The line went dead.
I clicked the recorder off and gave it back to Reo.
Silence filled the space.
I stared at the device in his hand and replayed the words in my head. Dissecting every syllable.
Hiro pulled the black lollipop from his mouth. "Why wouldn't he ask for anything? Our father is a greedy bastard. He alwayswants something. Money. Weapons. Territory. But he didn't ask the Butcher for a damned thing. Just kindness and support?"
He was right. The Fox never made calls without extracting value. Every conversation was a transaction. Every word was currency.
Reo's expression darkened. "I'm worried they know we're listening."
I nodded. "They probably do."
The words settled over us like ash. If my father knew we were monitoring the Butcher's calls, then this entire conversation had been theater. A performance designed to feed us information.
But why?
What was he trying to tell us?
Or worse, what was he trying to make us believe?
"Is this a test?" I asked.
Hiro's eyes met mine. "Or is it a trap?"
I didn't answer because I didn't know. That uncertainty sat in my chest like a blade.
Reo stepped forward. "Regardless of the call's intent, the hackers got the location. We sent scouts. They confirmed activity."
I crossed my arms over my chest. "What kind of activity?"
"Your father's people stationed around the area. They're trying to blend in. Casual. Like they're just part of the neighborhood. But our scouts recognized the signs. They're monitoring corners, watching the blocks, and guarding someone."
My pulse kicked up. "Did the scouts go inside?"
Reo's jaw tightened. "They tried. Yoshiwara’s underground sex tunnels are a maze. They got lost within twenty minutes and had to retreat."
I frowned. "Then we need someone who knows the tunnels."
"Hiroko." Reo nodded. "She's been notified. She's coming with us."
My chest tightened.
Hiroko knew the Yoshiwara underground because she'd spent years consulting in Tokyo's most exclusive circles. The elite. The powerful. The depraved. If anyone understood the labyrinth beneath the pleasure district, it would be her.
But Hiroko wasn't a fighter. She was older and skilled in psychology and dominance, but not in combat or war.
I looked back at Reo. "We need double the men around her at all times. She doesn't leave our sight."
Hiro spoke, "We can put Kaede and Daisuke on her.”
“No.” I shook my head. “Put the twins on her and two Scales.”
“Can’t happen. The twins will be guarding you.”
"I don't need them guarding me, brother. Hiroko is more important."
