The sheer volume of vendors associated with the Jade Dragon was daunting. Kaye, buried in the endless list, sighed, the weight of the task settling on her shoulders. "This is going to take longer than I thought," she admitted, her voice laced with frustration.
Rowen, sensing her discouragement, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry," he said, his voice calm. "We'll find a way in." A moment of thought flickered across his face, an idea sparking behind his eyes. "I'll be right back," he announced and swiftly ascended the stairs.
Kaye watched him, curious, and within moments she saw him reappear with his laptop in hand.
Rowen settled beside her, powering up. "Before we do anything," he explained, glancing at Kaye, "I think it's a good idea to get some intel on Lou Yan."
Kaye nodded slowly, understanding the logic in his approach. At least this way, with him doing his deep dive, it would give her a chance to rest her eyes.
Rowen's fingers danced across the keyboard, his focused determination a reassuring presence as he began his digital deep dive into the club owner. Rowen's fingers flew across the keyboard, navigating through various society websites. As the owner of the Jade Dragon, he knew any significant buzz around the establishment would likely surface in these digital circles. He scanned through mentions of the nightclub, finding nothing particularly alarming—no scandals, no controversies, nothing that screamed "red flag." But then, a subtle thread caught his attention: a profile mentioning Lou Yan, the owner. It wasn't just about the Jade Dragon, though. The profile listed Lou Yan's portfolio as including several apartment buildings and other businesses scattered throughout the city. What really made Rowen pause was the addition of a significant number of properties in China. A low whistle escaped Rowen's lips as he leaned back in his chair. "Well," he mused aloud, "Lou Yan definitely isn't hurting for money." The sheer volume of holdings painted a picture of wealth far beyond what Rowen had initially imagined. This was more than just a successful restaurant owner; this was a man of considerable means.
Kaye's gaze snapped to Rowen's monitor, her casual curiosity morphing into stunned surprise. The information displayed painted a picture far different than she'd imagined. This wasn't just a wealthy individual; this was a titan of high society, dripping with influence. The awards and charitable donations painted a polished, almost impossibly virtuous figure, totally different than she had in her mind. Seeing Lou Yan flanked by Wan and Shen, his equally powerful partners, only solidified the sheer scope of his network. Recoiling slightly in her chair, a frown deepened on her face. "There's no way," she muttered, the words tinged with suspicion. "Nobody is that squeaky clean. There has to be something hidden, something they're not showing us." She directed her gaze towards Rowen, a hint of desperation in her voice. "What about arrests? Anything? There has to be some kind of blemish on his record."
Rowen nodded, a slow, thoughtful movement that confirmed his agreement with her assessment. He then plunged back into the digital depths, this time focusing his efforts on his past dealings in China. His brow furrowed in concentration as his fingers danced across the keyboard, navigating through layers of code and security protocols. The minutes ticked by, each one a testament to the complexity of the task. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, somewhere between fifteen and thirty minutes, he breached the final firewall. A small, triumphant sound escaped his lips—a whistle of genuine surprise and a touch of disbelief at the information he had just uncovered.
Ryo, Cye, and Sage rushed into the kitchen when they heard Rowen's reaction. "Rowen, what's going on?"
Kaye's breath hitched, a small gasp escaping her lips at Rowen's sudden, almost manic reaction. Her brow furrowed, she turned to him, her eyes questioning as her head tilted slightly.
Rowen, catching her gaze, let out a short, self-conscious chuckle, quickly followed by a murmured apology, the air around him crackling with an almost nervous energy. He then extended his laptop towards her, the screen glowing with a disturbing array of digital then looked over towards the others when they raced in, "Sorry, but you won't believe what I found." He motioned for them to look over Kaye's shoulder at his computer screen.
The three of them moved behind Kaye and were reading over her shoulder. They couldn't believe what they were seeing either.
Kaye's focus shifted, drawn to the lit display, her initial surprise replaced by a dawning concern. "Are you serious?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes wide as she scanned the presented information.
Rowen gave a solemn nod. "This information is legit, Kaye. Lou Yan, Wan, and Shen... they're under investigation. Not just by the Chinese authorities, but Interpol too." The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air. He shifted his laptop back in front of him.
