The Painful Truth

by MollyMuffinHead

Sequel to 'The Challenges Ahead'. After the Olympic Games and the Charity Ball, each of the group learns a painful truth they must face. Life will be harder than they ever thought. From kidnapping, to wedding contracts, to losing touch with reality, everyone is in for a bumpy ride. Rated for Language and Smooching and Violence.

2. Chapter 2 - Broken Glass, Broken Mirror

Author's Note:

Welcome back to the 6th installment of "The Last Straw" series, or what has turned into the Ouran Soap Opera.

If you're new to this soap opera, go back to the first story – "The Last Straw". Otherwise, none of this will make any sense. Give it a chance. The first story is a little rough, but I get better as I go along.

Warning: You all know how the last story ended. This one will be darker than the others but will keep its T rating. I'm treading a line between a PG-13 movie and a "Criminal Minds" episode. Violence will not be written in gory detail but will be written as it happens. Non-con will be kept to the level of previous stories. There will also be lots of language, just like the other stories. That doesn't mean there won't be enough fluff to give all of you cavities.

As with all the other stories, individual warnings for each chapter.

Drop a review – Dad and I would love to hear from you. I read every one of them to him. Makes his week.

Thanks to all who've joined us for this ride. Hang on to your hats!

.

xXx

.

Date Posted: September 10, 2022

Trigger Warnings: Language, some violence

The Painful Truth - Chapter 2: Broken Glass, Broken Mirror

.

I winced at his white knuckles and scary face. It's the face that struck more fear in the fellas than mine did.

"Shinobu-chan and Haru…"

"What?"

I waited for him to process.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" he roared.

I'm sure half the Compound heard that.

"Who?"

"Unknown."

"Why?"

"Unknown."

"When?"

"Two hours ago."

"TWO HOURS!" He'd gone red to the tip of his ears and was vibrating in rage. "This happened two fucking hours ago, and I'm just hearing about this now?"

"Yes."

"Pops…I'm going to kill you."

He started advancing but stopped when I stepped forward and got in his face. "You were on Syndicate business. For all I knew, that could have been the reason. I wanted you safe until we knew more." I took a step back and crossed my arms. "You wanna hit me, go ahead and hit me."

I'd brought him to the gym, figuring he'd want to hit something before he could concentrate. Didn't think I'd be offering up my face.

Then he spun and sunk his fist into the wall.

All this equipment, and he chose the wall.

"Feel better?"

"Not in the least."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Public Relations Conference Call:

Eiji: "Hold all your comments until I'm finished."

Never thought I'd be in charge of briefing a group of PR people. I'm supposed to be breaking down doors and saving my primary…Oh, wait, I forgot…I broke my foot on Koko, her stupid cat.

I better wake up soon from this nightmare.

I'd purposefully kept this off video. Didn't want them to see the anger on my face. Didn't want them to see the hospital in the background.

We had them all on the line. Had a list in front of me to keep them straight. Endo-san's the only one I'm used to working with.

"Everything I'm about to say is confidential. That means not for the public."

Ando (Hitachiin): "We all know what confidential means." Why are we being briefed by security? And why not the head of security?

Eiji: "Do you know what keep quiet until I'm done means?"

No response.

"For now, no matter what questions you get from the press or the public in general, the response is 'no comment'. I don't care how many times you have to say it. I don't care how many languages you have to say it in. It is your only response. Your only one."

I heard some grumbling, but nothing loud enough to be considered an interruption.

"Roughly two hours ago, Haruhi-sama and Himura-sama were kidnapped from the Petto Chinmi store closest to the Himura Compound."

Akabane (Every Woman): "So the tweets are true."

Eiji: "Quiet." It's a good thing they aren't security personnel. "So far, we have been unable to locate them, determine who has them or why, or what condition they are in. I'm not going to give you details, so don't ask."

Tsuzuki (Suoh): "Plausible deniability."

Eiji: "Yes." I'll let that go since I was going to say that anyway.

"After we realized what happened, a conference call of all the group's security heads was initiated. They decided to call an extraction code to all the group's detail heads and have the primaries brought to the Morinozuka estate. They are all safe and secure. All their electronics have been taken away. None of them know about the leak."

Akabane (Every Woman): "So how was it leaked?"

Eiji: Why doesn't she work for me? I could get her to shut up if she worked for me.

"Without going into specifics, one of the detail heads and their primary were overheard."

Ando (Hitachiin): "Who? Was it the twins? Their mother will want to know."

Eiji: "I won't be discussing who. Just know that their detail head has been dealt with. Therefore, their family knows."

I paused for a beat. Silence.

"So far, no one's responded to the tweets. I'm sure you all have seen the new hashtag and who's been addressed. We will maintain social media silence within the group, the families, and security."

Endo (Haruhi's Personal PR): "Haruhi-sama's hashtags are blowing up. A denial at this point will seem like confirmation."

Eiji: "What is seems like doesn't matter. 'No comment' is the only response. No matter what."

Hara (Morinozuka): "If they keep pushing, wanting more information, pivot to the ball. Talk about how successful it was. Bring up the Princess, the PM, anything to get them off topic."

Kinoshita (Houshakuji): "But only 'no comment' to anything regarding the kidnapping rumors. Don't even call them rumors. Nothing but 'no comment'. Not even 'we have nothing to say at this time'."

Eiji: They know what to do. Hara will keep them in line. She was briefed before the call and knows to take charge. I'm her muscle here.

"We'll keep you briefed through phone calls. Nothing written down. No electronic messages. Don't tell anyone on your staff."

Tsuzuki (Suoh): "Plausible deniability."

Eiji: "Yes." I took a deep breath and another gulp of coffee. Almost done. "The Morinozuka PR team will be monitoring all communications regarding this issue. Stick to the script."

I ended the call for everyone before they could start talking again.

My head hurts so bad I can hardly see. There's got to be a doc around here who can give me something.

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Game Room, Morinozuka Estate:

Hikaru's pacing. Kaoru's watching him.

Renge-senpai's holding Tamaki-senpai's hand so tight. I can hear their whispered conversation. He's trying to convince her they need to be out looking for Haruhi, and she's telling him he's an idiot. Nicely.

Yuki-senpai and Akito-san are over in the corner, her on his lap. Can't hear what they're saying, but she's crying and he's running his fingers through her hair.

Chika found a pad and pen and is scribbling so fast I hope he can read it later.

Cho-senpai looks lost without Mitsukuni. She's just staring into space. Maybe I should offer to switch places with him so he can be with her. Or maybe Chika could.

"Don't worry, Cho-chan," Aunt Kumi sat down next to her. "Security will find them. They'll be alright."

"Thank you, Haninozuka-san. I know they will."

