Lady Joker, Volume 1 by Kaoru Takamura (lightest ebook reader .txt) 📕

“Yes, they did.”

“Did they say why they were releasing you?”

“No.”

“You couldn’t see because of the blindfold, but right after the two men took off running, you heard the sound of a car starting on the road, correct? If that’s the case, you could say that releasing you at dawn today was part of their plan, too.”

There was no way for Shiroyama to speculate, but he was keenly aware that the police seemed to find the circumstances of his release suspicious. But then again, he assumed that such a healthy dose of skepticism from the police was a normal reaction when the victim of an extensive abduction plot returned two days later, unharmed. Besides, seeing as how he had decided to give into the criminals’ demands, he had no other choice but to reply according to their instructions. And so he repeated to himself, Yes, the criminals took off without giving a reason for releasing their hostage. As long as he, the victim, maintained this as his testimony, the police should have no reason to dispute his words, at least for the time being.

After a long pause, the investigator started questioning him again. “By the way, did the perpetrators say why they had abducted and unlawfully confined you?”

“No.”

The investigator increased his pressure. “Did they make any specific demands for money?”

The answer could be only yes or no. Shiroyama instinctively decided that it would seem unnatural for him to take his time responding, so he replied, “Yes, they did.”

“How much did they ask for?”

“Six hundred million.”

“Did they give instructions about how to deliver the money?”

“They said they would be in touch . . . I’m sorry, but I can’t help but worry about what’s happening at my company. Please let me see one of my employees so that I can confirm this hasn’t affected our business. I can talk to you more after that.”

Shiroyama attempted to deflect any further questioning as he scanned the thoughts racing through his mind, sparked by what he had just said. He wondered if it was really the right decision to follow the criminals’ instructions and tell the police that the demand was six hundred million and that the criminals would be in touch with delivery instructions. The facts would soon be reported in the media, which would indicate to the criminals that Hinode was moving things along according to their demands. But was there any guarantee that this would indeed remedy the whole situation? Unfortunately that was nowhere to be found.

And yet, Shiroyama felt he had no other options. He had been able to console himself somewhat that for now there was no alternative other than to do as the criminals said—in order to avoid giving any worse of an impression to the police and the media, in order to assess the future moves of the criminals, and in order to buy the time he needed to formulate a plan of action for the company.

Led in by investigators shortly before nine in the morning was none other than Seigo Kurata, who appeared with sunken, bloodshot eyes. He wore the same suit and tie that Shiroyama had seen him in on Friday night, and was carrying two cloth-wrapped bundles and a garment bag with a suit inside.

“We are so thankful for your assistance. I’ve brought over a change of clothes prepared by President Shiroyama’s wife.” Kurata gave a gracious bow to the investigators and then turned to Shiroyama, bowing even more deeply. “I cannot imagine the strain you’ve been through. I am so relieved that you are safe.”

Shiroyama automatically rose from his chair and bowed in return. “As you can see I am fine. I am sorry to have caused so much concern.”

With the investigators’ attention focused on them, Kurata straightened up and let his eyes—besieged by both relief and anguish—rest for a fleeting, clandestine moment on Shiroyama’s face. Shiroyama returned his gaze, conveying as best he could with only a look—I understand.

Shiroyama did not even have to imagine how Kurata felt, what went through his mind, and what his concerns were when he learned that Shiroyama had been abducted. Zenzo Tamaru, the advisor to the Okada Association, with whom Hinode had reached a settlement to sever all ties two years ago, had suddenly reappeared this year and had relentlessly hounded Hinode to purchase land meant for a mountain resort in the forests of Gunma Prefecture, and Kurata had been the one to bear the full brunt of these talks, adamantly refusing. Shiroyama had deliberated the issue repeatedly during his captivity, wondering if it were possibly related, but at the same time he denied it could be, assuming that the Okada Association, now firmly rooted in the political and business world, would hardly resort to such violent threats. However, between thinking of the photo of his niece and now seeing Kurata’s expression, he struggled to maintain his composure as he began to wonder anew if this could in fact have to do with the resort property in Gunma Prefecture. For his part, Kurata still seemed to possess enough equanimity to behave discreetly before the investigators, for he now held both of Shiroyama’s hands in his and uttered in an emotive voice, “You must have been so worried! Everyone in your family is fine. Business is moving along as usual, and the orders have been coming in just fine this morning, so there’s no need to worry.”

“I see. Thank you, thank you so much,” Shiroyama also answered in a discreet manner, but the tears that brimmed in his eyes were genuine.

“Well then, you can change now.” Prompted by the investigator, Kurata began to unwrap the cloth bundle. The investigators made no motion to leave their seats, their eyes fixed upon the contents of the parcel. Kurata first handed Shiroyama a toothbrush, a razor, soap, a towel, a comb, and other sundry toiletries and said, “Perhaps you’d like to wash your face first.”

One of the investigators immediately stood up and