I am so, so sorry for the late updates. My life has been so busy lately as I am juggling my time between working and studying for Japanese and Thai. But, I know that's really not an excuse for my super late updates. So yeah, I deserve a few rotten eggs.
Thank you, Rein. Without your advice and suggestions, I wouldn't be able to complete this chapter! I tried editing this chapter as much as I could so if there is still any mistakes, I sincerely apologize.
The plot of this chapter is inspired from an old Hong Kong movie, Young and Dangerous 2.
I'll be travelling to Hong Kong and Macau this week for a vacation with my husband. I call it a working trip since I'll be taking notes for future references. (Kadzuki's husband: That's a load of crap!)
Also, thank you to a few of you who mentioned the wrong usage of the Chinese pin yin and the misspelled of Keiko's name. Edited and re-posted!
Disclaimer: Finder Series and its characters are properties of Yamano Ayane. This fiction is written for fans' enjoyment and to satisfy my perverse thoughts. No profit is made from this fan fiction.
Business as Usual Chapter 36
The nausea was gone when Akihito woke up. Tired and groggy, he took a moment to stare at the ceiling, confused. They were white, far brighter than the ceilings in Asami's apartment. The lightings looked nothing like the ones he woke up to everyday and while they looked expensive, the design was a pale comparison to the lightings in Asami's apartment.
He blinked a few more times. The occasional beep had him turned to his side where he noticed machines measuring his heart beat standing by his side. Raising his right hand, he noticed it was bandaged with a needle stuck right on the back of his hand.
Right, I got sick after drinking lemonade.
"Takaba sama, how are you feeling?"
It was his guard and friend Toru. The guard who usually bore no emotions, looked slightly worried.
Akihito gave a weak smile. "For you to look like that, I must be super sick."
Ando appeared next to Toru. He too, had the same worried look. "Takaba sama, you don't know how much danger you were in. You've been unconscious for nearly two whole days!"
When Akihito gave a confused look, Toru instructed Ando to get Kanzaki sensei. The lanky guard took his phone out and speed dialed his boss's number.
"Asami sama, Takaba sama is awake," he murmured. He nodded his head a few times at Asami's orders before ending the call. He knelt next to the bed. "I sincerely apologized, Takaba sama. We failed to see that coming. As a result –"
"—what do you mean?" Akihito tried to sit up but he was so dizzy and weak that he lost his grip and nearly fell off the bed.
The guard caught him immediately. "Careful, you're still weak," he said as he helped the boy back to the bed. He took the remote control and adjusted the bed so Akihito could sit up.
Akihito looked around. He recognized the familiar painting and the furniture in the room. The room might resemble a hotel suite since it boasts a living room, a bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen; but Akihito had been in the room enough times to know that he's in the president suite of NT Hospital.
There were more guards than usual in the room. Apart from his personal guards, Akihito noticed Kanda and Makoto were in the room too, which was unusual because they were only assigned to him when Toru and Ando were unavailable.
"What happened?"
Before Toru could answer him, the doors to his private room slid opened. There were more guards outside, Akihito realized. He managed to count until three when Asami walked in with Kirishima and Suoh, obscuring his view.
Asami's gaze was cold and hard. It didn't take an idiot to know that his lover was extremely displeased. He dismissed Kanda and Makoto, ordered them to stand out outside the door before turning to rest his gaze on Akihito.
"How do you feel?"
Akihito offered a weak smile. "Like shit."
The response had Asami curved his lips. "If you can start grumbling, it seems you are better."
"What happened? I remembered drinking some lemonade before I felt extremely terrible."
Asami sat on the bed, took Akihito's chin in his hand, brushing his thumb on the boy's lower lip. He turned Akihito's face left, then right and when he was finally satisfied with Akihito's condition, he released him.
"You were poisoned."
"Poisoned? You mean that lemonade was poisoned?"
The golden eyes hardened. "Yes, high levels of arsenic were found in your drinks and if Ando hadn't brought you to the hospital on time, you would have died from the poisoning."
"You—you're joking, right?"
Akihito searched the older man's reaction for any signs that he might be lying. Asami's expression remained serious, his eyes were hard and displeased – none indicated that he was telling a lie. The photographer covered his mouth. "I feel sick."
"Are you all right?" Asami asked as he handed Akihito a glass of warm water. The boy took a small sip before looking at the crime lord.
"Who would do that? Why me - why –" he trailed off before realization hit him. He grabbed Asami's arm. "Sanada, what happened to Sanada?"
"He's fine. In fact, he is doing better than you are."
The mixture of expensive cologne and tobacco on Asami's coat calmed him almost immediately. He took a moment to recollect his thoughts before pulling back. "Who did that?"
His older lover did not immediately answer the question. His mouth turned grim, as if he was thinking about something. Growing impatient, Akihito was about to ask again when Asami finally revealed the culprit.
"Keiko?" Akihito asked, confused. "Why would she want to poison me?"
It was Kirishima who answered. "Takaba sama, our theory is that Keiko wanted to get rid of you so she can have Asami sama. She tried to do just that at the club, but was –" Kirishima paused, as if he was trying to think for a more suitable word, "—unsuccessful."
"Wait!" Akihito held his hand up and closed his eyes. He drew in a deep breath, calmed his quicken heartbeat. After a while, he opened them and this time, the fear was long gone and there was only anger. He glared at the crime lord.
"You meant that she poisoned me and Sanada just because you refused to fuck her?"
"A rather crude way of saying it, but yes."
The usual Asami would smirk whenever Akihito said something like that but since his expression did not change, Akihito assumed that his lover too, was pissed royal.
"But why Sanada? He has nothing to do with this, why would she poison – " Akihito stared at Asami, as if he had just realized something. "—that bitch! She didn't know which glass I'd take so she poisoned both of us."
Akihito looked around. "Is that why there's more guards here than usual?"
Asami finally flashed his trademark smirk. "You're getting sharper," he said, before his expression turned serious again. "Akihito, I need to fly to Macau in a week. During that, you can't return to the penthouse."
"If you think I'm afraid of her –"
"I know you're not. It's better for you to lay low while I'm away." Asami stood up, walked to the couch and sat on it. "Keiko is cunning. She'll find out soon enough that you're alive and knowing her, she will mobilize any resources to get you."
Akihito stared at Asami almost in disbelief. "Are you afraid of her? Is she even that scary? Scarier than Chey and Fei Long?"
The thin lips curved evilly. "She is far tamer but she's like a cockroach, and unless you crush her out completely, she'll come back to annoy you."
The crime lord's eyes gleamed slightly when he said that, letting Akihito to believe that the older man was seriously looking forward to doing just that. He crossed his arms.
"Fine," he replied, somewhat annoyed. "I'll go hide while you deal with her."
Asami walked to the bed and sat on the edge again. "Good boy," he murmured before turning to Kirishima. "Leave us for a moment and do not come in until I give the orders."
The secretary bowed and together with Toru, they left the room.
