by the street name Hayabusa. That means ‘falcon’ in Japanese. I don’t know who he is, but he must be important for the police to know him by name. You have at least a more specific name now to investigate. Do you still have friends in the government back in America who can help you? The United States has files on everybody. WikiLeaks is proof of that.”
Cain caught himself nodding yes with each second as he grew more confident. “Yes, I still have a contact in the Secret Service who owes me a favor—a big one!”
“Have you eaten?” a worried Umiko asked.
“Just an American dog a few hours ago, but I don’t have time to eat right now. Th—”
“I know a noodle place nearby. My treat.”
“I don’t have time to eat.”
“You are not able to think clearly to help your sister. Please stop and eat. Do it so you can find Bonnie.”
Cain paused before responding. “You’re right. You’re always right, Umi.”
“You said yourself you are the only one looking for Bonnie. That means you must take care of your body and your mind first.”
The restaurant reminded Cain of a Waffle House, but it served only drinks and soba, a broth with thick noodles. Umiko ordered for them.
Cain sat but was frantic. “I’ve gone to Bonnie’s apartment. I didn’t see anything tangible there. I went to the embassy, then the Angel Cloud. They wouldn’t let me in. I’ve gotta find a way into the Angel Cloud, and I need to find out where—”
“Cain-san, you are going to find your sister. But first you have to eat something. You look exhausted.” Umiko frowned.
“My body is starving, Umi, but I can’t even think about that right now. My mind is racing. In the United States, there is only a small window of opportunity to find a missing person. It’s about twenty-four hours.”
“You are going to find your sister. I can feel it. She is very lucky to have you in her life.”
“I’m the lucky one. To have her as my sister and you helping me.”
Umiko smiled and then poured some green tea into her cup and sipped it.
Their food arrived, and both started eating.
“Oh, this is spicy,” Cain said. “It’s very tasty.”
“I told her that you wanted yours extra spicy since you are from Louisiana.”
Cain smiled and continued devouring his meal. The broth and noodles, paired with tempura, cleared his head. “I’m too reliant on the trains and taxis here. I have to get a car. Do you know someone who can help me get a car? It can be anything.”
“I don’t have a car, but I have a motorcycle I never use.”
“That’s awesome! Where’s it at?”
“My apartment.”
Chapter 59
“I’ve gotta make some calls,” Cain said. “I’ll just stay here in the lobby while you go upstairs.”
“I’ll be right back,” Umiko said, and darted upstairs to her apartment to retrieve the keys to her bike.
Cain pulled out his cell phone and paced back and forth in the lobby.
“Tanaka, it’s Cain,” he blurted out before Tanaka could even answer with the standard “Mushi, mushi” greeting. “I’m calling because I need your help at the office.”
“Yes. I will help you.” Tanaka answered as if he had been asleep and suddenly awakened.
“I’m leaving you in charge of the team for the next few days. I don’t have time to fill you in with all the details right now, but I’m going to be chasing down some leads. I need you to cover for me at work.”
“Hai. Of course. It would be my honor.”
“Thank you, Tanaka-san. I appreciate it.”
“Mr. Cain, I am very sorry about what happened to Bonnie. I feel very responsible.”
“There’s no time for those feelings right now,” Cain said. “That’s not going to help us find Bonnie.”
“You must be careful, Cain-san. You once told me that trouble finds you.”
“I’m counting on it.”
“Ganbatte!” Tanaka said to wish him good luck.
Cain hung up the phone and started dialing an American number. Right before the call connected, Umiko emerged from the elevator. He disconnected and shoved the phone into his pocket. He opened the lobby door for her and followed behind her, as she led the way through the parking garage. In the corner were a dozen scooters in each of several rows and twice as many bicycles.
Cain scanned the sea of black and silver scooters. “I don’t see any motorcycles,” he commented.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I think I used the wrong word. And I apologize about the color. It’s not very discreet.”