Cye's brow furrowed, a deep line appearing between his eyes as he processed the information. The explanation hung in the air, a tapestry woven with details that seemed to contradict themselves. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture betraying his inner turmoil. "So, if that's the case," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of disbelief, "if you're telling us they were directly involved and had knowledge of the entire operation, then why weren't they arrested? Why are they still walking around free, potentially planning something else? Why is it possible for them to also have businesses set up here in Japan?" The question wasn't accusatory, but rather one born of genuine confusion.
Rowen shook his head, his brow furrowed with a mixture of frustration and suspicion. "I'm not entirely sure it's all there," he admitted, his voice laced with doubt. He gestured vaguely towards the thick report they had been poring over for hours. "It feels...incomplete. Like a huge chunk of information has been wiped clean. It's not just a small detail missing; it's a significant piece of the puzzle. That's why," he concluded, his gaze hardening slightly, "there's still an active investigation. We can't just assume this is the whole story." His tone was uneasy, suggesting that the missing data wasn't just a clerical error but something far more deliberate and unsettling.
Sage's mind raced, piecing together the fragments of information. The dismissal of the charges, the seemingly inexplicable lapses in procedure—it all pointed to something far more sinister than simple incompetence. "Could it be possible that they were corrupted? Had someone, or perhaps more than one person, been bribed to make these charges disappear? Or was it worse? Could these officials have been subjected to threats, forced into compliance by figures operating in the shadows? Perhaps even more subtly, could Lou Yan have strategically placed his own people in positions of authority?"
Rowen nodded, agreeing with his assessment. The weight of the situation settled on them, a shared understanding that the truth could be hidden among numerous possibilities. "They could all be possibilities," Rowen replied, his voice thoughtful, not dismissing any avenue of inquiry.
Ryo, his gaze shifting to Sage, brought the focus to a personal connection. "Sage," he asked, "does your sister know anything about this?" The question hung in the air, a new lead surfacing amidst the swirling uncertainties.
Sage frowned, the query sparking a cascade of his own thoughts. He hadn't considered it before, but now the possibility that his sister might possess some insight was impossible to ignore. He began to wonder the same thing, his mind scrambling to piece together any hints or clues she might have unknowingly revealed. "Yayoi didn't mention anything in regard to investigating Lou Yan, but then again she did get tense when I mentioned him and the club."
Kaye's attention was drawn to the frantic activity on Rowen's computer screen. A curious frown creased her brow as she watched the words and images dissolving before her eyes. She gently tapped Rowen's shoulder, pulling him from his focused state. "Hey, what's going on with your computer?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Rowen raised an eyebrow at Kaye before his gaze snapped back to his laptop. A wave of alarm washed over him as he witnessed the digital erasure unfolding in real time. His fingers flew across the keyboard, desperately attempting to salvage the rapidly vanishing data. But his efforts were in vain, the screen going blank just as his fingers paused.
Ryo, observing the blue-haired archer's growing agitation, couldn't help but ask, "What happened, Rowen?"
With a sigh, Rowen closed his laptop, the clicking sound a stark punctuation to the digital disaster. "Someone figured out I hacked the system," he explained, his voice tinged with frustration, "and they erased everything before I could save it."
Sage studied his friend; he could easily see this setback annoyed him more than he was letting on to the others. "So, then there's no way of retrieving what was lost?"
Rowen shook his head. "No, unfortunately. Whoever did this is a lot better than I thought. It's been a long time since I've hacked anything. I haven't had a reason to. I'm not even sure how whoever did this was able to find me, because I put up everything, I could think of not to be tracked."
"Don't sweat it, Rowen; I'm sure you did everything you could. Besides, now we know that it's possible Lou Yan, Wan, and Shen is dirty." Cye pointed out as he was trying to reassure him.
"Yeah, but the thing is we can't prove it now. All of it is gone." Rowen replied in slight annoyance.
Kaye glanced around at them as she bit her lip, "Guys, who's going to tell Kento? How are we going to tell him the people he's working for are being investigated without showing him proof?" Her thoughts went back to the proposal she told Rowen about going in to bug Lou Yan's office and to hack his computer. Would they have to go back to that plan? She knew it would be reckless, but with what they just found out, the man she loves might be in trouble. She had no doubt he could most definitely take care of himself, but she couldn't help but worry.
