Page 3 of Secrets & Sake

“I wouldn’t have to call so late if you’d just be a good son and call me.”

I wince at the cold disapproval in her voice. “Sorry. Things at work have been busy.”

“And how is work?”

How do I tell her today was a disaster? “Uh, work’s… great!”

Her voice lights up when she says, “Speaking of work, guess what? Katsuki got promoted! He’s officially CEO! We’re so proud of him.”

When was the last time she said that about me? I don’t think either of my parents ever have, but they’ve never been short of praise for Katsuki. My older brother works for my family’s hospitality franchise. He’s the golden child my parents always wanted, who did what he was told and didn’t deviate from the path they expected from him. “That’s… great.”

A frustrated huff blows in my ear. “Jinta, don’t be jealous.”

“I’m not.” I’m not jealous of my brother’s position, just that he’s more accomplished than I am.

“Your father and I were ready to offer you a place in the restaurant. You said no.” There may be thousands of miles separating us, but there’s no escaping the guilt of my mother’s disappointment.

“Yes, I did, and I’m fine with that. I’m happy in Tokyo, Mom. I love my job.”

“But you haven’t even had any front-page stories. You’re far away from your family, and we didn’t even get to see you for your twenty-second birthday.”

Fighting back a groan, I fall backward onto my futon.

“I understand you wanted to be different from your brother, but this is not the way to do things. You were always such a good cook. The customers loved you.”

She isn’t wrong. I was a good cook, and I loved cooking, but just not with my family. Not when it became clear nothing I did could ever make them happy. So I moved on and found other passions. Why can’t my family just be happy for me and support me? Well, they could, but only if I give up my life in Tokyo and become the perfect son they always wanted, like Katsuki.

“Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that your father and I are coming to Tokyo for Katsuki’s birthday.” Ugh. I’d rather throw myself in the Sumida River than see my brother, even though we live in the same city while my parents are in Osaka. “We’d love to see you.”

“You’d love to see me,” I correct before I can stop myself. I haven’t spoken to my father in five years. The last time I saw him, he’d screamed at me for deciding to study journalism rather than train under him to inherit the business.

She sighs. “You hurt your father. I know he’s always been hard on you, especially, but it’s only because he cares about you.”

Yelling at me whenever I got lower grades than Katsuki, slapping me when I cried, and constantly comparing me to my brother sure was a funny way to show he cared. I take a swallow of beer so I don’t say something nasty.

“Jinta, are you really happy?”

I squeeze my phone until the case digs into my fingers. Maybe I’m not. I’ve been in Tokyo for five years, and what do I have to show for it? No front-page articles, an angry, disappointed family, and an empty apartment to come home to.

“Things… aren’t easy,” I admit, and a lump rises in my throat.

“Then come home,” she pleads with me in that voice that could always get me to do whatever she wanted. “Forget about this journalism stuff. There’s always going to be a place for you here.”

I look up into Noboru’s dark eyes and find my resolve. No. I can’t give up. I know Noboru is behind these disappearances. I’ve got a huge story on my hands. If I give up now, then what was it all for? Moving to Tokyo, earning my degree in investigative reporting, working my ass off to pass my entrance exam, all those interviews after university.

“I’m staying, Mom. Love you. I’ll see you in a few weeks.” Before she can guilt me some more, I hang up. I can’t give up now. This could be the story that makes everything I sacrificed worthwhile.

Nobody is untouchable.

Not even the Wolf of Asakusa.

Chapter 2

The sun goes down, and the lights of Senso-ji Temple come on, glowing golden over the streets of Asakusa. When Senso-ji closes and the dozens of vendors lining the path to the temple pull down the shutters for the night, it might seem like Asakusa has gone to sleep, but you’d be wrong. As long as you know where to look, Asakusa never sleeps, and I know these streets better than I know myself.

West of the temple grounds is Hoppy Street, a small stretch of street packed full of bars and eateries. The streets light up like a damn Christmas tree, and the crowds gather outside the tiny bars and restaurants, spilling out into the streets with food and drinks.

Through the flashing lights, I spot my destination and beeline for it. The arcade is packed with families playing games. The machines make all sorts of racket that cause me to grind my teeth, and some damn brats nearly trip me as they chase each other around like pups.

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