Chapter Text
His first day on the job and Sakuma already knew he was in over his head. Working in a casino was nothing like he’d expected. It was almost like when he’d stepped out of the desert heat and into D-Agency Hotel and Casino he’d crossed the threshold into a different world.
It was cool inside, and dim, and hazy. Old timey music played from hidden speakers. It blended with the bell-like chiming of slot machines in the background, and the clink of poker chips. The wait staff was all dressed in period clothing. Late 1930s, early 1940s attire. And tobacco smoke hung in the air, in bluish-white wisps. All the décor matched the theme, from the carpets, to the wallpaper, to the black and white photographs hanging at regular intervals. It truly was like stepping back in time.
And if that was all it was, Sakuma would have been okay with it. But what truly made D-Agency so surreal for him was the knowledge that he was surrounded by so many extremely dangerous criminals. And not only that, but he was working with them!
It seemed like he recognized the faces of every employee he passed from the casefiles he’d been pouring over for the past few weeks. Kaminaga, the lowly blackjack table dealer, who’d paged Sakuma to take care of an unruly guest, was actually a suspected hitman. The handsome stage magician Tazaki, who he’d seen walking toward the smoking lounge with a woman on one arm and a pigeon on the other, was a career criminal, suspected of monumental heists. Even the kindly bartender Fukumoto, who’d given him a free gin and tonic when he saw Sakuma’s nerves were so on edge, was a rumored enforcer for Vegas’s biggest crime syndicate.
He had known coming into this that he’d be crossing paths with some of these men. But he hadn’t really expected to see them so soon, and them acting so casually. There had been nothing in Kaminaga’s mannerisms to suggest that he was more than capable of killing someone in cold blood when he was politely trying to talk the unruly guest down, before Sakuma escorted him off the premises. And there had been no hints of malice from any of the others he’d seen either. If he hadn’t known better, he’d have thought they were simply young men of the world, working their way through life, and enjoying it as they did. It was a lot to swallow, knowing that they had a very dark side to them. And that he had come here to betray them all, and bring their criminal organization crashing down.
“Sakuma-san. I have a task for you,” said Odagiri, through Sakuma’s ear wire.
“Sakuma here. I’m listening,” Sakuma confirmed, stepping off to the side of the hallway so that he could concentrate.
Odagiri was the head of floor security and Sakuma’s direct supervisor. When he wasn’t supplying D-Agency’s syndicate with weapons. If Sakuma hadn’t known about that particular hobby of his, he would have thought that he and Odagiri could have become friends. Odagiri was similar to him in a lot of ways. Both were former Japanese military. And both had serious, responsible personalities. It was just too bad that Odagiri’s responsibilities included helping out with organized crime.
“Please go to the control room. Your task will be explained there.”
“Understood.”
Conversations through their wires were kept short. Odagiri had explained that, though their channels should be secure, that should never be taken for granted. It wasn’t impossible that someone could hack into their coms. So, thus far all his orders given through his earpiece had been orders to report to another position, to receive his real orders in person. And barring emergencies or unexpected situations that needed to be dealt with post haste that was how all of his orders would be.
Sakuma started to step away from wall, where he’d stood to be out of the way of anyone passing by, but then stopped as something dawned on him.
“Odagiri, sir . . . where is the control room?”
“Take the grand staircase from the main lobby to the third floor –” Odagiri started to explain, but then there was a slight crackle of static and another voice came onto the line.
“Actually, Amari is on his way here now too,” said the soft spoken voice. “I’ll have him collect you and bring you along.”
“Thank you,” Sakuma told the new speaker. “I’m currently outside the second floor –”
“Please don’t trouble yourself. I know where you are, Sakuma-san,” said the unidentified speaker. “Forgive me, that probably sounded creepy and rude. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Jitsui. I’ll meet you properly once you arrive in the control room.”
“Er- right.” Sakuma wasn’t quite sure how to respond. Mentally he was going over what he knew about Jitsui. When he was fresh out of college he had snagged up the coveted job of head of casino surveillance. Behind the scenes, however, he was a scarily dangerous hacker. Or at least he was suspected of being one. But he was too good for it to be proven. One thing was for certain. He didn’t need this job. His tax records showed him to be a multi-millionaire in his own right. Cleaning out billionaires’ bank accounts was a profitable business.
“Sakuma? Are you Sakuma?”
He turned and found himself staring into the smiling face of another career criminal. Amari. Once a freelance conman. Now a D-Agency conman. And a baccarat dealer.
“Yes,” said Sakuma. “I’m Sakuma. You’re Amari?”
Amari confirmed what he already knew. “I am. Jitsui just sent me a message, asking me to bring you to the control room. Shall we go?”
“After you,” said Sakuma politely.