My aunt put her arm around Cho-senpai's shoulder. "You'll be my daughter soon. Please call me Kumi."

"Thank you, Kumi-san."

Aunt Kumi will work on getting her to drop the 'san' later.

All heads snapped towards the door when Father came in.

"Any news?"

He held up his hands for silence. "We have no new information. Know that all security teams are investigating any potential lead. I've been in constant contact with Himura-san, and they are doing the same."

"And Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai?"

"They're working with the security teams and plan to join you all for dinner." With a nod to Mother, he left the room.

She clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Your bags have been coming over from your estates. I've had the maids take them to guest rooms. I suggest you all go upstairs, shower, and change into comfortable clothes."

Not a bad idea. Tamaki-senpai and Chika are still in suits. The twins look like fashion models. Weren't they just out shopping?

"Meet back here in an hour for dinner. Takashi and Mitsukuni will have an update for you then."

Aunt Kumi stood and held her hand out to Cho-senpai. "Come with me. I'll show you to your room."

We all trudged upstairs, and I headed straight to my room and my laptop.

.

"Tamaki-kun?"

We'd been given adjoining rooms, and his shower turned off a few minutes ago.

"I feel so useless here. We should be out there looking for my darling friend."

And…I've had enough of that. I grabbed his hand and headed for the door, "Let's go. Where do we look?"

He stopped, and I stopped with him. "The pet store?"

"I'm pretty sure security has done multiple sweeps there."

"Her office building?"

"Why would they take her there? Besides, it has 24-hour security."

"We could drive around."

"How big is Tokyo? How many streets? How many cars?"

"Ahh…lots?"

"What are the odds we'd randomly find them? And what would we do if we did find them? Neither of us know any martial arts. We can't fight. How would we rescue them?"

"We'd have security with us."

"So, we'd not only drive randomly though Tokyo, but we'd drag security with us? Security that could be focusing on actual information? Wouldn't we be wasting their time?"

"Well…"

"Tamaki-kun," I walked into his arms and rested my head on his chest, "we aren't the professionals. We have no idea how to help them. The best thing we can do is stay here out of the way and not cause more worry or work for security. They have their hands full. We have the hardest job there is. Waiting."

"But I feel so useless here."

"Me too."

.

"Shit!"

"What?" I followed Satoshi up to his room.

He plopped down on his bed. "They took my laptop."

"There must be something going on that they don't want us to know about. How would social media know about this already?"

"No idea. Not like we can check…"

"What about Haruhi's room? She was going to get Shinobu-senpai's dog washed. Doubt she took her laptop."

"Chika, have I told you lately how brilliant you are?"

We both ran out the door and down the hall.

.

Haruhi. My triplet. Missing.

Who knows what's happening to her now?

My triplet.

And how the fuck is Karou calm enough to take a shower with all this going on? I can't even sit down.

Why isn't there anything we can do? We're heirs to some of the most elite families in the country. We have to be able to do something.

One thing's for sure. I'm going to kill whoever did this with my bare hands and enjoy it.

.

Haruhi…I can't believe it.

I have to be strong for Hika, but all I want to do is crawl in bed and hide.

We can't lose her. We can't. It would break Hika permanently. Me too. Our best friend. She's the only other person on the planet that knows what that means to us.

I don't want to imagine what she's going through. She must be terrified. Is she in the dark? Is she hurt? What are they doing to her? Is she even alive?

I need to pull myself together. Hika needs me.

I'm sure my eyes are all red and puffy. I'll tell him I got shampoo in them.

.

Kumi-san's been so nice, but I need Honey-kun. I need his strength.

She pulled me aside and told me Father had called, demanding my return home. Yorihisa-san talked him out of it because of security. I wouldn't have gone no matter what Father wanted. My place is here with my friends, with Honey-kun, and with Haruhi's family.

Will Honey-kun and I have to get married without my family's support? I'm and adult and can marry without my father's permission. Would he ever speak to me again? Would that matter if I'm with Honey-kun?

I can't do this. I need Honey-kun.

My legs gave out and I slid down the wall in the shower.

It's too much. My parents, the contract, finals, Haruhi, Shinobu, Honey-kun.

I let the sobs come.

.

Fuyumi: "How are you holding up?"

Yuki: "They're missing. I don't know what to do."

Fuyumi: Akito's right. She's couldn't handle knowing she was involved in leaking the kidnapping to social media. Good thing he called me before she did. "There's not much you can do. Focus on supporting Haruhi-chan's family."

Yuki: "They don't need me to be positive. They need Haruhi back."

Fuyumi: "You can help them from panicking. Both you and Akito can."

Yuki: "He's been so strong for me."

Fuyumi: "You're good for each other. Don't think you aren't helping him too."

Yuki: "I don't see how, but OK."

Fuyumi: "Just by being there. He knows you're safe and can focus on helping everyone through this."

Yuki: "Thanks, Fuyumi."

Fuyumi: "Call me anytime."

.

I turned off the shower when I heard Yuki say goodbye to Fuyumi.

When Kyoya told me what Tani'd done…and that he blamed Yuki! Getting him out of the country was for the best. Not sure he would have survived the wrath of all these families, and I would have been first in line.

We can't keep the cause of the leak from Yuki forever, but I have time to prep her for it. To build up her confidence before she finds out. I hope we can keep it from her until the girls are found, but realistically, that won't happen.

As an almost psychiatrist, I've been watching everyone's reactions, getting ready for anything. So far, no one's reacted differently than I expected. Renge's doing a great job keeping Tamaki under control, but she's being strong at her own expense. She needs to acknowledge how she feels before she breaks down.

I must write a case study on the twins. Such a strange relationship dynamic. Kaoru's keeping Hikaru in line, but emotionally Haruhi's kidnapping is affecting him more. Hikaru's anger is mostly selfish. Kaoru more concerned with Haruhi herself.

Haven't seen much of Mori and Honey, but they both can compartmentalize well. They'll need help when it's all over and they're back. Especially Mori. With everything that happened in St. Louis over her security, he'll be blaming himself.

Chika's putting up a strong front, but he's much more traumatized than anyone else can guess. Even Satoshi. Not sure what's going on there. Didn't think he was that close to Haruhi.

Interesting how everyone here is so focused on Haruhi to the exclusion of Shinobu. Won't be long before the shock wears off, and Tamaki and Hikaru realize Haruhi was probably kidnapped because she was with Shinobu. Nothing else makes sense.

And what about their security? How could this have even happened? How hard can it be to guard a pet store? Morinozuka security was trained in personal protection by the Black Onion Squad.

This should have never happened in the first place.

Are any of us safe?

.

"Look at these hashtags, Chika. Twitter is blowing up."