The boy stared at his lover again. "But don't you dare to sleep with her. I'll drown you if you do."
"Jealous, Akihito?"
Bastard. "Shut up."
Asami pulled Akihito in for a kiss. "Behave when I'm not here."
"You know I'm not going to," he said cheekily before flashing his lethal stare. "Go kick her ass, Asami."
"I intend to," he said and pushed the boy down on the bed. As he licked the nape of Akihito's neck, the boy pushed him away.
"Asami, stop! I don't have the energy!"
"Don't worry, I won't do anything." The smile that his lover gave him was not at all reassuring.
"Wait, listen to me!" He waited until he had his lover's attention on him before continuing, "If you're flying to Macau, I have a request."
Asami's eyebrow rose in surprise. "Let's hear it."
Xx Business as Usual xX
The cigarette between Asami's fingers continued to burn as he stared outside the window of his private plane. Once or twice, he tapped the ash on the ashtray and continued to let it burn without taking a drag.
"Sir?"
Asami glanced at his secretary sitting next to him. "We're landing in forty minutes," he heard Kirishima announced.
He nodded his head before turning his attention back to the cigarette. Since he lost his interest in smoking, he extinguished the stick before focusing his attention on his tablet. His inbox was flooded with mails from his subordinates but he was only interested in reading one. The mail, sent without a subject was from Ando.
Tapping the mail open, Asami read through Ando's detailed report. Akihito had reached the igloo house in Hokkaido and the security was already in place.
Of all places, he hadn't thought that Akihito would choose the igloo house. He knew Akihito liked the place but he thought the boy would prefer somewhere less chilly. Most Japanese wouldn't even consider travelling to Hokkaido in January due to the extreme weather and for someone like Akihito who adored beaches, it was a mystery why the boy would choose the northern island.
Asami wasn't complaining of course. The location was perfect, considering only a handful of his subordinates knew about the place. With his approval, Ando roped in Shiba, Makoto and Kanda as part of the security team. Kirishima also increased the number of guards around the property, making the place a virtual fortress.
As for Toru –
"Sir, Takaba sama's schedule has been cleared for two weeks. I have made necessary additions to the firewalls of his computer for anti-hacking purposes."
Asami looked up, nodded at Toru. The lanky guard bowed but he looked somewhat hesitant. "Toru, speak."
Toru bowed again. "Asami sama, pardon me for asking, why wasn't I given the duty to guard Takaba sama?"
"This is Akihito's wish," the crime lord replied as he took the brandy glass from the small table and brought it to his lips. He took a sip, replaced it. "You're concerned about Akihito's safety?"
"Yes, sir."
Asami knew what was running through Toru's mind. With danger looming around the boy, it was natural for Toru to head the security team rather than leaving Akihito's safety to his partner. Asami couldn't agree more but Akihito had made it clear that the only condition he'd follow Asami's orders was if Toru went with Asami for his trip.
"Are you not confident with the team that you've picked?"
Again, Toru bowed. "Sir, I have full confidence with Ando and the team. Forgive me for asking."
"Akihito is concerned that only Kirishima is accompanying me for this trip. Suoh is already waiting for us there but he somewhat thought it'd be better that you came along."
Toru looked surprised. "Asami sama, your skills are by far the best I've ever seen and if anyone should be worried about safety, it should be Takaba sama himself."
Again, Toru was right but since Akihito had begged nicely, Asami found it hard to resist. "It's not a bad deal. As an exchange, he promised to stay in the igloo house and cooperate with Ando and the rest until our return."
Kirishima looked up from his tablet. "Considering how Takaba sama hated to do that, it is indeed a good deal."
And good behavior needs to be rewarded, Asami thought. "Kirishima?"
"Yes, sir?"
"When we come back, transfer the house land titles in Hokkaido to Akihito's name."
The secretary smiled. "Certainly, Asami sama." He stood up, took the opened bottle of brandy and refilled Asami's glass. "Although I can say for certain that Takaba sama would not appreciate the gesture."
"He certainly won't."
He'd hate it. Asami mused as he sipped the brandy—but that was also why he couldn't stop himself from heaping presents on his young lover. Akihito wasn't like the others. His past flings wanted everything while Akihito demanded nothing. It might be arrogant of Asami to think so but he was fairly certain that the only thing Akihito ever wanted was Asami himself.
He thought of Keiko and his mood darkened again. Downing the brandy in a single gulp, he stared outside the window as the pilot announced for landing.
Keiko, you messed with the wrong person. You're dead wrong if you think you can take Akihito away from me.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Asami exited the airport and had the chauffer ferry him straight to the Baishe headquarters. The Hong Kong mafia's house was a bungalow located in one of the prime estates in Hong Kong. It wasn't gigantic but it was still fairly impressive since like Japan, land is rather scarce in Hong Kong and a dwelling like that could cost a small fortune.
The automated gate opened as the chauffer drove into the driveway. Inside, an army of guards, all dressed in dark suits looked warily as they approached. Asami noticed that the walls surrounding the bungalow were high, with good number of cameras positioned in almost every corner.
Yoh, his former spy walked out just as the car came into a complete stop. Toru exited first, eyed his opponent warily before turning to open the door for Asami. Kirishima stepped out, followed by Suoh and finally Asami.
"Asami sama," Yoh greeted as he bowed. "Welcome."
Behind Yoh, two men took out their guns, prompting Kirishima, Suoh and Toru to do the same.
"Keep the guns, Asami sama is a guest here," Yoh ordered harshly before bowing slightly at Asami. "My apologies for the rudeness. Please follow me. Fei sama is expecting you."
Nodding his head curtly, Asami allowed Yoh to lead them to the stairs. They took a short flight of curved stairs to the second floor where they were led to a room. A brisk knock from Yoh and they were cleared to enter.
Heavy smoke permeated the room as they entered. Asami noted that it was one of those lighted fragrance incense that Fei Long favored. It smelled slightly floral and sweet; and while it was relaxing, it wasn't something he preferred in his apartment.
Fei Long stood behind one of his wooden Chinese arm chairs. A majestic dragon circling the clouds was intricately carved on the backrest on his seat. There were a few more seats arranged in a semi-circle and while they too, were beautifully carved, they were a pale comparison to the boss's exclusive seat.
Behind the chair on the wall, a huge logo of Baishe and the portrait of the Guan Yu.
The God of War, Asami thought as he entered the room. The deity was immensely popular among the Chinese, who believed that He had controls over the evil spirit.
He scanned the room, noticed a few expensive porcelain pieces and antique vases sitting around the carpeted room. He let his guard down a little, knowing that if Fei Long had wanted him dead, he wouldn't choose to do it in a room full of expensive antiques.
"Asami," Fei Long greeted as he sat. "Please, sit."
Asami took his seat directly opposite Fei Long while Kirishima, Suoh and Toru stood behind their boss.
"I have sources telling me that Akihito is severely injured."
