Red Strings of Fate (Haunted Series 2)

Strings 45: His side (Part II/II)

She was always mine, and I'm always hers. But right now she accepts it, and soon the whole world will know it. "I love you."

"Yoshikawa knew names—command structure, meeting points, operational codes."

"He's been holding back on telling those for years. Why now?" Ganon asks as the council looks around for answers. I didn't answer that, it might be because of his daughter. Scarlet is changing things around here without meaning to.

Ayahiko Yoshikawa was finally divulging Itasaki leaders, and it's the start of a new beginning.

He gave us four new names. All active. All high-ranking. If he's telling the truth, this could bring the whole syndicate down. They'll come for him, for Scarlet. Fast.

"Witness protection's already drafting an emergency protocol. We'll move him tonight—new ID, new location. No digital trail. We'll have to assume they've got eyes everywhere."

"Sir." Right after the meeting, I stepped into Dad's path, stopping him. "Yoshikawa's name doesn't go public."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "It depends. Right now, he will be protected, but—"

"No. Delete it everywhere so there's no possibility of leakage."

If his information is out, people would know Scarlet is his daughter. She doesn't need that limelight. The Yoshikawa name would easily tie back to his wife, Kristine, the famous designer, and in return would tie back to Hope.

He exhaled slowly and skeptically. "Why would I bury a name that could burn everything to the ground?"

"The ledger is enough."

He froze. His gaze sharpened. "You have it."

I didn't answer. Just stood there, resisting the urge to touch the red bracelet hidden in my pocket.

"Where is it?"

"You won't find it. Not if you make Yoshikawa public."

"You're willing to destroy something that will help avenge your mother because of her killer's daughter?" He scoffs.

I stared at him eye to eye. "She would understand. Mom knows I'm loyal—I protect those I love. Always." That's something he doesn't have.

"If you've got something to say, James,  say it to my face." He said, voice tight. He turned, already walking away. "I'll think about it."

I shrugged. If it hits you, maybe it was meant to. Don't take it personally—it's just the truth.

"Where is Scarlet?" Looking around the living room, I asked the agents on standby when I left the room.

Mark stood beside me, "Nanunugod nanaman."

I sigh. It's Yoshikawa's turn to receive her fire.

A lot has happened in a span of a few weeks.

My eldest brother pulls me aside, "We've received word. Kuji Shio might be defecting Itasaki."

"How?"

"Hera talked with her insider... Kuji Shio is not reporting back to Itasaki. They had no idea he was hiring criminals to target us."

I can't help but grunt. Why? The lack of information is making my head spin. "It's been a chaotic month. We need some rest, bro."

When I said that to my brother this morning, I didn't mean resting for fucking forever.

"James, James, stay with me, please. Please!"

I feel being moved on the gurney. The light overhead was flashing in my eyes as I was being rolled into the emergency room. I could feel Scarlet's terror, and I willed my hands to tighten into hers.