What is this life?

What is this life?

Chapter 12

Ryuichi paces back and forth outside Eiri’s gallery in Istanbul. It's 9:57a.m. and Eiri hasn't come yet. Ryuichi looks at his watch for the eighth time in the last five minutes. "Come on, Eiri. Where are you?"

A tap on his shoulder causes Ryuichi to jump. "Right here you ahou. I told you ten."

"Eiri-chan! You’re finally here." Ryuichi sighs.

Brushing past Ryuichi and unlocking the door, Eiri enters the gallery. It’s a modest sized building, tucked between a butcher shop and bakery. It’s nothing fancy by New York or Paris standards just the kind of place that their special business needs, quiet and unassuming. Eire motions to Ryuichi. "Get in here."

Ryuichi goes in and closes and relocks the door. "I'm so glad you're here. I was getting strange looks from some people."

Getting strange looks? That’s a good one. Eiri glares at his accomplice. "Look, the one thing I don't need is for anyone to get suspicious. This isn't Japan and you stick out like a beacon here."

"I'm sorry, Eiri-san. I just want to get this done." Ryuichi’s tone is truly apologetic.

Eiri looks at Ryuichi and sighs."Can we get going on this? I want to get the kid and leave as soon as possible. I hope this guy buys our story and it's a smooth exchange, diamonds for slave." Eiri glances over at a small crate sitting near the lone desk in the room. "Let's get them out of that box and go see Taki-san."

The lid is opened and after removing the straw and a ceramic vase, Eiri turns to Ryuichi. He points to something behind the desk. "Pick that up for me."

Ryuichi picks up the small, black leather suitcase and opens it. Eiri brings the vase over and empties the contents. There are diamonds, most between two and five carats each. They scatter into the velvet lined case, five million dollars worth. Eiri stares at the sparkling gemstones. "Ever see anything like ‘em before?"

"They're so pretty." Ryuichi stands in awe of the amount of gems and their reflective beauty.

Eiri closes the case and sets the lock. "Well, you’ll never see them again after today.” Looking at the clock, he continues. ”I think it's time to go. Remember, I’ll do the talking."

As Eiri picks up the briefcase and the pair turns to walk out, he hears a double clicking noise. Turning, the barrel of a 9mm Luger is seen extending from the shadows. Soon its owner steps into the open. "Not so fast, gentlemen, I think you‘re forgetting something."

Ryuichi jumps and quickly makes an about-face. "K-san, what are you doing here?"

The blond walks over and takes the briefcase from Eiri. "I think we need to have a little chat." He waves the gun, pointing to the back room and motioning the pair to go there.

Once they’re out of sight of the front door, K speaks "Did you really think no one would find out about this little mission of yours? I have eyes and ears everywhere."

Eiri's mouth drops open and Ryuichi almost faints. He tries to recover and stammers out, "How'd you find out? The only person I’ve talked to is Eiri-san, and that was in his gallery in Kyoto."

K humphs out a laugh. "You forget about your little slave, Sakuma-san. You told him everything except who was helping you. I heard it all from your bedroom. I just needed to wait until you led me to your accomplice."

"So, does Seguchi know about all this?" Eiri asks with a bit of sarcasm in his voice. "I can't imagine you being here and he's not. I'm sure he isn't too thrilled with our plan. After all, he didn't want the kid anywhere around. Isn't that why he sold him to the Turk in the first place?"

"Seguchi-san doesn't know I'm here, and he doesn't know about the rescue mission. I came on my own." K lowers the gun. "You two will botch this whole thing if left in your inept hands. Do you really think the Sheik is just going to hand that slave over to you and a complete stranger? He’s too shrewd for that."

Panic starts to overtake Ryuichi. "K-san, are you going to try and stop us?"

"No, I am going to help you.” He stops and sees skepticism on Eiri and Ryuichi’s faces. “You're going to have to look like you’re serious about this. Going in alone with no guard is fool-hearty and dangerous. What's to keep the Turk from taking the diamonds and then killing you?” His rationalization seems to be making sense to them. “You need me. With me there, he’ll think that Seguchi-san already knows about it and sanctions it. With Seguchi-san out of the country, there’s no way for him to check out your story."

Shock is clearly visible on Ryuichi’s face. He can't believe what he is hearing. Did he just hear right? K is going to help them? "K-san, I hadn't thought about that."

"Well you should have. And Eiri, I can't believe you would’ve walked into a potential trap." K glares at a dumb struck Eiri. "You know what this guy's like. He'd just as soon take the diamonds, kill you both and still have Hiro. Screw the consequences."

Eiri nods. "You're right. I hadn't thought about it like that. I've only acted as go-between in the past.” He thinks about his own plan and asks, “So, you got a plan?"