So he followed Amari, who got him to the control room faster, by using a shortcut through several service halls that they had to scan their casino IDs to get through.
“Any ideas what this is about?” asked Amari, once one of the locked doors shut behind them and they were walking in relative privacy through the hall.
“No, I’m afraid,” said Sakuma. “I just started here today, so you’d know better than I would.”
“Hm. Well, if I had to take a guess, I’d say we’ve got a few whales who want to play.”
“Er, what?”
“Ah, it’s casino terminology. A whale, a high roller. A very wealthy guest who you do not say no to. They do things like watch James Bond and then get it in their head that they want to play baccarat, and I happen to be a baccarat dealer.” Amari gave him a disarming smile. “During high stakes games like those, millions of dollars are won and lost in a single evening, in a single room. We tighten up security for them. Though it’s not really usual to use new security guards for these games. So, chances are high that you’ll be standing outside, guarding the doors rather than being inside. Sorry.”
Sakuma was a bit disappointed by this news. It would have been interesting to see a high stakes game like that. But he hadn’t really expected to get the chance to. “No apologies necessary.”
They arrived at the control room minutes later. It was Sakuma’s first time there. In D-Agency Casino, security and surveillance were handled by separate teams. Surveillance monitored all footage recorded within the casino and isolated threats, cheaters, and the like. Then they contacted security and had them deal with it. Sakuma was glad for this system, though his superiors back in the police force were not. He would have been bored out of his mind if he had to spend hours every day watching people on a hundred different computer screens. Even if that would have made it easier to isolate the movements of the known criminals in the casino, and try to pin down any patterns.
Waiting for them in the control room, in front of a wall that was literally made up of computer screens showing the security feeds, was Jitsui. Sakuma nearly did a double take when he saw him. Because Jitsui looked exactly the way he did in the pictures in his profile. Very young. Sakuma had assumed that the pictures they had of him were several years old, and that was the best they’d been able to get of him. But no. It turned out those pictures were recent. Jitsui still looked like a teenager.
And sitting beside him was someone who Sakuma knew to be an actual teenager, despite him having documents that said otherwise. Hatano. A relative newcomer to D-Agency, and one of the few people Sakuma was investigating who wasn’t suspected of a page long list of crimes. Not that Sakuma expected that to last. He may have been young, but from what Sakuma had read and seen, Hatano just might be the most dangerous of them all. D-Agency owner Yuuki was already putting him to work as an enforcer for the shadier side of the business. Something Sakuma knew he would excel at, given what he knew about the kid’s background. Sakuma would have kept an extra eye out for Hatano even if Alain, his old friend from Interpol hadn’t asked him for whatever information he could bring back about the boy.
“Hello, Sakuma-san,” said Jitsui, standing up to greet him. “I’m Jitsui. Head of casino surveillance. This is Hatano. He’s security, like you. And I saw you and Amari making your own introductions.”
“Yes,” said Sakuma. “It’s nice to meet you though. Both of you.”
Hatano didn’t respond. He just watched Sakuma through heavy lidded eyes with something that strongly looked like suspicion.
“Yes,” said Jitsui. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope we get along well.”
He spoke English with barely any accent, but used Japanese honorifics, much like Odagiri did. Sakuma assumed it was done out of politeness, and as a nod to the Japanese roots they all shared.
“So what’s this all about, Jitsui?” asked Amari. “Have we got ourselves some whales swimming into port?”
Jitsui gave a smile that had a twang of bitterness to it. “Yes. It’s that bastard piece of shit Oikawa.”
Amari’s expression soured. “Oh. So that’s why Hatano’s caged up here with you.”
Hatano gave Amari a sharp look. So did Jitsui. Sakuma kept his expression carefully casual, like he didn’t know why that was the wrong thing to say around Hatano, but no one was looking at him anyway.
Amari quickly realized his mistake and raised both hands in surrender. “Sorry. Poor choice of words. I’ll rephrase. His presence is why Hatano is here with you?”
“Orders from Yuuki-san himself,” said Hatano grimly.
Sakuma mentally perked up at the mention of the casino’s owner, and rumored crime syndicate leader. If he was giving orders directly then something big must be going down. He’d need to report every detail of it back to his supervisors.
“We’re to stay here until Oikawa leaves,” said Jitsui. Then he turned to Sakuma. “Oikawa is a high roller with barely legal tastes in companions. If you know what I mean.”
It took Sakuma several seconds to work it out. And he mainly got it by the context of the previous conversation. Disgust clouded his face and voice when he spoke. “He’s a pedophile?”
“More or less,” said Amari.
“Probably more,” Hatano put in.
