Happy New Year! 2016 marks a New Year, a new chapter and a new beginning. I wish you all the best!
Beta : RiveReinStyx! Thank you for being an awesome friend! Still can't believe that I actually met you in person. From being Internet pals to meeting each other in real life, how awesome is that?
Disclaimer: Finder Series and its characters are properties of Yamane Ayano sensei. No profit is made from this fan fiction.
Warnings: Torture, Lemons.
Business as Usual
WARNING: Torture scenes. Please skip to the next page break if you're uncomfortable with torture scenes.
The old furniture factory had a moldy, mothy smell. The half-timbered building, once stood tall and handsome, had long lost its glorious years. The paint was peeling off its spot; the gates surrounding the compound, rusty. Next to the main gate, a private property sign had been erected with warnings that trespassers would be prosecuted.
Situated fifty miles from Osaka town, the abandoned furniture factory looked dilapidated and haunted. And it was just the way Asami Ryuichi liked it.
He bought the place below the market price after the owner committed suicide due to heavy debts. The banks were eager to let the property off their hands, knowing that no one was willing to purchase a property with suicide history.
It didn't matter if the building looked the way it was because to Asami, it was a perfect place to hide his crates of firearms and cocaine.
But tonight, the usually empty factory had full house attendance, with almost every able guard on and off duty in Osaka jam packed into the small factory. News about Haruma's betrayal had reached far and with the boss and his lover injured during an assassination attempt, the spectators in the building already knew what to expect. Together with the head of Imagawa clan, the duo was detained unwillingly in the building.
Asami unleashed his wrath with full force. Imagawa-kumi was forced to disband, with most of the top leaders killed by a single bullet to their heads. The oyabun, under strict orders from Asami, was dragged from Imagawa headquarters to the abandoned factory.
The guards on duty began to wince when Suoh and Toru took turns to punch Haruma. The once flamboyant manager looked unrecognizable with his broken nose, swollen eyes and jaw. His left shoulder looked like the broken limb of a ragged doll, dislocated.
"St – stop, please," Haruma pleaded weakly.
"Haruma, you can't possibly think that I'll be lenient with you after you betrayed me," Asami said easily as he watched Suoh swung the bat on Haruma's shin. He screamed as he fell onto his knees but the bulky guard dragged him up and punched him straight on his face.
Haruma staggered backwards from the punch. It was obvious he was no match for Asami's chief security. He wiped the blood off from the back of his hand; his eyes darted back and forth at Asami and Suoh.
"Asami sama, please let me explain," Haruma pleaded as he went on his knees.
"Explain?" Suoh strode to Haruma, dragged him across the room to Asami. "There's no need. You betrayed the boss, that's all that matters."
Haruma, already bleeding from the punches earlier began to crawl towards Asami. Kirishima stepped forward and kicked Haruma before the former manager could even manage to touch Asami's leather Suoh for the bat, the secretary grabbed the bat and swung it hard on the manager's shin. The sound of the bone snapping into two; followed by a loud scream of pain echoed around the factory.
"Don't touch him," the bespectacled secretary said calmly, passing the bat back to Suoh before taking his position behind Asami.
Asami smirked. Kirishima rarely took part in the torture sessions. For the secretary to do so willingly, he must be pissed royal. He leaned back against his chair and placed a palm on his gunshot wounds, wincing slightly at the neatly stitched wounds.
"Asami sama, are you all right?" Kirishima asked, concerned.
He nodded his head before turning to Suoh."Tie him up."
Suoh dragged the sobbing man to an old wood cutting machine board and secured his hands and legs in the spread-eagle position.
Asami stood up from his chair, walked to where Imagawa Shou was held. Bound to a single wooden chair, the leader of the Imagawa kumi looked young for a man who recently celebrated his fifty-fifth birthday, largely thanks to his muscular body. The smoothness of his skin, the minimal wrinkles around his eyes and forehead suggested to Asami that he was a man who cared about his appearance.
"Kumicho, you'll have to excuse me while I settle some internal matters. Don't worry, you'll have your turn soon," he said and without waiting for a reply, nodded at Suoh.
The bulky guard switched on the machine. The rotary blades attached at the foot of the board immediately buzzed to life and slowly began to saw through the wooden board where Haruma was tied.
"No, please Asami sama! Please, I beg you!" Haruma shook his head violently; his panicked eyes never left the sharp blades of the cutting machine moving upwards in between his legs.
Asami took no notice of Haruma and continued to stare at Imagawa. The dark eyes were proud and full of hatred but it wasn't a match to Asami's cold, bloodthirsty gaze.
"You're doing this for show?" Imagawa gritted out.
The crime lord raised his hand and the machine stopped, earning a loud gasp of relief from Haruma. "For show?"
"You're trying to scare me. It won't work." The hard eyes looked straight at Asami. "As the kumicho, I've seen everything. You wouldn't dare to saw him with that thing."
Asami raised an eyebrow, smirked. He was enjoying this even more.
"Toru, bring it out."
Toru and Ando emerged seconds later with a huge chest, placing it in front of Imagawa.
"Want to know what's inside?"
Imagawa's mouth tightened at the sight of the box. Apparently, the sight of wet dripping blood by the sides did not go unnoticed by the kumicho.
Before he could offer a reply, Asami instructed Toru to open the chest. The lanky guard unlocked the latch, revealing the contents to the audience in the factory. As the smell of blood and death permeated in the factory, more than half of the men in the room had to cover their mouths to stop themselves from vomiting.
The assassin sent by Imagawa Shou lay in the huge chest, dead and decapitated. His severed head was position on top of the pile of bloody mess, his eyes wide opened as they stared at Imagawa, lifeless.
Asami circled Imagawa, yanked his head up, forcing the man to look at the assassin. "Recognize him?"
"You – you're crazy," Imagawa stuttered, his eyes never left the chest.
"I don't do these things for fun," Asami said, his golden eyes turned lethal. "You overstep your boundaries, sending men to assassinate me and Akihito. Do you think I'd settle with your pinky as an apology?"
As cold sweat began to trickle down Imagawa's face, Asami continued. "I won't be satisfied until I wring every drop of blood out of your body, so be prepared."
Without waiting for a response, the crime lord strode to Haruma. His tear stricken eyes stared up at his boss, a man he regretted betraying. "Asami sama, please give me a second chance. I swear on my life that I won't betray you again. I'll protect Takaba sama with my life and – arg!" he halted when Toru rammed his fist on Haruma's already broken nose.
"Don't talk about protecting Takaba sama or the boss when you had intentions to have them killed from the start," Toru spoke calmly before bowing before Asami. "I apologize for my rashness, sir."
The crime lord waved his hand and the guard stood back. Sliding his hands into his dress pants, he pulled out a jagged coin, the same one that Akihito had given him the night at the beach. He kept the coin close to him like a charm, finding it oddly difficult to dispose the unusable coin.
He ran his lean fingers over the coin, tracing the jagged edges almost fondly before slipping back into his pocket. He turned his attention back to his prisoner.
"You chose this, Haruma kun. You knew this would be your fate yet you chose it." Asami's eyes were narrowed, rigid and hard.
"Gentlemen," Asami addressed his stunned guards. "This is a reminder to anyone who so much so thinks of betraying me." He went back to his seat and sat. Accepting a cigar from Kirishima, he ordered. "Suoh."
The bulky guard needed no further instructions. Switching on the power, he watched as the blades quickly saw upwards towards Haruma's inner legs.
"No, please no! Asami sama! Please forgive me! ASAMI SAMA!" The former manager pleaded and promised Asami the world but the crime lord's anger could no longer be appeased with mere promises.
He watched emotionlessly as Haruma screamed from the pain when the rotary blades saw through the inner thigh like a meat cutter, crushing the thigh bone in a sickening crunching sound. Particularly, he enjoyed watching Imagawa's shocked face splattered with Haruma's blood, trembling in fear, knowing that he was next.
By the time the blades had done his job, Haruma was already unconscious from blood loss and pain. Dark red liquid gushed out like a leaked tap, dripping onto the floor, creating a huge pool of blood.
A few of Asami's subordinates stepped outside the room by then, emptying the contents of their stomach while the others covered their mouths, trying to hold back their bile.
Asami stood up, took his favorite gun and walked to Haruma. No point torturing Haruma further when he was already dying. After all, he achieved what he wanted – instilling fear in Imagawa.
He raised his hand but Kirishima stopped him by placing a hand on his arm. "Sir, allow me the honors," he said, removing his gun from his shoulder holster.
Without hesitating, the bespectacled man raised the gun, aimed it at Haruma's chest and pulled the trigger. Haruma's body jerked violently from the gun shot, his eyes shot open wide and remained still as life drained out.
Asami turned to a trembling Imagawa. "Well kumicho, shall we begin?"
Beads of cold sweat began to form on Imagawa's forehead as he shook his head. "A – Asami, don't do this."
"Toru," Asami ordered and the lanky guard came forward with a katana. He focused his attention back to Imagawa. "Since you're the head of Imagawa, I will let you have the honors of dying from a blade."
Toru removed the scabbard from the sword, passing it to Ando. He swung the sharp blade a few times, testing its performance. When he was satisfied, he bowed at Asami, signifying he was ready.
"Ando, Suoh, prepare our guest."
"Wh – what do you intend to do?" Imagawa's panicked eyes searched Asami's. He tried to escape but it was futile to go against two of Asami's best men.
"Imagawa kumicho, ever heard of kesa giri?"
Imagawa's eyes widened, his smooth skin went two shades paler. His body began to shudder violently, whether from the fear of pain or death, Asami couldn't be bothered which. For Imagawa, pain is imminent and death is certain.
