Makimura was thoughtful. The coffee cup he was holding was almost cold. He was worried. Not because of what had happened or might happen. But because of Saeko. She was not behaving as usual.
Maybe too much work?
Or...

Makimura stood up: 'Ryo is right. We all need some rest. Saeko, I'll bring you back home if you want to.'
Saeko said nothing and followed her former partner.

Ryo watched them closing the door.
He was worried for Saeko and he knew Makimura was feeling the same way.
But it wasn't his role to comfort her.

Saeko...

She was strong and fragile at the same time. She was caring, but never showed her feelings. She was very concerned about her friends' welfare.
Exactly as Makimura was...
That may be why they were so matching.

How many women were really important for him?

Bloody Mary...
A very nice woman, with a merciless heart.
Exactly as himself. Maybe the reason why he left her?

Sonya...
That charming and innocent girl.

And now, Saeko.

But his feelings for her were somehow unclear and he knew he'd better not clear them. He had no right to think of her otherwise than a good friend. She already had Mahimura...

Ryo stood up brusquely. It was not the time to think of this. It was useless also. What he needed right now was a good sleep. As Saeko said: who knows what would happen next ?

'Please, stay with me...'
Saeko was clinging Makimura's shirt. She didn't want to stay alone that night.
'Saeko...'
She suddenly felt ashamed of herself. She knew how much hard his life was. And besides, he had a sister to look after. So how could she monopolize his attention? She had no right for. Her role was to help him as much as she could...
She was about to apologize when Makimura carefully lifted her and brought her to her bed. She felt like a child in her father's arms.
He gently covered her with a sheet, as a mother.
Then, he laid down next to her and held her tight as a lover.

When Saeko opened her eyes, it was still dark outside. The place beside her was hot, but empty. She was upset to wake up alone in her bed.
A good coffee smell was invading the flat.

He is still here...

She got up quickly and went to the kitchen. The breakfast was almost ready.
She watched him cooking.
It was reassuring to watch him.

'The breakfast is waiting for you. Will you honor me by sharing it with me?
- It would a great pleasure.' It was a kinnd of game. How long didn't she play?
They sat in front of each other at the kitchen table.
Saeko was no more used to have lunch at the table. Living alone was not always easy. So she enjoyed his company.

More than ever.

Till the phone rang.

'Lieutnant? The headofficer is requesting your presence.
- What's the matter?
- ... Well... I'm... not allowed to tell tthee matter by phone...
- OK! I'm coming!'

Another hard day... One more...

She looked at Makimura. His calm face was smiling at her. 'You should not keep your father waiting. He needs your help.'
He approached her and took her in his arms. 'Never forget: whatever happens I'll always be by your side.'

She opened her eyes. She did not have to go out of her room to be sure she was alone in the flat.
It was 6.30 am at the clock. Kaori had plenty of time before leaving for school but she wasn't used to stay in bed once she had woken up. She got up. The small flat was as neat as she left it before going to sleep.
Her brother's room was empty and the meal she had prepared him was still in the fridge.

The flat was a bit cold.

In fact, Kaori was always cold when she was alone. As usual, she didn't let her mind think further: there was always plenty of things to do.

And worrying was useless.

It was a rainy day. The police cars were all over the place. Policemen were looking for evidences. But there was little left: the depository was completly empty. There were only small pockets containing pills and powder lying on the ground.
As if the move was done in a hurry.
Saeko was amazed: how did they manage to move everything in less than four hours ? Where was their new hideaway ? And, most important, how did they come to know that the dipository has been discovered ?

Saeko glanced at Tanya. The german woman was outside the building, giving orders.

When Saeko arrived at the Police Department after the phone call, she was informed that Tanya had discovered one of Tohei's hiding place.

At first, Saeko couldn't understand her partner's aim. Confiscating Tohei's goods would be of no use to know about his activities. On the contrary. It would have helped to collect informations about the gang. That is why she ordered nothing against it.

By the time she arrived at the depository and noticed that it was empty, she wondered how that happened. The only persons who knew about it were Ryo,Makimura, herself and... Tanya !

