Free Web NovelChapter 128: Cross Encounters
As Koji and Masaru discussed more information regarding Basilio and Hajime’s parents, they realized that both of them only knew one side of their personalities. On one hand, Masaru knew that Hajime’s parents belong to the special forces back in the past, and they were tasked with reeling in Ricardo Basilio which ultimately led to their deaths. On the other hand, Koji only knew them as his long-time friends since high school, and as his benefactor.
The puzzle pieces started falling into place, and now they finally understood the connection between the Sasajima Incident and the Ricardo Basilio Case.
"So... it all comes down to finding where he is, right now and reporting him to the authorities, right? With my connections, I’m sure that it wouldn’t be too hard." Koji muttered as he tested out the waters. Despite the fact that Masaru exchanged information with him and he disclosed details he knew about Basilio, Koji was still not fully convinced that Masaru was on his side.
"If he really is in Japan, then it should’ve been easy for the authorities to trace him, right? Why do you think he’s still not yet found even after all this time? It’s been a year since the incident and yet there are no reports about him whatsoever." Masaru pointed out, heaving a sigh.
"There’s only one explanation for that... the local authorities are on their side... is that it?" Koji grimly asked.
Masaru nodded his head.
Bam!
Both Koji and Masaru impulsively flinched as the door opened to Masaru’s office. It was none other than Franz who barged inside the office, holding a phone in his hands. "Sir, I just got a call from Hajime." Franz didn’t waste any time explaining the situation to his boss.
The news greatly shocked Koji and Masaru who were just talking about the correlation between the Ricardo Basilio Case and the Sasajima Incident. Honestly, the timing couldn’t have been any more perfect. Now that they were moving in and trying to locate the slippery criminal, he shows up out of nowhere.
"Megumi! Is Megumi all right?" Koji asked, grabbing Franz by the collar after charging towards him. He didn’t mean to panic, but it was his one and only daughter they were talking about here.
"I don’t know. While Hajime is their primary target, I think they kidnapped the young miss for ransom. If such was the case, then we can be assured that they won’t do anything to her." Franz calmly assessed. He was on the verge of panicking as well, but he realized that nothing good will happen if he panicked alongside Koji.
"I’m going to contact the authorities. For now, let’s wait for the phone call." Masaru advised, dialing a number on his phone. "Rest assured, I’m going to contact a close friend of mine. There’s no way he’ll betray us. If any, he might give us more information regarding Ricardo Basilio."
"I’m going to contact a friend of mine," Koji called out as he fumbled on his phone, much to Masaru’s surprise. He may be panicking, but he was still thinking straight. There’s no way he’d give Masaru an opportunity to possibly give the enemy a heads-up.
"Suit yourself. If you don’t trust me then you can handle this situation the way you see fit. However, just so you know, there’s no merit if I helped a criminal... it would just damage my company. If that’s still not enough proof for you, then I can stay here and not do anything." Masaru raised his hand before sinking into his seat. freēwebnovel.com
"Thank you," Koji muttered. At the very least, he could tell that Masaru clearly understood his intent. It’s not like he meant anything bad by it. It’s just that, he couldn’t trust anyone at the moment.
Since Koji was well-known throughout the entirety of Japan, he didn’t lack contacts when it comes to the authorities. He contacted someone he knew, a colonel, and gave him the details regarding the matter. After being given a set of instructions on how they’ll be able to trace the phone call the moment the kidnappers give their demands, Koji hangs up the phone.
It didn’t take long before the call connected. On the other side of the phone... Ricardo Basilio’s voice was heard.
.....
The low whirring of the ceiling fan was the first thing that Megumi heard when she woke up. An intense heat surrounded her due to the warehouse not having any open windows. Thick ropes bound her entire body, and cable ties were fastened on her appendages to hold her in place. The kidnappers didn’t bother putting a gag on her mouth since she was in an abandoned warehouse anyways. Even if she screams her lungs out, no one will hear her.
"What do you want?" She gritted her teeth as she stared at the tanned man who was sitting in front of her. The man had thick stubble on his chin, and he was approximately six feet tall. What was more noticeable was his bulky stature and the tattoos that ran all over his body.
"You see here, young miss. You’re our way out of here." The Spanish accent was evident in the man’s voice as he spoke fluent Japanese. A creepy smile was plastered on his face. "After we’re done dealing with your boyfriend, we’re going to disappear... we just need a wee bit of money from your dad, however."
"Why were you targeting Hajime? He’s never done anything wrong." Megumi defensively snapped. She figured that stalling for time would be the best option based on her situation.
"Oh, I bet he didn’t." Ricardo clicked his tongue as he nodded toward one of his henchmen. "You see, his parents were little pests back when they were alive, you know... and we know for sure that Hajime inherited that peskiness from them."
"What did he tell the police? And where were his parents keeping the ledger? If you know, I can set you free, and everything will just be a bad dream." Ricardo continued, pulling out a knife from his pockets and balancing it on his hand.
"After we got the moolahs from your dad, of course, we’re going to set you free."