Imagawa opened his mouth to protest but in shock, nothing came out. The proud look that Imagawa once wore had now faded and replaced by fear. It pleased Asami immensely.
"Shall I remind you how kesa giri is executed?"
"N—n – no," Imagawa cracked out.
Asami ignored Imagawa's protest. "You'll be tied with your arms held outstretched while Toru –," he paused a moment to look at Toru and the lanky guard immediately stepped forward with his katana. " –will cut you from shoulder to hip, alive."
"No, don't!" Imagawa pleaded as Suoh dragged from his seat to the middle of the warehouse.
Suoh tied Imagawa's hand with a rope and threw another to Ando where the younger guard tied the other hand. Together, they pulled the man spread-eagle and waited.
"Asami, please. Don't do this!" Imagawa watched fearfully as Toru took a step forward. "I'll give you anything you want!"
"I don't need anything from you," the crime lord answered. His golden eyes narrowed. "I told you, Imagawa. I will not be appeased until I wring every drop of your blood out." He strode forward until he was inches from Imagawa's face. "Let your death be a warning, in case someone has the thought about having me or Akihito harmed."
Imagawa trembled from Asami's piercing stare. "You—you'd do so much for the boy?"
Asami smirked. "Why do you think you'll be tortured if it wasn't for the fact that you went after what's mine?"
"You—you're crazy!" Imagawa stammered in fear.
Asami said nothing else. Casting one final cool stare, the crime lord moved backwards. He snapped his fingers and Toru moved forward with the eyes of an executioner.
"No – no – no – NOOOOO!"
And that was Imagawa's last words before Toru swung his blade up and cut Imagawa alive from shoulder to hip.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Diving straight into work after his trip from Osaka wasn't what Akihito had planned for himself. He survived a disastrous onsen high school reunion, successfully got over a business meeting in Asahi brewery and escaped an assassination attempt where he suffered multiple bruises and body aches as a result. So no, he wasn't ready to go back to work and if Takeda hadn't insisted that he should get his ass to Mainichi as soon as possible, Akihito was ready to curl on the warm king size bed that he and Asami shared.
After Asami was discharged from the hospital, they stayed in one of Asami's hotel, with tight security for another week before flying back to Tokyo. Asami stayed with him most of the nights, although there was once he went out for business with Ando and Toru, leaving Kanda and another new guard in the hotel suite. Puzzled as he was, he didn't ask anything about it even after Asami returned hours later.
Akihito hadn't gotten over his guilt of putting Asami's life in danger. It was eating him, so much so that he dreamt about it almost every night. The dreams got weirder and crazier but it reached the same ending every time. Asami would die in his arms and the guards pointing their fingers at him, calling him a murderer. He jolted up awake on most nights, heart pounding and his face wet with tears. Then, paranoid; he'd look at Asami sleeping beside him, searching for signs that the crime lord was still breathing.
It'd take him weeks to get over the nightmares, just like what happened when he came back from Cambodia. He hated that the nightmares made him looked vulnerable; hated to behave like a child in front of Asami during those nights.
Akihito touched the wounds on his arm, felt the slight bump of the stiches. It didn't hurt as much as he originally thought; courtesy to the skillful team of NT Hospital Osaka.
"Takaba sama, are you all right?"
Akihito withdrew his hands almost immediately. "Yeah, thanks to your boss, I'm seriously tired after the trip."
Akihito looked at his personal guard seated in the passenger seat as Ando drove on. His thoughts wandered to the events that happened at the onsen. It was a great trip; he had to admit that. Not only did he play a part in his brother's career, he actually got to see his high school friends.
Akemi chan is still as beautiful as ever, Akihito mused, his lips curved when he remembered how Kou and Takato were all swooning over her. Then, there was that asshole Minami –
Akihito halted his thought and leaned forward. "Did Minami really walk home from the warehouse? I mean was that all that happened to him?"
Ando's firm grip on the steering went unnoticed by Akihito as he continued driving. His partner Toru, devoid of any emotions, answered, "As per instructions, Takaba sama, we escorted him out of the inn and left him at the warehouse."
"That's all?" Akihito pushed, looking at Toru for any signs that the guard was lying.
Toru showed no signs of being cornered. "Yes, after you ordered him to be removed from the onsen, Asami sama's instructions were to leave him at the warehouse."
"You're too kind to him, Takaba sama," Ando spoke, glancing at his master from the rear view mirror.
Akihito turned serious. "I don't like him but it doesn't mean I want him to be hurt or dead. Asami had a gun. God knows what would have happened if I arrived a minute later."
"Asami sama had no intention using the gun," Toru lied. "He was using it to scare Minami, to keep him at bay."
The way that Toru spoke made Akihito believed him. "That's a relief, I guess."
Toru took a moment to stare at Ando, signaling him to quietly drop the topic on Minami. Ando nodded his head and focused his attention back on the road. It was a while later before Akihito spoke again. "I wonder what Takeda wants from me. He usually doesn't insist that I show my face in Mainichi Shimbun."
"It might be a very important job," Toru said before instructing Ando to park at the end of the street.
It was one of those things Akihito was very firm about. He wouldn't allow Ando to drop him off at the main entrance of Mainichi Shimbun. It was, in Akihito's opinion, ridiculous for a mere cameraman arriving to work in an imported car.
By some miracle, he managed to fool Takeda about Toru being his assistant, but the experienced editor in chief won't be fooled for long. He had to be careful or the cat would be out of the bag before he knew it.
Akihito hoped out of the car with Toru and began his three hundred meter walk to the main entrance of Mainichi Shimbun. He looked at the lanky guard beside him and scowled. Donned in his standard black uniform, Toru looked like a young white collar elite.
Perhaps I should make Toru wear jeans and shirt, that'd probably mask his identity as my guard. Akihito mused as he walked into the editorial department.
As usual, no one gave him second glances when he entered the newsroom. The open space office consisted of groups of tables separated by table dividers where hundreds of reporters buried behind their desks, typing furiously to meet deadlines. Akihito labeled them islands since every group specializes in a different news category.
He walked past a few islands, muttered his greetings to a few reporters from the crime desk and moved on to Takeda's desks located at the end of the room. His editor in chief was in his usual khaki pants, white shirt and a coat. Surprising, because Takeda usually leaves his coat draped behind his seat, proudly showing off his love for suspenders.
"Takeda san, what do you have for me today?" Akihito asked casually as he slumped on the visitor's chair in front of the editor.
Takeda's usual smiling face looked tight. "The chief wants you in his office."
"The president wants to see me?" Akihito asked, surprised. He worked there for many years and not once had he set his foot inside the president's office. He freelanced for Mainichi, so there wasn't any reason for him to meet the higher management, vice-versa.
Takeda jerked a thumb, signaling Akihito to follow him. Leaving his camera bag on Takeda's visitor chair, he stood up. Toru stepped aside for Akihito to move forward before following him behind.
"I'm sorry, Toru kun. Can you wait here until we're done?"
The request came as a surprise to both Akihito and Toru because the editor in chief usually couldn't be bothered by Toru's presence. The lanky guard eyed his master, then at the editor before finally nodding his head.
"I'll wait for you here," he said to Akihito, taking his seat on the visitor's chair.
Nodding his head, the photographer began to follow Takeda and together, they took the elevator to the top floor where the president's office was located. The floor was generally empty, with only a few huge meeting rooms along a long hallway.
Akihito was still baffled with Takeda's odd behavior. The editor didn't usually look so uptight. The way Takeda looked now, it was as though as something huge was about to happen. He tried asking Takeda what happened but the man's lips were sealed tight.
As they reached the president's office, Takeda gave him an uncertain smile before knocking the door. A terse reply came a moment later and Takeda opened the door.
There were two men inside the office. The president, Watanabe Watsuki, was a big man. Standing at nearly five feet eleven, he looked like a professional rugby coach rather than the president of a newspaper company. The other man shared a similar size with the president. Broad face with steely grey eyes, his hair was dyed black but his well-trimmed grey moustache told Akihito he was probably older than he looked.
"Takaba kun," the president began, "This is Chief Superintendent Yamaguchi Issei."
Akihito bowed uncertainly. "Pleased to make your acquaintance," he mumbled.
The man stood up from his visitor's chair, walked to the window and looked outside through the blinds. He moved his bulky body again, this time to stand in front of Akihito. If Akihito didn't know any better, he would have thought it was Yamaguchi's office rather than Watanabe's.
"Takaba Akihito, pleased to meet you finally," Yamaguchi said, his lips curved into a thin smile.
Slightly startled that the chief superintendent knew his full name, he nodded. He couldn't understand why such an important person would want to meet him. After all, Yamaguchi is the fourth most powerful man in the entire police force.
"And you need to see me because –," Akihito halted, sensing something wasn't right immediately.
"I'll jump straight to the point, Takaba san." Yamaguchi took a file from Watanabe's desk and passed it to Akihito.
Akihito accepted warily. It was a simple brown folder with a 'Confidential' sticker plastered diagonally on the cover. Curious as to why he was given the opportunity to view classified files, he flipped it open and froze when he found himself staring at a 4R-size photograph of Asami Ryuichi on the top right side of the folder.
Akihito willed himself to stay calm and not jump into conclusions. "What's this?"
Chief Yamaguchi snickered. "You don't have to act all innocent, Takaba san. I know your relationship with Asami Ryuichi."
Tongue tied, the photographer could only stare at the police chief. "I don't – I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course you do, Takaba san," Yamaguchi drawled, taking another folder from the desk. Instead of passing it to Akihito, he opened the folder himself and showed the contents to Akihito.
There were at least a dozen photographs glued neatly on the folder. Most of them were Akihito exiting and entering the penthouse with Toru. Two of the shots were him in front of Sion with Asami's hands on his back and the small of his waist.
