Duty, Honor, Country, Family - Part 19 free porn video

Duty, Honor, Country, Family - Part Nineteen By Danielle J Thank you to Puddin and Kimmie for their help with this chapter. ***** Hiromi Sato heard the bolt slide into place. She was officially outdoors now and she had one hour to enjoy it. It was a summer morning in Northern Japan. As she walked around the yard, Hiromi breathed in the cool air that came off the nearby mountains. Her ears picked up the sounds of distant workers. Sometimes, when out in the yard, she would hear the sound of a passing train, which she seized upon as a slight clue which told her at least a lot of places where she couldn't be, since railroad tracks weren't everywhere, and the mountains told her which side of the island she was on, and they seemed vaguely familiar, although she couldn't remember whether they reminded her of the north island, Hokkaid?, or the main island, Honsh?. Hokkaid? made sense, since it was more isolated, but logistics might make the northern island more difficult as well, since any significant changes might be more easily noticed, and as far as she could tell, she was the only inmate in her prison, which implied either that it was built just for her, or had been pressed into service on the spur of the moment, converted from another use entirely. With different days came different sounds. But what day was it? Time had no meaning for the real Hiromi Sato. One year of incarceration with strict limits on who met you and what you can do, made calendars and clocks almost inconsequential to her. Hiromi was a caged and lonely animal. 'Why am I being kept like this? If I have broken laws, why haven't I been brought to court?' She asked these questions of prison personnel every day but was never given an answer. From the first moments of her arrest, Hiromi intuitively knew there was something different about what was happening to her. She wasn't taken into custody by uniformed Japanese law enforcement but gaijin and Japanese men all clothed in black. Not ninjas, but persons more mysterious. Her nightmare captivity had started when a woman got Hiromi to open her apartment door. The woman was a long-time neighbor of her late Aunt, or so Hiromi had thought. Hiromi had barely opened the door when the men rushed in. She was overwhelmed quickly, had a needle stuck in her arm, and some time later woke up in the prison that was now her home. A home? No, it was a cage or a dungeon that Hiromi was living in at present. A cage when she was allowed into outdoor solitary. A dungeon whenever she was indoors. There were no windows, at least not within the bounds they set her, and she wasn't even allowed access to a television or radio. They allowed her to request music over a tinny loudspeaker in her cell, but all they seemed to have available was hokey popular music from the Fifties and Sixties, the sort that old people played when they were feeling nostalgic for their youth. Hiromi knew her jailers were human. Humans have weaknesses. They cannot hide them. Nor can a person be hid forever too. Either Hiromi would find a way out of her dungeon, or outsiders will come to her aid. It will happen soon, she continually told herself, as her incarceration dragged on. A wave of hatred filled her heart and her control slipped as she raged within herself, wishing she had a gun, or even a knife, so she could hurt someone. Didn't they know who she was? Distracted by her fury, Hiromi lost her bearings for a moment and her right foot caught on a crack in the concrete pavement and she stumbled, catching herself with her outstretched hands as she fell to her knees. This humiliated her, because the two guards had seen her clumsines, but caused her senseless fury to transform itself into something new, a finely-whetted longing for revenge. Falls were a sign of weakness, brought on by carelessness. As she was a very meticulous person, the slip was not only another blow to her pride, but a sign granted to her that told her she wasn't acting like herself. She'd allowed herself the luxury of despair, when she should have been planning her escape and her retaliation against her enemies, whoever they were. As she climbed to her feet, Hiromi saw that her prison garments had become dirty. She did not like this at all and, worse, her jailers only supplied her with new clothes once a day. Hiromi would have to wear soiled clothes until they woke her in the morning. Physically, Hiromi was all right from her fall. Her breasts were slightly sore, but the rest of her body was uninjured. Hiromi let out a loud expletive. Her breasts shouldn't even be hurting. A month previous, and against her will and without explanation, they'd performed surgery on her breasts and given her implants, so they were larger, which was mystifying. They, whoever they were, surely hadn't gone to all this trouble to perform experiments on her. So what was the point? "Why did you do this to me?" Hiromi asked the empty air around her, just as she'd questioned an anonymous nurse not long after waking from her breast surgery. Hiromi had been abandoned for the second time in her life by her family. No Watanabe had come to her assistance and why was that? It was one more baffling mystery to Hiromi. The Watanabe Yakuza was very powerful and had influential government officials on its payroll. One of whom, if they weren't total fools or incompetents, should have been able to find her by now. It was as if she weren't missing at all, unless her grandfather had had something to do with it, but she hadn't angered him lately, at least not that she knew of, although the old man had been getting erratic as he aged. Maybe he was getting senile, and had ordered her brought here to teach her some incomprehensible lesson, and then forgotten her and moved on, finding some other woman to torment and abuse. Hiromi was under no illusions about how cruel her grandfather could be, especially towards the women around him, and no one would dare to question him, whatever he did. Hiromi's life was now an endless puzzle. She vowed to solve it and also set herself free. When that happened, her jailers and enemies would wish they had never been born. ***** Dai Hashimoto arrived at Keiji Watanabe's home at eleven. The elderly Oyabun while weak, received his family's enforcer sitting up in his home's living room. "Thank you for coming, Dai-san," Keiji said before waving for Dai to take a seat. Rika Watanabe came into the room with tea for her employer and his guest. It was still too early for harder drinks. Only when Rika was again out of the room, did Keiji get down to business. "How long have we known each other, Dai-san?" "I do not know the exact total, Oyabun-san. It is something over thirty years." "You have been a dedicated and loyal servant of mine all that time, Dai-san." "Thank you, Oyabun-san. I have done my best to follow your orders." "Have we learned any more about the Inagawa attack on my granddaughter?" "No, Oyabun-san, I have not. To show the Inagawa-kai we are not weak, I took certain actions." Keiji nodded his head while Dai brought up to date. "You did right, Dai-san. It is unfortunate the Inagawa can't see how these matters are bad for their business interests not just ours." Dai and Keiji discussed how further attacks by the Inagawa-kai could be handled. Random fire bombings like the on Friday night had to be stopped. Gradually the elderly Oyabun got to the purpose of that day's meeting. "Dai-san, it is time for the family to change again. I cannot fulfill all the duties required of an Oyabun. Today's age requires an Oyabun to be strong, wise, and energetic. Energy comes from youth and I do not possess that any more." "Oyabun-san, you are still a strong leader." "Thank you, Dai-san, but I think it is time for me to lessen my workload. I have chosen you to be the next Oyabun." Dai showed no surprise at Keiji's announcement. Ever