Asami didn't so much as flicker at Fei Long's remark. "News travel fast."
Fei Long signaled for Yoh and the guard came to pour him a drink. He offered to Asami, which he declined.
"How is he?"
He contemplated if he should tell Fei Long the truth about Akihito's injury. They were in many ways, allies but never friends. But Asami knew Fei Long always had a soft spot on Akihito and the look on his face told Asami that Fei Long was genuinely concerned for the photographer.
"He's recovering from arsenic poisoning in an undisclosed location," Asami said finally.
The glass of brandy in Fei Long's shook as the Chinese gripped it in anger. "Who did it?" His eyes zeroed on Asami's. "And why are you not gutting his stomach for that?"
Asami matched Fei Long's gaze with his cold, hard stare. "You don't have to tell me what to do. Keiko will pay for what she did."
"Keiko? Wu's woman?" When Asami offered no confirmation, Fei Long took one of his many pipes and placed it between his lips. "Such a cliché weapon for a woman; she was one of yours, was she not?"
Since Fei Long was obviously not an imbecile, he managed to deduce the true objective behind Akihito's assassination. "She did so much to attract your attention?"
"Her mistake was to go after what was mine," Asami said, his voice hardened.
Fei Long actually snickered. "It's amusing seeing you trying to hide your worries for Akihito. Just admit it, you cared for the boy so much that you're willing to come to me for help."
Asami's lethal stare did nothing to shake the crime lord's demeanor. "I did not travel here to discuss about Akihito. About the thing I asked of you –,"
Fei Long stood up, fixed his changsan. "'You know, Asami; I almost didn't want to help but since this is part of your elaborated plans to avenge Akihito, consider this as a free service from me." He walked to the door. "Follow me."
The Chinese kingpin led them from the posh room, down the stairs and through a passageway. It led them outside to a small room detached from the main house. Two big armed guards stood at the door, unmoving. At the wave of Fei Long's hand, they stepped aside. Yoh opened the door and stepped aside for Fei Long.
"As requested," Fei Long said, waved his hand inside the room.
Xx Business as Usual Xx
"I repeat, your boss is a crazy man," Akihito said as he settled in the igloo. "Who would actually send half of his security team to Hokkaido?"
"Takaba sama, you chose this place," Ando reminded as he carried the remaining suitcase inside the igloo. "So Asami sama arranged more guards to come as part of the security team."
"Stop talking like Toru," he grumbled as he grabbed a pillow from the couch. "You know what I mean. Did he have to chart an entire plane to send me here?"
"Considering the number of guards and medical personals that needed to come with us, charting a small plane is better than taking commercial flight," Ando replied. He walked to the small kitchen, poured a cup of freshly brewed tea. "Besides, taking a commercial plane is more dangerous. Your whereabouts could be easily tracked."
Shiba who had been listening quietly, came around the sitting area and joined his partner. "Ando-san is right. As for the number of guards, it could be limited if Toru-san came with us but since you requested him to join Asami sama, he had no choice but to send more guards."
Akihito looked away guiltily. "I did say I wanted to come here but I didn't think so many preparations needed to be done. Plus, I'm almost recovered so there isn't any need for Kanzaki sensei's team to come with us."
"Takaba sama, the after effects of poisoning is serious. That is why Kanzaki sensei and his team will be at NT hospital in the city. You'll have to undergo tests daily," Ando said.
"But Kanzaki sensei said I am making good progress. Even he is surprise that I could recover so quickly with little to none nerve damage," Akihito argued. He shivered a little, mainly due to the cold.
Shiba stood up and grabbed a fleece blanket from the bed. "We were lucky that Ando-san noticed the symptoms immediately after you were poisoned and took you to hospital. The poisoned was flushed out quickly, minimizing the after effects."
Bundling himself in the fleece blanket, Akihito stared at the plush carpet. "Thanks," he mumbled.
"No, we should have realized it sooner," Ando said regretfully. He bowed, prompting Shiba to do the same. "If only we weren't so careless, you wouldn't be poisoned."
"Blame it on my idiocy as well. Should have known something wasn't right when Sanada said they were from Asami. Bet he had to leave his multi-million-dollar business deal because I was poisoned."
"The boss was extremely displeased. You were in so much danger that Kanzaki sensei nearly lost you on the operating table."
The quietness in Ando's voice told Akihito that he had most probably witnessed one of Asami's scariest moment. He sympathized with Ando and Shiba for he knew just how scary his lover could be when he was furious.
"Sorry," the photographer mumbled. "Did Asami give you any grief about it?"
"No," Ando replied.
Akihito scanned the guard. He was more expressive than Toru so it was easier to check if he was lying. Since Ando didn't show any signs of strain or distress, the photographer assumed that he was telling the truth.
"Takaba sama?"
"Yeah?"
"Why did you ask Toru san to go with Asami sama?"
Flashback
"Wait, listen to me! If you're flying to Macau, I have a request."
Asami's eyebrow rose in surprise. "Let's hear it."
Akihito pushed his lover away, adjusted the sheets of his bed before looking at Asami. "I want Toru to go with you."
"It is unnecessary."
"It is," Akihito insisted stubbornly. "You're entering the enemy's territory alone!"
Asami cupped Akihito's chin. "I have Suoh and Kirishima."
Akihito slapped the hand away. "Compared to the hundreds of men Keiko have, you need more help."
Akihito knew Asami could probably handle Keiko but if she was as cunning as Kirishima had told him, he wouldn't want to risk Asami's safety.
"Why, now I am insulted," Asami said, gripping Akihito's chin. He planted a rough kiss on the boy before continuing, "I've seen and handled worst. There is no need for Toru to come with me. You need more protection than I do."
"I have a battalion of your guards following me," Akihito said sarcastically before pulling Asami's hand away from his chin again. He guided Asami's hands to his lap, rested his own hand on his lover's.
"Take Toru with you. I rather have him with you than me."
This time Asami's eyes narrowed. "You should know Keiko is mobilizing all her men looking for you. You're in more danger than you think. Pushing Toru to me isn't wise."
Damn it. Akihito knew Asami wouldn't be easily persuaded. Biting his lower lip, he thought hard. The older man was stubborn and unless Akihito used certain tactics, it wouldn't work. Slowly, the boy climbed onto Asami's lap, taking care not to drag the medical tubes with him or he'd risk ripping the needle from the back of his hand.
He wound his hands behind Asami's neck, pulled him close before kissing him. "Please Ryuichi, I promised I'll cooperate with Ando. I'll not escape."
The trick seemed to work for Asami's lips actually curved.
"You're desperate enough to sit on my lap willingly," he said, wrapping his hand around Akihito's waist. "All right, I will get Kirishima to arrange Toru to go with me."
Instead of his usual playful grin, Akihito actually smiled. "Thanks." He rested his head on Asami's shoulder. "You know, I hate being sappy but don't die in Macau. I'll be so pissed if you do because I haven't trained enough to kick your ass."
