亚洲综合中美

“I don’t trust you,” said he gently, “-my sources are very much factual and concrete. Let’s talk about you and the involvement in Lerado, care to fill the details?”

“Trust,” going over the frankness, ‘-this man,’ thought Odgar, ‘-there’s no fighting him verbally.’

“Cat got your tongue?” remarked Igna slyly.

“Fine, fine,” he gave, “-the hierarchy of the DG must be upheld. My journey into meeting the Lerado spawned from a desire for revenge. My father, who I presume you’ve heard about, was killed, yes, killed, not a suicide, but murdered, had gotten a massive lead on the inside working of this continent. The ties linked way into the forest of the unknown, the people involved were of power. Even the investigation-unit, for whomst he’d ignore our family to work, turned heads from a singular phone call. The case of Nesse Williams forced him into becoming a private investigator. There, without the pressure of the brass, the investigation continued. I’d often drop by the office and read the case files. As a kid, I thought it’d be a funny joke. God was I wrong, the morbid description of the death and how bodies were found. Still got the vivid memory.” Speech slowed, memories whelmed to flutter into mind, the café grew blurry.

“Are you alright?” inquired Igna in oblige.

“Yes, I’m fine. Sorry about that,” a cup of tea arrived in a silvery tray. Gulping the drink, the tensed throat relaxed. “Back to the story. Her case fascinated me more than it did father. For him, at the time, was a pain, massive pain, and pressure – all his reputation laid in uncovering the cause of her death. Didn’t realize it later on in life, that time in life was the worst for father, and he’d soon succumb to the backlash. Suddenly, on a cheerful matin, a tip came as an anonymous call. One hinting to Ecliprises. The actual investigation is missing from the journal, what I managed to gather was a single name, Gyo Tune, some secretive mob-boss. The report stops here as father was next found dead at his office, presumably from a drug overdose. Pretty common for that time – they ruled it a suicide. From there on; the moment the coroner and investigators entered where he died, I saw it, their nonchalant attitude. All bore grey-faces and stares of indifference. An ex-colleague died; they ought to have cared a little. The investigation following that was a farce, a month in and the court ruled an accident. No, follow up, nothing – the bruises pointed to a fight and shot-fired. Even so, they remained adamant on silence. Then and there, I decided to become an investigator. Forget joining with the police, I hate,” catching his word, “-no, rather, I abhor the judicial system. The sentiment’s touching and all, I haven’t made any progress. The way the logs and entries were written blemish any potential lead. Gyo Tune and Ecliprises, suspect or witnesses, I’ll never understand. And so, I found myself linking to the underworld; the surface of it anyway. I joined the Lerado, gathered evidence against frauds and possible traitors, and made my way to a stable position. Soon realized their reach wasn’t as big as people had rumored so. An incident between them and other factions rattled the order. Can’t use them for information and can’t leave even if I wanted. I’m in limbo, all point to a certain end.”

.....

“Quite the story,” smiled Igna, “-Odgar Codd,” holding a handshake, “-I understand the circumstances. There are few secrets I wish to uncover as well. Why not join the Dark-Guild, most precisely, Godfather Shadow’s faction.”

“Really?” the eyes lit, “-the inclusive faction only the upper echelon knows of.”

“You’ll be under my command. Here are the terms – allying to me will forge an unbreakable bond to the Dark-Guild. You have a team to take care of, no family. Take time and think about the Agency’s future.”

“Will we be forced to kill?” nervousness brought the cold visage to an ample of emotions.

“Perhaps, it depends. The jobs might stay the same – I’ve yet to consult a certain individual. I can promise one thing, money, and my backing.”

“Considering my team and I,” he nodded, “-alright, Pluton, give me a few days to decide.”

“Alright,” they firmed the handshake. “-Odgar Codd, a car’s waiting below. I’ve made arrangements for the stay. It’s a meager mansion. Stay and take in the life of Odgawoan. Balls in thy court.”

A strenuous conversation ended in good faith. Both parted ways – Igna headed to his apartment whilst Odgar made for the mansion.

Lonesome roads of the night led to an echoey tunnel. Light flickered periodically until sleep laid claws onto the thinking Odgar. For the first time in forever, he wasn’t able to read the opposing party – who was he, what was he, what did he want, what’s the true intent, naught but questions.

“Sir, wake up,” the door unlocked, “-we’re at the mansion.” A big blocky vessel of countless windows. ‘-Meagre mansion?’ facepalmed, two other cars parked at the front. The well-lit interior cause concern. ‘-someone’s watching,’ glancing the roof, a shadow returned the favor, ‘-must be the security.’

A reception room held cozy couches, maids stood near walls, and his colleagues.

“Welcome back,” waved Camilia.

“Thanks, how was the delivery?”

“They welcomed her with open arms,” smiled Tensy, “-the girl’s got a loving family.”

“More importantly,” taking off her mask, “-what happened to that pretty boy?”

“Do be more respectful of him,” fired Aki.

“Why do you always oppose me?” she reached for his collar.

“Why do you always get in the way?” returned he.

“Now, now,” said Codd taking a seat, “-tis no time to fight.”

“You look amused,” breathed Camilia, “-what happened?”

“I have something important to say.” The atmosphere changed – an uneasiness shattered per the door opening.

“Greetings, dearest guests,” said a very well-dressed lady.

“Greetings,” said Odgar standing to kiss her palm, “-might you be the lady of the house?”

“Yes,” she held a courteous smile, “-I’m Elian Go, a pleasure to make thy acquaintance. Please, make yourself at home. If there’s anything the matter, please see to the maids or the guards. We’re all members of the familia.”