since Goro Watanabe was killed, he'd believed that a new and permanent Oyabun would have to be selected. Keiji Watanabe's second stint as Oyabun, if only due to his age and poor health, had to be a short one and mostly a transitional phase for the Watanabe family. Dai suspected that their enemies knew of the weakness of the "new" old Oyabun, and were using their perceived vulnerability to explore the possibility of taking over some peripheral Watanabe businesses or territories. He allowed none of these misgivings to show on his face, of course. "I am honored, Oyabun-san, that you feel me worthy of continuing the family you made so strong." ***** Hiromi was sunning herself by the pool when Juanita approached her. "Mrs. Sato, Takahiro Mureta is here to see you." "Thank you, Juanita. Please send him back in five minutes." Chuck was taking a swim while Juanita spoke to Hiromi. He swam over to the side of the pool as his wife finished talking with their cook/housekeeper. "Kimi-chan, what is going on?" "We have a visitor," Hiromi said as she got up from the chaise lounge she'd been lying on. She was wearing a bikini and wasn't about to conduct Yakuza business dressed like that. A t-shirt was on a chair nearby and Hiromi put it on before sitting back down. "Takahiro-san and I are going to discuss some business." Chuck climbed out of the pool. He came over to the table to grab his towel but first gave his wife a kiss. "I'll go inside." Hiromi smiled. "Yes, I don't want your skin to burn again." Takahiro, who was wearing a finely tailored business suit that looked very out of place pool-side, bowed towards Hiromi the first moment they were together. "Sato-san, I came as you requested." "Sit down, Takahiro-san." She motioned toward a chair. "We have some matters to discuss." Takahiro took the seat offered him, and found that he had a perfect view of Mt. Fuji, which he took a few moments to appreciate, as well as the courtesy and hospitality his superior had shown him by giving him the most auspicious chair. The majestic and dormant volcano dominated the skyline behind Hiromi. In fact, from where he was sitting, Fuji looked almost like an extension of Hiromi Sato. Another view of this symbolism suddenly occurred to him. If Hiromi should become disappointed or angry at him in some way, she may erupt. That possibility made the Watanabe shareigashira very nervous. Hiromi wasted no time on small talk. "Why are we still operating our adult businesses in Yokosuka?" "Sato-san, Yokosuka is a large naval port. There is a demand for this service." "I've spent part of yesterday and today studying our financial reports. In fact we've lost money in Yokosuka so far this year. Our net profits for the three previous fiscal years combined is only fifteen million yen." "Yes Sato-san, but that is still a profit." He smiled, but not for long, because he saw that she was not at all amused.? "Is it?" Hiromi asked, one brow arching,, then transfixed him with a piercing glare. "Takahiro-san, let's you and I study that filthy club called 'Your Way' that you kept me at for over three hours yesterday morning." The hardness in Hiromi's words had Takahiro squirming in his chair. Mount Hiromi just might erupt if she wasn't pleased with his answers. ***** Dai rose to leave. "Thank you for showing confidence in my abilities. I will work hard Oyabun-san to keep strong the Watanabe Family your great grandfather formed many years ago," Dai said to Keiji Watanabe. "From today on I will live here. I do not want to be disturbed by day to day matters." Dai nodded his head. "May I still ask for your wise advice?" "Yes, Dai-san, you may. I just ask no one else is to bother me." "Do I officially take over as Oyabun today or at a later date." "A later date. I will make the formal announcement at the August 1st meeting I have planned. You will assume leadership the first week in September." "We will have to do some restructuring of the family." "I will leave that up to you, Dai-san." "There is the matter of Hiromi-san." Keiji suddenly became rigid. "What about my granddaughter?" "I plan to ask for her return to Japan." Keiji instantly became very disturbed. Dai had an entirely different plan in mind for the future of his family. ***** "Where did you learn to speak such good Japanese?" Gabrielle asked Maurice as they rode together to the airport. The Probationary Inspector had just quoted Kyoto School philosopher, Kitaro Nishida. Nishida's work was well known outside of Japan, but for a non-Japanese to quote him was very impressive. "My father's oldest brother worked in Japan. He married a Japanese woman." "You spent time living with them?" Gabrielle and Maurice should have been at the airport already but as they left the South Pacific, the PI got a call summoning him to the Arsenal Street station. Giving assistance to Operation Swan Song wasn't Maurice's only work. "Yes. My parents were constantly fighting when I was little. I was sent to live with other family members, along with my sisters. I lived with Uncle Harry and Aunt Yuka from the time I was two till I turned six. They had three daughters who were older than I." "Where do they live in Japan?" "Kagoshima. Do you know where that is?" "I certainly do. It is called the 'Naples of the East'." "It is a lovely place. The happiest time of my life was spent there." Gabrielle found what Maurice just said to be very interesting. The guy is getting married but he longs for a time over twenty years in the past. What does that say about him? Hong Kong Airport, sometimes called Chep Lap Kok Airport by locals because of its location, was built on reclaimed land in the mid 1990's. Since it opened in 1998, Hong Kong has won seven Skytrax world airport awards for its customer service. As a gateway to China, Hong Kong sees a large number of private and chartered jets fly in and out every month. These aircraft aren't handled by the main terminals but the general aviation side of the airport instead. Excellent customer service was the standard there as well. Every private jet coming to Hong Kong from outside of China is met by a delegation consisting of at least three members, an immigration officer to ensure that important visitors were allowed to enter Hong Kong without unnecessary delay, a representative of the Hong Kong customs office to see to the rapid inspection of anything the visitors bring in, and a commerce representative whose job it was to see that any special requests made by these elite visitors were quickly seen to. To see how Hong Kong would handle the arrival of Ripley and Economist, Maurice and Gabrielle observed the work done when a popular Western Entertainer and his party disembarked from a Falcon jet at a few minutes before noon. "This should be educational, Gabrielle," Maurice said as they watched the Falcon taxi in. Both of them were equipped with binoculars. "We have been told six passengers are on board." "From what we know of Ripley's travels, her group should be about the same size." The entertainer, a relic from the 1970's, disembarked with his entourage a few minutes later. His welcoming committee numbered four persons in all, not counting baggage handlers. Gabrielle watched as the immigration official fed all passports through a hand held terminal. She knew the old practice of stamping passports was done now in only the more backward parts of the third world. "How often does anything irregular happen? "Not too often. There was one pop star last year who came in on their private 737 with almost fifty people. When we were through with them, two members of her entourage were arrested. There were outstanding criminal warrants for them on the mainland." Eleven years after the British handed Hong Kong over, many Hong Kong residents still refer to Communist China as 'the mainland'. Maurice and Gabrielle took up new positions on the Observation Deck. On the other