End of flashback
"Takaba sama?"
Akihito snapped out from his thoughts and looked at Ando, who was still waiting for an answer to his question.
I'm worried about Asami's safety. But he wasn't going to admit that in front of Ando. Instead, he gave a smirk and told his guards, "—because it's easier to escape from you than Toru."
"Takaba sama!"
Xx Business as Usual xX
Keiko was fuming. All her men were useless. None seemed to have information about the brat after he was poisoned. She flew back immediately to avoid suspicions but was beginning to regret her decision because she knew nothing except Akihito had indeed drunk the poisoned lemonade. The man she ordered to serve the drinks also disappeared and all attempts to communicate with him were futile.
Imbeciles.
Keiko sat on her special chair in her office. Her throne—she liked to name it that because she had it specially made for her. The previous chair, a black hideous swivel chair belonging to her late husband, had been disposed after he passed away.
Wu Jing An, she thought as she stared at the photo on the table. It was taken in one of those luxurious casinos in Macau immediately after they married. Keiko slammed the photo frame down, finding it revolting when she remembered all the times she had sex with Wu.
Perverted bastard, Keiko cursed silently. She never loved him. He was nearly half her age, slightly shorter than she was. She went with him only because she knew Wu would be able to give her what she wanted.
Unlocking her drawer, she took out a file that her private investigator had compiled for her. She flipped it open, stared at Asami's photograph. The photograph looked grainy as the shot was taken from a distance away but it was enough to remind Keiko how perfect Asami was.
Who would have thought Asami could become one of the most powerful man in Asia so quickly? If she could predict the future, she wouldn't have left Asami for the dead bastard. Asami was, in Keiko's opinion, the most good-looking man she had ever laid her eyes on. She ran her finger along the photograph, remembering all the times that she shared a bed with him.
And Keiko wanted him so badly. Now that her husband is dead, she thought she was free to do whatever she wanted but she was wrong.
The news of Asami keeping a male lover came immediately after the incident with Chey in Cambodia. The demise of the Cambodian drug lord was everywhere, and Keiko lost count how many triad members talked about it during their meetings.
Naturally, Keiko was both curious and jealous of a man whom she had never met before. She did a few diggings on her own and finally found the identity of the young boy.
Takaba Akihito, a freelance photographer. She remembered how shocked she was when she first laid her eyes on Akihito. His looks were above average but there was nothing, in Keiko's opinion, made him qualified as the great Asami Ryuichi's lover.
Keiko closed the file, kept it in her drawer. She stood up, looking out of her window as she bit her lips.
Did that brat survive the poison? No, he couldn't have, Keiko thought as she sat again. The poison was lethal enough to cause heart attack and death within two hours of ingestion. If that were the case, why couldn't she find news about Akihito's death?
No matter, Keiko smiled. If the brat didn't die from the poison, she just had to kill him again. Just as how she did Wu and his son.
A knock on her door halted her thoughts. Fixing her hair, she gave orders for her men to enter.
"Da Jie, it's time."
She nodded. She had set up a meeting with Lee, a drug lord from Hong Kong and together they will hatch a plan to bring down Liu Fei Long. Once she gained controls over the market, Asami would have no choice but to work with her.
She wanted Asami back and she didn't care what it takes to get him.
Xx Business as Usual xX
He was late.
Keiko checked her expensive wrist watch again and noticed that Lee was already fifteen minutes behind time.
Fucking crooks. If she weren't desperate for his help, she'd ordered a hit on him. Keiko was dressed in one of her neckline plunging black dresses, paired with a fur overall. The chilly wind seeped into the thin dress and she ignored it.
She needed to wear a dress, in case the negotiations were leading nowhere and she needed to bribe Lee with sex. Having done it many times, she was positive that it would work. The idea of her spreading her legs for the enemies didn't sit well among her top advisors but she somehow managed to convince them that it was for the sake of the party.
One day, she thought as crossed her arms, she would do whatever she liked without having others pointing out her every move. She needed to be more powerful, and needed Asami in her plan.
The sound of the steel sliding gate being pushed apart had her refocus in her mission again. She thought she was ready to face the old, sly crook but nothing prepared her for who she saw walking into the warehouse.
A bulky crew cut blonde entered first, followed by a bespectacled man Keiko knew very well. Behind him, Asami Ryuichi walked in confidently, bearing an expression so cold that Keiko felt a frisson of fear for the first time in her life.
"Ryuichi," she whispered, taking a few steps back and ten men standing behind her immediately whipped out their guns.
"You try that and I'll blow all of you up in an instant," Suoh said, pulling out his own semi-automatic and a hand grenade. Both he and Kirishima moved to the front, blocking Asami from the enemy's view.
"Keep the weapons," Keiko ordered her men before turning her attention to Asami again. She put on a forced, brave smile. "Ryuchi, I didn't know you would be here."
"Were you waiting for Lee?" Asami asked as he stepped away from his guards. "If you are, you'd be disappointed to know that he won't be coming."
The smile on Keiko's lips vanished. "What do you mean?"
At a snap of his fingers, Toru walked in, dragging an unconscious man behind him. The man was far shorter than the guard, standing at five feet three at most. The mixture of sweat, dried blood and grit smeared all over his face, making it more difficult to even recognize the man. His jaw and nose looked badly disfigured, evident they were broken.
Toru effortlessly dragged the man to the center of the warehouse, leaving him there. He didn't move an inch and merely lay on the concrete flooring, spread-eagle.
"I brought you your guest," Asami said, his lips curved into a thin, dangerous smile.
Keiko crossed her arms, acting as if she didn't care. "I wasn't waiting for him."
Asami raised an eyebrow. "Were you not? Then I supposed we don't need him any further," he said, nodding his head at Toru.
The lanky guard took out his gun from his shoulder holster, pointed at the unconscious Lee.
"Wait!"
Asami raised his hand, halting Toru. He was really enjoying Keiko's reactions. The way she froze and her face blanching of color when he entered the warehouse, the way she struggled to remain calm when she saw Toru dragging Lee in; and the way she had to quickly regroup her strategies – it gave Asami immense pleasure. But not yet. Until he strips Keiko's pride bare; hear her screams in pain and begging for her life, only then will Asami be satisfied. This was only the beginning of the show.
"So, you know him?"
"He's a business partner." Keiko took a step forward. "How dare you hurt him? Our business dealings are none of your concern."
"Indeed, it doesn't." Asami's eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. "But when you sent those men to poison Akihito, you crossed a line that you wish you hadn't."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Act stupid all you want—," the crime lord said as he took out his gun from his shoulder holster. Circling the unconscious triad leader laying on the cement ground, he stared at Keiko. "—but you know you had done it."
Without a warning, Asami fired. The man on the ground jerked from the gun shot before he went limp. By now, about eight of Keiko's men had their guns whipped out and aimed at Asami.
"Boss, stand behind me," Suoh stepped in front with his hand grenade and gun.
