Chapter Text
Black Gala Bombed Near Midnight.
Infamous Corbeaux Diamond Stolen.
An affiliation between theft and terrorism?
Or a blessing in disguise?
“...The infamous Corbeaux Diamond, or the Diamond of the Crows, was stolen during the chaos at the Black Gala’s auction! The incident was originally thought to be an act of terrorism, but investigators suspected…”
She was announced dead on site.
A bullet through the chest. No saving grace can bring a miracle.
The cadaver was transferred to the mortuary from the scene at three in the morning. Autopsy was performed the next day. Within a week, a funeral was arranged and held on a cold Sunday morning.
“ ‘The attack occurred somewhere from 11PM to 1AM. But the bombs must have been implanted during the preparation, which must have been weeks to months ahead, as no large amount of explosions could be smuggled through such intense security…’ ”
All stood in a circle, each giving their silent prayers as the casket descended. The ceremony extended for another hour before the priest called it a day. Everyone moved to their consecutive cars, silently drove away to leave peace to the land.
During the span of seven days, multiple funerals were held. Some were held in private and information about the deceased was disclosed, some were publicly photographed and posted on the news. But none of them made it to the bold headlines.
“ Almost to zero death . I am aware of major injuries here and there, but all were treated with our great care. Overall, human casualty isn’t severe. It’s the property damage that we need to focus on. The loss of the world’s infamous diamond would bring a hail of doubt to the event investor!”
– Mr. Morgan (Chief Director of Mor.GO Logistic) –
As Sugawara walked to his office, another Daily News article was placed nicely on their coffee table. He picked up, scanned through the first few pages, before tossing them into the trash can. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, before ordering all servants in the house to never pick up any newspaper for the next three weeks.
He needed to relax. He tried by turning on the TV.
“We are working hard to investigate the diamond’s whereabouts and those responsible for the casualties. Once we found the culprits, we will make sure the law will punish them rightfully–”
He quickly turned it off.
His attention was dragged toward the patchy green field of their private garden, where two stones laid next to one another.
Tadashi. Aiko.
Forever twenty-four and eighteen.
He requested his lunch to be brought to his room. But he had long lost his appetites.
[I have read the news. Such a fantastic event your team prepared. I personally wished I was there to observe, even from afar.]
“I’m glad our service satisfies more than your needs.” The voice laughed.
“We opted for a more secretive approach, but after some research, I requested to create a more ‘extravagant’ plan.”
[I knew you would be a reliable team. Boss was extremely delighted with the result and the extra gift, he even applauded and praised it! “Marvelous, astounding…” he was talking about it non-stop! He even entrust me to contact you fo–]
“Let’s cut the talk, shall we? If he entrusts you, then we believe we can rely on you to send him our message and regard.”
[Yes. I–]
“Tell him that our payment must be transferred within the next 12 hours.”
“We are, afterall, a commission agent with a high reputation of providing satisfying service. In return, we expect our client to uphold what they agreed to in the contract.”
[Ah yes! Boss said h-he will contact you persona–]
“He has signed the contract already, so just do what I say. Paid for the service, or paid another price. And I do need to warn you, the price is far more expensive than the service.”
[...]
[Yes. I will inform him.]
“Thank you! And do send him our regards. I hope we’ll work together again soon.”
“This is the report after observing the surveillance cameras. I have also printed out camera shots of suspects that might be involved.”
“Thank you. Please leave the paper here, " Sawamura pointed to a messy paper rack.
The other raised his eyebrow. Sawamura still pointed to the same messy paper rack.
“Very well.” The male sighed. He left the report next to the rack before turning his back and left.
The man stopped at the office door.
“Do send Sugawara my regards.”
The door gently shut.
Sawamura sighed. He took a quick scan at the report and the bright yellow note despite his headache protesting, before determining that the jumble of letters was too much work. He reached the old black rotary phone, fingers dialing the same set of numbers that his memory knew too well and his heart grew too fond of. The other line picked up immediately in a heartbeat.
“Moshi moshi?”
Sawamura could only let out a hearty laugh. He could hear a hint of sadness (or exhaustion?), but he decided not to comment on that.
“Are you going to say something?” The other line questioned.
“I’m debating whether I should tell the truth that is burdening you or lie so you could get a day of rest.”
The other sighed.
“I know you usually handle this job but this is my choice to get involved in this. I want to, so you are aware that I don’t want you to hide any information from me.”
“I know, and I am aware that being honest with you really matters to you.”
Sawamura rubbed his temple. Every conversation between them recently had always lead to this same line:
“But can you at least be kind to yourself?”
Sawamura would not hesitate to remind his lover this line, again and again, from time to time, and years on. But the other would always give him the same reply:
“I will, until this is over.”
Sugawara had locked himself in his personal office for weeks, constantly receiving calls back and forth. From the private investigation team, from the “black police” and multiple information sources that Sawamura decided not to question nor discuss. Sugawara had his ways of getting what he wanted, and all that matters was that he knew how to keep himself safe.
But his schedule has taken a toll on him, not only working to keep their clan still operating, he also threw himself into Sawamura’s world of business, either going along with him or alone to private investigation meetings. His office doors now rarely opened, and Sugawara would only appear for his basic meals and hygiene necessity.
The alpha sighed. He usually was the one to be in bed late, but now, he could hardly remember falling asleep with his mate in his arms.
Sawamura had tried multiple ways to take some load from his mate’s shoulder, to the point of requiring all reports and information be submitted to him only. But knowing Sugawara, he opted to get that information, one way or another.
“How about you come to my office, and we will discuss this.” Sawamura bargained.
The other line went silent for a moment.
“Okay.” The other finally replied.
“But make it worth my time.”