『Owen: All right, I understand. I won't say anything more about it. Besides, that guy had a criminal record; he probably deserved it. I'll wait for your signal to step in, but… I can't go in with you. They'd recognize me instantly for being a former cop. 』
Neizan nodded, understanding Owen's limitations. Deep down, a part of him was grateful not to have to do this completely alone.
『Neizan: All right. Just send reinforcements if you get my message. 』
Owen took a deep breath, the weight of responsibility pressing down on his chest. He had promised himself he would protect Neizan, and now he felt he was sending him into the abyss.
『Owen: It won't be as simple as a call. This operation is outside my jurisdiction, and I'm not an agent anymore. But I still have some contacts; I'll do what I can while you're there. 』
Neizan's gratitude was almost a whisper, an emotion he rarely showed. In his eyes, there was a mix of gratitude and resignation.
『Neizan: Thank you, Owen, for everything. It's been tough these last few years, but if I don't come back… I ask you to find your wife's killer and the one who killed my mother, so you can finally find peace. 』
『Owen: Don't talk like this is a final goodbye. I hope to see you again. 』
Owen tried to sound optimistic, but his voice wavered, and Neizan noticed. However, he chose not to mention it, keeping a firm demeanor. He wanted Owen to think he was ready for this.
『Neizan: Maybe I'm wrong and everything will go well… but just in case. Besides, even though it's only been two years, I feel like you've been the father I should have had. Maybe none of this would have happened if I'd had you in my life sooner. 』
Neizan's confession was a soft but devastating blow for Owen. He struggled to keep his composure, but finally nodded, allowing a sad yet proud smile to show.
『Owen: I'm glad to hear that. And I'm grateful for these years with you, too. 』
A final silence stretched between them, each knowing this goodbye might be their last. Owen reached out a hand and placed it on Neizan's shoulder, a silent show of support.
『Owen: Be careful, Neizan. 』
『Neizan: I will. I'm leaving now. Goodbye, Owen. 』
With one last look, Neizan turned and left, disappearing into the darkness, while Owen remained there, watching until his friend's figure was swallowed by the shadows, silently praying for his safe return.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Once inside the place, Neizan walked with steady steps, trying to stay calm. The men in black were waiting for him, ready to search him before allowing access to the next area of the building.
『Man: All right, you can go in, but first leave your phone and other belongings in this room. 』
Neizan complied, placing what they indicated in the assigned spot. His plan seemed to be going smoothly, as the guards found nothing unusual. He had hidden a knife under the sole of his right shoe and a dismantled silencer under the left one. He advanced down the hallway accompanied by one of the guards, fully aware that there would be no turning back once he entered this place. Finally, they arrived at a room with heavy red curtains.
『Man: This is your room. If there's any problem, just let us know. 』
Inside, Neizan saw what he feared. On the bed was a young girl, no older than fourteen or sixteen, assigned for the "encounter" with him. Rage shot through him like lightning as he saw her arms marked with injection tracks, her eyes slightly dilated, and a vacant stare that confirmed what he suspected: she had been drugged into submission. She was conscious, lying on the bed, her body silent as if she had already accepted the horror of what was happening. When she finally turned her head, and their eyes met, Neizan felt even more determined to destroy this place.
He sat next to her on the bed and whispered softly:
『Neizan: Are you okay? 』
She didn't respond, only nodded slowly. Neizan sensed that her response was probably a mix of survival and fear, as if she'd been taught to pretend she was okay with any client to avoid punishment.
『Neizan: Don't worry. I just want to talk with you first. What's your name? 』
The girl looked away again, lips pressed tightly, with an expression of resignation. He understood the message well: she wasn't allowed to share her name.
『Neizan: All right, I understand. You can't say your name. Listen, wait for me here. I'm just going to the bathroom for a moment. 』
The girl didn't react beyond another slight nod. Neizan stood up and left the room, casting a quick glance down the hallway before continuing. Once he was sure no one was watching, he crouched down, took off his shoe, and pulled a small knife from the sole. He slipped it into one of his jacket sleeves and prepared himself for what was to come.
With calculated movements, he began to walk down the hallway, cautiously peeking into each door. He passed several empty rooms until, in one of them, he found another girl in a similar situation.
Neizan was stunned by what he saw as he entered the room. There, lying down with her eyes closed, was a girl who looked incredibly similar to Elena. He approached her, barely breathing, and carefully lifted one of her eyelids to see her eyes. Then, he checked her pulse and found it dangerously low; she had been recently drugged, leaving her in a state of near-unconsciousness.
『Neizan: Elena… Thank goodness you're still alive. 』
Upon hearing Neizan's voice, the girl barely opened her eyes, trying to focus. She recognized him, and her expression was a mix of surprise and sadness.
『Elena: …Neizan, is that you? 』
Noticing the effort it took her to speak, he gave her a reassuring smile.
『Neizan: Don't worry, everything's all right. Try not to push yourself too much. 』
『Elena: …What are you doing here? 』
With difficulty, Elena tried to move her lips and raise a hand, but her condition barely allowed it.
『Neizan: I came for you. Don't worry; I'm going to get you out of here. 』
Neizan knew the situation was critical. Rescuing someone in her condition—barely able to move and semi-conscious—without being discovered was going to be tough. He decided to make sure the way out was clear first.
『Neizan: Elena, I need to do something first. Don't move from here; I'll be back in a minute. 』