“Hmm? It seems you guys need some time to talk it out amongst yourselves, that’s fine. In fact, I’ve got all the time in the world.”
There was a small silence before another low chuckle came through.
“But your boy… He doesn’t have that much time. I’d say maybe 24 hours max?”
The atmosphere dropped as everyone heard the veiled threat within the words. Though not said outright, it was clear that if they didn’t give a satisfactory answer within 24 hours, Katsuya’s life would be forfeit.
“What about the other boy ya have?” Tetsu said, using the gap in the conversation.
“Oh? Who is that with the Kansai accent? He’s not from your family.” The voice replied.
“He’s the uncle of the other boy you’ve got.” Minoru stated.
“Hmm, well isn’t that just a wonderful coincidence that you’re all together. Unfortunately, we’re just holding the tall one for one of our business partners, that guy isn’t included in the deal.”
Tetsu’s eyes flashed with rage, but he managed to compose himself quickly. Although he didn’t say much, it was along the lines with the earlier theory.
“Anyway, I’ll let you gentleman talk amongst yourselves. Just remember, time stops for no man.”
BEEP BEEP BEEP
As the disconnected sound rang out within the room, everybody’s expression was grave. Tomoya seemed the most upset, but for now he wasn’t making anymore commotion.
BUZZ BUZZ
Everyone’s hearts lept into their throats as the sound of a phone vibrating happened once more.
Tetsu reached into his pocket and saw the message from Chris, detailing the subsidiaries of Suzuki Corporation.
“Have ya got a pen and paper?”
A few minutes later, Tetsu wrote out all of the information onto some paper while Shin and Tomoya organized some lackeys to join them.
“Here is the list of companies, search and identify every building that these guys own. We only have a short amount of time.” Shin said, handing each of the guys a copy of the companies.
Tomoya was pacing back and forth, as if replaying the scream of his son in his mind over and over. He bit his nails over and over, his stress evident.
“How sure are we that Suzuki Corporation is involved?” He asked, as if wanting closure what they were doing was productive.
“That guy pretty much admitted it earlier. He said that the tall one was captured at his business partner’s request. The only person we know who was targeting Ken is Tetsuhiro.”
Tsukasa managed to hit the nail on the head. If even Tetsu could figure such a thing out, then he, with his larger brain could do the same.
“He’s right Tomo. As long as we can narrow the search, we should have enough men to find Katsu.” Shin said, wearing his usual calm mask.
“Dad… I’m worried.” Ai said, her whole body shaking.
Tetsu held her close, embracing her tightly. “Don’t worry darlin’ we’ll find him in time.” He said soothingly.
With that, the room descended into silence, apart from the furious typing of the two lackeys on their laptops.
An hour or so later, another figure appeared at the door of the room.
Chris looked at the figures gathered, his face stern. At a glance he could see that they were working on marking the map for potential places where his son could be held.
“Chris, yer here.” Tetsu said, standing up and heading over to him.
Ai stayed behind, feeling too guilty to approach Ken’s father. Chris on the other hand did not push it. He could instantly see the bruised face of the girl and knew that she had probably been assaulted as well.
“What have we found out so far?” Chris asked, getting straight to it.
Just as he was moving towards the table, Tomoya stopped him.
“Oi, you better not have called the cops or I swear to god that I’ll—”
Chris pushed forward, his large height looming over Tomoya dangerously.
“You think I’d put my son in jeopardy by calling the cops?” His tone was icy, a flash of danger creeping across his features.
If Tomoya wasn’t a seasoned gangster, he might have really been intimidated by the unassuming civilian.
“Tch, good.” Tomoya replied, moving out of the way.
Chris shook it off. He had more important matters to worry about than such a thing, after all, he wasn’t here to make friends.
A small grin flashed on Tetsu’s face, as if he enjoyed the fact Tomoya was forced to back down so abruptly.
“This is what we got so far.” He said, pointing towards the buildings marked on the map.
Chris managed to interpret the map pretty quickly, mainly because it was set out simply. He saw the buildings marked with a red X which numbered in the twenties.
A frown settled on his features in response. He wasn’t sure how many men these guys had, but it would be quite an operation to undertake, especially since Tokyo was so big.
“What’s our status? How many people do we have?” Chris asked the room.
“What do you mean we?” Naoki, the middle-aged man replied, his tone sounding unpleased.
Chris felt a rise of anger, but he kept it down. These weren’t ordinary people he was dealing with. From what he knew, they currently had a common goal since Ken and Katsuya were being held in the same place.
But if that were to change, he would be discarded.
“Forgive my rudeness from earlier.” He said, bowing deeply.
Now was not the time to let his pride get in the way. Even if he had to bow on his knees, as long as he could save his son, he would do it in a heartbeat.
Naoki’s face seemed to soften at the apology. He was a reasonable man in the end and could empathize with others, but propriety came first.
“It’s okay Naoki, the man is missing his son, let’s cut him some slack.” Minoru said, placing his hand on the guy’s shoulder.
Chris arrives finally. The tension is building… Will we see the culprit soon enough?
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