Tired

The topic of Kei Ichihara having an affair was hot online. His name came up fourth in search engines. The Ichihara Group sent a press release explaining that the reason for the lunch was the Scholarship Gala and that the woman was an esteemed donator. But even after that, a large number of people on the internet were skeptical.

Kei throws his iPad on his desk, annoyed with all the comments he has been reading.

"It has been a week, why isn't this dying already?" he asks.

"I am sorry, sir, but it appears that someone is pushing this story hard," Hayate Sasaki, the director of communication, answers.

"And even though you have all been working on this for a week, you still can't find out who is behind this." Kei's voice is calm, but it sends a chill down the back of everyone in the room. "Such a great team I have here."

Everyone looks down, embarrassed by his words.

"Sir." Matsumoto gets his attention. "I'm sorry to stir this meeting in a different direction, but I just got word that there is some development in the fire case."

"Everyone else can leave," Kei orders. "What is it?" he asks after the room empties.

"We found the man with the tattoo. He has been apprehended and he is being transported as we speak."

"Finally, some fucking good news." Kei pushes to his feet. "Lead the way, Matsumoto."

They both leave the office and head to the meeting place, an abandoned shop that has been closed for months.

'It seems that I have been putting all my old buildings to good use in the past few weeks.'

Kei does not like how he feels right now. He feels like a thug, and he has left that Kei in the past. He does not want to go back to that life again. He couldn't. It would put people he loves at risk. But at the same time, he has to deal with the situation firmly.

When they arrive, the man is already blindfolded and binded to a chair. Kei walks to him and tilts his head to the side. Sure enough, he has a tattoo of a raven behind his left ear. No one would get the bird on any part of their body without being part of the gang. Even the tattoo artists around town wouldn't recklessly use one of the yakuza symbols on their clients.

'Fuck.'

Kei pulls the blindfold off at once. The man squints at the light before his eyes focus on the threatening man towering over him.

"Let me just start by saying that I am in a very bad mood," Kei says.

The man chuckles. "You don't scare me, Kei Ichihara. Your days are long gone. Now you're just a rich puppy, scared of losing your money and position."

Kei nods while staring at the man. "What's your name?" The thug only spits to the side before glaring back at him.

He has managed to piss off Kei even more. The latter scoffs as he licks the corner of his mouth. His right fist slams against the man's jaw, sending him and the chair flying to the ground.

"It is rude to not introduce yourself." Two men rush in and reposition the chair upwards. "Bando will find out about you whether I know your name or not." Kei adds.

After talking to the Ravens' leader and to Daisuke, he is sure that the small fry sitting in front of him is acting under someone else's orders. That alone will get him the harshest punishment, maybe even death.

"Maybe we can try a different question. Who hired you to start the fire in my warehouse?"

The man snickers. "I am not answering any of your questions, asshole."

A smile tugs on Kei's lips. "I am going to enjoy this," he utters as he takes off his jacket. "I have been too busy to even workout lately. It is partially your fault, so take responsibility and be my punching bag, would you?"

He takes off his tie, unfastens his top few buttons, and rolls his sleeves up. He doesn't even ask any more questions. His fists against the man's face is the only sound that echoes in the room.

When Kei is satisfied, he digs into his pocket and takes out his handkerchief. He wipes his knuckles from blood and then crouches in front of the bleeding man. His face is unrecognizable now, swollen, bruised, and stained red. He is barely conscious.

"The only thing you got right is that I like my money," Kei tells him with a low voice. "So anyone who comes after it is fucking dead." He pushes off his heels, looking down at him. "I'll let you rest. Maybe treat that nose, it looks nasty. But be sure that I will visit you again soon."

"Fukuda…" the man whispers, not audible enough.

"What was that?"

"My name… Fukuda," he repeats. "I will… answer… your questions."

Kei sighs. "For fuck's sake, you should have just agreed from the start." He sighs again. "Matsumoto, take care of him."

"Yes, sir."

"I'll take the car," Kei tells him before walking away.

He gets in the car and leans on the steering wheel. He is tired, physically and mentally. 'Maybe I should take mom up on her invitation and take a vacation to Okinawa for a few days.'

"Ugh, and who will take care of this mess, Kei?" He sighs.

As soon as he pushes the ignition button, his phone rings. "Yes?"

"Mr Ichihara, things have gotten a bit complicated," Hayate says on the other side of the line.

"Elaborate."

"Ms Martin's address was leaked."

"What?" Kei roars. "Take it down right away."

"We did, but there was already a big number of views before we could do it."

"Ah for fuck's sake. Call Matsumoto and tell him to send some men over there, I will head there myself."

"But sir–"

Kei hangs up immediately. He dials Sam's number while speeding towards the road. The phone rings, but she doesn't pick up. After their last meeting, it was evident that she didn't want to have anything to do with him. He hangs up and dials again. This time he waits to leave a message.

"Sam, this is urgent. Pick up the fucking phone." Kei hangs up and calls again. "God damnit," he curses and throws his phone on the seat.

'I just have to get there on time.' He floors the gas pedal and speeds through the night.