𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬

file 036 | intentionally causing problems

"Don't tell me that you're trying to buy time because you still haven't completed that software?"

"No, of course not. The software is complete."

"Then, when is it convenient for you?"

"After I'm discharged from the hospital, so about three to four days later."

"Nonsense. We can't wait that long. Postpone your hospitalization appointment."

"I finally got an appointment with a famous heart surgeon, so I can't change the date. If I were to hand it over to you before I enter the hospital, it has to be today, but the construction workers will be there by daybreak. That's not inconvenient for you guys, is it?"

"At 4 AM, then," Vodka agreed. "Four hours from now at 4 AM. Bring the software to the place I told you."

"Four hours? From Gunma to Tokyo?"

"What's the problem? If it's completed, you should be able to bring it with you, shouldn't you?"

Suzume nodded.

"Okay. Four hours from now. I'll get it there. But don't ambush me. If I spot any of your people, this entire deal is off. Even if you were to force this software away from me, keep in mind that doing so may throw away the method of using this software into the pits of darkness forever."

Vodka chuckled. "You're sure a cautious fellow, just like rumor has it. Okay. Four hours from now, in front of locker number 0032 in the basement of Kenbashi Station. Don't be late."

"Yes." The call ended and Hiro looked at Suzume with a frown. "Don't tell me you're actually thinking of—"

She nodded. "Of course. I had a feeling, which is why I had you bring down my motorcycle." She then smirked. "Get me to a not-so-snowy road, and I'll head off to the station."

All Hiro could do was sigh and rub a hand down his face. "Shuichi's not gonna be happy about this..."

~ — — — ~

Suzume decided to park her motorcycle two blocks away from the station and foot it the rest of the way. She put on her knit cap and stuffed her hands in her pockets, the disk weighing heavily in the bag on her back.

She rushed her way down to the basement of the station, keeping her ears and senses open for anyone approaching her position. She didn't want to be discovered in a station where she wasn't supposed to be by anyone, especially Vodka and anyone else from the Black Organization.

She slipped the disk into the coin locker with a little addition from her and climbed quietly on top of the lockers to move one of the ceiling squares. Once she did so, she quickly climbed up and replaced the square, pulling out the gun in her bag as she situated herself where the roof wouldn't cave in with her weight.

"Oi, Itakura-san," Vodka called out not a minute later and she swallowed silently.

Now it begins...

He scoffed. "Itakura, that rat's not here yet." She heard him open a lighter, most likely lighting a cigarette if the distinct smell of smoke was anything to go by. She heard him gasp, most likely finding the check sticking out of locker 0032. "A check?"

Footsteps.

"This is the same amount we paid Itakura." He opened the locker. "This is the system software that we asked Itakura to make. What an idiot. He gives back the money we paid him, and went chicken, leaving the stuff behind."

Let's see if this works, Suzume thought, tilting her head.

"Yes, it's me," Vodka said, on a call. "That Itakura should be somewhere nearby. Go get him and bring him here! What? The only ones who entered the station were a drunkard and a young woman? It can't be! Look for him!"