Yamaguchi looked at the photos, as if he was appreciating them before turning his attention back to Akihito. "Well, what do you think of these?"
"Takaba, I need an explanation for this," Watanabe stepped forward.
Akihito's mind was battling. Shit, what should I say? That Asami was merely his landlord? If so, how could he explain the intimate photos of him and Asami together?
He looked at the photographs again, and suddenly felt his world was slowly crumbling down.
"Don't be so shocked. If anyone's to be shocked, it's us, Takaba san." Yamaguchi took the file from Akihito's hands.
"What – what do you want?"
"Straight to the point, I like that," Yamaguchi smiled before his grey eyes turned hard. "Asami Ryuichi has been on our wanted list for years. We know he's involved in a few unsolved murder cases, firearm and drug dealings."
Takeda, who was standing near the door, took a step forward. "Why didn't you arrest him?"
The folder on Yamaguchi's hands flew and landed on the ground. "You think we didn't want to?" He barked. "If we have any evidence linking him to any of the crimes, his ass would have already been in prison!"
The outburst had both Takeda and Watanabe shocked. Obviously the chief had not spoken to them in such manner before.
Yamaguchi's eyes fixed at Akihito's again, this time the steel grey eyes turned somewhat mocking. "But we will apprehend him very soon. And that's where you come in."
"You're asking me to get you the evidence you need so you can arrest Asami?" Akihito's hands curled into fist.
The chief clapped his hands in approval. "You're quick Takaba; I like that. Of course, I won't ask you to do it for free," he said with a faint smile. "As a reward, you'll be the first to do a write up for the arrest. You will also be appointed as the official journalist for the Police Department."
When Akihito said nothing, Yamaguchi continued, "I will also personally ensure that you will be recognized for your contributions in journalism – which means that you will be receiving accolades for your work. It is what you want, no?"
Akihito couldn't deny that the package was very attractive. Hell, Yamaguchi actually had a better deal compared to Ishida when the latter blackmailed him a year ago. But he made up his mind that he wouldn't betray Asami then; he wouldn't betray him now.
"That's very attractive, Chief Yamaguchi." His eyes flashed. "But I have to decline."
"I suggest you think wisely, Takaba. It will cost you your job if you decline." Yamaguchi folded his arms.
Infuriated, Akihito took as step forward. If it wasn't Takeda who stopped him, he would have grabbed Yamaguchi by his collar. "If you want to fire me, go ahead. I'm not afraid of you."
Yamaguchi crossed his arms across his broad chest. "I knew you will say that, Takaba san. After all, with Asami Ryuichi's wealth, you can live a very comfortable life without even lifting a finger."
"You –"
"But –," Yamaguchi interrupted, "—someone like your brother will have to work very hard to achieve what he has now."
Akihito froze. "What do you mean?"
"Got your attention now, didn't I?" The police chief walked to the couch, sat on it gracefully as both Takeda and Watanabe looked on questioningly. "I wonder what would happen if your brother was caught embezzling the company's assets?"
"My brother won't do something like that."
Yamaguchi clucked his tongue. "I can always create a chance for that to happen."
Akihito lost his temper. He strode towards Yamaguchi, grabbed his collars. "You bastard, you intend to ruin his career by framing him?"
Yamaguchi was a big man and with one push, Akihito found himself falling back onto the plush carpet.
"I will and I can," he replied, his voice ice cold. "Don't forget, Takaba Akihito. I have the power to do what I want." To prove his point, Yamaguchi snapped his pudgy fingers. "And when your dear brother is finally caught, I'd make sure he spends years behind bars for that."
Ignoring the pain behind the small of his back, Akihito stood up. "You're blackmailing me?"
The smile on his lips spread. "Blackmail is such a crude word. I prefer to call it partnership."
Partnership my ass; Akihito gritted his teeth.
"It's not a bad deal. If Asami is behind bars, you're free to do whatever you want. Your brother will also get the promotion he deserves."
Akihito could only stare at the corrupt police chief in anger and disbelief.
Yamaguchi fixed his coat before walking to the door. "I'm expecting to see you in 48 hours from –," he paused to check his wrist watch. "—now," he said and left the room.
When the door clicked shut behind them, Watanabe sat on his leather chair and glared at Akihito. "Takaba, what the hell are you thinking?"
"President, I—,"
"How long have you been with Asami Ryuichi?" Watanabe demanded. "Did you know of his illegal activities?"
Akihito didn't want to reveal his secret but given that he had caused the company problems, he felt obliged to at least answer the question. "About two years."
"Two years?" The president lunged onto his feet. "And you never reported him? What the fuck happened to the Takaba Akihito that Takeda always told me about?" he exploded.
By now, Akihito got seriously riled. Watanabe might have a point, but that didn't give him a right to insult his choices. "President, I don't believe my personal choices are any of your business. I have a right to be with who I want."
Watanabe stood up, took two strides to Akihito. "And I believe I have a right to dismiss whoever I want."
"President, I think –,"
"Takeda, one more word and you can say goodbye to your job too," Watanabe interrupted harshly, his eyes still fixed on Akihito's.
"You're firing me?" Akihito clenched his teeth, his fists curled.
"Yes," Watanabe spread his palms. "Hand in your press tag, Takaba kun."
Akihito remained numbed at the instruction.
Watanabe sat on his chair before staring at Akihito. "I don't care if you're sleeping with Asami but now that Chief Yamaguchi is on our tails, you better cooperate or I will do whatever I can to ensure that you'll never get a job in the media again –," he paused and offered Akihito a faint, irritating smile. "—who knows, by then you'll be in jail with your brother?"
Akihito resisted the urge to climb on the polished table and punch Watanabe's square face. He removed his press tag, slammed it on Watanabe's table and marched out of the room without excusing himself.
Slamming the door behind him, Akihito walked pass the long corridor angrily. Both angry and worried, the photographer was contemplating what to do when he felt someone grabbing his arm.
"Takaba, wait!"
It was his editor. "Takeda san," he muttered.
"Takaba, what do you plan to do?"
Akihito leaned against the wall, his head hung as he covered his face with a palm. "I don't know."
And it was the truth. Never had he been so cornered in his life. He had been optimistic, believing that there was a way in everything. But now, he felt defeated.
"The president's a bastard," Takeda cursed, hooking his thumbs on his suspenders. "Takaba –," he halted and looked around, checking for anyone eavesdropping. Deciding it would be better to discuss in private, he jerked a thumb at an unused conference room.
"I want you to be honest with me. Do you plan to give in to Yamaguchi's demands?"
Akihito slumped onto the nearest chair and closed his eyes. He weighed his options. To give into Yamaguchi's request meant that he had to betray Asami but if he were to go against the chief, his brother would be in trouble.
That bastard Yamaguchi, he really knew where to strike. Watanabe firing him from Mainichi didn't mean anything. Maybe it hurt him a little although it could hardly be compared to the dilemma he was facing right now.
Can I betray Asami? He asked himself and immediately a resounding "NO" escaped his mouth. He could never betray his lover; especially not when he recently found out that their feelings had been mutual. There should be a third option, something that he could do rather than being Yamaguchi's lap dog.
Arriving at the decision, Akihito opened his eyes and stared at the editor, a man he looked up to. "No," he said again. "I won't give in to the bastard's demands."
Takeda actually looked relieved before averting his eyes guiltily. "I can't do anything about you getting axed from Mainichi Shimbun."
"I'm not worried about my job, Takeda san," he replied and looked at the editor again.
Takeda took a seat next to Akihito. "Well, you should be. Watanabe's a bastard but he's quite influential in the industry. One word from him and you'll never be employed in any media organization again."
"I'll worry about that later."
Takeda looked at Akihito again, offered a reassuring smile. "Not that you needed the money, right? After all, your partner is Asami Ryuichi."
"That's his money, not mine," Akihito affirmed. "I earn my own keep."
"Then, I'm afraid you have to look hard for another job, Takaba. I can give you a recommendation letter but –,"
"That aside," Akihito interrupted, "—do you have any rumors of Yamaguchi?" He sat up, rested his elbows on the table. "Any rumors of him involving in bribery, extra marital affairs or participating in any illegal transactions?"
"You plan to dig up on Yamaguchi?" Takeda leaned back at the swivel chair. "Forget it. I tried that once but nothing came out. Either he's straight as an arrow or he's damn good at hiding secrets –," Takeda paused when he seemed to have remembered something.
He straightened his body, looked at Akihito in excitement.
"What is it?" Akihito's heart raced. If Takeda had some sort of dirty secrets on Yamaguchi, he could take him out.
Takeda gestured Akihito with a finger and the photographer moved closer. "Remember pop idol Nanami?"
"She's dead right? Killed by a policeman; he was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole last year."
Takeda nodded. "Now, here's the strange thing. During the trial, Shiba Masaki argued that he didn't kill Nanami; saying that he was only ordered to dispose her body. Guess who ordered him?"
"Yamaguchi," Akihito whispered.
"Shiba claimed Yamaguchi threatened to kill his family if he didn't do as he was told."
Akihito snorted. "That's something the bastard would do."
"Of course, no one believed him since his claims lacked evidence. He was sentenced shortly after. Most editors thought he was merely seeking for attention so we didn't run the story."
Akihito leaned back, trying to digest the information. If what Takeda said was true, Yamaguchi was a bigger asshole than he originally thought. Shiba followed his orders, yet Yamaguchi showed no mercy and made him the scapegoat. It became clear to Akihito that Yamaguchi was man who had no plans keeping his promise.