"But how do they know?"

"The original says something about overhearing a security guard and one of her friends." I looked over my shoulder at him, "But which one?"

"Doesn't say the gender. My guess is either the twins or Yuki-senpai. They were in public. We know it wasn't you."

"The twins maybe. Their security isn't that careful. Yuki-senpai's guarded by Black Onion Squad officers. Can't see them being that careless."

"What are you two doing in here?"

We both jumped and turned.

"Mother?"

"Aunt Umeko?"

She stared at the screen and then us. "Don't tell any of them. It will only worry them and not help anything."

"Yes, Mother."

"Who?" I wasn't going to ask, but Chika's braver sometimes.

"Yuki's guard. He's been dealt with."

"A BOS officer? I can only imagine what Ootori did to him."

"I'm not sure you can." She sighed and headed for the door. "Get changed and come down for dinner."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Ootori Private Plane, Over the Pacific:

"This one says her brother can't find a report."

"Yeah, but the original poster seems so confident."

"Doesn't seem right that it would leak like that. I thought security guards were supposed to be professional. Kyoya's guard are. So are yours."

"It has to be real. I can't think of anything else that would make him turn the plane around and be in his private office for so long."

"Haruhi's so sweet. I can't imagine anyone wanting to kidnap her."

I stood up and headed for his office. "Only one way to find out, and I'm tired of waiting."

.

"Come in."

"Kyoya?" Keiko stuck her head into my office. I'm surprised it took her this long. "Have you seen Twitter?"

"Come in and sit down. I'll tell you what I can."

.

Fifteen minutes later, Keiko came out of the office and practically ran over to me.

"It's all true, Abby. Not only has Haruhi been kidnapped, but Shinobu was with her. They're both gone."

"No wonder he turned the plane around."

"I talked to my parents. They'll have extra guards when we land that will be coming back with us. Nothing's going to happen to me in California, but they don't want to take chances."

"It must be crazy living your lives."

"It definitely has its ups and downs."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Security Conference Call:

Kawabata (Suoh): "Now that we know who the leak was, what do we tell the kids?"

Oshiro (Morinozuka): "Nothing. We have their electronics. They don't need to know about Twitter or the hashtag. They can't fix it. They can't do anything about it. It will only worry them more."

Harada (Hitachiin): "I'd be perfectly happy if the twins never learn about it, but we all know the first thing any of them will do once they get their phones back is to check their accounts."

Oshiro (Morinozuka): "We'll keep it from them as long as we can and let our PR departments deal with it in the meantime."

Morimoto (BOS): "We've tracked down ownership for most of the cars parked around the warehouse. So far, they all check out. Same for the cars we picked up on traffic cameras. Still running most of them down. We're talking hundreds."

Oshiro (Morinozuka): "What about the stolen vehicle list?"

Morimoto (BOS): We've loaded those plates into our recognition program and are running that against traffic cameras around the warehouse, both live and from the last few days. So far, nothing."

Fujii (Kasanoda): "If they stole them for the kidnapping, they would have switched plates. You won't find them that way."

Morimoto (BOS): "Agreed, but the checks run on their own in the background, so it doesn't hurt anything. When we checked the plates on the van, it came back stolen. They probably did the same for the car or cars. Besides, already identified one car some kids took for a joyride and reported it to the police. A little good will there never hurt anyone."

Oshiro (Morinozuka): "Let us know if you need any help with the cars."

Morimoto (BOS): "So far, we've got it under control. It's mostly crosschecking databases. That's computer work, and our techs aren't overwhelmed."

Oshiro (Morinozuka): "Any news from the FBI on the letters?"

Morimoto (BOS): "Not yet, but a preliminary report should be coming in soon."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Morinozuka Security Headquarters:

"Oshiro-sama, there's a phone call you should take. It's our police contact."

Guess it's time to check in with them.

.

Oshiro: "What can I do for you?"

Contact: "There's quite a storm on Twitter, and various police departments have been receiving calls regarding a kidnapping of a certain Morinozuka ward."

Oshiro: "And?"

Contact: "Can we help?"

Oshiro: "If it were true, we'd let you know when you could."

Contact: "If it were true?"

Oshiro: "Yes. We'll let you know."

Contact: "Got it. Good luck."

Oshiro: "With what?"

Contact: "I have no idea."

.

That's liable to be the most straightforward conversation I have all day.

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Security Headquarters, Himura Compound:

"I'm calling Ootori. He's in on this somehow."

"You think the head of the Ootori Conglomeration kidnapped a yakuza heir?"

"No," I glared at my father-in-law, "I think Ootori, the spoiled brat, can't let Haruhi go and has already shown he'd do just about anything to get what he wants."

I saw Junto-san and Pops share a look, and Pops shrug. Don't care if they believe me or not, I gotta be sure.

.

Ritsu: "Where are they?"

Kyoya: "Hello to you too, Kasanoda."

Ritsu: "I'm not fucking around, Ootori. Where are they?"

Kyoya: "I have no idea. The Black Onion Squad and Ootori security are doing everything possible to find them."

Ritsu: "You didn't do this? You didn't decide you wanted one more try at Haruhi and Bu was collateral damage?"

Kyoya: I heaved a sigh. He would think that. Though, looking back, I do not have a clean track record. "No. I didn't do this. I let go of all my hopes for Haruhi after Ranka's death. She and Mori-senpai are perfect together."

Ritsu: "If I find out you're involved, I will kill you slowly in the most painful way possible."

Kyoya: "I would expect nothing less."

.

I slammed the phone down. "He's not involved." I scanned the room, "Next."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Ootori Private Plane, Tokyo Airport:

"I apologize for the inconvenience," Kyoya called over his shoulder as he sprinted down the stairs and into a waiting limo. He was still yelling into the phone as the door closed and it peeled away.

"This way, please." A flight attendant met us on the tarmac and escorted us to a waiting plane. "You'll be taking this plane to California. It's ready to leave as soon as you're aboard."

"Come on, Johnathan." Abby grabbed my arm and pulled me along. "Let's go home."

"This has got to be the weirdest trip…"

I turned to watch three guards walk up to Keiko. "We'll be flying back with you and staying, Keiko-sama."

"Alright but call me Keiko in America. We don't use honorifics."

"Come on," Abby pulled harder. "You still want me to marry him?"

"How did you…?"

"I'm not an idiot, Johnathan."

"No, you're not." I collapsed into a seat towards the back of the new plane. "And no, I don't."

"Good." Abby sat down across from me, "Because I'm a lesbian, and I have a girlfriend."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Black Onion Squad Headquarters:

I let Tachibana clear the way for me into the main war room, and I assessed the crowd as I stood in the doorway.

