Utsukushi - Banana Fish

Chapter 21

"It looks like any plain old restaurant so it doesn't rouse any suspicions." I said.

Ash looked through a pair of binoculars down at the restaurant below. We were on a rooftop across the street from Club Cod. "And he only brings a minimal number of men with him. He doesn't want to scare off his customers." Ash said.

"So that's why you chose today." Eiji said.

"I wish I didn't have to ask Lee for his help, though."

"But he doesn't like Golzine so he's on our side, right?" Eiji asked.

"I doubt he's that naive. He's just interested in sticking his nose in our business." I told him.

"I can't trust anybody now." Eiji exhaled.

"Nah, it's not that bad." Ash tried to assure him.

We left the rooftop and made our way a few blocks down to a small warehouse were we stored the big rig Lee provided us with. As Shorter and Eiji got into the cab of the truck, Ash loaded his gun. He looked to me. "You're sure about this?" he asked quietly.

I already knew what he meant. "Always."

"Once he see's you-"

"I know." I put my hand on his shoulder. "It's okay." I said softly. "Besides, it wouldn't be fun if only you got the glory." I joked, cracking a smile, hoping it'd help him be less tense. It somewhat worked, but I could tell he was a bit nervous deep down. Shorter pulled the truck forward and waited for the both of us. "Don't miss." I smiled to him before getting in the cab with the other two while Ash got on top of the truck.

Once he was ready, he hit the side of the truck with his hand to let us know.

Shorter pulled out of the warehouse and waited just down the road of Club Cod. We parked to the side as Shorter used the binoculars to watch for Dino's car. Once it pulled up to the restaurant, he took off, barreling through the traffic and crowds. Dino was going toward the door of Club Cod when he took notice of us.

As Ash got ready to take his shot, the sound of gunfire came from a nearby building. A few seconds after, another gunshot followed from Ash that hit Golzine in the shoulder.

Regardless of the jokes I make, Ash never misses. Never. That first gunshot must've been fired at Ash, causing him to miss Dino's heart.

Dino's security on the ground began to fire at us, bullets firing through the windshield. I grabbed Eiji and ducked his head down. I covered him with my own body as best I could while also trying to duck for cover.

Shorter began to swerve right onto the pier as he had taken his eyes off the road in attempt to duck as best he could as well. The truck crashed into one of the vendor shacks, stopping us from going any further.

I released Eiji and sat up. "Shorter." I said, seeing blood pouring from his forehead.

"I'm fine, it's just a scratch." He said, though he was wincing in pain.

My door of the truck opened and I immediately turned and shot whatever guy was there. From the looks of him, he wasn't one of Golzine's usual guardsmen. Could it be one of Arthur's?

It didn't matter now. We had to get out of the area quick. Sirens were already blaring in the distance.

I hopped out of the truck, helping Eiji down after me. I held out my hand to Shorter, seeing as he was struggling a bit. "C'mon princess." I told him. He chuckled, taking my hand and hoping down.

"Ei-chan!" Someone yelled. I turned to see Ibe and another man running our way. What the hell are they doing here?

"Ibe-san!"