Ren:

(fretting) It’s already 7:30…

Tae:

What’s wrong? You’ve been fidgeting for a while now.

Ren:

Ah, it’s nothing. (the phone rings) Ah–I’ll get it! (he gets up)

Tae:

Oh? Ah…

(Ren rushes to the phone)

Ren:

Yes, this is Seragaki.

Koujaku:

Ah, is that you Ren?

Ren:

Koujaku.

Koujaku:

Yeah. Have you heard from Aoba?

Ren:

No. Not yet.

Koujaku:

He’s not…home yet, huh.

Ren:

Yes.

Koujaku:

That does it…

Ren:

What do you mean?

Koujaku:

Aoba hasn’t replied to my e-mail since then. I tried calling him after the store closed, but he didn’t answer at all. I thought that was strange, so I went by Heibon earlier. It seems like Aoba was out on a delivery around 6 and went drinking from there. Haga-san told him that if he had plans he could just head out.

Ren:

Ah…then…it’s just as he promised Takumi. He’s probably in a bar somewhere.

Koujaku:

Even still, isn’t it strange for him to be out of contact? Earlier I sent him an email with “urgent” in the subject on purpose. Even still he hasn’t replied.

(Ren gasps)

Koujaku:

I don’t want to make the worst of it, but if you think about when he’s been out of touch there’s a precedent for bad things happening with him. Just to be sure I think we should go looking for him.

Ren:

I’ll come along.

Koujaku:

Yeah, please. If it turns out to be nothing then it’s fine. I’ll send Beni over to you so keep in touch.

Ren:

Thank you.

Koujaku:

Later.

(Ren hangs up)

Ren:

Aoba…

(AllMate Ren pants)

~interlude~

(Aoba’s struggling and grunting)

Aoba:

Damn…!

Guy:

It’s too bad…you couldn’t make a getaway so we got you on your own. Your buddy made a run for it right away, huh?

Aoba:

I’m telling you…cut it out and let me go! I told you I don’t know anything!

Guy:

Hah!

Aoba:

Nngh…ah…I can’t move–

Guy:

If you keep making a fuss, those handcuffs’ll chafe and make you bleed. After someone squealed that this shop’s used for illegal dealing, who would’ve thought it’d be true?

Aoba:

Nnh?

~flashback~

Takumi:

(drinking) Hah, that’s great! Aoba, so you can hold your liquor?

Aoba:

Nah, not really. I’ll get drunk right away.

Takumi:

I see. But for tonight even if you’re wasted I’ll take care of you so don’t worry and drink up.

Aoba:

Hah. Right. I’ll have a little bit. Though, that’s right. When I was on deliveries earlier I got a message… (he pulls up his coil) Hm? From Koujaku…

Takumi:

What’s up?

Aoba:

Huh? Ah, just an e-mail.

Takumi:

Hm? What’s that? Your girlfriend? Lemme see! (he tries to butt in)

Aoba:

Agh–that’s not it!

Takumi:

You say that but you’ve got one right? A lover.

Aoba:

Ah–oh…w-well, that’s…I do. I do, yanno.

Takumi:

Huuuh. I’m a little jealous. Come on show me your coil.

Aoba:

Gaah, I’m telling you cut it out! Geez! I’ll check it later.

Takumi:

What, it’s fine, isn’t it? Y’don’t have to brush it off. Well, I know you’ve got someone so that’s fine.

Aoba:

Ngh…

Takumi:

So what about your job? You’re seriously working?

Aoba:

Ah, yeah. It’s a small shop, but they’ve kept me on for a while.

Takumi:

Huh…but for a guy like you who used to go around all night looking like everything was beneath you…you’ve completely cleaned up your act.

Aoba:

Yeah. That was me. But right now it’s like I’m living a healthy life.

Takumi:

Hm…

Aoba:

What about you? What’ve you been doing for work?

Takumi:

Me? How do I say it…ah…well, I do a lot of stuff.

Aoba:

A lot of stuff?

Takumi:

Uh…to put it simply, I haven’t really changed much at all. Probably. Haha.

Aoba:

What do you mean?

Takumi:

Well, I’m not doing anything flashy, but it’s only lately that I can walk around freely.

Aoba:

You…

Takumi:

After I messed up on the job I had earlier, it was a good idea to cut it off. So I’ve been in hiding. Once I thought the heat was off I came out, but, yanno…

Aoba:

What kind of job was that?

Takumi:

Hmm…how do you say it, a specialty delivery service for things you don’t want to go public.

Aoba:

Wh-what’s with that–

Takumi:

Well, it’s easy and the money’s good. As long as you don’t get caught, after you’ve delivered the goods you’re done. Ain’t that easy?

Aoba:

No way! Then, what about now? You’ve washed your hands of that, right?

Takumi:

Nope.

Aoba:

Hah?

Takumi:

I can’t think of any other quick and easy jobs. Ah, but this time I’ll make sure they don’t find me so it’s fine.

Aoba:

You…are you a moron?! Stop it right now!

Takumi:

If I quit there goes my income, so it’s tight.

Aoba:

Hah? You know…nh? That reminds me, this place…I didn’t know there were places like this. The atmosphere’s a little dark…somehow…

Takumi:

Ah, I don’t think there’s many people who know about this place to begin with…it’s a place where dishonest types gather.

Aoba:

Dishonest?

Takumi:

Right. It’s a place where tons of guys who’re up to no good gather. I use this place a lot for work.

Aoba:

For work–for your trade offs?

Takumi:

Shh. Don’t say it so loudly. But, that’s what it is.

Aoba:

Hah?!

Takumi:

The fact of it is the reason why I brought you here today’s because I’ve got a favor to ask. (whispers) I was wondering if you could help me with my job.

Aoba:

No way. (he gets up) I’m going home.

Takumi:

Wait, we just got here.

Aoba:

I’m not helping you out. I can’t be here. Hm?

(the police bust into the bar)

Guy:

Nobody move! If you move I’ll shoot!

Takumi:

Shit, it’s the cops! Sorry, Aoba, I’m off! (he dashes off)

Aoba:

H-Hey! Ow!

Cop:

Didn’t I tell you not to move?! Round up everyone who’s left!

Aoba:

Ngh–c-cut it out! I’m telling you I don’t have anything to do with this! Let me go!

~flashforward~

Cop:

Seems like most of the customers escaped out that back door they use when things go south. You’re the only idiot who let himself get caught. Hah, they didn’t let you in on anything? Which means…you’re the scapegoat, huh? Pretty pathetic.

Aoba:

I’m telling you–I was just here by chance!

Cop:

Shut up. Stop yapping! (he punches Aoba) Since Toue’s disappeared Akushima-san’s been dismissed from public duty. Everyone’s gotten really cocky, but I won’t let that happen. Anyone who’s sneaking about behind our backs doing whatever they damn well please gets arrested! Anyone who disobeys gets arrested! Anyone suspicious gets arrested! I’ll make them understand this on this island, the most important people are the police!! Then, to start. The whereabouts of your friend that escaped. Why don’t you spit it out?

Aoba:

I’m telling you I don’t know–!

Cop:

Liar! (punches him)

Aoba:

Ngh… (coughs) Nnh…someone…anyone…!