
He put on his sunglasses, and drove onto the highway.
