Suggest that Mikka helps her. [Continues "bad guy" path.]

You ran a blank for some reason. All you can think about is your ungodly contract with Mikka. You swallow and blink. "Mikka can help." You blurt out suddenly.

Akiko tilts her head. Her brown eyes train onto yours as her mouth becomes lopsided. "Oh?"

"I think he has access to some medicine. I'm sure he could tell our boss about it too, so that way they could get someone to talk to her and what now." What you are saying doesn't seem right, but you figure you are too deep to back out now. "And, even if that doesn't work out. Just make sure you are there helping her out."

She nods, understanding your advice but not your intentions. She lets out a soft sigh as she looks down while she looks down. "If you think that's the best thing to do for her." Akiko goes into a profound state of thought. After about a full minute passes, she finally blinks and looks up at you. "Thank you, Warren. I'm glad you are about of our team."

Ah, ick...

When you think that, you let your eyes drift off to the side, but when you return to Akiko, you notice that her gaze hadn't left you yet. In fact, all that follows is an awkward staring contest. Her last sentence is rattling in your head still. Didn't she have a weird tone? You couldn't recall it without making an odd expression, so you stopped yourself and asked if there was anything else she needed. She shook her head and then left. You were left alone in your mind. You didn't like how she let her gaze stay on you, but you suppose there is anything you could do.

Akiko stood up and gave a slight bow. "I'll direct her to go to Mikka then if you think that's the best course of action."

Truth to be told, you didn't, but there was no way you were going to back out of the money. "If anything else pops up, don't be shy in telling me. I'll see what I can do to do help out."

"Of course. I'll be sure to let Kenji know as well." She turned to leave, so you followed her out.

When she steps out, you put your pistol back together and then fall into your bed and let your thoughts gather. You wipe your face with your hands. You know that the tensions are steadily increasing, and the probability of something terrible happening is more than likely. Your best bet is to get on good terms with everyone and make sure there aren’t any strings attached to you somehow.

Your mind starts to tire itself out and **** you into rest, so you fall asleep, still wearing your suit with your firearm strapped to your side. And your mind busy with what could be coming in the near future. When you wake up, it’s because someone is knocking on your door.

I love the popularity. You stagger out of bed and check the time a few minutes before midnight. Without looking who it was, you opened the door. Luckily, it isn’t anyone offering a threat. It’s just Sasha holding onto a letter.

You look down at it knit your brows. “What’s this about?”

Sasha adjusts her stance. “From Mikka. You two dating or something?”

A chuckle parts from your lips. “Nah, I’m saving all of this for you, sweetheart.”

Her brown eyes flare. “Keep your voice down, you idiot!”

You take the letter and tear off the top. Your eyes widen—Mikka’s payment. You quickly stuff the rest of the letter into your coat pocket and stifle your smile. Sasha is still there standing, though. She looks at you expectantly. “What’chu want?”

“Well,” she shrugs. “Are we going to hang out tonight?”