K grins. "Would I be here if I didn't?" The mood in the room lightens a little. "You'll go to the palace, only I go with you. The Turk knows me and knows that Seguchi-san trusts me. It's going to look more feasible if I’m there to protect you.”" K tries to explain what he plans.” You offer the trade. We play it by ear after that, but I can be very persuasive. Even the Sheik can’t resist my friend here.” K pats his gun against his side.

Ryuichi relaxes a bit and takes in all that follows. "K-san, do you think it's going to come down to that? I mean, I don't want anyone to get hurt."

"Look, do you want the kid or not? It's that simple.” K gives the pair a moment to think about it before he continues. "If he thinks I'd really kill him, he'll give up the slave. What's one slave compared to his life? Besides, the guy has a weakness for pretty little gems. He may scare other people, but when he's looking down the barrel of my gun, he'll be the scared one." K is a stone-cold killer. He doesn't think twice before killing someone, if that's what the situation calls for. That's why Tohma Seguchi hired him. When Seguchi wants something important done, he always takes K with him. With K there, Seguchi always gets his way.

Eiri’s expression perks up and a wicked grin appears on his face. "Alright, we get the picture. So, are we gonna do this or stand here and talk all day?"

K moves to the side and points to the back door, leading to the alleyway. The threesome leave the gallery the back way and head towards the armor plated sedan. "Gentlemen, your chariot awaits."


About two hours later, the car stops outside the gates of the fortified palace in the western half of Turkey. A man dressed in fatigues designating him a member of Sheik Taki’s guard approaches. K rolls down the window and speaks. “We’re here to see the Sheik. Tell him it’s Claude Winchester and Eiri Uesugi.”

The guard retreats to the glass shack adjacent to the gate. He talks to someone on the phone and hangs up. The gates slowly open inward and K drives through. He stops by the steps and exits the car alone.

He is welcomed by the Sheik. “Winchester, what brings you? Do you have another toy for me?”

K extends his hand and the two exchange handshakes. “Actually, I bring someone who wishes to buy one of your slaves.” K opens the door and Ryuichi and Eiri step from the car. “I believe you know, Eiri-san, and this is Sakuma-san. He is a good friend of Seguchi-san. He’s looking for a special item.”

His curiosity is piqued. “That’s quite interesting.” As they walk up the steps and adjourn into the palace, the Sheik speaks. “Buy one of my slaves, now that is intriguing. And which one would that be? I have such an eclectic variety.”

K nonchalantly states, “The redhead, I think his name is Hiro. He’s the one you purchased about six weeks ago.”

“Hiro? What would a man like you want with that useless piece of human flesh?” The Sheik is suspicious.

Ryuichi tries to contain his building anxiety. “He’s part of a pair that Seguichi-san acquired. I have the other one already. I want this one, too. If he’s anything like the other, he will suit me quite well.”

The Shiek is intrigued. Raising an eyebrow he asks: “You have one, why would you want another? Can’t the first keep you satisfied?”

“I just do.” Ryuichi maintains a pretense of assuredness. ”Can we discuss business? It’s hot and I’m not in the mood for questions.”

The Sheik looks over his guests with a bit of suspicion, but K’s calm expression convinces him to at least listen. “Very well, please, this way.” He motions towards a room. “We can talk about the matter in here.” The three follow behind their host and enter the room straight ahead of them.

Once inside, they survey what can only be described as an elaborate parlor. Looking around one knows this is the home of some Middle Eastern despot. The marble tiled floors are graced with potted palms and giant floor cushions. The walls are adorned with lightweight gossamer curtains, gilded butterflies and flowers embroidered on them. Twin chaise lounges with rolling arms on both ends sit facing each other in the middle of the room. The finest Persian rugs adorned with butterflies and flowers lie between the two. The room extends onto a marble balcony. There, chained by one leg to a marble pillar, lays the subject that Ryuichi came to get.

The auburn haired young man is dressed in only the skimpiest of shorts. His face appears sunburned and bruised. As the company continues to the balcony behind their host, Ryuichi sees the fresh lash marks on Hiro’s back and shoulders. The youthful man has recently been beaten. Further inspection finds what look like burns on the bottoms of his feet, made from some kind of hot iron. Hiro is barely conscious, breathing in pants.

Ryuichi is mortified at Hiro’s appearance but makes no outward indication, nor does he say anything.

The visitors enter the balcony and are directed to sit down. The Sheik takes his chair, a gilded throne of sorts. All indications show this man not only is a ruthless businessman, but he’s a self-righteous, egotistical pseudo- monarch.

K looks at Hiro. “Had a problem with him, huh?”