"I don't see why you need to kill him. And you had no proof that I poisoned your little lover," Keiko said indifferently but her facial muscles tightened.
Obviously enjoying himself, Asami stepped in front of Suoh again. "He's merely collateral damage. As to your plan of killing Akihito, do you think I'd confront you without any proof?"
"Kirishima," he said and the secretary immediately produced an envelope. Asami took the envelope, dumped it carelessly across.
Keiko had one of her men picked it up and brought to her. She emptied the contents but threw them away almost immediately. Covering her perfectly manicured hands on her mouth, she asked, "What did you do to him?"
"You're finally admitting that you knew the waiter?" Asami asked easily as he lit his cigarette.
"You're – you're crazy!" Keiko shook slightly as she shouted.
Asami took a slow drag, savoring the nicotine before giving Keiko a look she hadn't seen before. "I'm not the man you once knew, Keiko. And that is a reminder of what I would do if someone dared to cross their line."
Keiko marched to Asami. "You would do so much for the brat? You would choose him, over me?"
"Don't flatter yourself," the crime lord said in a tone so cool that Keiko took a step back. "A whore who climbed ranks by spreading your legs to any man isn't fit to be called my lover."
She raised her arm but Asami anticipated her move. He caught her hand easily, flung it away. The force had her staggered behind and fell when she lost her footing due to her razor thin heels.
"You bastard!"
Keiko's men rushed to her aid but in anger, she snapped at them and refused any help. Two men stepped forward and pointed their guns at Asami. "Asami Ryuichi, do not think you can come to our territory and threaten our boss!"
Unfazed by their gun, Asami merely continue to smoke in silence. "You'd be wise not to involve yourselves in this –," he paused as he extinguished his cigarette, "—because if you did, you'd be dead before you can press the trigger."
At a snap of his fingers, another army of men stormed inside the warehouse. Most were his men whom Kirishima had arranged to be flown to Macau. They surrounded Keiko's men, had their weapons out and aimed at the Chinese Mafia.
Finally managed to pull herself together, Keiko brushed a few strands of hair from her face. She must have used the time to regroup her strategies because what she did next came as a surprise to Asami.
"Ryuichi, you know I've always love you. I left because I wanted to achieve something more and be someone who could stand on equal grounds with you."
Her voice was soft, pleading as she walked to Asami. He noticed her eyes were damp and her mouth quivered slightly as she spoke. Her slender hands reached out to Asami.
No more games, Asami thought as he grabbed Keiko's arm and yanked it to her back in a painful twist. As she screamed, he released her hand but grabbed her hair instead, pointing his gun to her temple.
Her subordinates tried to come to her rescue but his elite guards disarmed everyone by firing multiple shots at their hands, disarming them.
"You never loved anyone but yourself," Asami snarled as he released the safety catch. "You left because you were a greedy bitch and now that I have the power and money, you think you can worm your way back into my life?"
"I –"
Asami pushed her away, nodded at Toru. The lanky guard dragged her back to her feet, slid both hands under her arms from behind and held her firm.
"You think by taking Akihito out, you can take his place?" Asami traced the gun from her temple, down her cheeks before resting it under her neck. "Let me tell you, even if by luck you managed to kill Akihito, you don't stand a chance. I'm not that desperate to fuck a whore like you."
Finally realizing that her plans were falling apart, Keiko trembled. "Ryuichi, don't do this," she said as her eyes glance alternately between the gun and Asami.
"Don't do what?" Asami asked as he fired a single shot on Keiko's thighs. He aimed the gun carefully so he wouldn't injure Toru who was holding Keiko firmly behind.
Keiko screamed from the pain and slumped but Toru continued to hold her firm, forcing her to stand.
"You shot me!" she cried, almost in disbelief. The tears and sweat were ruining her perfect make up, with traces of black mascara staining her eyes and cheek.
Asami shoved the gun at her cheeks.
"I'll do more than that, Keiko. Do not think that I wouldn't kill you just because I fucked you once. You meant nothing to me."
She was sweating, most likely due to the wound on her thigh. Her eyes darted behind, pleading for her men but since most of them were injured and had been disarmed, they could not nothing but watch.
"Asami Ryuichi, what is the meaning of this?" A foreign voice demanded.
Lazily, the crime lord turned his attention to the entrance of the warehouse where another small army of men had gathered. He recognized the man in sharp black suit as one of the top advisors in the Wu clan. The long scar that ran across his left cheek and horizontal scars on his neck were proof that the man had endured many fights in his career.
Unlike the Japanese, Chinese Mafia does not have a second in command. They resembled an organization where they had top advisors who possess almost equal power as the boss. Asami knew Fei Long wasn't fond of this practice and took up on a system that was nearly identical to his own.
"You think you can walk in here and harm Keiko? She is still the leader of Wu!" The man shouted. When Asami again offered no response, he continued, "No matter how powerful you are, you're in Macau. If you kill her, you'll start a war with the entire Chinese Mafia in Macau."
Keiko heaved out a winning laugh. "You can't kill me even if you wanted to, Ryuichi."
This was the real Keiko. A woman who couldn't care about anything but herself, a woman who would stop at nothing to have what she wanted; a narcissist, self-absorbed, delusional, selfish bitch.
"You want the truth? I POISONED him! That scrawny brat – he thought he could have it all? If I can't have what I want, no one can!" she laughed.
"Boss, give me the order and I'll kill her," Toru requested. The muscles of his face tightened as he tried to control his anger.
Asami wouldn't let the taunt affect him. He'd win the game, he always did. Calmly, he took out his cigarette, an action that surprised his enemies. Lighting the cigarette, he took his first drag before curving a thin smile.
"You don't know who you're playing fire with, Keiko," he said before turning to the advisor. "Your stupidity baffled me. You allowed a woman of her caliber to take charge of the organization?'
"Asami, watch your mouth!"
"Did you investigate the nature of Wu's death?" Asami interrupted.
He glanced at Keiko and the advisor. One had a worried look while the other, confused.
"Da-ge died of heart attack –,"
"How sure are you?" Asami interrupted again. He took in another drag of his cigarette. "Didn't it occur to you why a physically fit man like Wu would suffer heart problems?"
This time, the advisor remained quiet.
"As for the son –"
"Young master was grieving. He committed suicide after the boss's death!"
"This is where you're wrong," the crime lord said, scanning the shocked faces of the advisor. He took a quick glance at Keiko, who had gone slightly pale from his remarks.
He smirked. Now let the show begins.
"Let me point out the obvious since you're obviously not thinking straight. She poisoned your boss and killed the son to gain control of the organization."
There was a pin drop silence after Asami's remark. The advisor looked so stunned that his jaw dropped a few centimeters. The other men simply clutched at their injured hand, looking at each other. Obviously, they couldn't believe what they had heard.
"You liar!" Keiko shrieked, breaking off the silence. As if her pain on her thigh had ebbed, she struggled against Toru's grip. "You're looking for vengeance after what I did to the brat!"