side of the building were two waiting limousines. The entertainer was in and out of the building in five minutes. "He got the royal treatment?" "Don't they all?" Maurice asked. "After 9-11 happened, the rules are supposed to be the same for everyone." Maurice gave another one of those odd smiles of his. "Gabrielle, I think we both know rules are for the ordinary folk." "Yes, Maurice, you're right." "Gabrielle, let us go down stairs. We can watch what else is done to Mr. Diamond's belongings." The entertainer was on his way to his hotel but his luggage wasn't. It was first x-rayed, then had to pass by explosives and drug sniffing dogs. After that was finished, visual examinations were made of each bag's contents. "If anything is found?" Gabrielle asked. "We know where Mr. Diamond is staying should any problems arise. It's the same place as his three previous visits here, the Mandarin Oriental Kowloon side." All baggage belonging to Neil Diamond and his entourage passed customs. They were loaded into transportation and on their way to the Mandarin less than forty minutes after the Entertainer had himself left the airport. A Russian businessman was the next arrival. Gabrielle was going to ask about weapons checks when an alarm went off as the millionaire and his bodyguards came into the building. "Excellent," Maurice said gleefully. "Gabrielle, you are about to see what happens when a visitor to Hong Kong violates one of our laws." ***** "Dai-san, have you talked to my granddaughter lately?" "Yes, but only to discuss my finances." Keiji was beginning to feel unwell again and he strongly believed no illness was at fault for this. With his family under attack from the outside and from within was it any surprise his body felt weak from the turmoil surrounding it? Under normal conditions, Keiji would remind Dai of his oath of loyalty. Keiji, not he, was Oyabun, and even after he stepped down he would not permit the family that carried his name to go on a course he would not have permitted if he were still Oyabun. Keiji could not bring himself up to say this directly. A confrontation would be a further drain on his energy. "When is it you talked with my granddaughter?" "Hiromi-san and I met on Tuesday." Keiji nodded his head. "My granddaughter has been attacked not once but twice of late. It is my wish for her to leave Japan for now. I have told her this." "The Inagawa-kai attack Hiromi-san because they fear her." Keiji was startled by this statement. Had Dai suddenly gone soft? What do strong and powerful men have to worry about from a female? "Dai-san, I have great faith in your abilities but my granddaughter's safety is at risk now. She is the closest family I have left." Keiji talked about other family members. He praised them but stressed their shortcomings even more. Dai remembered what happened to Keiji's nephew, Goro. His purchase of Central Nippon Wireless had displeased Watanabe Yakuza members after the company's stock fell over 80% in value. Goro was assassinated not too long afterwards. His killer was himself killed, but who hired Doho Taneda was still unknown. At the time it happened, Dai suspected the Inagawa-kai had been responsible. He wasn't so sure anymore. How did the murder weapon get in the heavily protected owner's box? A few weeks earlier, Dai learned one of the personnel assigned to Goro's box at Yokohama Stadium, had just met with sharegashira Hideichi Ishimoto. Hideichi had met with Keiji a few days before that. Had Keiji placed the order to kill his nephew? Dai didn't know for certain, but he didn't believe in too many coincidences. Could the elderly Oyabun be responsible for one of the attacks on Hiromi? Dai had only recently come to the conclusion that the Watanabe Yakuza's future lay with Hiromi Sato. She had the toughness, intelligence, and wisdom to lead the family. If Keiji had chosen his granddaughter to be the next Oyabun rather than he, Dai could have respected that decision and not just out of loyalty to the family he had worked for his entire adult life, but because it would have been the right decision. These were modern times, and men like Keiji were part of the past. The Watanabe Yakuza needed a modern leader, someone who understood how the world was changing. After Dai became Oyabun, he would share power with Hiromi that would make her all but an Oyabun in title. Before that could happen, he had to make Keiji feel less threatened by his granddaughter. "Oyabun-san, I didn't fully grasp the concern you have for your granddaughter till now. I agree that Hiromi-san is best off in Hong Kong." Keiji and Dai talked for another half hour. Then the elderly Oyabun retired to his bedroom. He would need all his strength for the serious talk he would have with his granddaughter later that day. ***** "When all expenses are factored in, the bribes required by local authorities, the legal expenses, feuds with other gangs, and the damages caused by unruly patrons, these businesses are rarely profitable," Hiromi said to Takahiro. "I see that now, Sato-san." "We can not even be sure of these numbers. The club I visited Thursday night was very poorly run." "I apologize, Sato-san. We have had trouble retaining good management at Your Way. The managers quit after a short time. They say it is difficult to work with those people." It took all of Hiromi's self control to keep herself from slamming something over Takahiro Mureta's head. She was also one of 'those people'. "That is not an acceptable excuse, Mureta-san." "I will begin looking for better management, Sato-san." Hiromi's Yakuza days were coming to an end and her remaining influence was almost nil. If not for these circumstances, she would close up Your Way at once. There wasn't a lack of sound business reasons for that action. 'Damn it! If I just had a little more time.' Hiromi thought as she continued to take pleasure in making Takahiro Mureta squirm. "That is all, Mureta-san." The Watanabe shareigashira got up from his seat and bowed towards Hiromi before leaving. ***** The alarm that went off at Hong Kong Airport to go off was caused by one of Russian millionaire Sergei Kozlov's bodyguards, who had tried to bring a firearm into the special administrative region in spite of the large warning signs that told all visitors this was a violation of Hong Kong law punishable by fine or a prison sentence not exceeding five years. Unlike Mainland China, Hong Kong law retained many features from its past history as a British colony. Alexander Gerasymenko was relieved of his firearm and taken to a back room. There he was grilled by two members of the Hong Kong police. Gabrielle and Maurice watched it with the help of a two-way mirror. "What kind of idiots do you take us for, Alexander Gerasymenko?" Captain Cheng asked as he slapped the Ukranian's head. "I make a mistake. Let me pay a fine. This won't happen again." Gabrielle asked a question of Maurice. "What will happen to him?" "If nothing is found in his belongings, he will be put in detention for the rest of today. Tomorrow we will deport him." In another part of the arrival building, not just Alexander Gerasymenko's baggage, but that of Sergei Kozlov and all his people were being carefully scrutinized. Less than five minutes had passed when another discovery was made. "Do you know what we found in this?" Captain Cheng asked as he threw a shaving kit in front of Alexander Gerasymenko. "No, I don't." "Would you believe five grams of cocaine? Now will you please stand up." Gabrielle and Maurice were still watching. "He's going to jail now?" "Yes, and his employer Mr. Kozlov, will be denied entry." Sergei Kozlov was already protesting loudly in another part of the building. "You can not do this to me. I have many powerful friends." ***** While all this was taking place, another private jet arrived outside. Two women and one man disembarked from it. Ryuku Kinjoh was