But the german woman didn't seem to be aware of Saeko's suspicions. She was concentrating on her job.

'Did you find anything ?
- I'm afraid nothing, Sir.'
Saeko and Tanya had to report directly to the headofficer. Saeko tried hard to avoid it but, unfortunately, she couldn't.
'I heard about this yesterday, during my investigation on the blast. I reported it directly to you as I couldn't join Miss Nogami. I thought we may find any clue.'

Why is she lying ?...

'You did well, Miss Kalisz. Go ahead.
- Thank you, Sir.' Both women were about tto leave the room when the officer called Saeko back.
'I expected a better work from you !' The man was furious. 'Being my daughter doesn't allow you to rely on the others. I'm really upset.
- German procedures are different from jappannese ones.' Saeko's voice was detached, but she was boiling inside.
'You weren't taught to use this tone with me !
- I'm sorry. But I have to leave now if yoou want me to be as brilliant as Miss Kalisz.' Without any more look to her father, she headed for the door.

The man watched her closing the door behind her. He couldn't help being harsh with her. She was the eldest, so she had to be an example for her younger sisters.
And, most of all, as the daughter of one of the most important man of Tokyo, she had to excel, not only in her professional life, but also in her personal life.

His expectations were always been high but he did help her to fulfill his wishes: she had been educated in one of the best and the most expensive school in Japan. She had been taught to follow her family traditions. And by the time she entered the Police Department, he managed to team her with his best inspector : Lieutnant Makimura Hideyuki.

They were the best team.

But infortunately, time has changed everything.

And she has changed a lot...

Saeko had only one idea on mind: clarify the situation with Tanya. The night before, when she met her in the presence of Ryo and Makimura, she just stared at them in the room. Then, she left without saying a word.
Saeko had tried to explain her the situation but Tanya didn't listen.
Now, she was wondering about Tanya's role in the depository affair.

Tanya was at her desk, waiting for Saeko. Her smile was polite but warmless.

'I suppose you are willing to talk to me ?'
Saeko was annoyed: that woman could anticipate every move. 'Yes. Please, follow me!'

Both women walked silently till the furthest darkest corner of the car park.
The place was completely desert.
Then, they stared at each other, without any word, trying to guess the other's thoughts.

'Why did you inform the Police Department about the warehouse?' Saeko made the first move.
'And why didn't you?
- I asked first but I'll answer you: I wannted to know about the owners. The only way to find out is to keep an eye on it. Now it is your turn to answer.
- Are you sure? You say you are a policewoomaan, but you work with Ryo Saeba, who is a famous gun for hire. I'm sure you know that. And you must know that a gun for hire does not work for justice, but for money. So I conclude that either you are lying and you work for the yakusas, either you are manipulated by that Saeba. I don't expect any answer from you, as I won't believe you, whatever you'll say.
- I don't expect you to trust me. We are bboth inquiring on the same case, but I think we better work each on our own count.
- For the first time, I agree with you.' WWithout any more look, Tanya walked towards the lift.
Saeko watched her.
She knew the game had just started.

For Ryo.

You're lucky, Ryo. The client is a woman.

Makimura was standing in front of Shinjuku's message board. There was just a 'XYZ' and no name, but he could tell by the handwritting the gender of the client. It was his role to check the board and inquire about the client before Ryo could intervene.

The appointment was in a very luxuous restaurant. As usual. Most of their clients were rich people. But Ryo would only accept young and beautiful clients. Makimura couldn't help smiling imagining Ryo's delight each time he has to work for a wonderful woman.

Happy New Year 2001 !!! ^_^.
Once again, sorry for the delay.
As you can understand by reading this chapter, I'm really interested in the relationship between people, espescially those who are very close to each other, as in the case of Ryo, Makimura and Saeko.
Of course, I don't forget Kaori ! She's part of the story, even if her role is not a big one. I cannot let her apart as she's very important for Makimura.
Many of the people who wrote me feedback were a bit upset because Kaori was not part of the story. So now, I hope they are relieved.
As usual, I'm waiting for your feedback.
Yours truly,
L. Devi
3rd January, 2001.