The advisor seemed to believe Keiko. "Asami, if what Ta-Jie said was true, then we wouldn't hesitate to start a war with Sion."
Asami took one last drag of his cigarette before passing it to Kirishima. In return, the secretary exchanged the cigarette with a gun. He pointed it to the advisor. "If you think you can start a war with me and win, think again because I can annihilate you this instant –"
He walked to Keiko, shoving the gun just beneath her chin. "Your plans are crumbling down like dominos. By the time this is over, you'll wish you never crossed path with me."
"What—" she began to defend but Asami didn't give her a chance. With a snap of his finger, Kirishima opened the heavy metal door of the warehouse.
Fei Long, clad in his traditional wear, walked in confidently. The entire Wu clan readied their guns but dropped them a few seconds later when they noticed Yoh wheeled a severely injured man inside the warehouse.
Naked from the waist top, the man was heavily bandaged across his chest and head. There were metal rods sticking out of his bandaged leg, evident of a broken shin. His face was nearly unrecognizable as it was swollen and yellowish but to the advisor, the identity of the person seemed clear enough.
"Young master!"
"Chan," he muttered, his voice was hoarse.
"Asami, I brought Wu's son, as promised."
Xx Business as Usual xX
A few hours ago
"As requested," Fei Long said, waved his hand inside the room.
Asami stepped inside. It was cool inside the room, with temperature kept to a minimum 18 degrees. A single hospital bed, wheelchair and a small table were the only furniture available in the room. Asami looked around and noticed there were two windows but both were tightly secured and covered with drapes.
A man lay on of the bed, half naked and asleep. His chest and head were heavily bandaged and so were his hands. His left leg, cushioned by a few pillows, were raised slightly with metal rods protruded out of his shin.
"Where did you find him?"
Fei Long leaned against the door, crossing his hands. "In a small fishing village in Tai-O."
"He survived after being dumped in the sea?" Asami asked, his gaze never left the sleeping man.
"Apparently, Keiko's men had been careless. When they shot and pushed him down the cliff, a passing fisherman saw what happened. He pulled him out of the water and sent him to the hospital."
"I'm surprised the police hadn't been notified."
Fei Long walked into the room, ordered Yoh to close the door. "It's a small hospital in the island and the fisherman begged them not to in fear of his own life. They removed the bullet but since they didn't have an orthopedic surgeon, he was left with a plaster cast in the hospital until I found him."
When Asami remained silent, Fei Long continued, "Asami, how did you find out that Keiko poisoned Wu and attempted to kill his son?"
The crime lord slid his hands in his dress pants. "I had my suspicions the minute Kirishima told me that Wu was dead," he said, walking nearer to the sleeping man. "He –," Asami added, referring to the man, "—wasn't known to be a person who would commit suicide."
Fei Long walked to the foot of the bed, joining Asami. "Planning such elaborated scheme just to get you –Keiko is indeed determined."
"I care less who she wants to kill but the minute she went after what's mine, her fate is sealed."
Fei Long nodded, agreeing with Asami. "So, what do you plan to do to him?"
Asami flashed his trademark grin. "You'll see."
Just then, the sleeping man stirred and slowly, his eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times and once he could focus, he was startled to see two of Asia's top crime lords standing side by side.
"Hello Wu Jing Yi," Asami greeted, "Let's talk business."
Xx Business as Usual xX
Back at the warehouse
"Asami, I brought Wu's son, as promised," Fei Long said as he took his place next to the Japanese crime lord. He scanned Keiko from top to bottom. "So, you're the bitch who poisoned Akihito?"
Asami couldn't decide if Keiko went rigid because Fei Long was present or the fact that the Hong Kong triad leader knew Akihito. Whichever it was, her reactions pleased him immensely. He nodded at Toru, an order the guard understood even without him having to utter a single word. The lanky guard released Keiko, gave her a slight push on purpose so she'd stumble and fall on the ground.
But Keiko couldn't be bothered with the rudeness at that moment, nor could she care about the bullet wound on her left thigh. Her attention was fixed at her advisor Chan, who was fussing over Wu's son. Chan nodded as the young master spoke, occasionally looked at Keiko in hatred before turning his attention back at the injured man. Finally, Chan stood up, raised his gun – not at Fei Long or Asami but at the lone lady on the ground.
"You bitch! You killed the boss and tried to kill the young master!"
Asami stepped aside, allowing Chan to drag Keiko to her feet. Roughly, he pushed her to his men who secured her easily. He then slapped her, hard enough for her lips to draw blood. Her hair and makeup were already in a complete mess, so was her elegant dress.
"I turned a blind eye even when you were fucking around. I believed you when you said it was for the best of the organization but you turned us into a laughing stock!" Chan slapped her again. "Prepare yourself, you whore. Your betrayal will not be taken lightly. Take her away!"
"Wait."
The men halted at Asami's orders.
"Help me, Ryuichi please," Keiko pleaded. Now, there was fear – genuine fear in her eyes.
"Asami," Wu's son spoke in a low, hoarse voice. "I thank you and Fei Long for helping me but this woman is a member of the Wu organization and she will be dealt with according to our rules."
"No—please. Ryuichi, we were once lovers—please help me!"
"I am not interested in having her back," he told Wu junior. "You'll have her after I'm done."
Wu junior waved his hand, signaling them to let Keiko free.
Keiko wasted no time. She flung herself on Asami, an act he found revolting. In a flash, he caught her neck, held her a distance away. "You're sadly mistaken if you think I'm taking you with me." He gave a backward glance.
"Kirishima."
The secretary produced an injection needle. He uncapped it, passed it to Asami.
"Do you know what this is?" Asami asked as he took the needle. "The same substance you used on Akihito."
"What – what do you plan –,"
"—If it were up to me, I'll make sure you face a worse death than the waiter who served Akihito the poison." Asami nearly snarled when he said that. "This is hardly what you deserved but you'll suffer Keiko, just as how Akihito did."
With that last sentence, he jabbed the needle on Keiko's neck, injecting the chemical concoction he specially made for her. He then released her.
"You love that brat so much that you would go through this much of trouble for him?" Keiko asked in disbelief as she placed her hand on her neck.
Asami ignored the question and turned to Wu Junior. "She's all yours."
"Is the poison lethal?"
"The amount is less than what she gave Akihito. She won't die from it yet but she'll need prompt medical attention. If you want her to face the consequences for her actions, save her and you can have your fun."
Just as Asami finished her sentence, Keiko began to breathe heavily. Face damp with sweat, she began to vomit.
"Take her to the doctor," Chan said in disgust and he wheeled the young master out of the warehouse.
Just before Wu junior was wheeled out of the warehouse, he turned to Asami. "I owe you and Fei Long a huge favor. And I will spread the word to leave your boy alone."
"Still as cruel as ever," Fei Long said when they were finally left alone in the warehouse. "Especially when it came to Akihito."
