Underestimated

"Was that Samantha, or was I just imagining things?" Daisuke asks as he enters Kei's office.

"It was, and I don't want to talk about it."

Daisuke grins. "Fair enough. It's good to see you."

The two friends pat each other in the back as they hug.

"It's good to see you too, Daisuke. It has been way too long."

"It has, Brother."

"Want a drink? Because I sure as hell need one." Kei asks while pouring himself a glass.

"Sure, I'll take a drink. You always have the good stuff."

Kei chuckles. "I am sure you will like this one, then. It is a twenty-one-year-old bottle of whiskey." They sit across from each other and take a few sips.

"This is some good shit."

"It's not even out in the market yet. We are launching it in a couple of months."

Daisuke takes a gulp and slowly nods in approval. "So, what can I do for you?"

"There was a fire in one of my warehouses a few days ago."

"Yeah, I heard about it in the news."

"Well, we caught the culprit," Kei explains. "He was hired by someone, a middle man. Apparently, this middle man has a tattoo of a bird behind his ear." Daisuke raises a brow. "I am afraid the Ravens might be involved, but I have no enemies there. So, I wanted you to get me some information about the situation."

"Of course. I know that they have been expanding and they have recruited some higher-ups and officials. I hear they even have some police chiefs in their pockets. Not our men, of course."

"I already have my suspicions about who is behind this, but I'm keeping them to myself for now."

"Alright, I will do some digging and I'll let you know as soon as I find something."

"Thank you, Daisuke, I really appreciate it."

"No need to thank me, I owe you my life. Plus, you know you will always be my boss."

"Stop saying that." Kei shakes his head with a smile. "I quit that world a long time ago. We are friends, brothers."

"So as my brother, would you tell me why the love of your life was in the same house as your wife?"

"No."

Daisuke bursts out laughing. "Alright, Alright, I won't push it. But don't play with fire, Kei. I'll take an angry bunch of Yakuza over a jealous woman, any day." Daisuke waves as he leaves his friend's office.

Kei picks up the Game Boy that Sam gave him. He remembers that as a kid, this was his most precious possession. He gave it to Sam as a gift to remember him when his family was moving to Japan.

'I can't believe she kept it all these years.'

Suddenly, the door to his office flies open.

"Did you just threaten my little brother?"

Kei's eyes bore into her. "Yes, I did threaten him," he says calmly. "If he gets close to Sam again, I sure as hell will break his bones."

"How dare you?" Hana yells.

"How dare I? How dare he?" He slams his hand on his desk. "He harassed one of our guests, a family friend for that matter."

"Would you have the same reaction had he bothered another guest? Or is it just your-"

"Maybe I would," Kei interrupts. "Maybe I wouldn't." He strolls past his wife. "If you think your brother's behavior is acceptable, then we might have a bigger problem than I thought."

"Where are you going?"

"Out. Away from you, away from your brother, away from your guests."

"But this is your birthday party."

"No, it's your party." He shrugs. "You know I would have preferred something small, with family and close friends, as in real close friends. But you have to show off, every time." Kei sighs. "I am sick of it. Enjoy your party." He walks out of the office, leaving Hana shaking with rage.

"I underestimated you, Samantha Martin. I won't make that mistake again."

Kei heads to his car and drives to town. His destination is the Peach Bar, a gentlemen's club where only members have access. He likes it because of the quiet atmosphere. He usually comes here for a few drinks when something is preoccupying him.

"Good evening, Mr Ichihara," the host greets.

"Good evening, Kitani."

"Please follow me, sir."

Kei walks behind the older man until he motions to his usual seat at the corner of the bar. The bartender immediately places Kei's usual drink in front of him, a twenty-five-year-old Bladoch scotch served on the rocks.

He swirls the amber liquid a few times before he brings the glass to his lips. Kei also likes the view at the Peach Bar. Being on the sixtieth floor with no tall buildings around, the view over Roppongi is beautiful. The large windows strategically placed behind the bar frame the night lights perfectly.

Kei takes another sip of his drink. 'The love of my life, huh?' Daisuke's words ring in his mind. He shakes his head.

He remembers thirteen years ago, when he stood in front of his grandfather as he threatened to hurt Sam if he disobeyed him. His marriage to Hana was a business transaction. Her father and uncle were rising politicians, and his grandfather needed them in order to expand his company.

'I have the power to protect her now, but things are too complicated. Hana would never divorce quietly.' His wife has also been acting oddly lately. As if she has forgotten the purpose of their marriage. Even Yuta was born as a result of Hana drugging him. Although he is grateful for his son, her actions have made any sort of civil relationship between them impossible.

'Life is not fair. I have learned that the hard way, thanks to you.' He recalls Samantha's words.

He squeezes his glass before he chugs his drink in one gulp. After everything he put her through, Kei is certain that the last thing Sam wants is to be with him.

"After all, I killed our child," he mumbles.