making her first ever visit to Hong Kong. Accompanying her were Sadao Koba and Tsuki Tono. They were also visiting Hong Kong for the first time. In fact, Tsuki had just made her first ever trip by airplane. "May I see your passports?" Asked a Hong Kong immigration official. There were three people to meet Ryuku and her assistants. Ryuku turned over not just their passports but customs documents for Hiromi Sato and Charles McBride's belongings. While this was going on, Sadao Koba was supervising the unloading of the baggage. Hong Kong customs did a thorough search of the clothing and personal belongings but found nothing amiss. After exiting the arrival building, Ryuku, Sadao, and Tsuki climbed into a waiting SUV which then drove off. A small moving van followed with the baggage. Gabrielle and Maurice saw none of this as they were still following the case of Alexander Gerasymenko. Even if they had, Gabrielle may not have realized the importance of who had just arrived. She only knew the name Ryuku Kinjoh, not what the Watanabe shareigashira looked like. People were already busy at the new home of Hiromi Sato when Ryuku, Tsuki, and Sadao arrived there. Bright tropical sunshine that felt as if it would burn their skin in seconds greeted the three Watanabe Yakuza as they climbed out of the SUV. A stormy morning had been replaced by a bright sunny afternoon. Teresa Wu introduced herself to Ryuku and company. "Let me show you where Mrs. Sato's bedroom is." ***** "I think Mrs. Sato will be very pleased with your selection," Said Lionel Herbert, the Senior Sales Representative of Tan Chong Motors. Tan Chong had its showroom at Shui On, just across from Hong Kong's Convention center. Roger Hyde, after getting advice from Guy Chadwick, had gone to Tan Chong to arrange new transportation for his boss. A black Jaguar X350 sportscar was selected. It was the car most suited to Hiromi Sato's tastes. Not to mention her lead foot style of driving. "Bingwen will have the X350 here in just a few minutes. In the meantime, is there anything I can get you?" "No, we're fine." Seated next to Roger was Miriam Andrews. She and Roger were going to take the Jaguar for a test spin. Guy Chadwick was also present but was strolling around the showroom. The Jaguar X350 brought by Bingwen was shiny and had that smell all new cars had. Roger was certain his boss would like it. As Roger studied the car's exterior, Miriam grabbed the car keys from Lionel Herbert. "I'll drive." Roger was slow to react. Miriam was in the driver's seat of the Jaguar before he could lodge a protest. "Just get in, Roger. I'll really give this car a test." Roger sheepishly made his way to the passenger side. Before he got in the Jaguar, the British bodyguard noted the smirking grin on Guy's face. "Have a good time, old friend, and don't worry. Before we came here, I did some checking. Your health insurance is all in order," Guy chuckled loudly. ***** From her seat at the noodle bar, Juri Hayakawa had an excellent view of the Negishi Bay Apartment Towers. She knew the person or persons responsible for Reina Shimizu's death most likely lived there. "Forgive my tardiness, Juri-san," Said Yokohama police lieutenant Tsunesaburo Horiuchi. "It is all right, Tsunesaburo-san. Thank you for giving me a little bit of your time." Juri told Tsunesaburo about the investigation she was doing. She wanted to call upon her Yokohama police colleague's immense knowledge of the Watanabe Yakuza to help solve the Reina Shimizu murder case. "That tattoo you describe to me can belong to any one of at least five people. Would it be any help if I spoke to this witness?" "No, Tsunesaburo-san. The fisherman barely spoke to Yeijiro-san and I." "I wish I could be of more help, Juri-san. These scum all deserve to be in jail." "Do any of these Yakuza talk or brag about their work?" Tsunesaburo shook his head. "No, the criminals who live at the towers are very clever." "How about any other people who work there?" "I know a few," Tsunesaburo said before pausing for a few moments. "There is one person, he is not too bright. Maybe I can have a word with him." "Thank you, Tsunesaburo-san, I am grateful for your help." "Don't thank me yet, Juri-san. I do not know when this person may next show his face. It could be tomorrow, next week, or next month." "I will be patient, Tsunesaburo-san." ***** Captain Andrew Higgins paid a visit to Major Ed Hollins at Yokota Air Base on Saturday afternoon. The disgraced former member of the Swan Song committee was still restricted to base. "Ripley is back?" Major Hollins asked. Andrew Higgins could commiserate with his superior officer. His military career was probably finished also. "Yes, the committee got a message last Sunday." "Shit, they'll probably give him or her a medal. Whereas you and me are about to get fucked in the ass." Andrew was admittedly depressed by his current situation. He had hoped to make the Army his career. "Is there anything that can be done to avoid that?" Major Hollins looked Andrew right in the eye. "I'll let myself get court-martialed and sent to Leavenworth before letting myself get turned into a broad like fucking Captain Thomas Slater did. What about you?" ***** "What do you think of our arrivals area?" Maurice asked Gabrielle. The Russian millionaire Sergei Kozlov and his party sans Alexander Gerasymenko were being held in a airport detention area. Their pilot was in no condition to fly any further that day. "It is very efficient, and safe." "There won't be any difficulty when Ripley and her husband...." Maurice began to say till his cellphone started ringing. "Excuse me, Gabrielle." Gabrielle looked around the arrival building. She was working hard not to feel over confident. The Hong Kong setup looked so secure, how could it go wrong? Tom and Chuck would arrive and show their passports after stepping off their aircraft. When they and their bodyguards got into the building, the baggage examination process will begin. A decision will be made that the couple will undergo more intense scrutiny. These types of checks are routine since 9-11 and all experienced international travelers know it. Once they were in the back room, Tom would be whisked away to safety. An aircraft that would fly him back to the United States would be standing by. By the time her bodyguards suspected anything, their boss will be in another part of Hong Kong airport, if not on a plane already. Maurice had already said there would be more personnel on duty than normal when Ripley arrived. It all looked near perfect to Gabrielle. The one wild card ? How will Chuck McBride react when he discovers his wife is really an undercover agent? Maurice was finished with his cell phone call. "Gabrielle, I just learned there is a great deal of activity going on at the Sato house." "Like what?" "Deliveries are being made to the house for one thing. Is there any chance Ripley will arrive here earlier?" "Not so far as I know," Gabrielle replied. Could Tom be leaving for Hong Kong early? She deemed it possible, but also thought it likely that her friend would send some warning message. "We will plan on an arrival next weekend then. Extra measures will be put in place starting Wednesday." "Do what you think is best, Maurice." "Would you like me to take you back to your hotel, Gabrielle? Or do you have other plans?" Gabrielle looked at her watch. It was almost four, coming up on the end of the workday, and she was exhausted, still feeling the effects of jet lag. "I'd like to go back to my hotel, Maurice. If that's all right with you." On the way to the South Pacific, Maurice quizzed Gabrielle on what she had planned for the rest of Saturday and Sunday. "Lily and I are inviting you to join us for dinner." "Thank you, Maurice, but I'll have to take a rain check. I have a few phone calls to make and there is an update report I have to write for Grant Williamson." "How