"I can kill her if I wanted but it's more pleasurable to watch her suffer."
Fei Long took out his smoking pipe. "You got what you desired. You got rid of Keiko, forge a close tie with the Wus and avenged Akihito. Akihito's safety is now guaranteed in Macau, Japan and Hong Kong." The Chinese blew out a smoke that resembled an O shape. "You're one scary man, Asami."
The Chinese continued, "I'll enjoy the fact that you owe me for this."
"Don't pretend that there isn't anything in for you, Fei Long. Your control over Hong Kong and Macau will solidify now that Wu is an ally." Asami curved a thin smile. "No matter how you look at it, it should be You who owed me for this favor."
Fei Long pursed his lips before looking at Asami in disgust. "You're still unlikable as ever, Asami."
Xx Business as Usual Xx
Akihito was getting bored. How long had he been cooped up in the igloo house?
A week? Nah, it's the second week now, he thought as he counted the days in his mind. He went for his daily check up with Kanzaki sensei at NT Hospital Hokkaido and had undergone so many tests that he lost count.
So far, Kanzaki sensei was pleased with the results. Despite the warnings that he might have side effects from the arsenic poisoning, Akihito didn't feel anything different. Well, maybe occasionally his hands would tremble but it wasn't serious enough to have Kanzaki sensei ordering a full battery of tests on him.
He stared outside the igloo. The snow was an inch thicker than last night and with the rate they were falling, Akihito predicted it'd be a foot higher by nightfall.
Since the igloo was surrounded by clear thermal glass, Akihito saw two armed men in thick, winter gear walked around the igloo. Asami's men were on a twenty-four-seven patrolling duty around the igloo. Security was, in Akihito's opinion, tighter than when the U.S president came to Japan.
He hated the fact that he was being treated like an endangered animal but since he gave his word to Asami, he remained cooperative. In fact, he didn't even attempt to escape the igloo. It was too cold anyway. Besides, Ando made sure he had everything he wanted and thanks to the guard's excellent chef skills, he ate well.
"Ando, any word from Asami?"
His guard looked up from the newspaper he was reading and immediately checked his phone. "No, Takaba sama. No messages from the Boss or Toru san."
"I wonder how long I have to be cooped up here."
Ando went to the sitting area, sat next to Akihito. "Do you wish to go out, Takaba sama? I can arrange for you to go for a walk in the town."
Akihito hugged a cushion pillow. "And have Asami's entire battalion of guards following me from behind? No, thank you." He lay down on the sofa. "Do you think I should go for shooting classes? I'm kinda tired being the weakling. I mean, I've been practicing my Karate moves that Toru thought me but –"
"If you wish, you can talk to Asami sama about this."
Akihito eyed his personal guard sitting opposite him. "Ando, you've a gun, right? Can you teach me how to use it?"
Ando couldn't shake his head fast enough. "I cannot do that unless I have Asami sama's clearance."
"Will he know if I used it?" Akihito prompted, just to see if Ando would give in.
Not surprisingly, Ando didn't. He must have gotten all the training from his poker face partner, Toru. "Nothing goes unnoticed by the boss. He'd be extremely displeased if he found out."
Akihito thought he must have looked disappointed enough because Ando actually sighed before he offered an alternative. "If you want, I can arrange for you to try using paintball gun. The model and weight resembled a real gun."
He perked up immediately. "Really?
Ando nodded before taking his phone out to make the necessary arrangements.
A few hours later, Akihito stood in the vast ground behind the igloo. The snow had stopped and Ando actually had someone clear the snow and even went as far as set up a target practice board on the other side.
As Ando had told him, the paintball gun looked real. In fact, it looked identical to Akihito's amateur eyes. His guard gave him a few quick lessons on how to aim and fire but practice was far more difficult than theory. He tried a couple of shots but they all missed its target.
He watched Ando carefully as the guard fired a few shots to show him how it was done. It sure looked easy enough but when he tried, none of the paintball hit the target board. He saw a few hitting the tree behind while some just disappeared into the thick snow.
He wondered why he kept missing the target. Is there something wrong with my form? He thought as he raised the gun again. Ando could have held his hand steady but the guard wouldn't do it for the reason Asami would probably be furious.
What am I? A fragile glass?
Akihito missed the first two shots, sending the red paintball to two trees behind the target board. Refusing to admit defeat, he raised his hand again. An unknown hand snuck from behind, holding his waist while the other held his hand steady. Without turning behind, he pulled the trigger and watched the bright red paint splatter on the board – right on target.
"You're back," he said as he turned around.
Asami looked the same as he did ten days ago. Dressed in his usual black suit, he looked as though as he had just come back from a dinner party. His golden eyes stared at him in amusement while the perfectly sculptured mouth curved.
"You knew it was me?"
"I recognized your cologne," he admitted. And the feel of your hands.
"What if it's another man wearing the same cologne?"
Damn it. Akihito knew Asami would push harder. He looked away, embarrassed.
"I know your touch, you bastard," he finally whispered.
Asami seemed to be pleased with the statement. Ruffling Akihito's head, he looked at the practice board. "Ando reported that you wanted to learn how to shoot?"
"Yeah, I'm kinda tired of getting shot at." He looked at the board. The red paint is shot right on target. "It's harder than I thought."
"This isn't a shooting range. If you want, Toru can take you to a proper place so you can learn," he said as he smoothly guided Akihito back to the igloo.
Akihito did not protest at Asami's actions. "Really?"
The older man nodded as he continued to guide Akihito back to the igloo house. The photographer looked sideways at his lover. The tense muscles on the side of his face were long gone, indicating that the trip had been a fruitful one. Although he wondered what fate befell Keiko, he found that he didn't really want to know. It should be enough to know that she isn't coming back.
"What are you thinking?"
Realized that he was being stared at, Akihito quickly looked away. Asami's gaze had always been intense and with the older man being away for so long, Akihito found himself getting slightly hot. And it had nothing to do with the extremely cold January winter in Hokkaido. He increased his pace, reaching the igloo quicker than Asami.
He went in, kicked off his shoes and went to the sitting area to calm himself down. If his lover was puzzled with his behavior, it didn't show. Asami merely dismissed his guards and pour himself a drink.
It was a mistake to think that he could stop his needs because his erection grew more painful when Asami started to remove his coats. Like a demon possessed, Akihito stood up, marched to the older man and stopped him just as he was about to remove the scarf. He didn't give Asami time to react. In an instant, he pulled the expensive Burberry scarf on each side and crushed their mouths together.
Akihito broke off the kiss only to push his lover to the bed before straddling him.
"Looks like you did miss me."
"Shut up," Akihito ordered, ripped the shirt away and feasted.
Xx Business as Usual xX
In the quiet moment after their lovemaking, Asami watched his young lover sprawled on top of him, fast asleep. Ando reported that Akihito hadn't slept well and would often stay through the night watching videos or staring into darkness.
