Here's Chap 9! My sincere thanks to FlamingIce94 , yueaifeng and Bokmal14! Enjoy...



Chapter 9

"Mariam Yan—5th floor, Room 96."

"Thanks!" Tyson turned away from the receptionist and went joined the others in front of the elevator. The automatic doors slid open and they got in.

"Michael's already here, isn't he?" Tyson asked.

"He should be," Hiro replied. "Though I'm not sure whether he's managed to interview anyone yet. I mean, this is rather a shock for some people."

"No kidding." Max murmured gravely.

A small 'ping' announced their stop as the doors slid open. No sooner had the four gotten out, than they came face to face with Michael Parker. "Michael, how is she?" Hiro asked.

"I'm not sure. The doctor's still working."

A chill swept over Tyson. He glanced along the corridor, and spotted the huddled up form of Lee Yan. The later was in clear distress. He no longer held his earlier boldness or arrogance. The dark haired man was ghastly pale. His lips were drawn into a tight line and his hands were clenched. He looked like a lost puppy. Next to him, sat Gary Tan. His huge structure almost completely hiding the small form of Kevin Cheng, further down.

"How long've they been here?" Tyson inquired.

"Yan and Lavaliere were already here when I arrived. Tan and Cheng arrived a few minutes later subsequently."

"Lavaliere?" Tyson looked back and spotted another male figure for the first time. The young man, who had a fairly good-looking face and blond hair, seemed very ill at ease. He nibbled at his lower lip, and shifted around nervously.

"Miguel Lavaliere." Michael indicated towards the blonde-haired person. "He's from Spain, and now living in Japan for the last couple of years. He has good relations with the Yans, and lives quite close to them. He helped Yan to admit his fiancée here."

'Miguel…? Where have I heard that name before?' Tyson frowned, searching his memory as he continued to watch the nervous youth. His attention, however, snapped back to the current situation. "By the way, what exactly did happen to Ms Shane? Was she shot as well?"

Michael shook his head. "Arsenic."

"Arsenic?! You mean somebody gave her arsenic?"

"That's what it looks like."

Their conversation was cut short due to the appearance of the doctor. She was a professional looking American woman, with short bronze hair and round rimless specs. On seeing her, Lee immediately jumped up. "Well doctor?" he asked anxiously. "How is she? Is she well? Can she say anything? Can I go see her—"

"Relax Mr. Yan! She's okay!" the female doctor assured. "She's resting now. You'll be able to see her soon."

"Excuse me, doctor," Tyson interrupted. "But could you answer a few questions for us?"

"Huh? Of course."

Tyson hesitated. "Could we speak somewhere… er… more private?"

"I understand. Follow me please, gentlemen." The American nodded towards them.

Hiro turned towards Lee. "We have some questions for you as well, Mr. Yan. So you better come too."

"I'm not leaving Mari!" Lee roared, Kevin and Gary nodding in agreement.

"It's okay, Hiro," Michael spoke up. "I've got the main facts. You can deal with them later."

Hiro nodded and the group started to follow the doctor.

"Can I come?"

They stopped to look at Miguel, who had been neglected in the background for the last few minutes. The Spaniard continued sheepishly. "I-I can help with the c-case… I mean… I was there, you know… when- when she…er…"

"That would be very helpful, Mr. Lavaliere." Hiro spoke up, putting an end to blonde's unease. "Please join us. Doctor, if you would please—?"

"Right this way," the lady replied, and led the others along the corridor.


"I'm Emily York, by the way." The female doctor said as she ushered the men into her neat and tidy office.

"Pleasure to meet you, Dr York," Tyson replied. "I'm Tyson Granger." He indicated towards the others sequentially. "This is Lieutenant Hiro Granger, Sergeant Michael Parker, Dr Max Tate and—"

"Tate?" Emily looked curiously at Max. "You're not related to Judy, are you?"

"You know my mother?" Max asked surprised.

"Director Judy's your mother?! Of course, I know her! I used to be her right hand at the PPB—"

"Excuse me, Ms York. But the case…" Tyson said matter-of- factly.

"Oh! Pardon me, gentlemen. I'll get down to business." Emily replied hastily.

"So, you're sure it was arsenic?"

"Absolutely. The dosage was fatal, but not enough to cause instant death. It was lucky that she got admitted when she did. Otherwise—it might have been a near thing."

"I see. How was it administered?"

"Through food." Michael replied to the question. "Pancakes, to be exact. They were parcel-posted to the Yans' resident this morning."

"Parcel?!" Max exclaimed. He looked at the others worriedly. "That means… this morning… Lee…" He vividly flashbacked to earlier that morning, when Lee had entered the living room…. With a parcel in his hand!