Sage looked over towards her, "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, Kaye. But in the meantime, Ryo's right; we should go and talk with my sister at the precinct to see what she knows. I know she's working on a case; if I were a betting man, I'd say she would be investigating this with Shaw. Especially since she asked about Oni's description, and he's connected to the Jade Dragon."
Ryo nodded, "I agree, so then let's get to the station and see what Yayoi and Shaw have to say." He took the lead as Cye, and Sage followed.
Rowen waited for Kaye to shut down her laptop before they followed their friends out the front door. On the way out, he grabbed his keys and then met the others by his car. They got inside and were on their way to the police station.
The fluorescent lights of the station hummed a monotonous tune as Detective Shaw nervously tapped a pen against his desk, the sound a contrast to the quiet clatter of Yayoi's keyboard. Papers were strewn across their workspace, maps and witness statements blurring together under the harsh light. They were locked in a silent battle against the clock, strategizing their next move in a case that felt increasingly volatile.
Shaw kept glancing at his phone, his anxiety growing with each passing minute that Kento remained out of contact. "I just don't understand why he hasn't checked in," he muttered, his voice tight with worry.
Yayoi paused her typing, her calm demeanor the total opposite of Shaw's agitation. "He's resourceful, Shaw, you know that. From what Sage told me, it sounds like he took a beating; he probably just needs time to recover and regroup. He'll contact us when he can." She offered him a small smile, hoping to ease his concern. "Kento can handle himself. We just need to focus on what we can control here."
Shaw closed his eyes and sighed, the weight of Yayoi's words settling heavy on his chest. He knew she was right. The truth was, it wasn't the silence from Kento that gnawed at him most, though that was a worry, certainly. No, it was the suffocating pressure from Interpol that had been the real source of his frayed nerves. Their demands for better results, for tangible progress, had become a relentless, echoing drumbeat. He and the team had been scrambling, chasing shadows and dead ends, often finding themselves the very source of the detective's frustration, inadvertently adding fuel to the existing fire. The concern for Kento, while genuine, had become a convenient excuse, a mask for the deeper anxiety that threatened to overwhelm him. It was easier to focus on the worry for his friend than face the reality of their precarious situation and the growing scrutiny upon them.
The phone's sharp ring cut through the quiet of the office, and Yayoi snatched it up, a small smile already forming. But that smile faltered, replaced by a slight frown as the front desk attendant announced, "Your brother and his friends are here, and they're asking to see you and Shaw." Yayoi's shoulders slumped, a groan escaping before she could stop it.
Beside her, Shaw, who'd been engrossed in his work, noticed her sudden change in demeanor. He raised a questioning brow, his eyes full of silent inquiry. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice soft.
Yayoi turned to him, a mix of exasperation and resignation on her face, and relayed the news about the unexpected visitors.
Shaw bit his lip thoughtfully for a moment, then nodded, understanding the unspoken implications.
Yayoi, with another sigh, told the front desk to send them up, then hung up the phone with a soft click. The calm of the office was about to be disrupted. "This is not going to be good; you do know that, right?"
Shaw nodded, "I know, but let's see what they want, and then we'll take it from there."
The tension in the air was high as Shaw and Yayoi rose to meet the approaching group. The detectives exchanged a quick, knowing glance—the grim expressions on Sage, Cye, Ryo, Kaye, and Rowen's faces spoke volumes. This was no casual visit. Yayoi's attempt at a friendly greeting was quickly brushed aside by her brother, Sage, who cut straight to the chase.
"We need to talk; it's necessary," he declared, involving everyone present.
Again, Shaw and Yayoi shared a look, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Shaw, with a silent motion, led the way to the conference room, a space that offered at least a semblance of privacy.
The group followed, their heavy footsteps echoing in the hallway.
Yayoi lingered for a moment, ensuring everyone was inside before closing the door, sealing them off from the rest of the precinct.
