An Irreversible Mistake

"Can you lend me a hand?"

Misaki looked uneasy. I already knew that he wasn't into this kind of stuff anymore. However, I had nobody but Misaki to ask for help.

"You know that I don't like it."

"Me neither, but I have to end what remained unfinished. You don't have to do much; all we have to do is watch Miyazaki Shinji and his wife until we get a chance to finish him off. I'll kill him with my own hands, so you won't be in trouble. Furthermore, don't you want to get your revenge too?"

Misaki sighed.

"Fine. Just let me get ready."

"Sure thing, partner."

We set out before sunrise. We had a long way to go. Misaki's sister and Tatsumi were under the protection of the Yamakawa family. The rest of the Kurokawa family was trying to fix things around. There was nothing to worry about anymore, and we had everything set to focus on what's ahead.

Miyazaki Shinji was staying in an old safe house, which meant to be known by nobody within the organization. Unfortunately, they failed to escape from the hands of the Yamakawa family. While he still thinks that it's a safe house that would give him enough time to start over, in reality he was trapped in somewhere that grants no escape to its residents.

After a long journey on the road, we finally arrived at the place. After confirming the location of our target, we started watching their house across the street in short periods. There wasn't much movement since they were mostly staying inside the house. However, in certain times, there was a woman who visited the house. We concluded that she was a maid since she kept visiting them around the same time every day. She was usually bringing some groceries, which was understandable. Miyazaki Shinji couldn't have shown his face any time soon.

We couldn't make our move since his wife was staying in the house as well. We wanted to keep it as clean as possible. Naturally, we couldn't allow any witnesses, so we had to catch Miyazaki Shinji alone. One day, we saw the maid leaving the house late as usual.

"It's gonna take forever," complained Misaki in a bored voice.

"Just keep watching them. Our chance will eventually come."

"You think so?"

"Yeah, so be patient."

It started raining.

"Aren't you worried?" asked Misaki.

"For what?"

"You know, for Tatsumi."

"Well, she's a strong girl. She'll be fine."

"Yes, indeed. But don't you wanna be there when she needs you?"

"Why would she need me?"

"She's having a hard time."

"Yeah, but why me specifically?"

"Because you're the closest one to her."

"I don't think I am."

"Yes, you are."

"Look, that's something we should deal with sometime later. Now just focus on your duty."

"Fine, fine... But I'm worried about my sister anyway. I would rather turn back as soon as possible."

"She'll be fine, too. Nobody can even reach her while she is staying with the Yamakawas."

"Are you trusting them?"

"Mostly, yeah."

"Good enough."

You can't completely trust a mafia unless you want to die. That's general knowledge. They won't be honest with you; they will only care about you as long as you're useful for them. There might be some exceptions, of course, but it doesn't change anything.

"Hey, one more person left the house. It looks like a woman."

"Mrs. Miyazaki, you say?"

"There is nobody else but her. The maid already left, didn't she?"

"Yeah... right. Well, I guess your prayers were answered early. I'll be going now."

"Good luck, Matsui. Be careful."

"I sure will."

The rain gotten worse. I was moving as quickly as possible. I wasn't complaining much, though, since it had its own advantages. The sound of rain was largely drowning out the noise I was making. When I reached the front door, I pulled out a pistol. After putting on the silencer, I was ready to go. I had to be fast and end this before his wife would turn. I counted the bullets one last time before getting inside. I had to unlock the front door quietly. It would have been a disaster if someone noticed me. 

After the door opened, I slipped inside. It was very quiet. I roughly had an idea about where he could have been. I patiently took my steps, one by one. With every step, I got closer to him. When I reached a half-open door, I could see him scribbling a few things. He was focused on something, which was a perfect opportunity for me.

It was a clean shot. His death was quick and painless.

I started looking around, since I still had some time before his wife arrived. He was writing a report to the Tiger Clan about what had happened a few days ago. He was desperately demanding more help from them.

"You are a poor man, Miyazaki Shinji. Your name will be forgotten forever."

Suddenly, I felt like somebody was behind me. Their steps were light; could it be his wife? No, no... it couldn't be. Misaki saw her leaving the house just a moment ago. It must have been a professional hitman, for sure. Yes, that was a more logical assumption.

I pretended to continue reading the letter, wanting to let the person behind me get as close to me as possible. As they approached me, their steps became louder. Their steps were... somewhat clumsy for a professional... Maybe he couldn't afford a better hitman. Or it might be a bodyguard, too. No matter what, their intention was to kill me. So, there was only one choice for me to make. Just a little more, a little bit more...

As I turned my back, I saw a woman holding a kitchen knife and approaching towards me. She was close—even closer than I expected. Maybe I was too distracted by my thoughts; I don't know. All I know is that it was too late until I realised the situation. I shot the woman... from her tummy. She was definitely Mrs. Miyazaki, there was no doubt.

"Why are you here?? I saw you left the house!"

Maybe because I was terrified by what I had done, I was shouting. My hands were, once again, shaking.

What just happened? Why was she here? Did Misaki lie? But why would he lie about this? It must have been a mistake...

I tried to press the wound to stop the bleeding. It wasn't working; she needed medical attention. But what could I do? I couldn't call the paramedics! I'd get caught, and everything would be ruined!

I couldn't stop my hands shaking, and I couldn't even see in front of me anymore. Tears were rushing out of my eyes.

"GOD DAMN IT!"

I took out my smartphone. I had made my decision; even if it meant that my life would be ruined, I couldn't let her die. She might still survive...

But then... she grabbed my hand, which was holding the phone. She could barely talk.

"It's already... too late..."

She took a deep breath. I could see how tired talking was making her.

"Please... please..."

And her voice was trembling.

"Take... care of... my... baby..."

"What are you..."

I couldn't finish my sentence. I don't think words would be enough to describe my feelings at that moment... All I know is that... I really... really... hated myself after that day...

"Her... name... is... Rika..."

"Why... why are you..."

"She... has... nobody... else..."

She was slowly losing her strength; I could feel her grip loosening.

"Promise..."

"I will... I will take care of her... I promise..."

I could hardly utter the words. I couldn't escape from what I had done just now. I ruined the life of a baby, and now she would be raised by her parents' murderer.

"Thank... you..."

I heard the baby start to cry. My legs were shaking... I could barely step forward. My head was spinning, I felt like I was going to throw up. I was disgusted with myself.

When I entered the room across from me, I saw the baby in the crib. She was too little, maybe she wasn't even one year old. I wanted to hold her to calm her down, and then I saw the blood on my hands... The blood of her mother's...