Chapter 28

Akatsuki Kai burst into his apartment, his breath ragged and uneven. His roommate, lounging on the couch, gave him a bemused look.

"What happened to you?"

Akatsuki ignored the question, brushing past him with a distracted wave. He slammed his bedroom door shut and immediately pulled out his phone. The line barely rang before the voice on the other end picked up.

"I heard you got seen," the voice said, sharp and accusing.

Akatsuki's fingers trembled around the phone. "I almost got caught... by Sylvia."

There was a pause. "The secretary?"

"Yes," Akatsuki said, his voice faltering. "She was alone, but she called the detective. I got away before he saw me."

The voice on the other end hummed thoughtfully. "Be careful when you go out. You know what's at stake."

"I will," Akatsuki muttered, nodding even though the other person couldn't see him. He ended the call, running a hand through his hair.