The Sheik reaches over and rubs Hiro’s head, like a naughty pup that has just been punished for some indiscretion. “Oh, we just had to remind him where he belongs and what’s expected of him. It’s nothing much.” Hiro looks at the trio, eyes glassy and tear stains on his cheek. He tries to pull away from the Sheik when his hair is grabbed and he’s forced to look onto his Master’s face. “Isn’t that right, boy?”

A whispered response of: “Yes, Maste,.” is all Hiro can say.

“See gentlemen, he’s quite tame now. It’s amazing what a few days in my dungeon can do to settle a wild streak.” The Sheik looks back at his guests. “Now, what is it you want, exactly? As you can tell, I have invested quite a bit of time with this slave. He won’t come cheaply.”

Ryuichi answers, his voice is a little shaky. “As I said, I want him. I’m willing to pay you for your property and the time you took to train him. It saves me a lot of trouble.” He looks at Hiro, suppressing the urge to leap up and comfort him. Although he has trouble understanding why this has happened, he knows he can’t break from his performance. He is here to buy a slave, nothing more.

“Well, what do you have to offer me? I don’t really need money and I’ve gotten quite attached to him.” The Sheik glances over at Hiro.

K hands the briefcase to Ryuichi, who dials the lock combination and opens it. “How about this?” He shows the diamond filled briefcase to the Sheik. ”There’s five million dollars worth of diamonds? They’re for you, in exchange for the slave.” Pausing briefly to give the man time to ponder the offer, Ryuichi continues. “Do we have a deal?”

Sheik Taki’s eyes grow wide as he peers on the mass of sparkling gems. He has never seen so many brilliant stones before. He’s quite pleased at the sight. He wryly asks, “What’s to keep me from just taking those here and now, and not giving up the merchandise?”

Eiri knows K was right, this guy can’t be trusted. “I don’t think you would want to ruin our mutual business arrangement. Seguchi-san would not appreciate it if you did something like that to one of his best friends.” He motions his head towards K, who is sitting there with his Luger resting comfortably on his thigh, his hand on the trigger. “Besides, take a look. Do you think K will hesitate to use that.”

A bemused smirk appears on the Sheiks face. “You want him that bad, do you? Well, I don’t think the life of one slave is worth me losing such a lucrative business partnership. And those look very appetizing.” He pauses for several minutes to think. He looks at Hiro and back at the diamonds numerous times.” The diamonds are such a temptation, but so is my little pet.” He strokes Hiro’s head again. “I don’t know why I am doing this but have a deal. You better know what you’re doing.” Looking directly at Eiri,”I won’t forget about this in my future dealings with you and Seguchi-san.”

He takes a key from his robe pocket and unlocks the chains holding Hiro to the pillar. He picks up the end of the chain and tosses it to K. “Here, he’s all yours. Now, if you don’t mind, I have someplace I would rather be.” With that he gets up and looks in the briefcase, smiles, and closes it. He exits the balcony, taking the briefcase with him. As he leaves the parlor, before closing the door, he looks back: “Tell Seguchi-san I want a comparable replacement.”

Ryuichi gets out of his chair and goes over and kneels on one knee next to a terrified Hiro. Hiro withdraws until his back is against the post. Ryuichi calmly speaks to the young man. “Come on, I am taking you home. Shuichi is waiting for you.”

Hiro looks at Ryuichi, then K and Eiri with questioning eyes. Did he hear correctly, this man is taking him to be with Shuichi? Wasn’t he given to some new Master the day K took him from the mansion? Is this the one Shuichi was telling him about?

Ryuichi looks in at his new slave, answering at least one of the unspoken questions. “Seguchi-san gave Shuichi to me for my birthday. Didn’t you know I’m the one?” He pauses and looks at K and stands. “I think we better get him out of here before Taki-san changes his mind. I don’t think we want to take any more chances.” Turning back to the prone lad, “Can you walk?”

Hiro shakes his head. “I don’t think so.” Hiro tries to get up, but the burns make standing painful.

K puts his gun in its holster, under his jacket. He goes over and picks up the young man. He curls his left arm under Hiro’s right armpit, slinging Hiro’s arm over his own shoulder. “Come on, kid.” He helps Hiro walk, half carrying him. Not wishing to tempt the Fates, the trio quickly exits the palace.

As soon as everyone is in the car, K guns the engine and they speed out of the palace grounds. The gates barely have time to open, before the car crashes through the opening.

Once they are safely away, Ryuichi looks at Hiro He’s sitting there with his head down, shaking. Ryuichi takes off his coat and places it around Hiro’s shoulders. This is getting to be a habit when he acquires a new slave. “It’s alright now, you’re safe. No one’s going to hurt you ever again. I’m taking you home.”

TBC