Risks

TAKAHASHI

Bang!

I smiled in satisfaction as the bullet passed through the target, the center bearing a small hole where the pointed metal projectile from the gun I was holding had pierced.

I removed the protective gears I was wearing just in time for Uyazumi to whisper in my ear. Upon hearing his report, my mood drastically changed. I no longer feel victorious.

"Where is Paul?"

"He is back at the headquarters," I handed Uyazumi the gloves I had just removed as we walked out of the shooting range.

What he had just said irked me. Margaux Cortez has escaped my grasp, again. And together with her was Mary, my precious Mary.

I clenched my hands into fists. Once we reached the safety of the car, I immediately dialed Paul.

"I need a full report of what happened and why it had seemed so difficult to catch two women out of the hundreds of men that I keep on paying and sending out to capture them,"

I took a deep breath, calming myself.

"I have warned you before Takahashi, Margaux Cortez is not to be underestimated," Paul said, reminding me of that exact moment when he had told me all about it.

"Give me the full report," I insisted, refusing to give him a response to that statement.

"I'll hand over the phone to Hanabi, she can give you the detailed report you are seeking,"

I waited, listening intently as I heard the phone being handed to the person Paul had just mentioned.

"Takahashi, Kore wa Hanadesu,"

Hana, Hanabi Igarashi. I smiled, vaguely remembering her. She and I go a long way back. Her family had always been one of the loyal members of the Yakuza. If I could recall correctly, she has a brother. However, her brother had refused to embrace the Mafia life and went to the States and pursued a different career path, leaving Hanabi to be the one who stays, living and embracing the life of a Yakuza.

"Hanabi, hadena aisatsu o tobashite shōbai ni torikakarou ka? Yes?"

"Hai," I smiled, satisfied that she understood me loud and clear.

"Margaux Cortez seemed to have found a crew. They backed her up when we tried to give her and her friend a chase. This crew appeared to be well-skilled in fighting. Our men were brought down while a few of theirs had some scratches. The scale has been tipped in their favor. We had no choice but to get away from there. After which, we lost track of them again, gomen'nasai,"

"I see," I said pondering on how Margaux Cortez managed to find some people who would take her side.

I'm quite aware that no other Mafia crew would be stupid enough to rise up against me. Those who would, surely, have a death wish and the execution would not be merciful.

"What is the name of this Mafia group?"

"Rhythm, they were known as Rhythm taking after the name of the business that they are running,"

Rhythm. The name was unfamiliar. It was probably new. I can't help but smirk.

"Hana, do me this one favor, will you? Search up everything about this Rhythm and its members. Find out who leads them and report back to me every single thing that you will find out. Can you do that for me?"

"Hai,"

--

MARGAUX

I coughed, brandishing my hands over my face as if I was swatting away some flies. It was crazy trying to find an apartment to transfer into, in the middle of the night. Gratefully, we found one. It was inexpensive too.

However, it needs a lot of cleaning and fixing which Mary and I had agreed we would deal with first thing tomorrow. Right now, both of us were fairly exhausted. The night seemed longer than it really was.

Assured that the bed had no bugs and it was safe to lie down, I threw myself at it, staring at the ceiling.

"I'll give us a week. Let's find a better place to stay tomorrow," I raised my hands and showed Mary a thumbs up.

"Yes, please," I muttered, my mind going back towards Hanabi Igarashi and what she had said.

"You're thinking about what that Hana girl had said, aren't you?" I nodded.

"Yes," I stated, belatedly thinking that Mary might not see it.

A minute of silence passed between us before Mary joined me on the bed, positioning herself on the opposite side, making our heads touched. The bed squeaked a little at the added weight.

"Do you think that she was telling the truth?"

I shrugged.

"Maybe. What reason would she have to lie anyway?"

"A lot actually. One she could be plotting to get to you. Get your trust and then at the end, she would sell you to Takahashi in wanting to gain some favor in his sight. You know, cliche movie endings?"

I can't help but laugh.

"Yeah, and then we will win. The good guys always do. Yahoo," I remarked which led us both to laugh once more.

"Well, to be honest. I have no idea, Mary. I haven't seen her before. But, she seemed to know Takahashi so well. The way she had talked about him. Did you notice?"

"Yes, and me too. I have not seen her before either. She must be new,"

I silently mused about this mysterious woman. She also made mention of Paul. Despite me wanting not to care about him, I was relieved to know that he was alive. Takahashi must have decided to keep him after all. That, or maybe, Takahashi had never found out about him letting us escape.

Either way, it seemed that Paul was well. I briefly recalled our parting words.

The next time our paths would cross, we will be sworn enemies.

"Don't overthink it, Margie. Let's get some rest. We need it," I blew out a sigh.

"I can't help it, Mary. Hanabi Igarashi would be a great asset to us if ever she was not lying. If she was being genuine, then, we have gained an ally, a great advantage on our part. Just… think of all the pros of having her on our side,"

It was Mary's turn to sigh.

"The downside of it would be if she was a fake from the start and ends up betraying us, selling us to Takahashi once she had gained our trust,"

"We don't have to completely trust her. The same case with Kevin's crew, we don't have to let our guard down. We can at least work with them,"

I felt Mary shake her head.

"That will be too dangerous, Margie. In order for a team to work and succeed, each of the members must be able to trust each other. Else, we can all end up stabbing each other in the back and lose the battle without Takahashi even lifting a finger. That's not really going to be beneficial, would it?"

Mary had a point. I knew deep down that in order for us to succeed in working with Rhythm and Japanese lady, we must find a common ground.

"Well, if that will be the case, I will have to gamble," I said. "I will have to take a risk,"