Page 25 of Bound By the Yakuza

The smaller guy didn’t look old enough to be out of high school and also carried a knife. He nodded at his partner; his bleached blond hair fell into his eyes. “Let’s go see if we can get the landlord to talk.” He absentmindedly touched a cigarette balanced behind his ear.

“That won’t be necessary, boys,” I said and turned the corner, holding up my gun.

“Who are you?” The bigger one barked. He held out his knife but his hand was shaking.

I smirked. “The one who dumped your friend.” I ticked my chin in the dumpster's direction. “So what are you too doing sneaking around my territory?”

“Nothing, sir!” The younger one squealed. He stepped back as if to make a run for it.

These guys were pathetic. My body was on fire, craving violence and energy. These two weren’t even worth the bullets. “That’s what I thought. Now get out of here.”

They hesitated.

I sighed and cocked my gun. “Get out and tell your boss to stay away from our turf!” I shot off a round at their heels just to give them more incentive to get out of my face.

The pair spun around and ran for the main street.

I holstered my gun and shook my head at them. “Absolutely pathetic,” I said to myself as I lit a cigarette.

-

I checked my phone once I got to the office. There was a missed call from Karina. I quickly dialed her back.

“Hello,” Her soft voice answered after a single ring.

“Karina,” I said. “Is everything ok? I swear if you’re hurt, I’ll kill whoever did it.”

Karina laughed, and I relaxed a fraction. “Calm down, big bad wolf,” She said. “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? What happened?”

I knew better than to press her. She was stronger than I expected and I knew that she hated when I doubted her. I admired her drive, but I also could not shake the overwhelming need to protect her. She had made me so weak and that only made me what her more. She gave me distraction for the darkness inside me; I had become addicted to her touch. I would never forgive myself if I let her get in harm's way.

-

The office seemed slightly more empty tonight. Tadao was typing away on his computer while we waited for Kenichi to join us. I saw him on the phone when I came in.

“Yugi is off on a special assignment in California.” Kaoru whispered when I looked around for the Kyodai.

I raised an eyebrow. “What for? We need everyone here with the cops closing in.”

Kaoru shrugged. “Himura-san’s orders. Something about improving international ties. The big gangs are dealing with the cops. We don’t have that sort of power. Better to lie low.”

Lying low was something I hated more than anything. That was not my job. I hated being idle. I let out a heavy sigh and sank into the couch.

Tadao made an annoyed sound.

It took all of my effort not to jump from the couch and punch him in his smug face.

“What’s up?” Kaoru spoke up. No doubt he could feel the tension rising between us.

Tadao shook his head and turned from his computer. “I just received word that one of our landlords was arrested. Just on the border of Shimazu-kai’s area.”

My muscles tensed. “Which one?”

Tadao glanced at me. “Akiyama,” He said and turned back to his work. “I’m going to send some shatei to check it out.”

Akiyama owned the building that Karina was renting. I bolted to my feet and grabbed my leather jacket. “Don’t bother, I’ll do it myself.”

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