Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Separate Lives ❯ chapter 13 ( Chapter 13 )

Chapter 13

Aoshi looked at the pocket watch he kept tucked in the vest of his western suit. It was near midnight and almost time to meet Saitou for an update on their operation. Things were moving along well. He'd won over yet another "customer" of Kurogane's and could now count the biggest spenders for illegal goods and services as his exclusive clients.

Containing a wry smile he thought that it was almost a pity that this wasn't his actual enterprise. There certainly were some tidy profits to be had in this port town for a man with a good enough business sense and the right connections. Checking his watch a final time Aoshi got his coat and went downstairs, slipping out through the inn's kitchen door.

*****

Saitou tossed his cigarette to the ground then strode down the few steps of the police station, stopping when a familiar voice called for inspector Fujita. He turned and walked back towards the widow of one of his slain officers.

"Ah, Hiroyuki-san. What brings you all the way down here so late?"

The woman stopped and wrung her thin hands in front of her. "It's awful! It's awful! Have you heard?"

"Heard what?"

The woman shot him an angry look. "Haven't you heard what Takeshi's wife did this afternoon?" she demanded.

His jaw tight with strain, Saitou nodded. "Yes. I did hear of that. Why she killed her infant then committed suicide is a tragedy."

"It's murder!" the widow Hiroyuki shouted. "It's a murder that's on your hands! She was lost without her husband! She was expecting another child and she had no way to support them! She talked of taking to the streets and it's your fault! If you hadn't sent Takeshi on such a dangerous case he would still be alive just the same as my Shiro would be alive!"

Saitou's expression remained impassive when the widow pounded on his chest. He took hold of the woman's wrist in one hand and held her arms still. "Your grief is understandable Hiroyuki-san, but both your husband and Takeshi volunteered for their assignment."

"You lie!"

Officers stepped to the front door of the station to peer out at the commotion. Saitou turned his head and gave them a withering glance. "Shinodo, please escort Hiroyuki-san home."

"Murderer! the widow screamed as Saitou turned and left. "Murderer! Their blood is on your hands!"

From the cover of a darkened alley Aoshi watched the agonized widow be escorted away from the police station. That was exactly the kind of grief he wanted to spare Megumi. Though he doubted he'd be asked to help the police with any more undercover work the threat was still very real that someone from his past would come forward to seek vengeance as that night in Tokyo proved.

The fool who'd tried to attack him was a weakling but the next might not be and with the prevalence of illegal guns pouring into Yokohama alone he knew that his fists and kodachi wouldn't stand much of a chance of defending himself or his loved ones should they be caught off guard by a pistol wielding assailant.

Saitou passed by across the street and glanced his way as if sensing his presence then continued walking to he end of the street turning off onto a shadowy side street. Aoshi glanced around then followed at a distance keeping to the shadows. He paused when he heard Saitou's voice in the distance.

"Out of my way, Ahou."

Aoshi stood still as the soft metallic sound of a katana being drawn echoed back to him. Instinctively he slid his kodachi out of the sheath and inched forward.

"You're pain in the boss's ass, Fujita but now you die."

Gunshots rang out and Aoshi rushed forward, swinging his short sword as he ran up behind Saitou's assailants, cutting them down before they could react. It was the same two who'd been in the cell next to his.

Saitou was back against a wall, doubled over, his katana loose in his grip, his other hand over his mouth. In the pale moonlight Aoshi could see the blood staining his dark blue uniform jacket. The sound of a police whistle trilled in the near distance.

"Go. Wait for word from Kawaji," Saitou said, falling to his knees, his katana slipping from his grip to fall into the trail of blood that seeped from the man Okashi.

Aoshi hesitated as the sound of running footfalls and policemen shouting approached.

"Go," Saitou ordered again.

As the Wolf of Mibu collapsed before him, Aoshi ran.

* * * *

Kurogane smiled as informer on the police told him of the demise of Gorou Fujita who apparently managed to kill his attackers before dying himself. "Thank you," Kurogane said handing his informer a sack of coins.

He would have to wake his sister and deliver the bad news, but first he'd have a bit of sake to celebrate.

Draining the last of the bottle into his cup Kurogane lifted it into the air. "And finally to you Shinomori-san may you soon be on your way to the spirit world as well."

* * * * *

Aoshi looked at the police commissioner Kawaji who'd just shared the details of his last message from Saitou received the very morning of his murder. "If I stay and finish this the same rules apply with regard to the amnesty?"

"Ordinarily I would say no, but seeing as how you're the only man to get this far into Kurogane's territory I'll abide by whatever agreement Saitou made with you. I trust you won't abuse the privilege."

Aoshi gave Kawaji a harsh look that made the other man avert his gaze. I didn't go into this for any profit. I did it to help a man whose dedication and courage I admired."

"Of course--I didn't mean---"

Aoshi strode out of the room, not bothering to let Kawaji finish