He needed to see Shiba Masaki immediately. He should have more incriminating evidence about Yamaguchi and if Akihito could get his hands on those, it'd mark the end of the corrupt cop.
Standing up, Akihito offered his hand. "Thanks, Takeda san."
The older man shook Akihito's hand. "Good luck, Takaba."
Tongue tied, Akihito could only nod his head. He took no more than a few steps when Takeda called him again.
"Your assistant, Toru –," Takeda clucked his tongue. " – he's not really your assistant, isn't he?"
Since he longer needed to hide, Akihito answered truthfully. "Asami hired him to be my guard."
Xx Business as Usual xX
Much to Akihito's relief, Toru didn't question him about his visit to the president's office. His guard remained at the same spot where he left him twenty minutes earlier and showed no indications that he suspected something was amiss.
Then again, when it came to maintaining a poker face, Toru was world class.
"Takaba sama, is everything all right?" Toru asked.
"Ye—yeah, everything's fine."
Unlike Toru, Akihito's emotions were transparent. The guard's eyes were immediately fixed at Akihito. "What happened inside the president's office?"
Akihito walked to the elevator, pressing the button. "Nothing much; he wanted me to do a scoop on Police Chief Superintendent Yamaguchi Issei."
It was hardly a lie, Akihito thought as they waited for the car to arrive. He wondered if Toru believed him, seeing that the guard did not offer any comments after his explanations. Thankfully, more people entered the car, buying Akihito time to ponder his decisions.
Together with Takeda, he had somehow hatched a plan. He had to meet with Shiba Masaki at once. If the former policeman was framed as he claimed to be, there would be some sort of secret Akihito could dig into. Then, there were also Yamaguchi's bank records to look into. He was positive Yamaguchi was corrupted. No righteous cop would play dirty by blackmailing someone into doing his bidding.
The plans weren't the best and Akihito realized he might come back empty handed but given that he didn't have much of a choice, he had to gamble. With only 48 hours – No, Akihito checked his wrist watch –Forty seven hours and fifteen minutes — Akihito knew he had to act fast.
He thought about it long and hard and arrived at a conclusion that he couldn't do without Toru's assistance. His personal guard was not only good at martial arts, he was excellent at hacking.
As Akihito stepped out of the car and walked to the main entrance, he pondered his options again. He could lie to Toru and sneak out when the guard was unaware but that would mean that he'd be shorthanded. The usual Akihito wouldn't mind a little bit of hard work. After all, that was the fun part about investigative journalism.
Not this time. Any delay would be costly. Option number two was to tell Toru the truth and begged the guard not to tell Asami. That sounded more plausible, although Akihito had doubts if his guard would acquiesce to his request.
It's a long shot. Akihito bit his lip as he walked to the end of the street where Ando stood waiting next to Asami's BMW.
"Takaba sama, is everything all right?"
Shit. His emotions must be that transparent enough for Ando to notice something was amiss.
"No, nothing," Akihito mumbled and slid into the back seat of the car. "Toru, where's Asami?" he asked when his guard took the front passenger seat.
Ando looked at Toru, mildly surprised with the question. It was obvious that the photographer never asked about Asami's whereabouts unless something was wrong.
"He should be in the office, Takaba sama," Toru replied. "Is anything of the matter?"
Akihito leaned forward. "Can you find us a place where we can talk privately?"
Toru scrutinized Akihito from the rear view mirror. His master looked troubled since he walked out of the president's office. The way he dragged his feet behind him compared to the usual confident stride confirmed Toru's suspicions that something had happened.
"In that case, we'll head back –,"
"No – no," Akihito interrupted Toru. "It's urgent. I don't have time to go back to the penthouse."
"Takaba sama, there's no other place more secured than the penthouse and Sion," Ando said.
"Not Sion too," Akihito quickly protested.
"You can talk here, Takaba sama," Toru said after a brief pause. "Asami sama's car is bullet proof and swept for bugs daily. It's safe here."
Akihito leaned back. "You're right." He closed his eyes, pondering his decision again, and knew that he didn't have a choice. Opening his eyes again, he scanned Toru's face, moved to Ando's.
"I need you to help me with something, without alerting Asami," Akihito began.
"Is it related to Chief Yamaguchi?" Toru asked.
Akihito nodded, his face turned serious. Drawing a deep breath, he blurted out what happened in the president's office quickly; fearing he'd chickened out if he paused. By the time he finished, Akihito's gaze met his guards again. Ando's eyes had widened in shocked while Toru's poker face maintained.
"That bastard wants you to betray Asami sama?" Ando asked, outraged. He would have stood up and kicked something if he were outside but since he was still cramped in his driver seat, Ando merely curled his fists.
"I will not be Yamaguchi's lap dog." Akihito's hazel eyes turned fiery. "That's why I need your help, Toru."
Toru didn't even pause to think. "What are your orders, Takaba sama?"
The tensed muscles on the photographer's face loosened as his lips curved. "I need you to hack into Yamaguchi's bank accounts. Check for any inconsistencies. It's a long shot, but it'll be good if we can find anything to use against him in case Shiba Masaki refused to divulge any information regarding the murder."
"Understood, Takaba sama."
Akihito nodded. "Ando, can you tail Yamaguchi? I need to know if he has anything that I can use against him."
"What about you, Takaba sama?" Ando asked as he looked at Toru.
"I'm going to the prison," Akihito replied, checking his camera equipment.
"No," Toru interrupted. "It's dangerous going to the prison unguarded. Ando and Kanda will go with you. I will send someone to tail Yamaguchi."
Too tired to argue, Akihito merely nodded his head in agreement. He leaned back against the back seat, closed his eyes and recalculated. Asking Toru and Ando to investigate Yamaguchi may not yield any results but he hadn't any choice. He wasn't even sure if Shiba will cooperate with him. If any of the plans didn't work – NO, I have to trust my instincts. If he were wrong about this, he'd put both his brother and lover in trouble.
"Toru, do you think you can find anything from Yamaguchi?" His voice was barely audible.
"Yes," the lanky guard answered confidently. He pressed a few buttons on his phone before turning to his partner. "Ando, Kanda is at The Fixer. Pick him up there."
"Where are you going, Toru san?"
Toru opened the door. "I'll head back to the penthouse on my own. It'll save all of us time," he said as he stepped out of the vehicle. Before closing the door, Toru poked his head back in. "Takaba sama, I won't fail you."
Akihito could only nod as he watched the lanky guard fixed his coat before disappearing into the streets.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Toru did not head back to the penthouse as promised. Instead, he took a detour and walked into Sion headquarters where he knew Asami was in.
Toru had good instincts and smelled trouble the minute Takeda requested Akihito to go into the president's office alone. It wasn't like Takeda to avert his gaze when talking to Akihito or Toru. It wasn't like the editor-in-chief to behave or speak so awkwardly in front of him. In fact, Toru had never seen Takeda behaving so fidgety.
The guard resisted the urge to eavesdrop, reassuring himself that so as long as Akihito was safe, it'd be all right. And he was wrong. When the photographer emerged from the elevator, his pale face suggested that something terribly had gone wrong in the office. Initially, Toru thought Akihito was removed from an assignment but it didn't look right. Rather than looking dejected, his master looked worried.
The boy tried to lie but Toru knew better. He had already memorized his master's every quirks. At first, Toru worried if he could obtain the information from Akihito, seeing that the photographer could be very secretive if he wanted to. But it certainly looked like Akihito was more than willing to spill the beans.
He expected something like that would happen one day. Didn't Suoh forebode this weeks ago?
As Toru swiped his special pass to activate the private elevator, he pondered his decision again. Akihito pleaded, asking him not to tell Asami but Toru knew better. It was too dangerous to carry out missions like this without the boss's knowledge. If anything happens to Akihito, Toru didn't think he'd have the guts to face Asami.
Remember that Asami sama is your boss. Kirishima's advice rang in his ears, reminding once again, that he serves Asami Ryuichi.
The elevator doors slid open gracefully and Toru hastened his steps to Asami's office. He was greeted by Suoh in front of Asami's office.
"Toru, what are you doing here?" Suoh asked, surprised.
"Long story, Suoh san. Is Asami sama in?"
Suoh nodded. "Kirishima is helping the boss to dress his wounds. He asked not to be disturbed."
Toru looked at the closed door before checking his wrist watch.
"Does this concern the young boss?" Suoh asked when he saw how worried Toru looked.
The lanky guard could only nod.
"Go right in," Suoh said as he stepped aside to allow Toru to pass.
Asami Ryuichi sat in one of the couches in the sitting area. Stripped down to his dress pants, he sat still as Kirishima expertly applied a fresh bandage on the gun-shot wounds. The golden eyes gazed up at Toru the minute he entered with Suoh. There was a flicker of surprise when he saw Toru but they quickly turned lethal.
With or without clothes, Asami Ryuichi is a dangerous man.
"Toru, where is Akihito?"
Toru bowed. "Asami sama, Takaba sama is currently with Kanda and Ando. They're on the way to the prison."
The infamous brows rose questioningly. "It's unlike you to abandon your duties, Toru."
"I apologize, sir." Toru bowed, lower this time. "But there is something of grave importance I must speak with you."
Asami waved his hand as soon as Kirishima finished his nurse duties. The secretary placed the emesis basin filled with bloody gauze on the table and proceeded to help his boss to dress.
"Does this concern Akihito?" Asami asked as he slipped on his white shirt. On purpose, he allowed the shirt untucked and took his seat again.
The lanky guard nodded his head. Standing up straight, he clasped his hands behind his back and reported based on what Akihito had told him. Halfway through the report, Toru noticed Asami's muscles tensed and his golden eyes narrowed; a symbol that he was very displeased. Any normal person would have cowered with fear by then but thankfully, Toru had enough guts to continue his report.