about tomorrow then?" Gabrielle, while impressed by his professional work manner, still considered Probationary Inspector Gao very odd. "Yes, Maurice, I think I can do that. Please call me at eight tomorrow morning. We can make some plans then. " ***** Hiromi and Chuck were punctual in arriving at Keiji Watanabe's home. Rika greeted the couple at the front door. "Oyabun-san is waiting for you." Keiji was well rested and looking better than he did at the end of his meeting with Dai Hashimoto. "Granddaughter, Charles, I am glad you came. Please be seated." ***** Once Gabrielle was in her hotel room, she kicked off her shoes. She was feeling incredibly hungry but had other tasks to do before grabbing a bite to eat. Gabrielle turned on her laptop computer. While it warmed up, she placed a phone call to Midori and Stuart Slater. "Dad, I have good news. We should have Tom a week from today." "Thank you, Gabrielle, for telling us that. My wife would like to speak to you." Midori came on the phone a few seconds later. "Gabrielle, I am sorry for how I acted the last time we spoke." "There is nothing to apologize for, Mom. Did Dad tell you the news?" Gabrielle asked Midori. Tom Slater's mother was much more composed than the last time they spoke. "Yes, Gabrielle, he did. My son will be coming home." Without saying and how and where Tom would be picked up, Gabrielle gave Midori an idea of what would happen. "Tom will be flown back to the United States. The doctor will treat him in Maryland or Virginia. I will know more in a few days." "Will I be able to talk to Tom?" "Of course, Mom. I will have Tom call you and Dad right after we get him." "Thank you, Gabrielle, for telling me this. Is Tom still changed?" "Yes, Mom. I don't know if it is permanent but he did say he loved me. I will love Tom no matter what." Midori knew in her heart how much Gabrielle loved Tom, and this call proved it, because she was risking her job if it was ever discovered. "I know, Gabrielle. Thank you for updating Stuart and I." "How are you, Dad, and Shannon?" "We are well. Thank you, Gabrielle, for asking." ***** A few moments later, after getting off the phone with Gabrielle, Midori turned to her husband. "Stuart, I think we should fly home on Monday." "Yes, I agree," Stuart replied. The couple plus their grandson had flown to Germany on a Space A flight. The A in Space A, stands for available. These free flights for military personnel, active and retired, are very popular. The Slaters could have to wait a few days before being able to board a United States bound flight. "We'd better fly home the regular way." Midori looked at her grandson who was playing with some German children. He would have loving parents again very soon and this pleased the grandmother. ***** "Grandfather, that is the plan Charles and I have. We want to live in Hong Kong or Australia and start on a family," Hiromi said once again to the Keiji Watanabe. The elderly Oyabun was riled up. "I do not want you to live here now." Hiromi bowed her head. The old man wasn't even listening to what she'd just said. "You are my grandfather, I will do what you tell me." Chuck spoke up as he patted his wife's hand. "Sir, after what happened two nights ago, I also want Hiromi and I to live somewhere safer." "Grandfather, may I return to Japan if Her Imperial Highness needs to visit the bank again? "Does she come often?" "No, Grandfather. She or her husband visit at most two or three times in a year." Keiji nodded his head. "Yes, Granddaughter, you may come. Please tell both me and Dai-san before you arrive." "I will do that, Grandfather." Keiji appeared to let up. Dai Hashimoto may have plans for his granddaughter but they appeared not to be in sync with what his granddaughter and her husband were planning for themselves. He would have to still monitor what Hiromi did, but not punish her. At least not for the time being. "I will be very happy if you give me a great grandchild." Hiromi noted how erratic Keiji was acting. Was it due to his illness or his age or both? The unpredictability of the elderly Oyabun made him even more dangerous. "Grandfather, I want to do that for you. That will be my greatest goal now." "Granddaughter, I have arranged for you to leave for Hong Kong tomorrow." "Hong Kong will be my new home and I will go tomorrow as you ask, Grandfather. I would like to do one thing before I leave." "What is that?" Keiji asked suspiciously. "The wife of my secretary's brother died. The funeral is in Zama tomorrow. Charles and I had planned to go." "You may go, granddaughter. Afterwards you will leave for Hong Kong." Deep down, Hiromi hated being compliant towards the vile monster known as Keiji Watanabe. If it weren't for Chuck or the collateral damage it would cause her already battered conscience, Hiromi would pull out her Glock and put two bullets in the old man. Hiromi bowed her head again. "I will do as my grandfather says." ***** Li Qing of the Golden Dragon triad arrived at Hong Kong's Rolls Royce Club shortly after seven in the evening. As the illegal gambling establishment was run by the triad, he was warmly greeted at the main entrance. "Good evening, Mr. Li," Said club manager Wu Jun Hung. "What game do you prefer tonight?" "I want to play backgammon." When Li Qing came to the Rolls Royce, he either played backgammon, mah jong, or very occasionally the roulette wheel. In the course of a year Li Qing gambled over a million Hong Kong dollars at the Rolls Royce. An old clich? says that Chinese men love to gamble, and Li Qing was living proof that at least some Chinese men lived up to the stereotype. Li Qing was shown to his usual table. A backgammon board was already set up but no opponent had stepped forward as yet to play him. A club hostess came over. She was Chinese, had long black hair, and was exceptionally attractive. "Can I get you anything?" "Scotch and water,' Li Qing replied. Wu Jun Hung hovered nearby. "Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Li?" "Yes, sit down, Jun Hung. There are one or two matters I want to discuss with you." Jun Hung at first was worried his work was not up to Li Qing's standards. The young triad was relieved his boss only wanted to discuss routine matters. "We have a new friend moving to Hong Kong. I do not want her troubled." "Who are you speaking of, Mr. Li?" In addition to running the Rolls Royce, Wu Jun Hung dabbled in loansharking and extortion. "Her name is Hiromi Sato." Wu Jun Hung subscribed to two local business newspapers. He remembered reading an article about Hiromi Sato. "Yes, I know that name, she bought a Hong Kong bank recently." "Mrs. Sato is the owner of East China Commerce Bank plus Japan's Kanagawa Bank." "Yes, I remember that. She is also pretty for a woman not born Chinese." "I do not know about that. You and your friends are not to bother her," Li Qing said firmly. "Mr. Li, we will do as you say." ***** Dinner was served at 7:30. Hiromi, Chuck, and Keiji continued to talk about many non-Yakuza subjects. Keiji was in a mood for reminiscing. He talked at great length about Hiromi's father, Hideki Watanabe. "It saddens me I did not get to know my father well." Keiji began to tire around nine o'clock. "Granddaughter, it is time we end this evening." "Thank you, Grandfather, for having Charles and I over," Hiromi said before giving a deep bow. "Will we join you for breakfast tomorrow?" "No, granddaughter, it is not necessary." Hiromi would have made a fine actress, because without much effort she was able to make tears well up in her eyes. "Grandfather, I owe you so very much and I'm afraid I will not see you again." "We all must go sometime, Granddaughter," Keiji said unemotionally, and with that, the audience was over. They left the room and then the building. ***** "Your grandfather looks very frail," Chuck said to his wife as they rode in a limo together to Goro's old