Morimoto, fists on his hips, was staring hard at a map of Tokyo. Several techs at a side table were tapping away and talking amongst themselves. The security head conference call was going on in the background. Mainly updates.

"Report!" I snapped and stepped up to the main screen.

"No new actionable intelligence, Ootori-sama. License plates from traffic cameras are being checked."

"FBI response?"

"Still waiting."

I clamped down on my anger. They don't work for me. They're doing me a favor. Still, how long can it take?

.

Within the next five minutes, Kyoya-sama's pacing was making everyone crazy. Some hid it better than others. Morimoto-san's eyes flickered towards him every time he came to the front of the room and turned around. Random officers tensed as he walked by. The techs were the worst, some openly staring in their shock. No one's seen Ootori Kyoya this impatient, this nervous.

Except for me. I've seen him at his worst. I've seen him drunk, slurring, screaming, crying, and hurting people, including Haruhi-sama. I don't want to know what's going through his mind now. I'm sure it's a dark place.

I stepped in front of him, "Kyoya-sama?"

"Tachibana?"

"Yuki-sama's new detail head is across the hall. Why don't we go meet him?"

The relief in the room was embarrassing as we left.

.

Never thought I'd be the head of a personal protection detail [PPD] again. After telling Yuuichi off for his 'activities' and being reassigned to undercover work, I figured no one at the BOS would ever want to see my face again.

Now it's time to find out how different the kid is from his bastard father.

"Kyoya-sama, this is Numata Fujio, Yuki-sama's new detail head."

That eighteen-year-old is sizing me up with a glare and scrutiny stronger than Yoshio ever possessed.

"If I told you to report to me everything your primary says and does, what would you say?"

Interesting opener. "No."

"No?"

"Yeah, no. If my primary doesn't trust me, I can't keep them safe. I don't report on my primary's activities and interactions unless they pose a security risk, and only then if the two of us can't work it out first." I looked the kid up and down, "Once I'm assigned as a detail head, I work for them, not you."

"You reported on Yuuichi."

"What he was doing was illegal." I stood up straighter, "and morally reprehensible." I crossed my arms in front of me, "And he wouldn't stop."

"You were reassigned."

"I was put out to pasture in the undercover division. They were afraid I'd talk if they fired me."

"Would you have?"

"Only if I could prove he was still doing it."

"Have you been briefed on your new assignment?"

"Yes."

His eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners crinkled. He's too young for those worry lines. He wanted me to elaborate, but that's not the question he asked.

"Your opinion?"

Now I can let loose. "I saw the reports on the previous two heads. Sloppy. They weren't taking the posting seriously. I won't make that mistake."

.

It took me longer than I want to admit to place this guard. He took a knife attack meant for Yuuichi before I was born, when he was the implied heir. The scar down his cheek gave him a reckless look, but he was far from reckless.

"You have a lot of trust to make up for with Yuki-chan."

"I'm aware."

"If something happens to her, you won't be reassigned."

"I'm aware."

"Good."

He's just what's needed. He'll drive his team to perfection and protect Yuki-chan from outside threats and be the reassuring security presence she needs…once she gets past his scary exterior.

I nodded at Tachibana, "Get him over to the Morinozuka's and with Teraughi."

.

As Kyoya-sama headed out the door, Numata-san grunted, "Different from his old man, isn't he?" Since he's a thirty-year veteran of the BOS, I allowed the comment. "You're still with him, Tachibana. He must be."

"Yes."

He slapped me on the back, "Teraughi came on board after I was reassigned, so let's go meet him. He can catch me up on Akito-sama, Yuki-sama, and how the teams work together."

"Kyoya-sama was serious. Yuki-sama has significant trust issues with guards."

"It may not look it, but I know how to be gentle and build back that trust. She's in safe hands."

"I know. I chose you."

"And I won't let you down."

.

xXx

.

Dinner, Game Room, Morinozuka Estate:

My sons, nephews, and their friends gathered silently around the buffet. I'd ordered the kitchen to not serve sushi or strawberries. Too many memories tied to Haruhi-chan.

Haruhi-chan…my daughter. It's been building for months, but I've come to think of her as my daughter completely. I want to panic. I want to be with Akira in security headquarters. But I've kept my heart calm and closed. I must be strong for these children. I'm the adult and must be strong.

No one was satisfied with the report Takashi and Mitsukuni gave. No new information, and lots of details left out. We'd decided to keep the dock, clothes, and social media from them. Telling them doesn't do anyone any good.

It was hard to notice, but I saw the tells. Renge-chan and Akito-san know the whole story. Her father and his brother must have told them during their phone calls. The potential for disaster is high, but if any one of the group could be trusted, those two are who I would have chosen. She'll be a calming influence over them all, especially Tamaki-kun. He'll watch for potential problems. His medical training is obvious in the way he scans the room.

The boys' plates were full. Never stand between teen-aged boys and food. A couple, though, were eating on autopilot, clearly not tasting their meals.

The girls were picking at their food, just like Kumi and I were.

But Cho-chan. She had almost nothing on her plate and hadn't touched it yet.

"Cho-chan? Aren't you hungry? Would you like some cake instead?"

Eyes glassy with unshed tears looked up at my nephew, "Do you think they're feeding Haruhi-chan?" She swallowed hard, "Or Shinobu-chan?" Cho-chan's voice was quiet and childish. I don't hear Shinobu-san called 'chan' very often.

Everyone jumped at the sound of shattering glass.

"Takashi?"

He ran out of the room, his hand dripping blood where he'd cut it from squeezing his drinking glass so hard it broke.

Mitsukuni, who'd put his arm around Cho-chan, pulled away from her and stood up to follow.

"Sit, Alien. Cho-senpai needs you." Chika headed for the door. "I'll take over."

He sat back down, and Cho-chan collapsed in his arms.

.

"Takashi! Stop!"

He continued to the restroom where he threw up his dinner, not that he'd eaten that much.

I tossed him a cold, wet, towel. "Not eating isn't going to help her. Even if she's not being fed, she'd want you to keep your strength up and find her."

His hands covered his stomach, and I realized I'd read him wrong. My stoic cousin having such a visceral reaction…I suddenly understood what he had been dealing with this afternoon.

He slowly wrapped his hand. It didn't soak through red right away, so hopefully the cuts aren't that deep.

Now he's just standing there, staring at his reflection in the mirror. No expression, no…nothing.

"IT'S YOUR FAULT!" he screamed then slammed his fist into face in the mirror.

I actually jumped and squealed in shock.

"Takashi!" No reaction. Still staring at the broken mirror.

I've got to get him out of here. "Come on," I put my hand on his shoulder and steered him into the hallway, "some ginger ale should help, and we need to see if you need stiches."