There was a pin drop silence after Toru ended his report. Both Suoh and Kirisima stood still, trying to decipher the information their colleague had just shared. Asami himself remained silent as he stared at the emesis basin on the table, as though as he was in deep thoughts.
"So –," Asami leaned forward to take his whisky glass, downed the strong alcohol before looking up at Toru. "—in a nutshell, Akihito was blackmailed into betraying me or risked seeing his brother's career ending."
"Yes, sir."
Asami's subordinates flinched when the whisky glass on his hands shattered in the yakuza's hands. Brushing off the remaining shards to the carpet flooring Asami stood up and slid his hands into his pockets.
"And how did Akihito react to this, Toru?" Asami walked to the bar and poured himself another drink. "I already know that Akihito decided not to give in to Yamaguchi's demands but –," he paused, taking a sip of the brandy before continuing, "—based on your observation, what was his reaction?"
Hands still clasped behind, Toru exchanged glances with Kirishima and Suoh. A wrong answer could damn well placed all of them into trouble, Akihito included. But Toru wasn't about to lie.
"Asami sama, there wasn't even a moment that Takaba sama hesitated in his decision. He refuses to admit defeat and desperately wants to save both, even if it means of sacrificing himself."
Pleased with the answer, the crime lord smirked. He expected no less from his lover. Asami had no doubts that Akihito wouldn't betray him, considering the boy clearly demonstrated his loyalty when he protected him against the gunmen. But he told himself that when it came to family, it could change, especially when he knows how much the boy valued his family members.
As usual, Akihito didn't disappoint. Knowing the photographer's obstinacy, he wouldn't approach him for help. He always said he could damn well solve his own mess.
The usual Asami would allow Akihito free reign but not this time. The bastard Yamaguchi had the nerve to cross boundaries and pick a fight with him, so why shouldn't he join in?
"Asami sama, what would you like us to do?" Kirishima asked.
"Should I haul him in, Asami sama?" Suoh interjected.
Asami's lips curved. "No, leave Yamaguchi to Akihito."
"But Asami sama, you know very well that Takaba sama isn't Yamaguchi's league. That's why Toru came to us."
Suoh stepped nearer. "Kirishima is right, sir. Yamaguchi has too many tricks up his sleeve and –" he stopped when Asami walked to his table and slid into his seat gracefully.
"It's true Akihito isn't Yamaguchi's match—" Asami agreed, his thin lips curved again. "—but we can always create the opportunity for him."
Kirishima moved next to the crime lord. "Sir, do you mean we help Takaba sama discreetly?"
He'd hate it, Asami thought if Akihito knew what he was about to do. If it were up to him, he'd barge into Yamaguchi's house and do his worse to the police chief's family. But Asami understood Akihito's desire to protect the people he desperately held close to him.
And as screwed as it might sound, the sadistic part of Asami also wanted to see the lengths Akihito would do for his sake.
"Kirishima, assist Toru in Yamaguchi's accounts and files. Try all his deleted files; he should have some worthy secrets that Akihito can use."
"Understood," both guards said simultaneously.
"Suoh, get a few men to follow Yamaguchi and his family around. I want their daily schedules."
"Sir, I understand we need to follow Yamaguchi but his family?"
Asami's lips curved as he relaxed in his seat. "That's for plan B."
As his subordinates took their leave, Asami took a blue folder from his table and flipped it open. His mind wasn't on the reports; rather he was thinking creative way to use Yamaguchi's wife to blackmail the bastard if he dared to touch Akihito—and that included killing her and selling her organs to the black market. Or maybe he could sell her to the brothels.
He wondered how much the wife of a top gun in the police force would fetch in the red light district.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Akihito was glad that he had Ando and Kanda with him during the prison visit. Nestled in the outskirts of Tokyo, the building resembled a cross. Ironic that it looked like a symbol of hope but it actually housed thousands of prisoners, some on death row.
It was Akihito's first time visiting anyone in a prison. He took in the surroundings; noticed sky high fences with barb wires surrounded the prison camp. There were watch towers at every corner with armed policemen on duty, making it impossible to escape.
After filling in forms, surrendering their personal items and subjected to almost mortifying body searches, they were finally showed to the waiting room. Akihito thanked his lucky stars that Ando and Kanda were smart enough to leave their loaded guns in the bullet proof car or they'd be hauled to the police station for firearm possession.
It felt like an eternity waiting for his guest and after nearly a 25-minute wait, the photographer was losing hope that Shiba Masaki was ever going to appear. Beside him, Kanda looked nervous, as if he was insecure without his gun. Ando felt more at ease since he mentioned that it wasn't his first time visiting someone in the prison.
Akihito checked his wrist watch; the same one Asami had given him on his birthday. Another ten minutes had passed and still no sign of Shiba Masaki.
Fifteen minutes, he promised himself. Fifteen minutes and if Shiba Masaki hadn't showed up by then, Akihito figured that he'd head back to the penthouse to think of plan B.
The heavy sounds of chains dragging along the hallway caught Akihito's attention immediately. Eyes locked at the door, he waited anxiously until the clanking sound stopped right in front of his room. The door unlocked, and a man with bright orange jumpsuit walked in.
Shiba Masaki looked different from his police file photo. His eyes were sunken, evidence of stress and lack of sleep. His black hair, despite short, was thick and uncombed. The charismatic look, the determined deep set eyes Akihito saw in his photo had gone, leaving a man looked impossible haggard and old for a thirty seven year old man.
"Shiba san," Akihito stood up and bowed slightly. "Thank you for seeing me."
The police officer removed the cuffs and gestured him to seat. Ando walked over, shook hands with the guard on duty and exchanged a short conversation with him. Akihito noticed Ando slipped the guard two ten thousand notes discreetly and the guard went out in pretense of checking his schedule, offering Akihito privacy in the room.
Shiba scratched the stubs on his chin and offered Akihito an annoyed look. "It's impossible not to when you identified yourself as Asami Ryuichi's acquaintance on the visitor name column."
Akihito scratched his head nervously. "Sorry," he murmured.
"So, what do you want?"
Akihito leaned forward. "Tell me more about Nanami."
Shiba raised an eyebrow. "What is there to talk about Nanami? She's dead long ago and –," he halted when he saw digging out his note book. "You piece of shit, you came for the story so you can sell it to the media later?" He slammed his fist on the table, standing up. "Well, guess what? Fuck you; I'm not giving shit to you."
Ando who was seating next to Akihito, immediately stood up. Like Toru, he wouldn't tolerate insolence to his master. Akihito reacted by placing a hand on Ando's arm, gripping it firmly and the guard sat again.
Akihito stood up. "Shiba san, I'm not selling your story. I need your help."
"You need my help to sell your story, right? You bastard! As if Yamaguchi hadn't ruined my life enough, you want to slander me, accusing me of a crime I didn't commit? Go to hell!" Shiba cursed, turning to walk away.
"Shiba san!" Akihito stood up but Shiba Masaki was already walking towards the door. Left without a choice, Akihito knelt. "Please believe me, Shiba san," he pleaded desperately. "I'm not looking for a quick way to make some money. I need your help."
That had Shiba's attention. He turned back, slightly taken aback. Reluctantly, he sat again.
"Takaba sama, please don't be on your knees. Asami sama wouldn't approve," Ando said as he helped his master up.
Ignoring Ando's remarks, the photographer once again took his seat opposite Shiba.
"So, what's the story with Yamaguchi?" Shiba asked.
"Long story cut short. He blackmailed me but I'm not giving in so I have to dig up as much dirt as I can about him to bring him down."
Shiba actually laughed. "You got some balls, kid. If it was that easy, I wouldn't be here."
"Either I give in or die trying," Akihito insisted and watched the expression on Shima changed.
"You think I hadn't done it before? Yamaguchi had too many connections –" he said before looking around. When he was satisfied no one was eavesdropping, he continued, "That bastard Yamaguchi was fucking Nanami and when she got pregnant with his child, he tried to break things off with her. It wasn't successful and Nanami actually threatened to go public with the pregnancy."
Akihito listened quietly, not wanting to interrupt in case Shiba decided not to talk. He nodded his head as a gesture that he was listening.
"I was serving under Yamaguchi then. He asked me to meet him at an abandoned factory one night. Not suspecting anything, I went."
"What was in there?" Akihito whispered.
"Nanami's dead body," Shima's said, his eyes flashed. "The cold bastard actually murdered her and the unborn child."
Akihito covered his mouth with a hand.
"I didn't want to help but Yamaguchi threatened to kick me out of the force. I was in debts and I needed the money so I did as I was told but that bastard turned me into a sacrificial lamb." Shiba gritted his teeth, his fists curled. "When the body was found, Yamaguchi headed the investigation and conveniently booked me for Murder One."
Shiba's dark greyish eyes turned hard as he met Akihito. "I admit I was foolish enough to succumb to Yamaguchi's demands but I am no murderer. I disposed the body but was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole while the mother fucker walks free."
Akihito leaned forward. "Then, help me. Yamaguchi is threatening me and I aimed to bring him down. If you can become the witness, we can reopen the case and –,"
"—who the hell are you kidding? Do you even know what you're saying? If it were that simple, his ass would be here right now," Shiba snapped, resting his back on the chair. "Are you even capable in the first place? You're not even a lawyer."
"No, but I can get someone to do it," Akihito said, automatically thought of Kuroda, the powerful district attorney who helped Asami.
This time Shima stood up. "You're shitting me? You want me to help you while I sit here and rot till the day I die?"
Akihito stood up, met his fiery eyes at Shiba's heated ones. "If you become the witness, I can get someone to reopen the case. You'll serve some time in prison for abetting the crime, but you won't do life."