“His tastes run toward young male Asians,” Jitsui said matter of factly. “All the ones he’s hooked up with at this casino have been of legal age. Believe me, we’ve checked their ages thoroughly, and they all check out. But there are rumors that he likes them younger when he can get them. And rumors that willingness is not a factor he particularly cares about.”
Sakuma felt bile rising in the back of his throat. “And you let him into the casino?”
“He’s never been convicted, so in the eyes of the law he’s innocent,” said Jitsui.
“And though we have the right to deny service to anyone, for any reason, it’s not like we can do so lightly,” said Amari. “Especially when it’s someone as rich and powerful as Oikawa.”
Sakuma understood. To an extent. But he didn’t like it. Still, he knew all too well how often political reasoning kept people from doing the right thing. He’d seen it too many times in his years on the force.
“We do take precautions,” said Amari. “The few members of our staff who fit his type are kept off the floor. And if there are any casino guests who also match his preferences, we keep them under heavier than normal surveillance too.”
“And Oikawa and all members of his party are watched at all times too,” said Jitsui. “Naturally.”
“So you want me to help keep an eye on him?” asked Sakuma. “Or on one of the young men who fit his profile?”
Hatano snickered, then smirked when Sakuma looked at him. “You should be so lucky.”
“My apologies, Sakuma-san,” said Jitsui, “But you’re too new for that. Right now Oikawa and his entourage all know their way around the casino better than you. So I’m afraid you’re not suited for that task yet. And we have others who know the building already watching out for the guests who suite Oikawa’s tastes.”
Sakuma nodded, and did his best not to look offended. He understood their logic. “What do you require of me?”
Amari was the one to answer, as both Hatano and Jitsui took on sulky expressions. “Sorry. It’s a bit embarrassing for everyone involved, but essentially, you’re here to babysit our boys here.”
“I . . . see.”
“It’s not really necessary,” said Jitsui apologetically.
“At all,” Hatano added.
“But it’s Yuuki-san’s policy, and one he’s strict about,” continued Jitsui. “So we must obey.”
“I understand,” said Sakuma. He watched Hatano carefully, while trying not to be obvious about what he was doing. Hatano was clearly not happy at all about this. And Sakuma was well aware Hatano was right. He’d seen documented evidence of what Hatano was capable of doing to people who took enemy action against him. But then again, you couldn’t discount the fact that Hatano was still a teen, and Oikawa was a full grown man. With bodyguards. Anyone could lose a fight when it was stacked too much against them. He found himself agreeing with Yuuki’s call on this decision. To think I’d be agreeing with a major crime syndicate leader, he mused.
“Amari is here to confirm that I outline your responsibilities to you without leaving anything out,” said Jitsui. “Because they’re afraid that if we don’t have someone here to confirm I tell you right, we’ll end up pulling the wool over your eyes. So your job for this evening is this. You’re to remain here in the control room with Hatano and myself for the duration of Oikawa’s visit to the casino. You are not to allow us to leave this room while he is still in the building, for any reason less than a medical emergency or a mandatory building evacuation. You yourself are not permitted to leave this room either, except for those reasons, or unless another emergency arises, and no other member of the security team can be reached to handle it. Have I left anything out?”
The question was directed at Amari, who shook his head. “I think that covers everything. Oh, right. There’s a restroom through that door in the back, so don’t let them try to use bathroom breaks as an excuse to get out of here. And if you or they want food, they have a direct line to the kitchens, so don’t fall for them wanting to make a snack run either.”
The tall dealer had to sidestep the empty paper cup Hatano chucked at his head.
“I see Hatano was planning on trying to use that excuse. He’s the one you have to watch out for. Jitsui spends his whole shift in here every day anyway, so he’s not as prone to causing people trouble. But if Hatano tries to bend the rules, Jitsui’s more likely to help him than you.”
“How often do they end up getting sequestered up here?” asked Sakuma.
It was a newcomer who answered. One who Sakuma hadn’t even heard enter the room, so he jumped slightly, startled.
“Only a couple times a year.”
Sakuma turned and found himself staring at the most dangerous man he’d met at D-Agency yet.
Miyoshi. Adopted son of D-Agency’s owner. Heir apparent to both Yuuki’s fortune and crime syndicate. Rumored to be much more ruthless and vengeful than his adoptive father. With an IQ that was off the charts.
Miyoshi offered Sakuma a charming smile that made his mouth go dry. “They turn into royal pains whenever this happens. But they’re our pains. We’re a lot like family here. And we do what we must to protect our family.”
His words and tone were completely polite and genial. But there was something in his eyes that was almost cruel. Sakuma had the distinct impression he was being threatened.
No, he told himself. Or if he is threatening me, it’s about doing my job right here and making sure these two don’t go out on the floor when this Oikawa’s around. He can’t know that I’m a cop. My cover’s good. It should hold up under even close scrutiny.