It's not his fault, but security definitely has some things to answer for.

I'll let a maid know about the mirror.

.

xXx

.

Early Evening, Security Headquarters, Himura Compound:

"SHIT!"

The entire room jumped. An entire room of hardened yakuza.

"Ritsu, what the fuck?" Ryuu-sama barked. The fact that he was embarrassed at flinching at the young lord's outburst was obvious to no one but me.

"Where's the dog?"

"What?"

The entire room deflated.

"That mutt? Kasa? Where is she?" He looked over at Junto-sama, "Bu will want her when she gets back."

"Shinobu's maid has her. She wasn't harmed."

"I guess that's one thing I won't have to kill them for."

.

xXx

.

Early Evening, Warehouse in Tokyo:

"Status?"

"In separate closets, blindfolded, gagged, zip tied and taped to chairs, in their underwear. Both still out cold. Should be for a couple more hours based on body weight."

"Fine. Leave them alone. We'll get started on them later."

.

xXx

.

Early Evening, Morinozuka Security Headquarters:

"How's your hand?"

"Fine."

Seven stiches. Looked like it only needed four, but I guess the doc was being extra careful. At least none of the tendons or nerves were cut. Just two cuts on the fleshy outer part of his palm.

Takashi was staring at the main screen. A huge map of Tokyo showed dots where security officers were out following up on things. The pet store, warehouse, and docks were highlighted with yellow squares. Dozens of routes were displayed based on traffic camera data. As the vehicles were cleared, their routes disappeared.

"We should get some air."

"No."

"At least drink some water. From your eyes, I can clearly tell you're in pain." I tossed him a bottle which he finished in one go. He wouldn't take the pain meds the doctor offered.

My phone beeped, notifying us of yet another tweet with the #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped hashtag. He looked over, but I shook my head, "Nothing new. Just stupid speculation."

At least they gave me back my phone when I took over for the Alien.

"Where's Eiji?"

The officer manning the display hit a button and a green circle lit up. "At the Ootori hospital where the guards from the pet store were taken."

Takashi turned away from the main screen, "I want to be there when they wake up."

I nodded and waved him out, "I'll meet you at the limo in ten minutes."

"Hn."

.

xXx

.

Early Evening, Twitter:

Police are denying #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped #FujiokaHaruhi #Hitachiin Model #EveryWoman #PettoChinmi [retweet of original tweet]

No shit! Would you confirm? #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped #FujiokaHaruhi #Hitachiin Model #EveryWoman #FujiokaThreats #PettoChinmi [response to tweet above]

She talked to both the PM and Princess last night. Maybe that's why? #FujiokaHaruhi #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped #HitachiinModel #EveryWoman #FujiokaThreats #PettoChinmi [pics from the ball]

MorinozukaTakashi – Has your girlfriend been kidnapped? What are you doing? #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped #FujiokaHaruhi #Hitachiin Model #EveryWoman #FujiokaThreats #PettoChinmi [pic of Mori & Haruhi kissing after his medal ceremony]

.

xXx

.

Early Evening, Personal Protection Detail Division, Black Onion Squad:

I looked up when I heard a knock on my door. "Tachibana?" Then jumped to my feet when he walked in, and I saw the person behind him. "Ootori-sama?"

What on earth?

"Did you or did you not hold several training sessions for members of Morinozuka security before the St. Louis Olympic trip?"

"My division did. For the Morinozuka, Haninozuka, Hitachiin, and Suoh security forces."

"Then," he sat down in front of my desk and crossed he legs, "I'd like you to explain to me how members of the Morinozuka PPD guarding Fujioka Haruhi allowed her to be kidnapped right under their noses."

Oh, shit.

.

xXx

.

Early Evening, Every Woman Offices, Hitachiin Fashions:

"No comment." I hung up the phone and turned to Akabane-san. "Should we really be answering the phones on a Sunday evening if all we're going to say is 'no comment'? I know I'm just an intern, but wouldn't silence be better?"

A condescending smile. I know what's coming. "That's why we offer internships. There are many nuances to learn in the fashion business. 'No comment' might seem to be confirmation, but silence is."

Her assistant held up a phone, "Akabane-san, her agent is on the phone again."

"Listen and learn."

"Inokuma-san, a pleasure to hear from you."

…

"Don't tell me you give credence to internet rumors."

…

"I assure you, once we have information you need to know, you'll be contacted."

…

"The answer to everything is 'no comment'. I appreciate your staff responding the same."

…

"Thank you. Enjoy what's left of your weekend."

She hung up the phone and smiled. "A non-denial denial is best for people who won't hesitate to stab you in the back. Never say anything you wouldn't want printed on the front page of the newspaper."

"Yes, Ma'am."

I picked up another call, "Hitachiin Fashions, Every Woman Offices."

…

"No comment."

.

Well, that conversation was nothing less than I was expecting. I finally had to take it; I'd been holding him off since the tweets started.

This is insane. The face of the line kidnapped with a yakuza heir, and no one knows why?

No matter how hard I pushed, I couldn't get any details out of security, Morinozuka PR, or Endo-san. Tried to convince them that leaves me flying blind, but they just don't care.

I watched my Twitter feed scroll by. Dozens and dozens of tweets full of speculation and alarm. The interns on their fake accounts were doing the best they can, flooding her hashtags with news about the ball, pictures from the current ad campaign, and links to different articles. But it's snowballing and there's no way to hold it back.

I need a plan to capitalize on this when she's found. No one else but her agent will want to think about it, and any publicity is good publicity.

.

xXx

.

Evening, Voice mail on Haruhi's Phone:

Misuzu: "Haruhi! Darling! Pick up the phone! Pickup…pickup…pickup… It's all over Twitter that you've been kidnapped! Is it true? Please tell me it's not. It can't be true. You have to be safe. You have to be sa…"

Beep…

Misuzu: "Your phone cut me off. Are you alright? Please answer! Oh, this is ridiculous. Why won't you answer your phone? The internet is crazy saying all kinds of horrible things. I just want to know if you're…"

Beep…

Misuzu: "Haruhi, your phone keeps beeping at me. What is going on? Please call me back right away and let me know you're alright. I worry about you so much. You're all over the news and people can be so mean. I just want to know you're alright…"

Beep…

.

xXx

.

Evening, Ootori Hospital:

I'm sitting here in this stupid wheelchair watching Takashi-sama pace the hallway outside the waiting room. That man never paces, and I've seen him do it a couple times today. At least he can let off some of his energy. I called the doc asking for a walking cast or something, and he threatened me with telling Haruhi-sama about my willingness to forgo my health if I didn't stay in this chair.