"Was there any name for the sender?" Tyson asked urgently.

"According to Lee it was signed off by 'An Old Friend'." Miguel replied unsurely.

"'Old Friend'? And speaking of Lee, didn't he have any of it?"

"No. Said the pancakes smelled of vanilla. He hated that flavour."

"Any of it left? Any idea where the wrapping paper it came in might be?"

"The police had collected the remaining samples," Michael nodded in agreement. "But the wrapping paper has probably gone into the Ideal boiler, by now."

"I see. You aren't sure who might've sent it?"

"Afraid not."

A loud rough voice bellowed from somewhere near the office. It was soon followed by other shouts and cries.

"What in God's name is going on?!" Emily exclaimed standing up.

"Sounds like a fight!" Miguel cried, as the rest stood up as well.

They dashed out of the office, and made their way towards the commotion. "It's coming from near Ms Mariam's ward!" Emily said worriedly. On reaching the focus of the ruckus, they were greeted with a very alarming sight.

Gary Tan was on the ground, wrestling another figure that was as bulky as his own. Lee was pushed up against the wall, fighting off a dark haired man, who had a vice-grip around his throat. On the other hand, Kevin had settled for a verbal war with a dark-green haired youth, who was exactly the same height. The staffs and doctors, who had gathered around, failed miserably to control the situation, especially since no one dared to go near the two gigantic figures roiling on the ground. Michael gulped. "At least they'd picked someone of their own sizes."

"Maybe you should fire a few rounds in the air," Max told Hiro unsurely.

Looking at the firearm in his hand, Hiro hesitantly aimed it at the ceiling. But before he could have taken the first shot, a high pitched and surprisingly loud voice cut through the disturbance.

"ENOUGH!" Everyone, including the combatants, looked up to see the dangerously enraged face of Emily York. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU UNCIVILIZED MONSTERS THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" She lowered her voice, but it was sharp and angry as ever. "This is a hospital for God's sake! This is a place where people can heal! Not a street fighting arena! I'm not only a doctor, but also a member of the PPB! That means we are networked with the BBA! I can have all of you punished! Legally!"

The now haggard looking men, slowly untangled themselves from each other. Lee slipped to the ground, spluttering and breathing hard. He glared at his attacker and panted. "Th-there! Happy n-now, Ozuma? Mari will be proud of you, won't she?"

"Don't you dare mention my sister, Yan!" the short green haired man sneered. "It's all your fault, you low—"

"That's enough, Joseph." Lee's attacker spoke with authority. He looked at Emily from behind a blood red fringe of hair. "Please pardon, Joseph… and Dunga." He indicated towards his huge companion, who sported long greasy straw-coloured hair, before continuing. "My name is Ozuma Shane. Perhaps you've heard about me. The President of the Saint Shields' company?"

"I have and I can't care any less!" Emily snapped. "Just because you're a business tycoon, doesn't mean I'll excuse for you for your impudent behaviour."

"That is not the concern now, Doctor." Ozuma replied indifferently. "My cousin, Mariam Shane—" he emphasized on the last word, causing Lee to snort, "—has been admitted here. I need to know her condition."

"Well, she's—"

"Doctor York!" a nurse came running towards Emily. "The patient's waking up!"

"Mari!" Both Lee and Ozuma turned towards her room.

"I'll go see first, gentlemen." Emily threw an accusing glare at the two men and walked off.

An uncomfortable silence descended along the corridor. The Shanes and the neko-jins continued to glare at one another, but no words were spoken.


"Th-there! Happy n-now, Ozuma? Mari will be proud of you, won't she?" Lee spluttered.

"Don't you dare mention my sister, Yan! It's all your fault, you low—"

Miguel averted his gaze from the enraged men, and looked at the only figure that seemed to be unaffected by the whole incident.

"Er… Officer?"

Kai, who had been leaning against the wall in his usual pose, lifted his head very slightly, permitting the Spaniard to continue. The blond in question looked around to the other. After making sure that the rest were busy, he turned towards Kai once again and spoke in a low voice, barely above a whisper.

"This case is related to Mariah Wong's death, isn't it?"

Kai didn't reply. But the other continued anyway.

"Do you suspect anyone?" he asked urgently.

Kai lifted his head and looked at Miguel, making the later flinch slightly.

"I-I- I was j-just curious, that all!" he added hastily, trying to sound casual. "I saw you people at Lee's house this morning. So, I was just wondering… er… you know… w-what you wanted to ask him…" Miguel looked at the ground nervously, shuffling his feet. He almost could feel the other's sharp gaze pierce through him, and jumped slightly when the Russian spoke.

