Hayashi Shuichi didn't want to tangle with the Black Organization right now, but things had escalated—he couldn't just watch the police get ambushed. Everything else would have to wait.
Inspector Samezaki, Officer Matsumoto, Officer Megure, and four uniforms followed behind.
Hayashi Shuichi figured Gin and Vodka would make their move the second they stepped outside.
He kept his eyes glued to their backs, ready for anything. If Sharon still hadn't acted by the door, he'd have to strike first.
Two meters from the exit, knife already half-drawn—just then, a woman's scream pierced the air.
"Robbery! Help!"
A street robbery trumped underage drinking any day.
Inspector Samezaki and the others bolted outside without hesitation.
Relief flooded Hayashi Shuichi; he recognized Sharon's voice.
"Big bro, now!" Vodka hissed urgently. "Let's go!"
"Boss, the bill."
Gin stayed ice-calm, casually pulling a 10,000-yen note from his pocket and setting it on a nearby table before strolling out like he owned the night.
In a mess like this, still acting tough!
Hayashi Shuichi mentally rolled his eyes at Gin's retreating back.
"Shuichi, what the hell's going on?" Kogoro Mouri ran up.
Hibiki Eri and Reiko lingered nearby, watching curiously.
Hayashi Shuichi glanced at the girls, then yanked Kogoro by the collar. "Didn't I tell you to take Eri and Reiko to the back?"
"Is it that serious?" Kogoro looked baffled. "Those two are about our age—just punks. They wouldn't really fight cops, right?"
Punks?
These guys once strafed Tokyo Tower from an armed helicopter!
Hayashi Shuichi sighed inwardly. Even if he told the truth, Kogoro would never believe it.
"Watch Eri and Reiko. I'm checking outside."
Stepping out, he spotted the black Porsche 356A pulling away across the street—Vodka driving, Gin riding shotgun.
It vanished into the night.
So they already have their signature ride…
Hayashi Shuichi looked away and scanned for the police.
Soon he saw Officer Matsumoto and the others surrounding Sharon at the corner.
Sharon swayed, cheeks flushed, eyes glassy, reeking of liquor.
Hayashi Shuichi approached just as she drunkenly berated them in loud English.
The inspectors looked lost, brows knotted in frustration.
Officer Megure racked his brain for the few English words he knew and mangled: "You… why… say help?"
"Hayashi-kun, perfect timing!" Inspector Samezaki beamed. "You're top of the class—English too, right? Ask her what happened. Why'd she scream for help?"
Holding back laughter, Hayashi Shuichi pretended to translate.
Sharon's face was scarlet, booze heavy on her breath. "How should I know what's going on? Why did these police…"
"What'd she say?" Samezaki pressed.
"She says she has no idea what's happening—you suddenly surrounded her," Hayashi Shuichi relayed. "She's American, claims you're harassing a U.S. citizen and will complain to the Japanese government."
"She's clearly stalling!" Matsumoto fumed. "We chased the scream—only her on the street. It was definitely her!"
"Inspector, Matsumoto-senpai's right—this woman's suspicious!" Megure added. "Bring her in?"
"…" Samezaki hesitated.
"Inspector, this American's trouble," Hayashi Shuichi whispered. "She's Sharon Wynyard, big Hollywood star. Attended the Miwacho City Hall film event."
"…Fine," Samezaki sighed, waving them off. "Let her go. Back to dinner."
"Inspector, but—" Megure started.
Matsumoto yanked him back. "Didn't you hear Hayashi-kun? She's a star. Detain her and it blows up into a diplomatic mess—we're the ones screwed."
"But that scream…" Megure grumbled.
"So what if she yelled?" Matsumoto shot back. "Since when is shouting 'help' illegal? Drop it."
He dragged Megure toward the izakaya; Hayashi Shuichi followed.
Then Sharon pointed a wobbly finger at him, slurring in English: "You… help me… call a taxi!"
"Now what?" Samezaki frowned impatiently.
"She's drunk—wants me to call a cab," Hayashi Shuichi explained.
"Handle it!" Relieved she wasn't causing more trouble, Samezaki hurried off with his men.
Once they were gone, Sharon dropped the act.
She reached for a cigarette, paused when she saw Hayashi Shuichi, and lowered her hand.
A flicker of hesitation crossed her eyes. "Those two—aren't you curious what they are to me? Why I helped them?"
"That's your business," Hayashi Shuichi shrugged. "If you want to tell me, you will. If not, asking's pointless."
"Can't you at least pretend to be jealous? Make me happy?" Sharon smiled helplessly, then deliberately swayed like she'd fall.
Hayashi Shuichi caught her. She looped an arm around his shoulders, lips brushing his ear. "Those two… barely count as colleagues. I don't like them, but I couldn't watch them get arrested…"
(End of chapter)
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