I want her back and don't care if she yells at me about my foot. But I got the point anyway.

"When we get back to the estate, we can wheel you up to the heavy bag," Yasuchika-sama didn't even look up from his laptop. "Though from the sounds at the nurses' station, you won't have long to wait until you can let loose on the guards."

That's when I realized activity among the rooms was increasing and the beeping was getting faster.

"About damn time."

"Yes."

.

I heard beeping and then smelled disinfectant. What happened?

Opening my eyes was a mistake. The room was spinning and way too bright.

A hospital?

The last thing I remember is…

"Oh, no."

.

A loud thump brought nurses running, and I followed them into Miwa's room.

"Stay down," one of them pushed him on his back. He'd fallen trying to get out of bed. I'm not sure if his IV came out on accident or if he pulled it out himself. "You've been unconscious for hours. You need to stay still."

"Hours?" His eyes tracked over the nurse's shoulders and caught mine, "Hours?"

"Hn."

His brain finally caught up, and he started to thrash around. "Haruhi-sama! Where is she? I need to know that she's safe."

"STOP!" I barked. "She is not safe. She and Shinobu were kidnapped under your watch."

That's when Eiji rolled in and fixed Miwa with a glare. "You need to explain yourself, Miwa. Now."

.

Sweat dripped down my face. My hands shook so violently, the nurse strapped my left arm down so I wouldn't fuck up my IV. Hibino-sama stared at me over the back of the chair he was straddling.

I couldn't stop staring in fear at Kono-san as he tried to kill me with his eyes from the corner of the room.

Once I got my bearings after waking up in the hospital, I knew I was as good as dead. I'm a yakuza guard that let his primary get taken. I let the heir get taken. I let Junto-sama's little girl get taken.

I'd rather they kill me now than have to face him.

"Go through it again."

I took a deep breath and told the same story I'd told three times already. "A delivery truck pulled up to the back. Utsugi-san and I stopped them to check them out, but the side door flew open and the last thing I saw was a gun. I assume I was tranked since I woke up here instead of hell."

Kono-san growled from the corner, "You're going to wish you were in hell when I'm done with you."

"Again," Hibino-sama ordered.

.

"It was a delivery van, Eiji-san. Came up at a regular pace, the driver rolled his window down, and I started to ask their business. All of a sudden, the side door opened, and they shot the yakuza guard. Guess I was next."

I stared Utsugi-san down and thought about how hard it will be to replace her. Female guards can be difficult to find.

"You were ordered to be on high alert."

"We were."

"You were?"

"I thought we were."

She had the decency to blush crimson and stare down at her hands. Her nails were ragged from chewing. Disgusting.

"You weren't." Her eyes were haunted. "And now she's gone."

.

"Eiji, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault."

I can barely look at him. "Yes, it is." He let my Haruhi-sama get taken. I put Miwa in charge, and he disappointed everyone, but especially Haruhi-sama.

"I don't know what else to say. I've told you everything."

And precious little it is.

"Again."

"When the two men came into the grooming section of the store, they were wearing jeans and black hoodies. They were also wearing black ski masks. The only thing I can say for certain is they were men. I was shot first, and as I was going down, I saw Shinobu-sama shot as well." I shook my head, "That's all I remember."

I looked him over, lying in that comfortable bed, getting the best medical treatment.

Who knows what Haruhi-sama's going through? Based on bodyweights, the doctor thinks neither girl would be awake now.

And wherever she is, she's in her underwear.

"I can't even be in the same room with you," and I rolled out.

.

"We don't know anything more than we knew before these fucking idiots woke up."

I nodded, agreeing with my boss. Hibino-sama'd already called Himura security headquarters and reported. "Now what?"

"We let them stew for a while then let the Black Onion Squad loose on them." We all turned to Chika-sama, but he hadn't looked up from his laptop. "If there's more to get, they'll get it."

"I beg to differ, Yasuchika-sama," Hibino-sama glanced at him. "I'm not sure they could do what needs to be done."

This time, he did look up, "Each guard is in their own room of an Ootori hospital. Alone without cameras. The BOS will do whatever it takes, and the hospital will mop it up. Why do you think Oshiro-san agreed to this hospital? He knows that Ootori Kyoya will move mountains to find her…them."

"Hn." Although Takashi-sama agreed, I could see the distaste in his face.

I'm not sure Hibino-sama knows the background between Haruhi-sama and Kyoya-sama, but I do. Shinobu-sama wanted me to know so I could be aware of anything strange happening between them.

Odd to trust someone who was so infatuated with Haruhi-sama that he'd kidnapped her himself, but I trust Oshiro-sama's judgement.

We sat listening to quick typing until Takashi-sama couldn't take it anymore. "Chika, are you getting updates from headquarters?"

"No." He typed for a few more seconds then looked up, "I'm communicating with Tanaki-san, Petto Chinmi's assistant executive director."

Eiji went pale. "What are you telling him?" Then his eyes narrowed in recognition, "That's Haruhi-sama's laptop."

"Yes. He called, texted, and emailed her when the tweets started. He has an alert for her hashtags." He leaned back and closed the lid. "We neglected to include Petto Chinmi in the PR meetings. I've caught him up over the phone as much as the others. He looped in Gorou-san, his head of marketing and PR. She'll be here any minute to talk to the store clerk and dog groomer."

"Wondered what you were going to do about them," Hibino-sama mumbled. "Figured you'd just lock them down."

"That's basically what we're doing. The public is being told the store was shut down due to a gas leak. We'll use that as the cover story for them being in the hospital."

.

Good thing I grabbed her laptop before Takashi and I came over here. Then Eiji caught me up on everything, including the PR meetings.

"That's a lot of typing if you've been communicating by phone."

"I've been answering Tanaki-san's emails about the business. The princess told Haruhi last night that her dogs eat Petto Chinmi treats. We're arranging a basket to be delivered tomorrow among other things. I'm not discussing the kidnapping in writing."

"Why you?"

"I'm her silent partner. Makes sense for me to do it." I'll also be helping until she's ready to come back.

If she comes back.

Stop it, Chika. I shook my head to clear it. She'll be back soon and ready to go back to work. We'll find her.

.

xXx

.

Early Evening, Phone call between Gorou-san and her son:

Gorou-san (Petto Chinmi Marketing Manager): "I don't know how late I'll be, Maki. Don't wait up."

Gorou Maki (Physics Tutor): "You ran out of here so fast. What happened?" Then I heard a car horn. "Are you driving?"

Gorou-san: "I'm headed for the hospital. There was an incident at one of the stores today, and two employees were injured."

Maki: "Incident?" What the hell does that mean?

Gorou-san: "Gas leak." She's his friend. Does he need to know? "At least, that's what we're telling people."

