Chapter 539 - THE WORST CASE SCENARIO
After getting the appropriate authorisation and clearance, Agent Kristian Larsen got two of his people to follow him to the IT department where Akira was working. His face was serious and tough, making him look unapproachable.
But in his heart, there was a little anticipation. He was looking forward to meeting the woman Kaito chose to spend his life with. He had never pictured Kaito as the settling down type.
Furthermore, Kristian's curiosity was perked because Kaito chose someone linked to the ministry of defence. This point made Agent Larsen a little cautious. He did not know if Kaito was using the woman to advance his evil plots and protect himself. If that was the case, he already pitied her.
But that did not mean that he would go easy on her.
Kristian's resolve to bring Kaito to justice was firm..
The IT department was abuzz with activity as the intelligence officers followed their leads on the terrorists. Even though they had not yet discovered the location or the true identity of the firebugs, they were making headway on other fronts like monitoring the new activity in the clandestine chatrooms.
When Agent Larsen opened the door, the numerous eyes in the room turned to him and his officers. His appearance was unexpected, and he stood out as a stranger in the CAB. A cold silence fell as people paused in their activities.
As an Interpol agent, Kristian was not unfamiliar with standing out as the centre of attention. He had even made an address at the forefront of the entire Interpol organisation after solving a couple of major cases that earned him his promotions.
His triumphs had made him comfortable with dealing with people, regardless of status. In the past, he would have been a little self-conscious. But now, he could use his fierce aura to suppress people. Without a glance at irrelevant personnel, he and his two followers walked directly to Akira.
"We would like you to come with us," Kristian said with authority, but he did not raise his voice.
Akira spun her chair around and looked at the man before him. He was dressed in crisp black clothes, complete with a long overcoat. His blond hair was a little messy, but it did not detract from the intensity of his appearance.
However, Akira would not lose out in terms of having a powerful aura.
"Who are you?" She asked calmly.
The first thing that Kristian Larsen noticed was that Akira was pregnant. It was hard to miss the prominent belly, especially when she was seated and leaning back. He was shocked enough to hesitate before speaking.
When he looked at her face, he saw a harmless looking face that had the softness and gentleness of a cute girl. However, the displeasure on her face could not be concealed. Kristian felt even more awkward because he was sure she had noticed the strange look he gave her stomach.
"I am Kristian Larsen. I am here on Interpol business." He paused. "You are a person of interest in a case. Please cooperate and come with me."
The tone was still filled with authority, but Kristian did not plan on being too fierce. Optics were important. At the moment, he was a representative of Interpol. There was no scenario when he would look good while arresting a small, pregnant lady.
It was likely that he would look like a villain, regardless of the underlying situation. He cursed the intelligent officer who had failed to mention this critical matter in the report. He would have prepared for this issue more appropriately.
For example, he would have brought a female officer for the arrest instead of two men. Unfortunately, he now looked like an evil bully with two helpers.
"What is this concerning?" Akira asked with a lifted brow.
"I think it would be best if we talked about it in private," Kristian said meaningfully.
Akira could already guess that the issue had something to do with Kaito. It was likely that Interpol had made the connection between Bonnie and Clyde and the Shadow Brotherhood. It seemed like she could not escape being embroiled in this matter.
She planned on standing up to follow the man. However, before she could do anything, Director Yojima rushed to Akira's workstation at the corner. He did not treat Akira as a casual person who came to play around during a crisis anymore.
She was the golden goose with the power to stop the attack and even gain him some merits. He was not a vain person, but he liked enjoying the pleasure of stepping on his fellow heads of departments. When they called his people nerds, he would whip out a few medals.
"Agent Larsen, I have heard a lot about you." He said politely, suppressing the urge to ask what was happening directly. "Could I ask what you would like from Ms Yamazaki?"
Kristian Larsen looked at the middle-aged man with an assessing eye. There was nothing unusual about Director Yojima. He did not stand out and would blend into a crowd. Agent Larsen did not place a lot of importance on him.
"This is a matter between Interpol and Ms Yamazaki. It does not involve the CAB or this department directly." Agent Larsen still spared a short explanation out of courtesy.
He turned his eyes back to Akira and found that a subtle smile was plastered on her face. She looked completely unconcerned about her situation. He had a feeling that she was expecting Interpol or some other people to show up, looking for her.
She did not look afraid of being arrested or facing other problems.
"Ms Yamazaki is an employee under the Central Antiterrorism Bureau, and she is currently working under my department. If the Interpol wants to take her away, I need an explanation." Director Yojima was a little stubborn because he found the situation a bit fishy.
"From what I understand, Ms Yamazaki has only been here for two to three hours. She is not an employee but rather an independent person engaged by the minister to help with the case. So, anything that happens with her has nothing to do with you."
The logic was flawless.
Akira stood up. "I will go with you, Agent Larsen."
She did not want the situation to escalate. It would not look good for anyone, including the minister if the entire thing blew up. She wanted to handle Interpol personally and without involving unrelated people.
"No, Ms Yamazaki. You should not give in to bullies for nothing." Director Yojima was passionate and burning with fire.
He wanted to perform well before Akira for two reasons. First, it was an indirect form of apology to the lady for his earlier behaviour. His assumptions had probably hurt her, considering her skill level. Second, he hoped that she would join his department permanently.
If he had this trump card, he would not have trouble in the future.
Facing this passionate man, Akira did not know what to do. He thought he was helping her, but he was pushing her into the pit. She had a feeling that this matter would not end well, despite Agent Larsen's attempts to be discrete.
As expected, the worst thing that could happen happened.
Suzuki Taira opened the door to the department office with an anxious look on her face. However, it was obvious to Akira that the look in her eyes was evil as she rushed towards the group of five. At this point, everyone in the office was watching.
"Director Yojima, you should let Interpol take Akira. If you do not let her go right now, the matter could blow up for nothing. People might learn things that should be kept confidential." She advised earnestly as if she wanted to protect Akira.
However, her voice was loud and could be heard by everyone in the office. Furthermore, the way she phrased her words made everyone curious about the big secret behind Interpol's arrival. Even the nonchalant members of the department were curious about it.
Director Yojima was annoyed by the minister's aide who disrupted the conversation when her position did not allow it. But again, she was a confidante of the big boss. She probably knew something concerning Interpol's action.
Otherwise, the agents would not act so impudently and come into the building without clearance.
"Do you know something?" Director Yojima asked Aide Suzuki. "If you are aware of the situation, let me know directly. If I do not know the real circumstances, how can I help?"
Director Yojima had a major weakness when it came to being led around by the nose in social situations. He was a bright man, but his world was black and white. He often believed what people told him without questioning if he did not see a reason for them to lie.
"This… I do not know if it is good to tell you." Aide Suzuki said, even though she was burning with heat in her soul to tell everyone the thing she had discovered from Minister Shimada.
She never thought an opportunity for revenge against Akira would come so soon. The last few hours were a roller coaster for her. It was like she was being brought from heaven to hell and back again. But she did not believe that anything would feel as good as learning Akira's dark secret.
With the weapon, she did not need to fear the little b*tch anymore.
All the respect she earned in the CAB would disappear shortly. The people in the department would probably even hate her. Most importantly, she could not use Minister Shimada to further her means once her secret was exposed.
And if things went smoothly, Akira would give birth in a prison cell.