“Will do so,” said he, ‘-she’s vengeful,’ thought he as the door closed, ‘-that lady is trouble. She’s angry towards the one in charge.’

“Can we have the room to ourselves?”

“As you wish,” said the maid heading for the door, “-please, call for me if anything is amiss.”

“What did you mean earlier?”

“Take a seat,” said he, “-I’ve an important announcement.”

“Okay,” focused on their leader.

“Pluton’s offered for us to join the Dark-Guild. I know that we all met through the underworld – we’re bound to Lerado. However, this is a chance to break free, the familia is getting weak, we need to ally to a more powerful family – Godfather Shadow’s faction.”

“Hey, hey,” interjected Aki, “-hold on a minute, did you accept?”

“No,” the head shook, “-Pluton said to discuss it thoroughly. I’ve already made up my mind – I’m joining him without argument.”

“Not much a discussion is it,” shrugged Camilia, “-a talk should include the whole agency, not just you boss. We all joined the agency for secretive reasons I don’t know the rest, but for me, I couldn’t care less who we’re allied to. As long as money is on the table, I’ll follow to hell if needed.”

“Same here,” said Aki, “-we’re already knees deep in the underbelly of society. Ain’t no way to back out now.”

“I agree,” smiled Tensy, “-the decision is final, we’re sticking with Codd’s Agency.”

“Certain about this? I don’t know what will happen, can’t promise a happy ending either.”

“Don’t worry about it,” reassured they, “-we’re a team, are we not?”

“Thank you, everyone, I appreciate it.”

Thus, Codd’s agency became part of Pluton’s responsibility. A call to Elvira showed no mistrust nor anger. She seemed more pleased with the gathering of allies.

Monday 1st of March, “-alright, I’m off,” said Igna straddling the bike, “-don’t forget to wake up Celina for her music classes.”

“Yes, yes,” waved Alicia.

A thirty-minute drive led to a small café in the vicinity of the town square. Smaller in stature than those around; plant-pots at the windows, a warmer exterior, and simplistic flower drawing on the windows gave a homely feeling. Brown round tables and wooden floors, a very rustic feel considering the clean and sharp popular architecture.

“Good morning, Pluton,” said Codd.

“Good morning,” pulling a seat, “-a pleasure to see you again.”

“Good morning,” nodded the others.

“I see the Agency’s here. Shall we get to business?” sternness and straight-forward approach had the table anxious.

“Yes.”

“Tis very fortunate you accepted to follow Mr. Codd,” a daring glance slice the tension, “-I had readied three graves in case of refusal.” The threat rocked their very core. Pluton’s appealing appearance added to the growing fear. A palpable intimidating aura surrounded him who spoke gracefully. “We agree the agency is joining the DG?”

“Yes,” nodded Codd.

“Any conditions?”

“Money,” fired Camilia.

“Stability,” added Aki.

“Support against other gangs,” voiced Tensy.

“Good. If they accepted without demands, I’d have refused the alliance straight-up. Money, how about 5,000 Exa per person for joining. Pay will be merit-based. Stability, in case the agency can’t support itself, I’ll personally make sure minimum pay is allocated. Support against other gangs; as long as you don’t stick your nose into other’s business, there’s no fear of a conflict. In case the situation grows violent, the Godfather’s faction will help, are those acceptable?”

“Yes,” the conditions couldn’t be any more favorable.

“As for the agency,” a briefcase laid onto the table, “-here are the papers for ownership of the Rivena.”

“Excuse me?” exclaimed Codd.

“What’s the matter?” stared he coldly.

“H-how did you g-get ownership of such building?” gulped Tensy.

“I bought it,” he facepalmed, “-tis an investment. It belongs to the DG. Odgar, shall we discuss the price for the ownership of the Agency?”

“I don’t understand?” he frowned.

“I’m purchasing the agency, is that hard to understand?”

“Can I refuse?” he inquired.

“Sure you can,” returned he, “-I figured since the business is going under, getting rid of it might be less of a stress on you.”

“No, I’ll kindly refuse. It’s a precious heritage left by my father.”

“As you wish,” smiled Igna, “-starting from today, the Agency has a single purpose; to uncover Alphia’s secret. I need information on both the stars and the underworld. Tis a big responsibility.”

“Understood. Where do we start?”

“The deaths of multiple starlets,” smiled he, “-Odgawoan is the center of the underworld at the moment. Those of influence have moved from Melmark to here.”

“I get it,” said Odgar, “-we’ll be stationed here until further notice?”

“Yes. The mansion should be a good place for rest and work. I’ll leave the trivial matter in thy hands.” The meeting ended – Igna and Codd headed on a casual promenade around town.

“Are the terms satisfactory?”

.....

“Better than that,” said he, “-the burdens lifted. I can finally think about the cases.”

“About that, I’ve come across a few files that may be of interest. Tis forwarded to the phone. It’s about the death of Engn Codd and Nesse Williams. I’ve included two more, Bheta Zena and Melle Nao. They’re all linked by the casting couch. Nao was adamant about fighting against the flow, she paid with her life. Try looking into Laven Enda. I’m sure it’s clicked by now,” to which Odgar halted, “-it’s Ecliprises,” said Igna stopping a bit further.

“Where did you find all this information?”

“I’m interested in the deaths. Consider it a hobby of mine. Keep the information flowing. On that, welcome back to the city of dreams.”

“I’d lie if I said I missed this place. I’ll have someone look into Laven. Let’s part here, there are a few things to set-up before diving into the incidents.”

“Good luck,” said Igna, “-I’ll be waiting for the exploits. Remember, even if the law can’t bring justice, we’ll deal with them personally.”