home. "I think so too," she said with a sad expression on her face. She couldn't know whether their words and actions would be reported to her grandfather, so she was being very careful until they were safely out of Japan. Chuck had talked to his wife earlier in the day about whether she should try talking to Keiji about his health. Hiromi had just told him that she respected her grandfather and any personal decisions he made, very conscious now of the danger both she and Chuck were in from both the Inagawa Yakuza and her own vicious Grandfather. She would explain the need for deception after they were safely home, as she now thought of the Hong Kong house she'd never seen, but now seemed to her a place of refuge. Chuck squeezed his wife's right hand as a sympathetic gesture. "So, what is the plan now?" "We will get up in the morning at 7:00. After the funeral we will go right to the airport." "Are you looking forward to Hong Kong, Kimi-chan?" Chuck asked as he continued to hold Hiromi's hand.? "Yes, I am." Of this, at least, she could speak freely. "We will start a new life there. We will be happy." ***** Gabrielle, having finished her report to Grant Williamson, was asleep at the South Pacific by midnight. She therefore wasn't up and around when Ryuku Kinjoh checked herself into the same hotel. "Are you sure, Ryuku-san?" Tsuki Tono asked Ryuku as their vehicle stopped in front of the hotel. She and Sadao Koba planned to check out Hong Kong's night life and they were inviting Ryuku to join them. "All three of us can have a good time." "Tsuki-san, I am too tired. You and Sadao go enjoy yourselves. Don't forget, we need to all be in the lobby at nine in order to leave for Japan, so don't stay out too late." ***** Chuck and Hiromi were up, dressed, and having breakfast by 8:30 Sunday morning. All their things were packed for Hong Kong. Yuri, still with bandages on his face, came to check on his employer's schedule. "Boss, what time will we be leaving for Zama?" Hiromi put her coffee cup down and looked over at Chuck before answering. "About a quarter after nine." "We will be ready for you." Yuri left the room. Hiromi was reading the Mainchi Daily News, when her cook began to clear the table. "Juanita, how long have you been with me?" "It would have been four years next month, Mrs. Sato," Juanita said sadly. Hiromi had her purse hung over the side of her chair. She took an envelope out of it and gave it Juanita. "Juanita, this is for you." Juanita, with Hiromi's approval, stopped her work to tear open the envelope. When she saw what was inside, the cook's eyes almost popped out of her head. "Thank you Mrs. Sato. Thank you very much." Hiromi had given Juanita a bonus check the equivalent of six month's salary plus an open one-way ticket to Manila on Japan Airlines. "You're welcome, Juanita. Your hard work made my life much easier." Before leaving the house, Hiromi had one more chore to do besides her usual routines of checking her hair and makeup. She gave an envelope to Kimo. "Did you see the article in today's newspaper?" Hiromi asked Kimo. "No boss, I did not." Sunday's Manchi Daily News had a lengthy article on Ana Ramirez. It seemed the late bodyguard had been providing financial support to her family in Los Angeles California. "The envelope is for Ana Ramirez's family. Also make sure we pay the cost of sending her body back to California for burial." Yuri was nearby and overheard the conversation. "Boss, did you know Ana had a life insurance policy?" "No, Yuri Alexanderovich, I did not. I still want to give the Ramirez family this." Hiromi then went back to the bedroom. By showing compassion to the people around her, Hiromi hoped she would receive the same when Operation Swan Song ended. Even if she didn't, the payments to Juanita and the Ramirez family made her feel better about herself. ***** Gabrielle had room service delivered to her on Sunday morning. While she waited for the food to arrive, she placed a phone call to Inspector Yoshida. "Are there any new developments?" "No, Gabrielle-san, there are none. Are the Hong Kong arrangements going smoothly?" "Yes, Inspector, they are." Gabrielle and Inspector Yoshida talked for a few more minutes. It was likely she would be staying in Hong Kong until Tom Slater was retrieved. After she ate breakfast, Gabrielle went down to the hotel lobby. She found Maurice and his fianc?e waiting there for her. Standing not too far away from Maurice and Lily was a young couple. They appeared to be waiting for someone. "Gabrielle, let me introduce you to the most loving woman I know, Lily Ng. Lily this is Gabrielle Tanaka of the FBI." ***** Sadao Koba was about to say something to Tsuki when saw Ryuku come off the elevator. "Good morning, Ryuku-san." "Good morning to both of you," Ryuku said as she noted the appearance of her fellow Yakuza. "Did you enjoy yourselves last night?" "Yes we did, Ryuku-san," Tsuki replied as all three Watanabe Yakuza walked towards the hotel desk. "Sadao enjoy himself so much he have hangup." "You mean a hangover," Ryuku corrected her friend. Tsuki Tono spoke decent English but sometimes tripped over slang words or terms particular to that language. Tsuki laughed. "Yes, a hangover." As they waited in line at the hotel desk, Ryuku studied her colleagues some more. 'Tsuki-san, you don't look much better than Sadao-san does. You must learn to use your energies more wisely.' ***** Gabrielle had just finished shaking hands with Lily. She was a plain looking young woman but she did have a nice smile. "Maurice talked to me about you non-stop yesterday." "He told me much about you too, Gabrielle. I have a car waiting outside for us." As they all left the hotel, Maurice spoke up. "Lily and I will show you around Hong Kong today. I did mention to you that Lily works as a part- time tour guide, didn't I Gabrielle?" "Yes, only about twenty times." Gabrielle said with a laugh as she got into a Volvo that Lily Ng would be driving. She needed a short break from her Swan Song duties. ***** "You won't believe who we just see in the lobby, Ryuku-san," Said Sadao "Who is that?" "The dancer, Kristi Yamaguchi. She was just here." "Sadao-san, you are mistaken. That was not Kristi Yamaguchi who we just passed," Ryuku said. 'Hung over men and their fantasies.' "Man say she with FBI," Sadao said insistently. Tsuki tried correcting her friend. "No, they say she from February." Ryuku would have a word with her two colleagues when they were recovered from their hangovers but Tsuki-san in particular. Going out to drink and party can affect your senses. Something a good Yakuza can not afford to do. ***** Hiromi's last day in Japan was a small case of d?j? vu for her. Seventeen years earlier, and just before his father was to PCS from Camp Zama to Fort Riley Kansas, a Uncle of Hiroshi Kobayashi had passed away. Hiromi still remembered his mother taking him to the funeral. Before a Shinto funeral begins, certain steps are taken. A family in Japan will have a shrine for their deceased family members. After someone dies, the family will put out lanterns and incense will be lit. The favorite foods of a person will be left at the shrine and these are changed daily by family members. The funeral has many stages, but three are more notable than the others. The first is Kichu-fuda, a period of intense mourning which lasts for twenty-four hours. The ritual known as Koden takes place during the Kichu-fuda time but can last longer especially if friends or family members need to travel long distances. Koden is the giving of an obituary gift. Friends and family of the deceased give money to the family to help reduce the financial burden of the burial services. When Hiromi and Chuck arrived at the funeral, they gave their gift to the Kobayashi family member assigned to collect them. The Shinto funeral ritual Hiromi and Chuck had come for was Kotsuage. This is the