“I understand,” said Sakuma. “No harm will come to your family on my watch.”
“Like we need people babysitting us,” Hatano muttered.
“These are Yuuki-san’s orders. You know that, Hatano,” Miyoshi said tolerantly. “So play nice.”
“Please allow me to make introductions,” said Jitsui. “Miyoshi, this is –”
“Sakuma. The newest member of our security team,” said Miyoshi. He smiled at Sakuma again. “I make it a point to know all my employees. I’m Miyoshi. But I’m sure you already knew that too.”
That declaration had a bit of a challenge in its inflections. Sakuma had the distinct feeling he was being tested.
“Yes,” he admitted. Because it wasn’t unusual to do a bit of research into your prospective employers. And for someone in security, it would be more suspicious if you didn’t. “It’s an honor to meet you, Miyoshi-san.”
“No need for honorifics,” said Miyoshi, waving a hand as though to wave it away. “Behind the scenes, we’re actually quite informal here – I see you trying to sneak out the door, Hatano. Get back here and sit down now.”
Mumbling darkly, Hatano obeyed.
“We’re about ready for you, Amari. So I thought I’d come by and collect you. And give Hatano and Jitsui a bit of added incentive to behave, while I was at it,” said Miyoshi.
Something about the way he said they were ready for Amari cued Sakuma in.
“You’re playing baccarat?” He regretted it as soon as he asked. He should be trying not to draw attention to himself right now.
“I am,” Miyoshi answered casually. “Are you familiar with the game, Sakuma?”
“Only what I know from watching movies,” Sakuma admitted.
“Yes. Movies are what’s made it so popular,” agreed Miyoshi. “And the high stakes. They give it its own allure. Many high rollers come here specifically for it. It’s somewhat difficult to get into games at other casinos. Since the game is almost completely chance, the possibilities of the casino losing millions in a single night are too high a margin for most establishments to want much to do with the game. Which is why I myself play. Do you understand?”
Sakuma did. Normally the dealer was the casino’s sole representative in any sort of card game. And since things were always weighted toward the house, that was usually enough. But in a game with such high stakes, with rules that left things so much more to chance, the house wasn’t favored as much. So Miyoshi was stepping in, weighting the game back in the house’s favor. Normally, another casino representative might be protested. But Miyoshi had an air about him that made Sakuma think people would make exceptions for him in this. He was young. Clearly rich. Gorgeous. And charismatic. Like a Japanese James Bond. Just the kind of man you’d be expecting to play high stakes games. Once he turned the charm on, Sakuma was certain people were willing to simply forget that he was the heir apparent of this casino.
“You’re stacking the deck,” answered Sakuma. “In a manner of speaking, that is.”
Miyoshi’s smile brightened. “Very observant. Enough to make me think you’re wasted being a mere floor security guard, when you’re capable of making such brilliant deductions.”
Sakuma tried not to stiffen. But he felt like he’d been drenched with ice water. The phrase “brilliant deduction” went hand in hand with Sherlock Holmes and other detectives.
Miyoshi knew.
He was sure of it.
Which meant that he was dead. If the second in command of the D-Agency syndicate knew that he was an undercover cop, that was it for him.
But Miyoshi was still twinkling at him, and actually looking less malicious now than he had for most of the rest of their meeting. Was he being genuine? Or toying with Sakuma now, trying to lull him into a false sense of security?
“Give him the rundown about what to watch for on the security monitors, Jitsui,” Miyoshi said. “And pay close attention, Sakuma. We expect all of our security team to be adept at what they do. But for many of them, floor security is all we can entrust them to do. You, on the other hand, I believe can be useful in other areas as well. Work hard and a promotion is not outside the realm of possibilities for you.”
Miyoshi locked eyes with Sakuma. And Sakuma found that he couldn’t tell what thoughts were running through the mind behind those eyes. Normally he was pretty good at telling when others were threatening or warning. But right now, he couldn’t. It was almost like there was a sheet of glass between him and Miyoshi. It was keeping him from sorting out the signals.
There was only one thing that Sakuma knew for certain. He was definitely in over his head.
Notes: In time Sakuma will learn that Miyoshi is capable of threatening, warning, and flirting all at the same time. But it’s their very first meeting, so he can’t be expected to have realized that quite yet. ;)
Mm, yes, I’m not quite sure where I’m going with this fic. But the idea popped into my head last night and kept me up. And I always figure that if I can’t sleep, I might as well do something productive. So last night it was writing this.
If I continue it, it’s probably going to be a series of small stories, on the same timeline, but not necessarily in order, though they will be connected since they’re all in the same AU. So, what do you think? Want to see more?