Maki: "Mother, you're not making sense."

Gorou-san: "Fujioka-sama was there, and she was…" I really shouldn't tell him.

Maki: "Was what? Is she alright?" I stood up and headed for the closet, checking my watch. "What hospital? I can catch a train."

Gorou-san: "NO!" I took a deep breath and tried to calm down. "Stay there. She's not at the hospital." I had to slam the breaks for a red light.

Maki: Another horn? "She's not? You just said she was injured."

Gorou-san: "The clerk and dog groomer were taken to the hospital. She's not there."

Maki: Dammit. "Start from the beginning and tell me what happened."

Gorou-san: "Fujioka-sama and a friend were having a dog groomed when they were kidnapped. The clerk and groomer were knocked out."

Maki: "Kidnapped?" Haruhi? "What can I do?"

Gorou-san: "Stay there. Study for your finals." I pulled into a parking place and turned off the car. "I shouldn't have told you."

Maki: "Too late for that." Now, I'm standing at the door, holding my jacket and keys. "Wait, you want me to stay here and study?"

Gorou-san: "Yes." I recognized one of her guards and followed him. "What else can you do?"

Maki: "But…"

Gorou-san: "Maki, there's nothing you can do. I shouldn't have told you. Please just study."

Maki: "If you expect me to just sit here, then you need to keep me updated."

Gorou-san: "I'll text you."

Maki: "You better."

Gorou-san: "And don't tell anyone. I need this job."

Maki: "Fine."

I hung up and looked down at my books. I have a huge test tomorrow.

Kidnapped? Why? And how? She has that Eiji guy.

.

xXx

.

Early Evening, Security Offices, Morinozuka Estate:

"So far, mainly tabloids and entertainment news hoping for a bite."

"What are we going to do when someone confirms it?"

"Whoever confirms will answer to me." Endo-san and I jumped up as Umeko-sama entered the room. "And they'll wish they'd never been born."

Never stand between a mamma bear and her cub.

She gestured for us to sit. "Your office told me I could find you both here, Hara-san, Endo-san."

"It seemed prudent to run the Morinozuka PR office from security for now. No delay in getting new information."

"I agree." She sat down across the table and poured herself a cup of coffee. Endo-san popped open another Red Bull. "Now, aside from torturing whoever confirms, what are we going to do when it happens?"

.

xXx

.

Evening, Game Room and Private Theater, Morinozuka Estate:

"Are you sure Tamaki won't be angry with you when he wakes up?"

I looked down at my fiancé's sleeping face. So peaceful using my lap as a pillow. My fingers running through his hair were as much for me as for him. Even asleep, he's grounding me.

"It was a very mild sedative. The fact that he fell asleep so quickly shows how much he needed it."

Yes, I'd slipped him a pill during dessert. No, I'm not proud of myself. But I could see the headache in his eyes, the tension in his shoulders. Ever since I pointed out how little we could do to help, he'd become more and more agitated. When I offered to go see the Morinozuka doctor for some heartburn medication for him, I asked for the gentlest sleeping pill he had. Just something that would let Tamaki-kun close his eyes long enough to fall asleep. The doctor already had a bottle in his pocket.

"Tama-chan feels things so deeply." Honey-senpai leaned forward so I could see him around Cho, "He would push himself to collapse if we let him."

"And there's nothing he can do anyway."

"Exactly why I wanted him to get some sleep." I stroked his cheek with my thumb. "If he's angry with me when he wakes up, he has every right to be. But, for now, I want him to rest."

.

I knew suggesting a movie was a bad idea, but mother won't let us turn on the TV. Not sure what she thinks is coming. Mainstream press isn't going to report on Twitter rumors.

And now Chika's with Takashi, and Mitsukuni's with Cho-senpai. It's for the best. Even I could tell Cho-senpai was barely holding it together.

"How are you holding up, Satoshi?"

Great. Akito caught me after I stuffed another handful of popcorn in my mouth. I held up a finger and finished chewing.

"Better than others." I nodded at Yuki-senpai in his lap. Despite the space comedy I'd picked, she cried herself to sleep in his arms.

"You're in an impossible position of wanting to be strong for your parents, your brother, and everyone else here." The small smile on his face wasn't pity, more like understanding. "If you need to lash out and vent, know that you can come to me."

"Thanks." I held out the bowl of popcorn and lowered my voice to a whisper, "Does Yuki-senpai know about her new detail head?" I know he knows about the leak. He probably knows more than almost anyone here. Ootori would have told him.

"No. As soon as we introduce them, she'll want to know why Tani's gone. She's not ready to hear that yet."

Makes sense. I took another handful of popcorn and stared at the screen. Maybe this movie isn't that funny.

.

"Hika, you need to calm down."

"Stop telling me what to do, Kaoru. If you don't leave me the fuck alone, we're going to have a real fight."

"Maybe you should call your doctor. You can tell him everything, and he must keep it confidential."

"Bastard's only going to tell me to sit down and breathe."

"Yeah," I scrubbed my fingers through my hair, "that's not going to work."

He kept pacing, and I kept watching.

.

xXx

.

Evening, Security Headquarters, Himura Compound:

"Arisa, please don't cry. We'll find her."

Junto handed me another handkerchief, and I mopped my face. We'd sat down on a sofa in the corner of the room where we were out of the way but could still see and hear everything. Though it would be easier if everything didn't sound like it was underwater.

Hibino, our security head, had just returned from the hospital and given a full report. I may be a woman, but I am a yakuza wife. Those guards that failed my baby better never come near me. They don't want to know what I'm capable of.

"I'm still not sure about these letters," Fujii-san, the Kasanoda security head, said as he tossed his copies onto the table. "The threats are cruel, but just don't sound real enough to me. Too dramatic."

"That's why we're investigating reasons on our side." Hibino grabbed his phone and started swiping. "I'm calling Kono at the hospital. I didn't get to talk to him about that."

"Put it on speaker," Junto's voice vibrated through me as he held me tight. "I want to hear it."

.

Hibino: "Are you sure she's not into anything we don't know about?"

Kono: "Yes, Hibino-sama. Aside from the Syndicate work you know about, she's been managing the love hotels and strip clubs."

Hibino: "What about that one club with the trouble?"

Kono: "That was months ago. The police have everyone in custody and still have the crime scene. She's kept up with the news, but nothing new has happened."

Fujii: "What do you think about Fujioka-sama's letters? Are they the reason?"

Kono: "Not sure. We don't have anything better right now."

Hibino: "Alright. You stay there until you're satisfied."

Kono: "I'll wait to see what the BOS interrogators get, but I'm not holding out any hope."

.

