THIRTY-SEVEN

Munakata rubbed his temples as he sat at his desk. Ten days ago his department was blown to bits. The repairs were going slow and the prisoner that had escaped was completely off the map. The Blue King didn't want to admit he was worried, but it was written all over his face. His head was cradled in his hands as he stared at the file on Kane Matsuoka.

"You need to take a break sir," Seri said as she walked to his desk. Her shadow loomed over him, but he didn't even glance at her. "You've been staring at his file for the past four hours." She sat down in the empty chair before her King's desk. When she lowered her eyes to catch his, Munakata licked his lips and nodded stiffly. Seri frowned, knowing that he would sit there for another four hours before he left.

"We have three very dangerous men running free," Munakata explained with a shake of his head followed by a short chortle. "Drug trafficking, human trafficking, murder, fraud, and theft. Two of them are strains: Kenji Arata and Kane Matsuoka. How did this happen, Seri?"

The blonde, busty woman frowned. "We'll get them, sir. We always do."

Munakata remained silent, lacing his gloved fingers together. He was better than this, he knew it. Mikoto had a point though, they just lost Kenji Arata when they had him, and now because of that mistake Kane Matsuoka running free. Munakata turned his attention to his laptop and typed in the name Jimushi Yeun. The data they had on him was minimal, but it was better than nothing. Munakata wasn't even sure why he was looking, they'd checked every warehouse he was tied too, checked with any accomplice he had. Everything came up clean and empty.

"Get up," Seri commanded as she stood from her own seat.

Munakata looked at her as if she were crazy to address him like that. Of course, he knew it was simply because she was worried about him. Seri always cared about him.

"Let's go, on your feet," she said firmly, waving for him to stand. "Fushimi is running security checks and surveillance all over the city and the surrounding areas. You can afford to get out for a little while." Seri walked around Munakata's desk and took his hand. She tugged gently and gave him a weak smile as he stared at her.

"Seri..." Munakata sighed.

"I'm not asking you, sir," Seri stated as she got him on his feet. "I'm telling you."

Munakata locked eyes with her for a moment before giving in. "Okay."