"Do you even have the power to get someone to do that? We're going against the top guns of the police department."
Akihito slammed his hands on the table, leaned forward. "I can."
Shiba looked stunned for a moment. Scratching his unshaved chin, he looked at Akihito again. "I—I'm not sure. Even if I were a free man, I can't go anywhere. My parents disowned me, my friends shunned me and no one would hire an ex-convict. I'll end up jumping to my death from Tokyo Tower. If you ask me, it's better to stay in here."
Shiba's voice was in so much of pain that Akihito felt sorry for the man. "Please trust me. I can help you. If you're out, I'll help you to get a job."
It was bold of Akihito to make a declaration like that even though it was way beyond his means to do so but he wasn't about to let Yamaguchi get off the hook like that.
He would have to convince Asami to help him and frankly, he wasn't even sure if the crime lord would agree. Akihito pushed that thought away and focused on the man in front of him. He'd worry about convincing Asami later. Right now, it was more important getting Shiba's attention.
"All right, I'll do it," he said after a long awkward pause.
"Really?"
The man gave an uncertain smile. "I'm already doomed to serve here until I die anyway. I might as well try my luck."
It took them another hour discussing details and by the time they were done, Akihito felt the chances of him finding incriminating evidence of Yamaguchi were slim. He needed time and Toru's hacking skills to comb through deleted texts and mails from the police chief. It was possible but with a limited time window, Akihito began to wonder if he really stood a chance.
No, I can't give up now; Akihito thought when he slid into the back seat of Asami's luxurious BMW.
Either give up or die trying, right?
He needed to talk to Asami. A.S.A.P.
Xx Business as Usual xX
The first thing that Asami noticed when he reached home that evening was the smell of miso soup and grilled mackerel fish in the kitchen. Asami had been expecting this, knowing how much things were currently weighing on his lover's mind at the moment.
Ando's reports about Akihito's confrontation with Shiba had been surprising to say the least. He wasn't happy that his lover went down on his knees but he had a weird sense of satisfaction knowing that Akihito was doing it for his sake.
He walked to the kitchen, leaned a shoulder against the refrigerator. His lover, still clad in his working clothes, had an apron around him as he stirred the miso soup with a wooden ladle.
"Akihito," he called and watched the photographer dropped the ladle.
"Asami, you're early today!"
Too nervous, no swearing, no sulking, Asami noted when Akihito picked the ladle up. The last time he saw Akihito like this was when Ishida Atsuki blackmailed him into going undercover at Club Ageha. Ishida was last reported residing in Okinawa with two forefingers missing.
Asami pulled Akihito to him, nudged the photographer's chin up. "Why are you so fidgety?" he asked despite knowing the answer.
"Nothing," his lover lied, pushing his hands away. "I'm just tired after a long day."
Akihito had never been good at lying. His eyes would always avert to the side, his body rigid as he made attempts to hide his guilt.
"What are you hiding?" Asami asked on purpose but received no answer. Pretended that he knew nothing, the crime lord asked again, "What happened today?"
When again silence greeted him, he yanked the photographer to him and crushed their mouths together. "You can choose to tell me or I will ask Toru myself."
Akihito pushed him away. "All right, you bastard! I was asked by the president to dig on some big shot from the police. I'm just worried because it's not an easy job."
Close but not quite the truth, Asami noted as he watched his lover's guilt ridden face. Playing the part of a clueless lover, the crime lord nudged his lover's chin up, forcing the boy to look at him. "Is that why you went to the prison today?"
Shocked, Akihito grabbed Asami's arm. "Did Toru tell you this?"
"Ando did but he didn't mention why you were there."
Relieved, Akihito released Asami's arm. "Takeda told me some dirt about Yamaguchi Issei and how he framed one of his subordinates for murder so I went there to see if I can dig further."
Closer to the truth, Asami noted but still his lover wouldn't spill about the blackmail. He knew if he continued pushing, the photographer would eventually spill but he wasn't about to do that.
Akihito can have the honors and satisfaction of bringing Yamaguchi down. Once Yamaguchi is in jail, he'll be crucified. Asami curved a thin, dark smile.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Damn it, Asami is too sharp. Akihito nearly cursed aloud when he was being cornered. Added that Toru and Ando were under orders to report his whereabouts, hiding the secret wasn't going to be easy. So far, he was convinced that Asami hadn't known the truth. His lover wouldn't have let him go that easily if he suspected anything.
The only problem Akihito had was to ask Asami for help. There was no way Akihito could get Kuroda to help him without alerting Asami. He couldn't bring himself telling Asami about the blackmail, since he couldn't be sure how the yakuza would react. That left Akihito with only one option.
"Uhm – Asami?" Akihito turned his back to him, switching off the electric stove in the process. "I need your help."
Still leaning his side against the refrigerator, Asami cocked an eyebrow. "What do you need?"
"Do you suppose you can ask Kuroda sensei for help?"
"Depends." The crime lord opened the refrigerator to take out a can of imported beer. "What do you need Shinji to do?"
Akihito almost forgot that Asami and Kuroda were on first name basis. He never really figured out their relationship and since he wasn't the type who'd pry into Asami's affairs, he didn't ask either.
"Ando told you that I've visited a man called Shiba Masaki right? I'm doing some digging on Yamaguchi Issei. The bastard killed Nanami, blackmailed Shiba into disposing the body and later framed him for murder. Shiba is currently doing life behind bars for a crime he didn't commit. Toru is helping me to dig information about Yamaguchi but I need Shiba as witness. I promised that I'd help him to reopen the case if he becomes the prosecution witness."
That was by far, the closest to the truth. Given a choice, he would have hidden everything from Asami but he needed the older man's help. A mere photographer like him couldn't do anything to an influential man like Yamaguchi. Only Asami had such connections and power.
Akihito removed his apron and followed his lover to the living room. "Besides Kuroda sensei, I don't know anyone who can reopen a murder case."
"Reopening a case is a lot of work. Shinji need months to review the case and –,"
"—No!" Akihito interrupted. "I don't have months. Can he do it in 48 hours?"
Asami took a gulp of the potent beer, his eyes zeroed on a nervous Akihito. "Why are you so desperate, Akihito?"
"I – I – I have a deadline. And if I don't get the story done by then, I might lose my job."
It was somewhat the truth, Akihito thought as he stared at the carpeted floor guiltily.
"Come here."
Asami's voice was soft, commanding; and Akihito found himself obeying to his lover's request. He sat on the older man's lap, knowing that the act pleases the perverted bastard.
"For you to sit voluntarily on my lap, the story must mean a great deal."
"My – my job is on the line here. I don't want to lose it," he mumbled.
Asami responded by nudging Akihito's chin up. "I'll get Shinji to start on it."
The hazel eyes brightened. "Really?"
"I'll put it on your tab, Akihito."
Akihito's face turned sour. If only Asami knew that he was going through all these shit to save his ass. "You really are a businessman through and through, aren't you? You don't do things for free."
The thin lips curved. "That's how I make money. And you'll find that my services do not come cheap," Asami said, sliding his hands inside Akihito's shirt.
"Asami!" the photographer hissed. "I have work to do!"
Asami pulled the boy to him, crushing their mouths together. "Do it later." Picking Akihito up, he strode to the master bedroom and proceeded to mess him up.
Xx Business as Usual xX
It wasn't the cold that woke Akihito up in the wee hours of the night. Usually, he'd be dead to the world after two rounds of lovemaking under his lover's mastery skills but not this night. He jolted awake after dreaming that his brother and lover were both arrested by Yamaguchi.
Alarmed, he checked the digital watch rested next to the bedside table.
0320 hours.
Relieved, Akihito turned to his side and noticed Asami wasn't in bed. No wonder the bed felt cold, he thought as he swung his legs down to get off the bed. He padded to the living room, found Asami in his night robe, smoking silently as he read some reports.
The golden turned, staring at Akihito before resuming his task.
"Why are you up?"
Akihito took his seat next to his lover. "That should be my line."
Asami placed the papers aside. Extinguishing his cigarette, he pulled Akihito nearer, tracing his jawline. "Perhaps, I didn't satisfy you enough earlier, which is why you're awake now?"
Being reminded of their sexual activities always embarrasses Akihito. Cheeks turned crimson, he brushed Asami's hands away. "Don't get full of yourself, bastard. My mind was occupied with something else."
And that was the truth. After his visit at the prison, he couldn't get Shiba Masaki's case out of his head. To be framed and incarcerated for the rest of his life for something he didn't do, he couldn't imagine how it must have felt.
Akihito promised Shiba to get him a job if he gets out but truthfully, he didn't know how without seeking Asami's help.
"What's bothering you?"
The photographer detached himself from his lover and sat seiza style on the couch, facing Asami. "A – sami, I have a favor to ask."
Since he hadn't done this in a while, the formality must have caused the crime lord to arch his eyebrow in surprise.
"Shiba Masaki," Akihito began poorly. "I promised him that I'd get him a job if he gets release from the prison. Of – of course, that depends if Kuroda sensei manages to reopen his case."
"Why would you do so much for him?"
"I – I made the promise so he'd help me in Yamaguchi's case. Besides," Akihito looked straight at his lover's golden gaze. "—I felt sorry for him and I'd give anything to see Yamaguchi rot in prison."
Asami seemed to be satisfied with his explanation. "Sit on my lap and I'll consider," he said, patting his lap.
"Again?" Akihito mumbled but climbed on his lover's lap anyway. "So, does that mean that you'll help?" he asked hopefully.
"For services rendered," the yakuza said smoothly as he fondled Akihito's butt.
Since it excites him, Akihito didn't protest. "You're really a pervert, Asami."