Shaw gestured towards the plush armchairs arranged around the low table, a silent invitation for his guests to settle in. One by one, they took their seats, a mix of anticipation and perhaps a touch of apprehension filling the room. They waited patiently as Shaw moved to join them, Yayoi following closely behind. Once everyone was comfortably situated, Shaw leaned forward, his gaze sweeping over each of them. "So," he began, his voice calm and measured, "what brings you all here today? What is the purpose of this visit?"
It was Sage who spoke first, his tone serious. "We met earlier, Shaw, Yayoi and I," he explained, "to discuss the events at the Jade Dragon. Specifically, the fight between Oni and Kento."
Shaw nodded slowly, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Yes," he confirmed, turning his gaze briefly to Yayoi, "she did inform me of your conversation in regard to what happened that night, as well as you asking around about what they knew about the Jade Dragon. Why were you asking questions, Sage?" The room seemed tense, the air thick with unspoken anxieties.
Sage leaned forward slightly, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with Shaw. "Because we're concerned about Kento. Finding out Oni works for Lou Yan and his two associates, Wan and Shen, is unsettling. What's really going on? How is Kento involved?" The question hung in the air, demanding answers that Shaw seemed reluctant to provide.
A frustrating shrug from Shaw only served to ignite the already simmering tension. "I don't know what you're talking about; you're going to have to be more specific."
Kaye, unable to contain her frustration any longer, exploded, "Don't give us that! You know exactly what Sage is talking about, so stop dodging!" Her hands clenched into fists, mirroring the tight knot of worry in her stomach.
Cye, ever the peacemaker, attempted to diffuse the situation, placing a calming hand on Kaye's arm, "Kaye," he started calmly, looking to Shaw and Yayoi, "Gomen, she's extremely concerned about Kento. We all are."
Yayoi nodded, "It's understandable. Since the two of you are extremely close, it's natural…" She started to say.
Kaye cut her short, "Yayoi, please, don't patronize me." The underlying current of fear and desperation was now out in the open, making the already strained atmosphere even more intense.
Rowen leaned back in his chair and observed the two detectives. They were dancing around the truth; he was sure of it. Their words were carefully chosen, leaving more unsaid than spoken. He could see the calculated way they avoided direct answers, the practiced ease with which they sidestepped key points. It was a performance, a carefully choreographed act designed to keep him in the dark. Yet, he wasn't blind. He noticed the subtle signs, the fleeting hesitations, the slight tightening of muscles around their mouths when a particularly sensitive question was dropped. And then there was the twitch. When Sage had asked about Kento's involvement, a tiny, almost imperceptible tremor had flickered across Shaw's cheek before it was quickly masked. It was a tell, a crack in the carefully constructed façade. Rowen's mind clicked into place; it was clear now, Kento was indeed part of this puzzle, and the detectives were actively trying to hide it. "You know what? Maybe we should go. The two of you have a lot of work to do, and we're taking up all of your time. We'll be heading home."
Ryo raised a brow towards him as he watched Rowen rise to his feet, and then he followed suit. "Yes, gomen, he's right; we should go. Come on, Kaye, Cye, Sage." He replied, standing as well.
The three of them glanced at one another and then followed Ryo and Rowen out of the conference room, leaving the two detectives alone.
Shaw and Yayoi blinked at one another. "What was all of that about?"
Yayoi shook her head. "No idea, but if I had my suspicions, then I'd say they suspect something is definitely up with us and Kento in connection with the Jade Dragon."
Shaw took out his cell and started to text, "I don't care if Kento is trying to get himself together or not; he needs to meet with me now," he stated, sending a short text and then putting away his cell. He walked out of the conference room with Yayoi behind him.
"Did you want me to come with you?" Yayoi offered picking up her jacket and putting it on as she was walking out with him.
Shaw raised a brow at her and smirked, "You didn't give me a chance to reply."
Yayoi chuckled, "Well, of course not, because I knew you'd say no, but you knew I'd follow you anyway. So, this would cut down on the arguing." Getting into the passenger side of Shaw's car.
Kento glanced at his text, and he was about to delete it, but then he saw it mentioned Kaye and the guys, urgent. Changing his mind, he did a quick change of clothes, seething from the pain, but hurried out as he grabbed both sets of keys, and out the door of the apartment he went, locking the door behind him. He hurried to his bike and mounted it as he then took off to their meeting place.