gathering of a dead person's ashes. Under Japanese law, all bodies are required to be cremated after death. In the event that the bones do not burn completely, family members remove the bones with chopsticks and place them in the urn along with the ashes. This urn is then placed at the shrine for the services of the priest. After this comes the burial where Shinto priests also chanted and pray. Hiromi had always admired one aspect of Shintoism. How through the upkeep of their home shrine, a family remembers its deceased ancestors. Practitioners of Western religions don't preserve the memories of the dearly departed anywhere near as well. As she watched Hiroshi handle the ashes of his wife and daughter, Hiromi thought of the situation she had created. Chuck was about to have his life and dreams turned to ashes just like had happened to Tom Slater's childhood friend. Except Chuck wouldn't have a ceremony to collect the ashes or friends and family around to help him grieve. Chuck would have to do it all alone. Every time Hiroshi put some part of what was once his wife and daughter into the urn, Hiromi pictured Chuck doing the same with parts of the dreams he had. For each child he dreamed of having with Hiromi. For the farm they dreamed of buying... For the horses they and the children would have enjoyed riding... And more... After the ashes were buried, friends and family gathered at the Kobayashi home. Many of Hiromi's Watanabe Trucking co-workers were there. "Sato-san, is it true you will not be coming back to the office?" A secretary named Ria asked. "Yes it is. My grandfather asked that I move to Hong Kong with Chuck." Hiromi's co-workers began to mourn for her. She did want them to do this. Suki Kobayashi and her family was the one in need of support not her. When the time arrived for Chuck and Hiromi to leave, the couple went to find Suki and Hiroshi. The brother and sister looked like they had just stopped crying. "We are so sorry for your loss," Hiromi said. Hiroshi, his loss so devastating, could barely speak. Suki spoke for him. "Thank you, Taro-san, for coming." Once they were settled in the limousine and on the way to Shizuoka, Chuck spoke to his wife. "That is just horrible what happened to Suki's brother. I can't imagine how it must feel for him." Almost immediately, Hiromi began to cry. ***** Choy Deming did not know why he was being hauled away by members of the Golden Dragon triad, but he was. The man nicknamed Three Finger was shoved into an empty basement and then left there. Three men arrived a short time later. As Deming was forced to sit in a chair that he was next tied to, he recognized two of the triad members. "So, Deming, what the fuck are you doing in Tsim Sha Tsui?" Asked the one triad Deming didn't recognize. He was a heavyset man with a terrible case of bad breath, maybe a result of his rotting teeth. "I sometimes come here to see a friend." "A central scum like you have a friend here?" The heavyset man asked as he rattled Deming's chair. "That is too hard to believe." "Deming, you have no friends," Wu Jun Hung, the manager of the Rolls Royce Club, said acidly. "I do, Jun Hung, I really do." Two more men came into the room. One had some wiring, the other a pair of garden clippers. Deming was so preoccupied by his two newest visitors, he didn't notice what the other man he had recognized was doing. Yuan Po Sang was putting a pair of brass knuckles on his right hand. When he was finished, Po Sang swung his right fist into Deming's left arm. The sounds of bones cracking and a man screaming instantly filled the room. "Deming, you will experience even more pain if you don't tell us why you're here," Wu Jun Hung demanded. "I suggest you look at what else I have prepared for you." The person with the wiring was connecting it to a capacitator. As for the man with the clippers, he was using a mill file to make them extra sharp. Deming got the message as he clutched his damaged left arm. "I did not come here to harm the Golden Dragons." "Then why are you here?" Deming knew the answer he was about to give was incriminating but telling a lie was even more likely to make him end up dead. "I came here as a favor to Inspector Lai. Jun Hung listened to what Deming had to say. "You're a fucking informer here to tell the police about the Golden Dragons." "No, no, I am not. I would never tell about the Dragons." "Are you saying you only tell about the 14k?" The 14k were another triad. Hong Kong triads had overlapping territories. As long as these gangs of criminals respected the other's property, peace was maintained. "Yes, I would never tell about the Dragons," Deming yelled through the excruciating pain he felt from his broken arm. "When were you to the police?" Jun Hung asked. "It was last Friday. I went to Arsenal Street then." Right after he said this, Deming was doused with a bucket of water. Right after which the guy with the capacitator came closer to Deming. Each of his gloved hands were holding a piece of wire. Jun Hung grinned. By threatening Choy Deming with violence, he was turning the man into a two-way informant or double agent. The triads in Hong Kong were always in need of police related intelligence. "If you want to live, Deming, I suggest you tell us everything you saw or heard." Deming didn't have a whole lot of intelligence to give the Golden Dragons. Most of what he saw at Arsenal Street was the same as his previous visits. As questions were asked of Deming, one of the triads took turns punching or kicking him. He soon had two teeth knocked loose and some of his ribs were badly bruised, if not broken. "That is all you saw? You better tell us everything Three Finger unless you want a new nickname." "Yes, yes, I see nothing more." "You're sure?" Deming thought for a little bit. "I saw that famous skater and dancer. She was talking to another inspector." "What dancer are you talking about?" "The one who was on television a little while ago. She won a gold Olympic medal. Kristi Yamaguchi is her name." Kristi Yamaguchi was not known to four of the five triads present. The heavyset man with bad breath was the exception. "Kristi Yamaguchi in Hong Kong? It would be in all the newspapers and on television if what you say was true." "I just say someone there who looked like her." Deming was 'talked to' for another twenty minutes. While this was going on, Jun Hung used a MID to look for an image of just what Kristi Yamaguchi looked like. "Not too bad for a non-Chinese." Was Jun Hung's appraisal once he saw a picture of the recent 'Dancing with the Stars' Champion. Jun Hung thought Chinese women were the most beautiful by far. When Jun Hung had heard enough, he gave Yuan Po Sang orders. "Give Deming a few more lessons but leave him alive. When you're through with him, dump him back in Central." "I will do as you say, Mr. Wu." ***** Shizouka Executive Airport was to be Hiromi and Chuck's point of departure from Japan. It was located near Mt. Fuji and more private than Tokyo's Haneda Airport. There were Watanabe Yakuza personnel waiting at the airport for Hiromi. Included among them were Akira Sudo and Dai Hashimoto. "Hiromi-san," Dai said as he personally opened the door for his fellow Saiko-komon. "My people are here to see you off safely. "Thank you, Tiger-san. I appreciate that." Watanabe Yakuza made sure all of Hiromi and Chuck's belongings got on the private jet, in spite of a sign that said 'No Unauthorized People Allowed Beyond This Point'. An immigration official asked to see the couple's passports. Chuck handed his and Hiromi's over. Bodyguards Yuri and Dimitri gave theirs. They would be the only other passengers on the flight. The pilot introduced himself. "Mrs. Sato, My name is Melissa Russell and me and my co-pilot Greg Stoddard will be flying you to Hong Kong today. The trip should take about four hours." Chuck was looking at the aircraft in the