For someone who had just recovered, Akihito was surprisingly strong. In fact, he had the stamina to ride him throughout their entire lovemaking before finally slumping down after his release.
Pulling the boy up, Asami laid Akihito on his back before proceeding to clean him up. He didn't even stir.
The lights on his phone glowed, indicating an incoming text or mail. He checked it and noticed it was an attachment from Kirishima. There weren't any words, just a photograph of a semi-naked woman lying on a cement ground in a back alley. She was obviously dead from numerous beatings and two gunshot wounds to her head. Her body was exposed and thrown away like garbage, denying her a small dignity even after her death.
Asami felt nothing. Deleting the message, he gathered Akihito in his arms again.
Kanzaki reported that Akihito's recovery was remarkable. He hadn't seen anyone who survived acute arsenic poisoning with little to no side effects. Aside from the slight tremble on Akihito's hands, everything seems to be fine.
Akihito was lucky enough to escape death this time. But he had many other enemies – cold hearted bastards who would stop at nothing to harm Akihito to get him.
No matter, he thought as he replaced the phone on the bed and took the gun from the bedside table.
I'll just have to get rid of them – again.
OMAKE
As Akihito and Asami retired for the night, his top elite guards gathered at Kirishima's log cabin. The cabin, fully equipped with a fireplace, nestled among the tress in Asami's private property. As bare as it looked from the outside, the inside was anything but. Plush upholstered sofas with carpets situated before a fireplace and warm lightings were invitingly comfortable.
Kirishima checked his phone and noticed that his boss had already seen the latest photo that he sent him. There wasn't any response so the secretary assumed that Asami was pleased with the results. Placing the phone on the table, the secretary moved to the sitting area where his colleagues were already gathering.
"How did the boss react to the photo?" Suoh asked as Kirishima took his seat.
"He didn't reply so I presumed he is pleased with the results," the secretary replied as he accepted a glass of whisky from Ando.
"That bitch got what she deserved," Suoh said.
Kirishima nodded in agreement. "She signed her own death certificate when she ordered the waiter to poison the young boss."
"How did Asami sama find out that Wu's son is still alive? And where did you find him?" Ando directed the question at Suoh.
The bulky guard chugged down his drink. "Asami sama were suspicious of Wu's death and sent me to Hong Kong to investigate. The island isn't my territory so Asami sama had Fei Long to help. It was he who found his son in a fisherman village."
"Fei Long?"
Kirishima looked at Shiba Masaki, the newest member in their team. Already changed into his casual clothes, he bore a confused look.
"I forgot that you're not familiar with Fei Long." The secretary took a sip of his whisky. "Liu Fei Long, head of Baishe organization in Hong Kong. He controls firearm and drug export in the Chinese territory."
"Were they friends?"
Suoh actually laughed at Shiba's innocent question. "Allies maybe, but never friends. I'll tell you all about it one day, kid."
Shiba nodded before turning his attention to the lanky guard seated next to him. "Toru san, I heard you had the pleasure of avenging Takaba sama?"
Toru who had been keeping quiet from the beginning, shook his head. "No, I merely held her from behind during the interrogation."
"I don't normally see you getting upset but you were angry, weren't you?" Kirishima asked.
"If Asami sama had given me the green light, I would have broken her neck then." Toru looked at Kirishima. "She deserved more than that for what she had put Takaba sama through."
Kirishima had to agree. For everything that Keiko had planned and done, she certainly did. But Keiko was also a member of a triad organization. It wasn't as simple as getting rid of pests in their own backyard.
"We cannot interfere with the Wu's. They have their own law."
Toru, who understood rules more than anyone in the room, merely nodded.
"Kirishima san," Ando mumbled, still staring at the fireplace. "Keiko was one of the many women Asami sama had been with, right? What if there are others out there plotting against Asami sama or Takaba sama?"
It was Toru who answered. "No matter, we'll just get rid of them."
Kirishima thought that the cold, hard expression on Toru were frightenedly similar to Asami's.
OWARI
Translations:
Changsan: The traditional Chinese attire for men. It is the male equivalent of the female Cheongsam.
Da-ge – Big brother in literal Chinese translation. Actually, Macau uses Cantonese (A Chinese dialect and a language I am familiar with) but I found it weird to type the words in Cantonese so I used Mandarin instead.
Da-Jie – Big Sister in literal Chinese translation. The term is usually used to address an older sister in a family or it can be used to refer to a female leader in a triad organization.
A/N 1: I can't apologize enough for the late updates. I'm blaming it on my obsession with Thai BL dramas. Hands down, they have the best BL dramas!
A/N 2: I know many of you thought that Keiko didn't get what she deserved. But I can't bring myself writing Asami torturing a woman. I don't know, it just doesn't feel right.
Thank you so much for reading and leaving comments! I can't thank you enough for the love and support. Hugs!
To: finderlov, Nisha96, Kirigaya Karin, bluephoenixflame98, Sky the white dragon, Asami's clown, , Devil'sAssistant, kluna, Shadow12300, 00JuJubee00, silverhastears, CassieFujiho12, angelaneahwalker, callyaoui, Yana5, 27aquarrow72, Dotami21008. Yanaforever96, 25, wintersubaki, aliissaa14, aozora18, sparkling red, Menjiko, raindropdew, mamitsu27, Mariachanne, jhenny227, Kunoichi of the Moonlit Night, i am cinta, loezia, angelgoddess10, blackrosewitch1996, kimihiro soul, Xiahtic4Cassie, Sanz0girl, azarieyah, fahaar, ellenofausten, Luna121, ixxxmissxxxu, itachigurl93, soyoraite, limnamae, dragonchildyuki, lilgurlanima, Nimmadiji, DarkAngel90111, CharmXD, littlemisslazzy, yukino76, Serinji, Angelvie S,Girls-luvs-manga, LADY1984, Kenstergirl12, sexyniss2datenthpower, yaoigirl89, Heika-zue, The-Last-of-Me2, seriusdeh, Cairlit07, killuabluem 123ANIMEfun, bloodyrise, Fan, Lelouch061491, Bratzdiva, akiasami, 3, Tee, JHB, Dex Nurul, Burpburst, eileithyiakudo, Coolcat Prime, haru10, SsailorSScoutSS, Key 2 my dreamz, Kichou, Richkey Zero, Cloud3024, Kitty in the Box, dexnurul, Mckenna, I want an asami, Nihon Mania, Ana, kimishagrey, Kato-chan, ansmldychsnh, Firefox, ferenhet July, xDarklightx, loren1415, Pipopuri, Erlangga Andika Yudha, Kaikai00, Mint-chi, Ie, Bishyfreak, saharaloto, Hiruzent.1, Aleschia-Kho, Birdy567, Windying, xxxxx, Shironeko-hime, aprilsculptor, , Mariachanne, helloworld30, Marchio, hachimanBoyss,ladyRonin4hire, Timesup1, Feilud, this is so good, Zilly, callmenobody and 20 guest reviewers – Arigatou gozaimashita!