Pops finished his sandwich and turned to Junto-san. "Guess it's about time we started calling the other syndicate heads. At least the friendly ones."

"Yeah," Junto-san gave Arisa-san a kiss on the cheek and stood up, "You should try to get some sleep, Arisa. I'll wake you if something happens."

"There's no way I can sleep."

"Then a bath and some tea. You'll feel better after that. This room isn't doing you any good."

"You're right." She stood and headed for the door. Her steps are shorter, her shoulders rounder. "I'll find Kasa and play with her."

"Good idea." He walked her to the door and closed it behind her. "Let's make those calls."

.

xXx

.

Evening, Morinozuka Security Headquarters:

I'm on my own conference call with security techs from the group. Over the last months, we'd implemented a license plate gathering network covering all estates, schools, apartments, and businesses owned or used by members. Quite an undertaking that required its own data architect and small staff run out of the Haninozuka estate.

"Anything new?" Oshiro-sama's been trying to leave us alone until we have something, but no one is patient today. Those of us who've met Haruhi-sama personally know just how special she is.

"Not yet."

"Explain how this thing works again," Morinozuka-sama sat down across from me.

I muted the tech conference call and plunged in. "We collect license plates from passing vehicles in all applicable locations, including all estates, schools, and businesses of the group. Your son's apartment was added as soon as it was chosen. We also have places they all frequent, such as the diner, the public library, Fujioka-sama's Go salon, and different dojos around the city. The syndicates pipe in their own data from their cameras. Some of the locations are identified only by code."

I finished off my coffee and one of the security assistants refilled it. My stomach's burning from it all.

"License plates that are picked up multiple times are analyzed by the software. If they only are associated with one location and are within the same time frame day after day, they're marked as benign, probably commuters. If they are picked up multiple times a day or at multiple locations, they're flagged for human assessment."

"How many?"

"Over a thousand. Most are easily dismissed. Taxis, busses, delivery vans that check out, etc. We've only had to investigate a couple hundred closer. All but less than a dozen have checked out." I leaned back and popped my neck. I really should get some air before my brain gets too cloudy. "Those are still being investigated."

"Is one or more of them the kidnappers?"

"Operating on the assumption that this involves Fujioka-sama's letters, no, I don't think so. None of them are connected to her addresses."

"And Himura-chan?"

"Only one the syndicates wanted a closer look at, but that was two weeks ago. They don't think it's related."

"Then what's being done now?"

"Any even slightly suspicious plates associated with either girl's addresses are being reviewed again. The BOS is assisting with the deeper background checks and in-person follow ups. We're also running our entire database against the traffic camera data the BOS collected from around the warehouse and the stolen vehicle list. So far, nothing."

"You said her Go salon. What about the cemetery?"

"It's covered as well, Morinozuka-sama."

"Akira-san," Oshiro-sama jerked his head away from the table and they both walked away. But not before I heard him reassure him that we were doing everything we could.

.

I followed Oshiro into his office and sat down. "I never thought my family would need such intense security measures."

"Haruhi-sama's profile has grown exponentially since becoming your ward and association with the rest of the group compounds all threats."

"I miss the simpler days."

"I'm not sure, Akira-san. I remember the 'good old days'. They really weren't."

.

xXx

.

Evening, Phone call between Kaoru and Yuzuha:

Kaoru: "Mom, you gotta help me."

Yuzuha: "Kaoru, how are the two of you holding up? Has Hikaru called his doctor yet?"

Kaoru: "No. Listen…I need to cancel Haruhi's photoshoot tomorrow. It's obviously not going to happen even if she walks through the door right now."

Yuzuha: "I forgot you had that scheduled."

Kaoru: "It's just a small one. Just filling in some blanks after the shoots in New York and DC. It was only supposed to be for a couple of hours."

Yuzuha: "I'll contact Mao. She can call Suwa-san and get it cancelled."

Kaoru: "Does Suwa-san know what's going on?"

Yuzuha: "No. She's marketing, not PR. The only one over at Every Woman that knows is Akabane-san."

Kaoru: "Thanks, Mom."

Yuzuha: "Just hold tight. They'll find her. She and Shinobu will be fine."

Kaoru: "That's what I keep telling Hika."

Yuzuha: "Try to get him to call his doctor."

Kaoru: "I'm trying, but short of tying him down and gluing the phone to his ear, nothing's working."

Yuzuha: "We'll give it until tomorrow and figure something out."

.

xXx

.

Evening, Black Onion Squad Headquarters:

Nowhere.

All this checking, cross-checking, following up, researching has gotten us nowhere.

And still nothing from the FBI. How long can it possibly take them? This isn't even the first time they've looked at those fucking letters for us.

"Kyoya-sama?" I turned and glared at Tachibana. He held out a bottle of water and two pills. "For your migraine."

"No."

"These are the non-drowsy ones."

"Whatever."

I swallowed them with a gulp of water and tried to hand him back the bottle. "Drink it all."

"Fuck," I grumbled, but did it.

"Should I call the kitchen for you?"

"Don't push your luck, Tachibana."

.

xXx

.

Night, Warehouse in Tokyo – nowhere near the docks:

What?

Dark?

My hands won't move!

"Whaaa da fuuuu?"

Deep breath, Shinobu. Deep breath. Slow. In. Out. In. Out. Breathe around the gag. Remember your training.

That's when it hit. I saw them shoot Miwa-san then turn their gun on me.

Trank. How long have I been out?

Well, shit.

…

Alright. Blindfolded and gaged. Small room, no echo. Duct taped to a chair, wrists and ankles. I think there's a zip tie under the tape.

And…in my fucking underwear. Could be worse. I almost didn't wear a bra today.

Traffickers.

Must be those goddamn, motherfucking traffickers.

My security has a lot to answer for.

They better not have gotten Haruhi too.

.

xXx

.

Author's Note:

Wow – lots happening. So many people to check in on. The main group, security, parents, and what Dad and I are calling the 'second ring' (like a bullseye). Those are the friends, business associates, etc.

Had to toss that stuff in about the license plates. I was a data architect before I retired. Spent way too much time figuring out how they'd build that database before I realized you wouldn't care in the slightest. Oh well.

Got a little funny stuff in there. Poor Johnathan.

And Bu's finally awake…

Anyone catch the 'West Wing' quote?

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Next Chapter:

Finally get to Monday…

BOS interrogates security. Haruhi and Bu both awake. Social Media goes apeshit. The group finds out about the leak.

…and we find out who the kidnappers are.

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Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Ouran High School Host Club. I also do not own, nor am I making any money from, the following: Olympics, Lego, any real restaurant, business, artist, food product, movie, game, location, or really anything else that exists. I do, however, own any original characters and the plot of this story.