distance. "That's a Hawker 1000, isn't it?" "Yes it is," Captain Russell replied back. "My husband is an aviation buff." As was Tom Slater before he became Hiromi Sato. As the immigration official returned the passports, Dai Hashimoto spoke to Hiromi. "Sato-san, could we speak for a few minutes before you leave?" "Of course we can. Let us find somewhere quieter and more private, Dai- san." ***** "How did you enjoy Hong Kong Island?" Maurice asked Gabrielle. "It was nice. By the way, what parts of Hong Kong are you and Lily from?" "I'm from Wan Chai. Lily is originally from Tai Po but lives in Wan Chai now too." "Oh, are you living together already?" Maurice laughed. "No, not yet." Lily was still driving and had a question to ask. "Gabrielle, where would you like to go Kowloon side?" "It don't matter to me, Lily." "Why don't we take Gabrielle to Tung Choi? We can all spend some time there." Gabrielle looked at Maurice. "That's fine with me." ***** "Hiromi-san, I met with your Grandfather yesterday. Did you know this?" Dai Hashimoto asked Hiromi as they met alone in a waiting area. "No, Dai-san, I did not." "Your Grandfather has chosen me to be the next Oyabun. Do not share that information with anyone." "I will not, Dai-san. Let me say, my Grandfather made an excellent choice. I know you will be the strong leader the family needs." "Hiromi-san, we would be stronger if you remained here." "My Grandfather wants me to move to Hong Kong. He is my closest family, I cannot disobey him." Dai nodded his head. He was almost certain now that the elderly Oyabun was responsible for the murder of his nephew and previous Oyabun, Goro Watanabe. If so, he would not stop at doing the same to Hiromi Sato. "I agree with your wise decision, Hiromi-san. You need to leave Japan for a short period. When the time is right, the family and I will be ready for you." Hiromi began to analyze Dai Hashimoto's last words to her. First he agreed with Hiromi's wise decision. Dai had used the word 'wise' many times of late in his discussions with her. Then Dai said she need to leave Japan for a short time. That was an interesting move from a person most anyone familiar with the Watanabes would have considered an aggressor or blunt instrument. Dai was equating Hiromi's departure to a strategic retreat. For what possible purpose? It was Dai's last words that provided a possible answer. When the time is right, the family and I will be ready for you. If Dai is all powerful Oyabun, why would he say he and family would be ready? Unless...... Hiromi couldn't believe where her thought process was going. She needed more time to think. Since Dai had imparted confidential information to her, Hiromi felt it was only right she did the same. "My Grandfather is very ill." "I saw that, Hiromi-san. He was very frail when we spoke yesterday." "A doctor told me that Grandfather does not have long to live. I feel we should respect that." Dai nodded his head again. "I agree, Hiromi-san. That is what we should do for the time being. Your Grandfather said I am to assume Oyabun duties in September." Hiromi sat with Dai for almost a minute without either saying a word. On the other hand her brain was in complete overdrive mode. "I need to leave now, Tiger-san," Hiromi said as she got up. She and Dai then made their way to the private jet. Before she got on board the aircraft, she and Dai exchanged bows. Like every other event that day between the two Watanabe Saiko-komons, it carried great and hidden significance. As soon as Hiromi was on board, an airport worker secured the Hawker 1000's main door. The plane began to taxi a few moments later. ***** On the way back to his car, Dai spoke to Akira Sudo. "Hiromi-san will not be gone for long. We must begin getting ready for her return at once." "Hai! I will do anything you ask of me, Tiger-san." "It must be done discreetly, Akira-san. Our Oyabun cannot learn of this yet." ***** The Hawker 1000 was equipped to seat up to ten passengers so Hiromi and Chuck had plenty of room for their flight to Hong Kong. A sitting area in the middle of the plane had four chairs and one table. There were also two chairs up front and two in the rear plus a small one person couch. Hiromi Sato's bodyguards were seated at opposite ends of the plane. Dimitri was forward and Yuri aft. Chuck was seated at the table. Hiromi took the seat directly across from him. She immediately put on her seat belt. "Is everything all right, Kimi-chan?" "Yes. I'm....going to miss here." Chuck smiled. "I understand." About fifteen minutes after the plane got airborne, Hiromi rose from her seat. "Could you set up my laptop for me while I freshen up?" "Of course I can, Kimi-chan. Are you hungry? There's a salad and some sandwiches in the fridge." "No, I am fine. I can wait till we get to Hong Kong." Hiromi went aft. Yuri rose the moment he saw his boss coming towards him. "Anything I can do for you, Boss?" "I just need my privacy." Yuri then walked to the forward part of the plane. As soon as she was alone, Hiromi pulled a curtain across the plane and snapped it into place. She then began to undress. When the Hawker1000 was being loaded, one piece of Chuck and Hiromi's baggage was kept separate from the ones put in the cargo hold. It was instead put in the back of the plane, next to the bathroom door. Hiromi took some clothes out of the bag. They were a sky blue blouse, a pair of designer jeans and a pair of sneakers. She would wear these less formal clothes when arriving in Hong Kong. Without remembering, Hiromi now had the same clothes on that she was wearing when she met Gabrielle Tanaka at the January Hong Kong debriefing. Only her handbag and jewelry were different. After she finished getting dressed, Hiromi went to use the bathroom. After urinating, she spent time fixing her hair and in particular her makeup. The later was more than slightly askew due to the crying Hiromi did on the way to the airport. When Hiromi was finished, she looked in the mirror and asked herself a question. 'Agent Ripley, what do you want to do now?' ***** Roger Hyde was pacing around Hiromi Sato's new home as he finished a cell phone call. "Thank you for letting me know." Even before he had the device turned off, Roger began to seek out Teresa Wu. The household manager was at the home's front door signing for a delivery. "Mrs. Sato will be here in less than four hours. I'm ready but will the bloody electricity be working by then?" When the home was purchased for Mrs. Sato, an unknown problem came along it. Some of the electrical wiring in parts of the house was in need of repair. The worst area was the kitchen. Roger and Teresa had only learned of the problem on Saturday afternoon and electricians weren't able to begin work till Sunday morning. After nine hours, the kitchen still wasn't ready. "We will be back tomorrow," The head electrician announced. Around him his helpers were beginning to pack their gear. "You can't leave here now," An exasperated Roger said. "My employer is arriving here tonight. How are they supposed to eat in the morning if the bloody kitchen wiring isn't working???" The electrician shrugged off Roger's anger. Teresa then stepped in and talked to the man in Cantonese. She had no more luck than her boyfriend did. The electrician and his helpers were all leaving for the day. "That's bloody wonderful," Roger cried out. "Now I'll have to find the Boss a hotel for the night." Teresa got out her cell phone. "Roger, there are many excellent hotels here on the Island that Mrs. Sato can stay at. Let me try calling one or two of them." Roger began to calm down. "All right, love. I appreciate everything you're doing for me." ***** The wedding of Ilsa Slater to Henrich Uhlmann took place in a Lutheran church located in the suburbs of Dusseldorf Germany. A little over one hundred friends and family were in attendance. It was a bittersweet occasion for