A Game of Cards

Outside, she cast a glance at Takumi’s butler, who stood rigidly by the car. “Not joining us, sir?” she called out with a casual edge.

The butler smiled faintly. “I’ll wait here, detective.”

Dryzza shrugged and headed into the station. Inside, she spotted Takumi seated at Zach’s desk, his posture deceptively relaxed but his eyes betraying an intensity that made her pause. Across the room, Sai was furiously dialing Zach’s number on the office phone.

“Why’d you leave him out there?” Dryzza hissed as she slipped into the chair beside Sai.

Sai glanced at her, lowering his voice. “He wasn’t saying much—just sitting there quietly. It’s unnerving.”

Dryzza’s lips curved into a sly grin. “Sounds like a golden opportunity.” Without waiting for Sai’s protest, she strolled toward Takumi.

She eased into the chair across from him, letting the silence stretch. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Takumi cut her off, his voice steady and deliberate.