The post-release clarity brought with itself a shocking epiphany. And, right now, I felt like an idiot. Ah, my imagination promptly drew a picture of Bella, smiling wryly and shaking her head. Maybe a biting remark about how long it took me to realize something so obvious as well. Ah, how I miss her. The young Bella was great, but my Bella, the one with whom we went through so much together… Yeah.

Once more, I was sitting in Bella’s armchair, watching outside through the panoramic window. The magnificent woman in question was busy talking to someone over the phone.

Now that I was paying attention, I understood that it was about her flight. Hm, because of the weather forecast, she either needed to get to it three hours earlier, which meant she will barely cut it if she left right now, or will be forced to wait until further notice.

“Bella,” I called out. “Go.”

“Huh?” My special woman sounded surprised.

“I said go,” I repeated my words.

“What gives?” She asked back, not quite managing to mask a bit of hurt in her tone.

I looked at my watch. Eleven sixteen.

“I have another date to attend tonight.” I answered. “And I am almost late already.”

“Who?” An angry question. “Ah, now I understand. So, this is why you defended her.”

“A certain bar owner, who, hopefully, will pour me a cup of tea.” I told her directly, not taking the obvious bait.

The heavy silence fell. I looked into Bella's wide-open eyes. My words caught her off-guard, her usual poker face completely failing to cope with her shock.

“Bella.” I called once more, turning back to the window. “Please.”

I heard her dialing a number, and she started giving orders to her bodyguard unit. Bella already sent two people ahead beforehand, to secure a place to stay, as well as sending the baggage. Smart girl, always prepared for the bullshit circumstance like now.

“Dear,” she called. “Remember my words.”

And she left.

***

Much to my surprise, as I was about to leave the club, my phone started ringing.

“I left you a surprise at my place.” I heard Bella’s voice.

“Will check tomorrow.” I promised, ignoring the dark humor of this phrase.

“You better.” Bella noticed as well. “I’ll be waiting for your call.”

“Yeah.” I nodded, forgetting that it was a voice-only call. “See you in a week.”

***

As I stepped into the parking lot, the guy, whom I recognized as one of Bella’s people, approached and gave me a small package. I thanked him with a nod.

The package contained the key card from her condo and car keys. From the same car she let me borrow on Friday. I guess Bella really meant her words. Another reason not to fail, then.

***

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I arrived at my destination. Double-checking myself, so I wouldn’t forget the diary, I left the car and went inside the alleyway. It was a gamble, to leave a car like this one parked in a place like that, but I was all-in already anyway.

Trying not to think about anything, I let my muscle memory take over and lead me to the familiar black door under the useless sign. Only now I thought about the third possibility, what if she opened the bar later on? Long Hào, the Head of the Long clan, what if his death was the reason she did so?

Was that woman even who I thought she was? If I fail, will they leave Bella, the obvious suspect and clear link, alone? What about Olivia?

With those thoughts buzzing in my head on repeat, I reached the place. It was there, the same black unlit sign ‘BAR’ over the unremarkable black iron door.

Another realization dawned upon my poor self. To my endless surprise, I actually looked forward to seeing my tea-drinking buddy again. Was she sad after receiving the news about my demise? I certainly hope she didn’t.

And I went inside. This place didn’t change at all. Muted lights, dark wood of furniture, and relaxing blues tunes. And, as usual, no one was in sight. I was there a number of times through the years, but never met any other customer.

Today wasn’t an exception, either. The familiar bartender, certainly looking younger but just as bored as always, polished the same glass with the same motion. I scanned the interior, with bated breath, looking for another familiar figure…

And, sitting in her usual seat, wearing her trademark black kimono, here she was. The woman I had a date with tonight. Quite possibly the last date I will ever attend.

A much warmer gaze from her steel-gray eyes met mine. As unreadable as her expression usually was, she still gave away a hint of curiosity. While her regal mannerisms were still in place, her posture felt lighter as well.

“Oh, a customer.” Her mellow voice was warmer than I was used to hearing. “A rarity for this woman’s humble establishment. I apologize in advance if you will find that offensive, but let me ask. What brought you here? Was it sorrow? Or happiness perchance?”

“Both,” I answered. “With a side of business.”

“How curious, indeed.” She let out a smile. “Sorrow and happiness, with a side of business. If you don’t mind sharing, which of the three made you seek my company tonight?”

I calculated the possible answers. No matter how I spun the situation, my position was the weaker one. I knew precious nothing about her overall, and every bit of my knowledge only made her position look even stronger. The only thing that was left for me was to play it straight. All-in.

“Long Chen,” I said.

Her entire demeanor changed. Gone is the amicable smile, the gaze acquired the familiar sharpness.

“I hope you understand that every single day, at least one person claims to be him, yes?” Her tone was frigid. “And many of them had done a more thorough job than you. What makes you believe that your attempt would be successful?”

“Before we continue, can I get an answer to one question?” There was one thing left to confirm.

“You can try.” A dry reply.

“To whom do I have the honor to speak?” I asked the most important of questions.

“Oh, indeed, where are my manners?” She stood up, straight as an arrow, and I felt looked down upon, even if she was quite a bit shorter. “Kouzuki Miya, wife of Long Hào, mother of Long Chen. Now, speak!”

Well, that’s one thing out of the way, I guess. So, that’s what it feels like to be her enemy. No, not the enemy. Prey. I fought back the animal grin.

“Ah, so it’s indeed all three, then,” I drawled. “The happiness of meeting. The sorrow of the news. And business to discuss.”

My nonchalant words caught her off guard. Her icy glare faltered momentarily.

“As a token gift for the first meeting, I offer you the news about Long Chen.” I deliberately measured my words. “The city cemetery number four, plot number zero seven nine six. Leon Roah. My condolences.”

Her posture crumbled as she fell onto her seat. I guess my father wasn’t as good at hiding his tail as he thought. Or maybe the Long clan just kept its eyes on everyone who looked within a certain range of resemblance.

“Men.” As soon as she called, a few figures, hidden until this very moment, appeared. “You heard the news. Deal with it posthaste. I need confirmation.”

I tactfully kept my silence, still standing, as I wasn’t offered a seat.

“I apologize,” she said. “You must understand. I can’t let you leave until your news is thoroughly checked. Sit down, please. Would you like something to drink?”

“Ah, it’s no problem. While I can’t claim to understand what you are feeling right now, loss is a loss.” I took the former half of the offer, plopping down onto one of the free chairs. I ignored the latter, though.

There were many things to negotiate, and I would prefer my mind to stay sharp and, preferably, not poisoned.