A Dangerous Liaison

-4-

Charlie 

Friday

Charlie leaned back against the wall, finding solitude in his rare moment of relaxation amidst the vibrant grand opening of Dragon's fourth restaurant. In his observation, he noticed the unease shadowed across Akira's face as he conversed with Kita and Olivia. His brother's eyes darted anxiously about; the unsubtle fidget in his movements instantly ratted out his nerves. Paranoid, he religiously checked the entrance doors - awaiting Pa, Charlie imagined. 

Charlie and Akira hadn't exchanged a word since the event began, but now wasn't the time. He watched his brother from a distance, engaging with other guests, quietly relieved to see him without a drink in hand. He knew about Akira's struggle with alcohol, a problem that had nearly ruined his career and strained his relationships. Perhaps, Akira's nerve-wrecked behaviour was possibly a result of not drinking - Ma had him in under intense observation, after all.

 The thought sat uncomfortably with Charlie - he hated to see his brother in such a state.

A persistent buzz in his pocket pulled him back to reality - a ringtone he recognised too well revealing, without cause for inspection, the name of who was trying to reach him. He tried to ignore it, desperate to stay in his needed moment of disengagement from work, but the vibrations grew more insistent. Reluctantly, and with a scowl, he pulled his phone from his pocket to take the incoming call. 

"What," he spat, his voice icy and impatient. "I'm unavailable."

"There's an issue at the club," the familiar voice on the other end replied, with a hint of unease. "Drugs. We can't let the police find out."

Charlie pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling a frustrated sigh.

"I can't deal with this right now, idiot. I'm at the opening event. Call P'Yu instead."

There was brief pause. 

"Alright, but...maybe you should consider closing the club for a few nights, just to avoid any more problems."

"No," Charlie replied firmly. "The club stays open. Call P'Yu, and he will handle it."

"If that's what you want."

"It is."

"Do you maybe want to go ou-"

Charlie cut him off sharply. "No. Goodnight."

He ended the call hastily without waiting for a response. 

Then, a scream pierced through the air like a bullet. Charlie froze. Instantly alert, he made a start for the crowd, pushing his way through impatiently, heart racing as he frantically searched for the source of the noise. Star was beside him in an instant, grabbing his arm out of confusion and fear. "Charlie, what's happening?" she cried, her voice shaky. 

"I don't know," Charlie muttered moving onwards, his fearful instincts kicking in. He began pushing his way through the sea of faces again, ignoring the concerned whispers, pointing fingers, and wide-eyed stares. Star followed him, clutching his arm nervously.