Chapter 8 - The Shadow of the Past
The final peace of the Kato family was challenged one last time during the winter of 2025. Victor Hale’s trial had concluded with a life sentence without parole, but a remaining faction of his Tacoma organization—desperate, broken men with nothing left to lose—attempted a final, clumsy extortion attempt against the Vance International distribution center in Kent.
A small bomb was planted near the primary access gates on a freezing December night, intended to disrupt the holiday shipping schedule and force a cash settlement from Hannah’s office.
But the new security infrastructure was flawless. The device was detected by automated thermal scanners three minutes before it could detonate, and the local bomb squad neutralized it without a single injury or a dollar of damage.
The next morning, Kenji stood in the main terminal office in Kent, looking through the massive glass windows at the hundreds of Vance International trucks moving smoothly out onto the interstate, their white panels clean, their drivers proud.
Hiro stood behind him, his hands folded in front of his black coat. "The local police have arrested the two men responsible, Mr. Kato. They were found in a motel near Sea-Tac. They have no connections left in the city. The Tacoma faction is officially gone."
Kenji didn't turn around. He watched a truck loaded with fresh seafood move through the gate, its brakes hissing softly in the cold air. "Did Annie hear about the device?"
"No, sir," Hiro said. "We ensured the news alerts were restricted to the corporate channels. The café opened at seven as usual."
Kenji pulled his phone from his pocket, dialing the direct line to The Gold Finch.
"Good morning, Vance International," Annie’s voice came through instantly, bright, warm, and entirely untouched by the shadows of the night.
"Annie," Kenji said, his voice dropping into that deep, quiet baritone that always signaled his absolute devotion. "I’m leaving the Kent terminal now. The streets are clear."
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"Good," she said, a small, knowing chuckle traveling across the line. "Because Chef Morimoto just brought out a fresh batch of ginger scones, and your sister is already here arguing with the accountant over the holiday bonus budget. We need the boss to sign the papers."
"I’m on my way," Kenji said, a profound, unshakable smile breaking across his features as he handed his car keys to Hiro. "Drive fast, Hiro. The scones are warm."