"You've already satisfied your curiosity this morning, Mr. Lavaliere."

Miguel's head snapped up. He stared at the Phoenix in utter shock and disbelief. His eyes showed pure fear in them, and his voice shook as he spoke. "Y-you know…?"

Kai returned his gaze sharply from behind the shades. Miguel gulped, feeling like deer caught in headlights. Even after Kai went back to his prior position, the look of horror still remained etched on the Spaniard's face.

"I'll go see first, gentlemen." He barely noticed when Emily stalked off, as Kai's last sentence kept haunting him.


"Is he here?!" Mariam's frantic voice drifted out of the room. Both Ozuma and Lee looked concerned.

"Ms Yan, rela—" Emily's voice tried to calm her.

"He's here, isn't he? He is! I know it!"

"Yes, but—"

"I have to see him!"

"What?"

"Let me see him! I have to!"

"Mari!" Lee and Ozuma glared at one another, as if daring the other to make the next move. Both the men strongly believed that it was he, Mariam wanted.

"Please!" Mariam's voice was almost hysteric.

"Okay! Okay! I'll get Mr. Shane… But you must—"

"No! Not my brother! Him!"

Ozuma's mouth fell open in disbelief. "Mari?" he croaked weakly.

"Hang on Mari! I'm here!" Lee rushed into the room. Ozuma stared after him, shocked. The feeling only intensified at Mariam's next words—

"Lee! Where is he?!"

"Huh?" Lee's voice was utterly confused. "Who're you talking about? Mari, I'm here right h—"

"No! No! No! Not you!"

Some shuffling and thumping sounds were heard, followed by Lee and Emily's surprised calls.

"Mari!"

"Ms Yan, please! What are you—?"

The door flew open, and the bluenette staggered out. She looked delirious and insomniac. Her skin was ghostly pale and her eyes bloodshot. All together she looked a completely different woman. She swayed wildly on her feet as she walked. On her either side, Lee and Emily tried to steady her. Ozuma and Joseph ran towards her, but the lady took no notice. She staggered past a bewildered Tyson and Max, straight towards—

"Kai!" Tyson shouted in alarm as Mariam clutched the front of the Russian's shirt with both hands. Kai remained motionless, his face hard and impassive, paying no heed to the shocked looks that he was receiving. Mariam gazed up at him with a mixture of urgency and horror. She whispered in a terrified voice…

"Y-you… you were right! Gods! You knew! I-I'm next! He… he's after me! Oh my God! He's g-going to… to… kill…" Mariam's green irises rolled up to her head. Her grip on Kai slackened and she slipped backwards. Hiro and Michael rushed forward to catch her, when Kai had made no move to do so. The entire corridor was silent and all eyes were focused on the stone-sculpted form of Kai Hiwatari. The BBA team looked shocked, the doctors were confused while the neko-jins and the Shanes depicted pure rage.

"What the devil…?!" Lee breathed out, glaring daggers at the Phoenix. Ozuma clenched and unclenched his fists trying to maintain his composure. He opened his mouth, only to close it once again.

"YOU!" Every jumped at the sudden growl.

"Dunga! No!" Ozuma tried, but the huge blond had already charged towards Kai. Everyone backed against the wall to avoid getting trampled… Everyone—except one.

"Kai! Look Out!" Max shouted. He gasped when he realized that Kai was making no attempt to get out the way or defend himself. Hiro desperately tried to get out his gun, but was unable of doing so with the unconscious woman in his arms. "Kai! Move!" he heard Tyson shout, but no avail. The Russian did not move a muscle. He stood still, if not calmly, with his head bowed and hands in his pockets, obvious to the danger heading towards him. With a wild battle cry, Dunga launched himself upon the immobile figure, his huge structure concealing Kai from the others' view.

"KAI!" Both Tyson and Max tried to go to the Phoenix's aid, but were held back. "Michael! Let. Me. Go!" Tyson struggled against his captor. "I have to help… Kai?!"

Max whipped around angrily to yell at Michael…and felt his jaw drop. 'Michael' turned out to none other than one they'd been planning to save. Kai Hiwatari stood directly behind them, with a firm grip on each of Tyson and Max's arm. "But… How?" Tyson tried croaked.

"What the—?" Dunga blinked, trying to grasp the situation. One moment he was on Hiwatari, and the next, he found himself grabbing onto thin air. "Dunga! Enough!" he turned at Ozuma's voice. He bushy eyebrows rose when he spotted his supposedly victim standing coolly behind Tyson and Max. "How—?" he began, but was cut across by Ozuma.