"And five days accompanying me to work," Asami added.
"Why the hell do you want me to go with you – " Akihito asked, baffled for a moment before realization sink in. "You just want me to play secretarial sex with you in Sion."
"Your suggestion will be taken into consideration, Akihito."
Akihito eyed his lover. "One day."
"Four."
"Two."
"Three," Asami countered.
Akihito shook his head. "You're out of your mind."
The crime lord smirked. "Considering how much you've asked of me, three days is nothing. Take it and we have a deal."
And that was the truth. Knowing that he'd never win against his cunning lover, Akihito folded his hands across his chest. "Fine, we have a deal."
"Good," Asami said smoothly, carrying Akihito inside the master bedroom. Dumping Akihito to bed, he hovered above him. "You've several successful chains of businesses on your own, Akihito. I fail to understand why you need to come to me for help. You can hire Shiba without asking me."
That didn't occur to Akihito. Shit, he had been duped! Placing his palms on Asami's chest, he attempted to push him away. "Bastard, you could have told me! In that case, the deal's –"
"—But," Asami interrupted, his eyes gleamed. "— you knew what I'd ask from you if you wanted a favor and yet you came voluntarily. I cannot imagine anything other than an invitation to be taken. Perhaps you're really a masochist, Akihito."
"You sadistic nnn –,"
Akihito's curses were cut short when Asami covered Akihito's mouth with his.
Xx Business as Usual xX
The first thing Akihito realized when he woke up later was the side where Asami slept was empty and what was left on it was a thick blue folder.
Realizing what it might be, Akihito grabbed the folder excitedly, flipped it open. He scanned through the documents and his lips spread.
It was an official request by Kuroda Shinji to have the case of Shiba Masaki reopened, claiming inconsistency with the investigation and tampered evidence among other cited reasons.
Akihito jumped out of the bed, got ready in a record breaking time and strode of out the bedroom. Toru and Ando were sitting in the living room, surrounded by a pile of documents. Kanda sat on the on the carpeted flooring, organizing documents.
"Takaba sama," Toru stood up and bowed.
Ando and Kanda tried to stand up from the pile of documents but Akihito waved them off. "What are you guys doing?"
"We've printed out a lot of documents from Yamaguchi Issei's deleted emails."
Excited, Akihito sat down. "Are these proof?" He grabbed a piece of paper and read. "Wait, does Asami know about this?"
Toru nodded. "Yes, Asami sama ordered me and Kirishima san to hack into Yamaguchi's deleted records."
Ignoring the pile of documents, Akihito grabbed Toru's arm. "Did you tell Asami about the blackmail?"
Akihito's gaze was fixed on Toru's and didn't notice the guilty look on Ando and Kanda.
"No, Takaba sama. Asami sama only knew that you were investigating Yamaguchi Issei and Shiba Masaki. He was not informed of the blackmail," Toru answered confidently, his face revealed nothing.
Akihito sat back, relieved.
"Takaba sama, why didn't you want Asami sama to know?" Kanda asked.
The photographer shrugged his shoulders. "It's my problem. I don't want to drag him into this. Already, I'm asking him to ask Kuroda sensei to reopen Shiba Masaki's case."
Toru continued to reorganize the documents. "Asami sama ordered us to compile these for Kuroda sensei. These will be produced as evidence in court against Yamaguchi Issei."
Akihito smiled. He sensed his shoulders lighter, his head clearer. Just a little more, the nightmare will end, he mused as he watched his guards efficiently organized the documents.
He checked the time again. He had roughly twelve hours before the deadline set by Yamaguchi.
More than enough time to get these to the Internal Affairs Bureau, Akihito thought.
"Toru, can you make a copy of these?" he asked, pointing to the stack of documents. "I need to send them to the IAB of Japan."
Xx Business as Usual xX
At fifteen to midnight, Akihito stood in front of Yamaguchi's office in Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. The documents were heavy in his backpack but Akihito didn't seem to mind the weight.
Against his wishes, Toru insisted on accompanying him, citing reasons that it would rouse Asami's suspicions if he didn't. A valid argument and since Akihito didn't have the time to argue, he allowed his guard to tag along.
Akihito knocked on the door, waited for Yamaguchi's invitation before entering. The police chief made no effort to stand up when he entered, a gesture Akihito recognized as being in position of power and control. Yamaguchi's single eyebrow arched in surprised when he recognized Toru but didn't comment any further.
"Takaba kun," he said in an irritatingly pleasant voice, "I'm sure you have brought what I wanted today?"
Ignoring Yamaguchi condescending tone, Akihito unzipped his bag pack and removed a pile of papers neatly bound by two huge bind rings before placing it on the desk.
Yamaguchi's eyes gleamed greedily, his lips spread wide as he reached out to retrieve the large pile of evidence. His fantasy of bringing down Asami Ryuichi and being promoted were dashed the minute he flipped through the first page.
And Yamaguchi's response was everything Akihito had ever imagined him to be. Rooted in his seat, Yamaguchi froze as he continued to flip the rest of the papers. Finally, when he could no longer read the rest of the evidence, he slammed the pile of report on his table.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Akihito was taken aback by the sudden outburst but Toru held him steady by placing a hand on his back.
"These are your deleted phone and email records," Toru spoke, his voice flat and expressionless. "It's a compilation of all your misdeeds including blackmail and murder of various individuals, while you were in the position of the chief of police of Tokyo."
"You abetted with Asami on this?" Yamaguchi's eyes bulged.
Sheer nerve kept Akihito steady. "No," his voice wavered a little before fury took over. Keeping his gaze fixed at the police chief, Akihito continued, "You chose the wrong person to assist you, Yamaguchi san. I never wanted to be your lap dog. If anyone's to bring Asami down, it'll be me," he said fiercely, slapping a hand on his chest to prove his point.
"You—,"
"You framed Shiba Masaki, making him the scapegoat in Nanami's murder. The case will be reopened, Yamaguchi san. And when they do, these evidence will be presented to the court," Akihito cut him off.
Yamaguchi stared at the papers as though as they were something poisonous. "How did you –?" he managed to stop himself before realizing that the question would land him in a bigger trouble.
"And you can take his seat in the prison," Akihito said flatly.
Yamaguchi yanked the drawer open and pulled out his gun. "I won't give you the chance, boy. I can kill you this instant!"
Toru pushed Akihito behind him, spreading his hands wide to protect the photographer.
"Toru!" Akihito shouted, panicked. Shit, shit. He hadn't thought of this. Since they were entering the police headquarters, Toru kept his gun with Ando, not wanting to be in trouble over security issues. Akihito tried pushing his guard away but Toru backed him up all the way to the wall, trapping the boy there.
"Toru, get out of here!" Akihito shouted.
"You can't escape, Yamaguchi san," Toru spoke, ignoring Akihito. "In fact, if I were you, I'd make an escape now before the IAB barges in here to arrest you."
As if it were on cue, the door slammed open and six policemen barged in. A man in power suit led the team, followed by Asami's undercover Inspector Mori. Akihito slipped out from Toru's back and watched in shock as the men drew out their weapon and aimed it at Yamaguchi's direction.
"Put down your gun, Captain," the man ordered.
Akihito recognized him as Takigawa, leader of the IAB squad. He had seen him a few times during assignments and from what he heard; Takigawa was an honorable man who wore command with his tough looks and sharp stares.
"I repeat, put down your gun," Takigawa said again, aiming his gun higher at Yamaguchi's forehead.
When Yamaguchi made no attempts to follow instructions, Takigawa bellowed. "I said put down your gun or I will open fire!"
Knowing he was at dead end, Yamaguchi dropped his weapon on the floor. Takigawa moved in to arrest the captain. Accepting a pair of cuffs from Mori, the leader personally handcuffed him, reading him his rights.
As the men dragged Yamaguchi out of his office, the fallen captain took one last look at Akihito.
"Don't think you've won, Takaba Akihito. I'll get you for this," he spat.
"With the evidence we received, it'll be a long time before you can set your foot out of the prison," Takigawa said blandly before pushing the former captain out of the room.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Outside the building, a black limousine was parked across the street, waiting. The man seated at the back seat smoked his cigar as he waited patiently. Finally, the discreet ping sound on his phone came, signaling an incoming text.
Yamaguchi Issei has been arrested. Takaba sama is safe.
Asami's lips curved in satisfaction. Well done, he texted back.
Xx Business as Usual xX
The damn annoying ringtone woke Akihito up at eight the next morning. Tired from the previous night, Akihito simply rolled to his side, covered his head with the warm duvet and slept on. The persistent caller rang again. Cursing, Akihito grabbed his phone and was ready to ignore when he checked the caller ID.
Akihito sat up immediately. "Takeda san?"
"Ah, Takaba? Are you awake?"
"Ye- yeah," the photographer lied.
"Good. Watanabe wants you to come in immediately."
"Shit, this can't be good."
Takeda sighed. "I don't know what happened but you better come in a.s.a.p."
As if Takeda could see him, he nodded his head. "Give me an hour," he said and ended the call.
The photographer got off the bed, picking up the discarded boxers with him. He cursed when he realized they were torn. Really, Asami had to stop destroying his underwear. Stepping into the shower, he put the shower on full blast, trying to calm him nerves.
It had something to do with Yamaguchi, Akihito was sure of it. He was glad Asami had gone out; he wasn't ready to share that he was fired from his job.
He was still upset about his job. Who wouldn't? But Akihito reminded himself that the job meant nothing if he could save both his brother and Asami. Looking for a job is going to be difficult, especially if the bastard Watanabe were to make things difficult for him.
