Chapter 3: The night everything changes
«Do you have any idea how huge of a favor you're asking me...? Just sitting here with you already puts me at serious risk—never mind if I actually went along with your request,» Vincent Carreaux says, looking Shin straight in the eye.
Vincent is tall and muscular.
Fiery red hair, hazel eyes and a stern expression.
He's seated with Shin and Kagura in a private room at a luxurious three-story restaurant in Paris.
Though calling it a room doesn't do it justice—Kagura booked the entire third floor to ensure total discretion.
«Oh, come on, my dear Vincent. Don't tell me you're not willing to do a favor for an old friend. Now that you're the director of HESPARC's French division, granting my request should be a walk in the park,» Shin replies.
«You know better than I do what would happen if anyone found out I did something like that.Best-case scenario, I end up like you—Shin Tendo, ex-director of HESPARC's Japanese division. Worst case? They might just bring back the guillotine.»
«If you're just scared of losing your job, that's not a problem!» Kagura cuts in. «I probably don't need to remind you, but I've got more than enough money. I'm already supporting Shin and his son—one more mouth to feed won't change a thing.»
«When you say it like that, it sounds awful, you know? You're making me look like some freeloading hobo...» Shin mutters.
«I'm sorry, but I can't help you. Thanks for the dinner.»
Vincent starts to rise from the table, but Shin stops him. «I figured you'd say that, so I've got another favor—something a little... less compromising.»