Laying Low

When the dust settled the week after the charity ball, Tai found himself in a somewhat precarious position. The ramifications of the explosion could be, for him, either good or bad.

The immediate advantage was that, whether by his design or no, Nakayama was dead. Tai hadn't exactly been the instrument of death for the man, but he'd taken advantage of the opportunity to reach his goal when it had presented itself to him. As a result, there had been a transfer of funds into one of his accounts just the other day.

By now, news of Nakayama's death had reached Japan. The man's company was up for grabs, the board unable to agree and reach any coherent decisions with out its leader. It was only a matter of time before it was swallowed up by a larger competitor.

The bad news for Tai was that the fire had left him exposed, literally. There were other agents; not necessary full Yakuza, but associates, and he was certain he hadn't been the only one targeting Nakayama. He didn't think the explosion was the work of a Yakuza; it was definitely not their style. They preferred to take out their target and only that target.

The problem was, with all the media and the confusion, Tai had spent a while outside and in the hospital with his arms and parts of his neck and chest uncovered. He was sure Yuu was starting to realize there was more to his tattoos than simple body-art, and she was most likely not the only one. Tai was hoping none of the media clips from the explosion made it back to Japan, but that was probably wishful thinking.

Tai's contract with his current bosses was filled; technically, he was through working with them at the moment. That was the deal, being a freelancer. However, if news of who he was got back to Tokyo, it was almost a certainty that in the name of self-preservation, the clan that had just recently paid him would now take a contract out on him in order to deny any association. Tai had basically become a liability for them.

His options were varied. Lie low in Nachton and wait out the storm that was bound to follow, for one. Return to Japan and take a more proactive role in ensuring his continued longevity. Try to ally himself with another clan altogether. Try to join another clan, try to form his own. He had neither the desire for the former nor the resources for the latter.

And frankly, he didn't wish to return immediately to Japan. That meant staying here. And staying here meant dealing with Yuu. Befriending the Assistant DA could now be a good or a bad thing as well. How honor-bound would Yuu feel to turn him in, if she discovered the truth? Would his role in helping carry her to safety that night hold any sway with her?

Tai didn't like when things were so up in the air. He liked plans and strategies; he liked knowing where he was and where he was heading. There wasn't much to do, immediately, except for stay close to the Piazza and guard his back.

In his opinion, everyone was now an agent, and no one at all was to be trusted.