"That was uncalled for, Dunga!"

"But Ozuma! Didn't you hear Mari?! That son-of-the-devil knew—"

"I know what I heard and I'll deal with it myself. You'll stay out of this."

"But—"

"Am I clear?"

Dunga scowled. "Do what you want!"

Michael turned when he felt someone tap his arm. "Dr York?"

"Kai…" Emily spoke in awe. "He's not the Kai Hiwatari?!"

"How many more evidences do you need?"


"I apologize for Dunga's impetuous behaviour, Mr. Hiwatari," Ozuma said, not sounding apologetic at all. "But there are a few questions that I would like to be answered."

Team BBA (excluding Michael), Lee and Ozuma were accumulated in Emily York's office. Michael was busy charging Dunga and the rest for their violent actions in the hospital. Emily was still attending to Mariam.

Taking Kai's silence as a sign to continue, Ozuma spoke up again. "Perhaps you would like to explain what happened there between my cousin and you."

"You were a witness yourself, Mr. Shane." Kai replied coolly.

Ozuma frowned, losing his patience. "I want an answer, Mr. Hiwatari."

"You've already got one."

"Don't try to act smart!" Lee had jumped up. "You knew she would be attacked, didn't you? Yet you did nothing! I know what you're trying to do here, Hiwatari! You're protecting that murderer, Kon!"

"Ray's innocent!" Max retorted.

"Oh is he?! Well you all heard Mari! Especially you!" he pointed at Kai. "Remember what she said to you? She said you were right! That you knew! I'm no fool, Hiwatari. You had told her something, didn't you? This morning? I know you did! You told her that Ray was after her, didn't you?"

Kai remained silent.

"There! That proves—"

"I don't remember agreeing with you, Mr. Yan."

"Excuse me?!"

"Neither I nor your fiancée had mentioned Raymond Kon, even once. You're the first person to bring him up."

"But-but Mari! We all heard her say—"

"That 'He's' after her. She did not say anything about Kon."

"But it has to be Kon! Who else—?"

"You."

"What?! Are you saying that I tried to kill her?"

"I am."

"That is ridiculous! What would I gain from Mari's death?"

"A good lot of fortune." Ozuma spoke up icily.

"Hold your tongue, Shane!"

"Mr. Hiwatari, here has made quite a point. Don't you agree Yan?"

"Why you!"

"Mariam dies and all her property passes on to you. Quite a good motive for a murderer."

Lee exhaled slowly. "So that's it? You're all against me, are you? Well, let me tell you one thing. Mari is going to be my wife, and nothing you do is going to stop that. And I'll make sure that Kon gets hanged. I swear it! Good day gentlemen." With that Lee stormed out of the room.

Ozuma glared after him for some while, before turning onto Kai. "I have to admit, I'm impressed. I do agree with you about Yan."

"You don't."

"Pardon?"

"I said you don't and you never will, Mr. Shane."

Ozuma raised his eyebrows awaiting an explanation, but didn't get any. He frowned slightly. "I'm not going to get anything else from you, am I?"

"You've already heard what you needed to."

"I see." He rose up. "Then I guess that's it. See you later, Hiwatari. I'll be looking forward to it." He turned to leave, but stopped at the door. "Just so you know, Hiwatari, you're not the only brain working on this case."

Kai didn't even raise an eyebrow. Ozuma continued.

"I have hired Scotland Yard's finest for this matter. You must've heard of him. Johnny McGregor." Without another word, he left.

"McGregor?!" Tyson exclaimed.

"I've heard of him." Max said. "He supposed to be good."

"Good? Hah! He's an idiot and a complete pain in the neck! Right Kai? Kai?"

Kai stood up abruptly. He looked down at Tyson. "I'll borrow your car."

"Huh? Hey wait a minute!" Tyson stood up.

But Kai was already out by then.

"But Kai! You forgot the keys!" Tyson went to take out the keys from his pocket… only to find them gone! "What?! My keys!" All of turned as they heard sound of squealing tires outside. Max looked out of the window, just in time to see Tyson's Chevrolet doing an impressive three-sixty-degree turn before zooming off at lightning speed.

"Whoa!" Max breathed in awe. "He's a hell of a good driver!"

Beside him Tyson grumbled something that suspiciously sounded like "Pickpocket!"


My longest chapter yet! So now we some new people, a new victim and an 'Old Friend'. Not to mention we've got Johnny. As you all must've figured out by now he and Kai don't exactly go well together. How exactly would the Phoenix handle the Salamander? Find out next time!

Till then, Review! I'm counting on you people!! :)

KPR