The Knights Himura

#8: Bright Lights, Ivory Towers

"Tsuki, this isn't really what I'd call a good date." Fumi complained.

"Sorry. The Chief called me in, I can't really say no to the cops." Tsuki frowned.

"It's okay, it's okay... I'm just a little worried after what you told me last time."

"Nah, it's the old man. He's alright, I guess."

Tsuki sat with Fumiko in another interrogation room. Luckily, this one was far less harsh than the last one.

Instead of beat up steel chairs and a table, this one had a nice wooden table and chairs. The lights above didn't make a horrible buzzing noise, and there was a ceiling fan.

The Chief entered quickly. He slammed the door behind him, before grabbing Fumi's hand. Either he was in a good mood, or a really bad one.

His voice boomed. "Oh, hello, Miss Nakano! How are you feeling?"

"I'm doin' good." Fumi nodded.

The old officer sat down across from them and bowed his head. "Are you doing well too, Tsukiko?"

"Yeah, I'm alright."

"I hear you've gotten yourself into some trouble." The Chief lowered his voice.

"...what about it?" Tsuki tried not to show her fear on her face.

"Lighten up." Fumi nudged her.

"You've done some damn fine work out there." The Chief smiled.

Fumi cocked her head. "I thought cops hated that kind of thing."

"Not us. Some of us on the force are even rooting for you, Miss Himura." The Chief laughed.

"Why?" Tsuki asked.

"Well, to be honest... We haven't been doing so well on the investigation."

"Seriously?" Tsuki groaned.

"Police work is hard, Miss! You try getting any damn work done when you're spread this thin." The Chief whined.

"That's not my problem!" Tsuki crossed her arms.

The old man sighed. "Listen, Miss... could you at least tell us anything you know?"

"Why should I?

Fumi leaned in and whispered. "You really wanna pick a fight with the cops?"

Tsuki lowered her head. "Good point."

"W-what is it?" The Chief asked.

"If I tell you, you promise to show me what you've got?" Tsuki made a bold offer.

"I thought that was obvious!" The Chief laughed. "Of course!"

He reached below him and pulled out a silver suitcase. He placed it on the table, unlatching the locks and putting his thumbs inside.

"What's that?" Tsuki asked.

"Tell me what you know, and I'll show you." The Chief latched the locks again.

"Fine..."

"So, what do you know?" Fumi turned and asked.

"There's two gangs. The first one started falling apart, so a bunch of people started a second gang." Tsuki scratched her head.

"...sounds about right." The Chief nodded.

"The second gang is the violent one. They're wearing painted masks now, not white."

"How do you know all this? Why didn't you tell me?" Fumi pouted.

"I was waiting for the right opportunity." Tsuki hid her face.