Other things to worry about
After stopping by the house for a few moments to see Tokio and the children, I leave right after having dinner. It will be time for my other work as a bodyguard of Tanaka. I’ve been following him for quite a while now but there’s not enough evidence yet to implicate him as an enemy of the government.
I dress casually and tie a headband on my head to complete the ‘henchman’ look his other lap dogs seems to like. It’s good at least I get to smoke while I listen to his egotistical blabber about how he plans to bribe a few other Meiji officials so he can run the arms trading business in Japan. Bah… I could catch him now but I want names and not just circumstantial evidence.
Sitting lazily on the sofa, I keep to myself while the others in a corner drink.
“Come have some Sake Urama!” One of them raise a glass and I shake my head indicating the tobacco in my mouth.
“You are no fun…” Tanaka follows up. I can only smirk at that. “Come here though, we have to plan.”
I quirk up my eyebrow and move over to listen.
“I’ll be meeting with these people in the next few days. They’re all a bunch of shrews and I need you to protect me.”
“As usual?” I grin. “The pay though…” I just add it for effect but he always did take it quite seriously. All I know is he’s afraid for his life. What he doesn’t know… I shall take it once my purposes is done.
“Of course.. Of course…” He laughs loudly and taps my shoulder. I try not to wince. Hmmm.. Earlier it didn’t matter much with Hide. Ah. I must not think of my own personal affairs. “You’ll come with me tomorrow and the next few days.”
“No problem.” I smirk and look at the piece of paper in his hand. “Names?” I ask.
“Ah you’ll see them soon enough.” He doesn’t bother giving me the note which is unfortunate. I shall have to be patient.
The night ends and I bid them goodbye and head to the station. I could go home to Tokio tonight, but she probably won’t notice and the kids will wake if I come in the middle of the night… or rather early in the morning. Then I see the note on my desk. Ah yes… The midwife… I cannot see Hide in the next few days. Although partly I am relieved at that. It is better I not be nuisance to her for a while. I still don’t know what to think.
At least Chou will keep this place together in the next few days..That’s one less thing to worry about… I hope.
I write a note to give to a messenger.
Hime-sama,
I can’t be there to meet this midwife nor the doctor. Tell them if you need something, do not hesitate. I shall see you soon.
Ookami
I read the note over, it’s short… I want to write a bit more. Ah forget it. I have someplace to go in the next hour and I should get ready. I head out a few blocks South of the station where Shoda-kun is now living. A young boy that seems to be the only one I trust these days.
(OOC: Saitou will disappear a few days)