Truthfully, Akihito didn't feel like facing Watanabe again. But he knew it wasn't like him to run away from problems, so he spent the next five minutes finding courage, reassuring himself that it'd be okay before stepping out from the shower.
He was steadier by the time he reached Mainichi Shimbun. Takeda was already waiting for him. He congratulated Akihito of Yamaguchi's arrest and told him that the story would be out in the evening edition, front page with his byline. Takeda was playing with fire, considering he wasn't supposed to run the story in Akihito's byline since he was no longer an employee. But the editor-in-chief was adamant with his decision and reassured Akihito that he was willing to face the rap for that.
"I wonder what Watanabe wants with me now," Akihito bit his lip worriedly as he walked along the corridor to Mainichi Shimbun's president office with Takeda.
Takeda shrugged his wide shoulders. "Beats me; he called me and ordered me to bring you in."
Akihito knocked on the president's door, waited for an approval before entering. The president stood in front of his own desk, his face serious.
"Watanabe san, you want to see me?"
Watanabe cleared his throat uncomfortably as he stood up. "I heard the news about Yamaguchi."
Akihito remained silent, waiting. His eyes skimmed over his press tag on Watanabe's desk but they quickly averted elsewhere, finding it painful to be reminded of his dismissal.
"Takeda also told me that it was you who found incriminating evidence about Yamaguchi Issei, leading to his arrest last night. Is that true?"
Akihito nodded his head.
Watanabe cleared his throat uncomfortably. "After careful consideration, Mainichi Shimbun recognizes that the case and your job are completely unrelated."
Akihito's eyes widened. "What – what does that mean—?"
"I would like to offer a formal apology for the situation I put you through. Your termination is also revoked." He bowed slightly before taking a name tag on the table. "Your press tag, Takaba kun."
Akihito almost couldn't believe his eyes when he took the media tag. Grinning broadly, he turned to Takeda, intending to shake the editor's hands but the man grabbed him into a bear hug instead.
"Welcome back, Takaba." He grinned.
Owari
Omake- Part I
"Sir, Takaba sama has exited the building with Toru."
Asami looked up from the photo frame he was holding to Kirishima. The bespectacled secretary stood by the window, looking below at the streets through the semi-closed window panes. He looked at the photo frame again, scrutinizing a family portrait of four with smiling faces.
"Lovely family you have here, Watanabe san," he said uninterestedly, placing the frame back on the table.
The president of Mainichi Shimbun knelt on the plush carpet in the middle of his own room, trembling in fear as his eyes kept darting back at the gun pointed behind his head.
"Pl – please, I've done what you asked me to do."
Asami stood up from Watanabe's swivel chair, walked around the table and leaned against the edge. Watanabe breathed heavily, as though as he had just run a 100 meter dash. He kept his head low, his body shaking violently.
Enjoying himself, the crime lord made no attempts to order Suoh to keep his gun. For making Akihito go through an emotional turbulence, the punishment was far too lenient.
"Please, Asami sama. I promised I won't do anything to Takaba Akihito again. I'd make sure he gets all the top jobs and –"
"How you assign your work do not interest me," Asami interrupted and Suoh knocked Watanabe's head with his gun. The president fell to the ground but immediately went back to his kneeling position. Suoh grabbed a fist of his semi bald hair and yanked it up.
And this is how you train dogs, Asami thought as he watched the president fell from grace. "I will not interfere with your assignments but –," his voice turned cool as he watched the president arched his neck painfully. "—if you dare to dismiss Akihito, I'll make sure to pay you and your family a visit."
Asami released him and watched Watanabe sobbed. "Rina is sixteen this year?"
The information had Watanabe's eyes widened in fear. Slowly, he shook his head. "No, please don't hurt my daughter. She's innocent!"
"So is Akihito," Asami said coolly as he took the photograph from the table again. Dumping it on the floor in front of Watanabe, he removed his gun from his shoulder holster. He checked the condition of the gun and when he was satisfied, he aimed at the photo.
"Consider this as a warning, Watanabe—" Asami shot a single bullet at the photograph. The silencer he added on his gun muffled the loud gun-shot sound but Watanabe jumped nonetheless. "—because the next time, you won't be so lucky."
"I will do whatever you say, please don't hurt my family," the president pleaded, his head on the plush carpet.
"I won't, as long as you don't overstep your boundaries," he replied coolly. Asami kept his gun, ordering Suoh to do the same. He fixed his coat, put on his gloves and taking one last satisfying look at Watanabe, he left the room.
"Kirishima, anything on my schedule later?"
The secretary pushed his spectacles up. "Yes, sir. One meeting at three and you're clear for the day."
Asami nodded. "Get Toru to update Akihito's schedule for me."
Kirishima bowed. "Certainly, Asami sama."
A very satisfying day; Asami thought as he slid into the back seat of the limousine. It would have been better if he could shove his gun into Yamaguchi or Watanabe's mouth but he supposed this wasn't so bad either.
The beep signaled an incoming text from Toru. He checked the guard's brief report, his lips curved. His lover was reported to be in a very celebratory mood and was even stopping by Marukoshi for some beer.
He couldn't wait to get back and fuck Akihito.
Xx Business as Usual – Omake xX
Omake Part II
"Asami! No more!" Akihito panted, raising his hands to push his lover away.
Hovering above Akihito, the crime lord simply caged the boy's slender wrist above his head and continued thrusting.
"I thought you said you wanted to thank me?" He drawled and watched his lover went crazy when he filled him to the brim.
"Nnn—ah! I – I bought you sushi, you bastard!"
"The expensive sushi set you ordered using my credit card? That's hardly a thank you gift, Akihito," Asami said, releasing the boy's hands before pulling his cock out of Akihito.
The boy protested at the loss. Asami smirked. He didn't touch Akihito on purpose, so the boy hadn't climax, not even once. He was hot and heavy with the need to come and when he tried to touch himself, Asami slapped his hands away.
"Don't touch yourself," he ordered and turned to the bedside table where he kept his leather cuffs.
"No," Akihito protested weakly when Asami flipped him to his stomach and began to chain his wrists to his ankles. Asami teased Akihito's cock, circling his hands around the organ and giving it a few hard pumps before tying it with his tie. He'd love to put a cock ring but since they were in the bondage room, he substituted with his favorite tie.
"Ryuichi!" Akihito moaned in a ragged, aroused voice.
Asami climbed on the bed and taking one last satisfied look at his lover. Akihito's wrists were bound to his ankle on either sides, his face on the bed with his ass high in midair. He favored Akihito in this position, knowing that he had exerted complete control over his lover.
Asami spread his lover's butt cheeks, revealing the twitching hole. It was still moist so Asami didn't bother applying any lubricant. Positioning himself, he thrust home.
The boy screamed in pleasure, fisted his bound hands as he continued to receive Asami thrust for thrust.
"And this –," Asami said, moving faster, "—is an appropriate thank you gift."
Sliding his hands to the front, Asami released the tie that bound his lover's cock. He traced his fingers on the crown, teasing the head before closing his hands around the organ, pumping it.
"You – ah – bastard!"
The crime lord did not respond. He continued destroying Akihito with his skilful fingers and when the boy finally came screaming, he milked it until the last drop. Akihito would have slumped on the bed but since he was still tied, he remained in the same position.
Asami took him hard and fast then, filling his lover to the core. It wasn't before long that he felt his organ twitched against the inner walls of Akihito's ass and came hard inside the boy.
They took a quiet moment to savor the climax before Akihito finally whispered, "Bastard, if you're done, release me. I want to eat that sushi."
Xx Business as Usual – Omake xX
Omake Part III
For the second time in three days, Shima Masaki had visitors. He initially thought it was Takaba Akihito but the warden crudely informed him that his visitor was a man Kuroda Shinji. He went, only because he was rather curious.
He hadn't expected anything from Takaba Akihito. He helped the young man simply because he knew he had nothing to lose. Despite that, he knew that a small time reporter couldn't change anything. Asami Ryuichi's acquaintance or not, it didn't sound plausible.
He dragged his feet to the visiting room, not really looking forward to seeing his guest. As the door opened, he walked in and noticed that there were three men in the room. Two were sitting while another bespectacled man stood behind them.
Shiba recognized them almost immediately.
"Asami Ryuichi," he whispered.
The other man stood up. "I'm district attorney Kuroda Shinji. I'm here as your legal representative to reopen the murder case of Nanami."
Feeling weak, Shiba sat down. "What—what do you mean?"
Kuroda pushed a file across the table. Inside, it contained legal documents of the case as well as a newspaper clipping. "This was yesterday's front page newspaper."
The image of Yamaguchi in police handcuffs had Shiba's eyes widened in shock. "The photographer, he did it," he said in almost disbelief.
"As part of Takaba Akihito's request to Asami Ryuichi, I will review your case file. I believe we have a strong case here and if everything runs smoothly, you'll be out in no time."
Shiba covered his mouth with his hand and looked at Asami.
"Takaba kept his promise," Asami said and looked at Kirishima. The secretary immediately produced a name card, sliding it across to Shiba. "Once you're out, contact this number. Kirishima will arrange a job for you."
Overcome by happiness and relief, Shiba finally broke down and wept.
Xx Business as Usual - OWARI- xX
A/N: I'd like to take a moment to thank all my readers for your continuous support and love. You stuck with me during my toughest times, you consoled me when I was down and above all, you understood that I would not be able to update as frequently as before. I cannot ask for anything more. Honto ni arigatou gozaimasu!
A/N 2: There are more Omakes in this chapter compared to the rest. It's my way of apologizing for the late updates. (looks away guiltily)
Thank you so much for your reviews! I know some of you leave multiple reviews for my chapters, prompting me to update and I am very grateful for that. That actually motivated me to write faster!
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