The Mob and the Marketplace

As hopeless as everything was, Akahiko immediately put his feelings aside when he heard a single gunshot. The bullet ricocheted off the roof of his car, making enough sparks to briefly illuminate the scene. Rei screamed and braced herself against the side of the car. Akahiko immediately rushed to unlock his car.

“Get in!”

Rei, fueled with adrenaline, entered the backseat and laid down on the floor, unable to feel the broken glass that dug into her skin. Akahiko whipped the steering wheel around while keeping his head down. More gunshots. Two more bullets hit the car, the first breaking off the rearview mirror, the second piercing through both the windshield and the back window. Akahiko knew that multiple people were present and considered that they may be surrounded.

“Are there weapons in your house?”

“Only a couple of shotguns.”

“Shit. I guess that will have to do for now.”

Akahiko rammed his car through Rei’s wooden fence, and they both ran inside from the back. At this point, Akahiko realized the extent of Rei’s injuries.

“Lay down, I’ll try to protect the house.”

“I can still-“

“Rei, you’re losing blood. Lay down.”

“The guns are in the attic. Turn on the exterior lights and that might scare them off.”

Akahiko climbed the stairs faster than what would have been normally possible for an out-of-shape middle-aged office worker. After retrieving a shotgun and a box of ammunition, he prepared himself. After turning the lights on, Akahiko peered out the window to see five men wearing black leather jackets fleeing.

“That’s a lot of them… what’s that symbol on their backs?”

After watching them fade as they escaped the clutches of the light, he discharged a single shot in their general direction to let them know he knew where they were, and he was ready to fight if necessary. When no shots were returned, he went to Rei to tend to her wounds. As he entered the room, she struggled to sit up.

“I guess you aren’t going to work tomorrow.”

“I’ll worry about my car tomorrow. Are you alright?”

“Well, I mean…”

Rei lifted the blanket covering her to reveal that she was still bleeding.

“Do you have any gauze?”

“Of course, check the hall closet.”

Akahiko returned with gauze and antiseptic.

“Is this a common problem?”

Rei smirked.

“Let me tell you about the marketplace. People come and go all the time, including wealthy owners of restaurants and other businesses.”

“Of course, but how does that lead to incidents like this?”

“There are groups of these people who happen to be very interested in insider trading. Many contracts are made with the sellers to get information from certain customers.”

“So… like white-collar gangs?”

“That’s how it started, then it escalated beyond just bidding wars between sellers. You just experienced some of the results.”

“I see.”

“Anyways, now that your life savings are gone I guess you’ve been roped in for the long haul.”

“Yeah, don’t remind me… I’m going to try to go in tomorrow to quit my job.”

“Wow, alright. I’m sorry, but I can’t give you my car. I have to go in for work tomorrow.”

“Like this?”

“If I don’t, my life may be at risk.”

Rei made the last comment rather nonchalantly. However, it created a heavy, awkward silence. Akahiko chuckled as his face turned to the sad, nervous smile that had often helped him keep composure in uncomfortable situations.

“What the hell have I gotten myself into?”

“Something you can’t get out of without my help.”

Rei narrowed her eyes and extended her bleeding right arm.

“You can stay here tonight, but if you want to stay longer you’re going to have to help me keep things up. I can’t say for sure, but we may be able to get your life savings back. If we do, I want a cut of it.”

Akahiko was taken aback by this sudden shift, but societal pressure made him give in and shake her hand.

“Glad to do business with you.”